Rural Libraries Urged To Apply For Funding
Expressions of interest for local library funding under the Andrews Labor Government’s $4.3 million Living Libraries Infrastructure Program 2015 will close in just over a week.
Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins has urged councils and library corporations in rural Victoria to consider applying for funding, highlighting new program guidelines to assist smaller councils.
While previous guidelines had required councils to provide matching funds, Ms Hutchins said applying would be made easier for small rural councils, who would no longer be forced to make a co-contribution.
Living Libraries aims to improve public library facilities, boosting their role in strengthening communities and ensuring local residents have access to the shared spaces they need.
Under the program, councils and regional libraries are eligible to apply for up to $750,000 towards a new, renovated or refurbished public library building or for a mobile library.
The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program 2015 is one of a number of initiatives designed to support libraries throughout the state, including the record $40.5 million investment in the Public Libraries Funding Program to support the ongoing library services and the $1.1 million Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund.
Expressions of interest in funding under the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program close at 5pm on Thursday, 1 October.
For more information on the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program 2015 and details on how to apply for
funding go to www.delwp.vic.gov.au/llip2015
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins
“Victorians living in regional and rural areas love their library services. They are often the heart of the local community, providing education, entertainment and a place to connect.”
“The Andrews Labor Government understands the crucial role that our libraries play in bringing regional and rural communities together.”
“That’s why we’ve allocated $4.3 million to help ensure quality libraries right across the state. I encourage councils and library corporations in regional and rural Victoria to register an expression of interest by 1 October.”
Quotes attributable to Rural Councils Victoria Chairman Rob Gersch
“We appreciate the changes to the guidelines, which will ensure rural councils are able to apply for much-needed funding.”