The Allan Government is giving Victorian libraries a major funding boost, with the latest round of the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program set to invest in 18 libraries across the state.
Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos and Member for Glen Waverley John Mullahy today visited Glen Waverley Library to announce the recipients of a combined $4 million in funding as part of the 2025-26 round, to help deliver high quality library infrastructure projects to support the changing needs of Victorian communities.
Victorian libraries are about so much more than just books – they are community hubs designed to foster lifelong learning, and offer communities free access to information, digital tools, literacy and skill building programs that create connections and strengthen communities.
The latest round of the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program includes:
- One million dollars to go towards building the new Glen Waverley Library as part of the Glen Waverley Civic Precinct.
- Kew Library will receive $550,000 towards its redevelopment, with upgrades to create a more diverse and welcoming space for intergenerational learning and cultural participation.
- Mansfield Library will receive $242,000 to fund a fit-for-purpose library van that will visit remote communities across the shire and provide library services to strengthen communities and boost access to literature.
- Portland Library will receive $41,000 towards the installation of two meeting pods to provide private spaces for remote workers, students, or those with telehealth or online appointments to connect, work and access online services in a comfortable, secure environment.
- Deans Marsh Library will receive $24,500 to establish a self-service library locker to support better community access to library services by providing a more convenient way to borrow and return books.
The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program supports initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to local areas, and increase access to learning, participation and engagement with community libraries.
The Labor Government has invested $57.6 million since 2014 across 176 different library infrastructure projects, worth more than $522 million in total.