The Andrews Labor Government is backing local libraries, with another $4.5 million in grants to help them flourish.

Minister for Local Government Marlene Kairouz visited Ivanhoe today to announce a $750,000 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program (LLIP) grant toward the development of the Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub.

The 2017 LLIP will enable 13 councils across Melbourne and regional Victoria to improve their facilities and services.

The $23.8 million Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub redevelopment will deliver a new library and ensure the site is fully accessible for people of all abilities.

Other LLIP allocations under the latest round include:

• $467,400 for Alpine Shire’s Myrtleford Library upgrade
• $15,000 for Brimbank Council’s Sydenham Library Programs and Study Room project
• $130,695 for Buloke Shire to refurbish the Birchip library and provide a mobile library service
• $327,000 for Cardinia Shire’s mobile library trailer replacement
• $559,493 for Whittlesea City Council’s Mill Park library refurbishment
• $115,000 for Hobsons Bay City Council’s creative technology hub
• $70,000 for Indigo Shire’s Library 2Go van for the Library Outreach program
• $750,000 for Kingston City Council’s Dingley Village library and neighbourhood house precinct
• $294,000 for Mildura Rural City Council’s Libraries Branching Out program
• $35,199 for Moorabool Shire’s Reaching Out to Engage program
• $218,775 for Mornington Peninsula Shire’s See Change at Mornington Library project
• $40,800 for Murrindindi Shire’s Mobile Library Rejuvenation project

For more information visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/public-libraries.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Marlene Kairouz

“Libraries are at the heart of our local communities – that’s why we’re investing in Ivanhoe library and others right across Victoria.”

“The new Ivanhoe library will be a hub for learning, play and relaxation – for kids, adults and everyone in the community.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines

“This redevelopment is of huge importance to our community, that’s why we’re backing it.”

“The Ivanhoe library has been a melting pot of knowledge and engagement for decades but not everyone has been able to enjoy it as much as they would like to.”

“We’re ensuring this state of the art facility is accessible for everyone and has the facilities it needs for the years to come.”