Libraries for the Future

Help us understand what a great library service looks like, and contribute to our plans for the future!

Goldfields Libraries is currently working together to develop a plan for library services across our region for the next ten years and beyond.

We want to hear community opinions to ensure we deliver a service that meets your needs and interests and makes our community proud.

Libraries have changed in recent years and there are so many more possibilities for how to make these beautiful, free, welcoming community spaces more relevant than ever for people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Because community needs, hopes and expectations of public libraries have changed, it is important that we hear from our communities about the buildings and services which will be most meaningful and relevant to you as we design and deliver library services into the future.

We have a number of ideas about what makes a great library service, but we want to stretch our thinking by hearing what you value, hope for and would like to see from your local library in years to come. And whether you use your local library or not, we’d love to hear what (if anything) would make you use it (more).

If you’d like to get involved in shaping our library services moving forward, there are a number of ways you can do so.

Community Survey

Have your say via our Community Survey online via the link below, or pick up a copy at your local library. (Please make sure you return it when you’re done!)

Complete the survey below for a chance to win a $50 gift voucher to a local business of your choice. #LoveYourLocal

Short on time? No problems, pick up a copy of our Libraries for the Future flyer at your local library and complete our super short version attached. Even if you're not currently a library user, we'd love to hear from you!

Join a special interest group meeting

You can join a focus group if you represent, or would like to represent a particular community of interest, including:

Multicultural Community
Wednesday 3 March, 5-6pm, Bendigo Library
RSVP HERE
Early Years
Thursday 11 March, 8-10am, special Storytime at 10am
Shine Bright Early Years Centre, Maiden Gully
RSVP HERE
Disability service providers & stakeholders
Monday 15 March, 12.30-1.30pm, Bendigo Library (BYO lunch)
RSVP HERE
Homelessness service providers & stakeholders
Thursday 18 March, 12.30-1.30pm, Bendigo Library (BYO lunch)
RSVP HERE
Business owners & stakeholders
Monday 22 March, 12.30-1.30pm, Bendigo Library (BYO lunch)
RSVP HERE
First Nations
Thursday 25 March, 12.30-1.30pm, Bendigo Library (BYO lunch)
RSVP HERE
Youth (aged 16-24)
Thursday 25 March, 5.30-6.30pm, Zoom
RSVP HERE
Senior Community
Monday 29 March, 12.30-1.30pm, Bendigo Library (BYO lunch)
RSVP HERE

All sessions subject to COVID restrictions. Numbers will be limited due to Covid safety requirements.

Please note: Due to staff capacity, we are only able to hold these sessions in the Greater Bendigo area at this stage. We may look into resourcing community Q&A sessions in libraries outside of Bendigo if there is demand.

Have a chat

We’re holding a number of sessions to give you the opportunity to have a chat to us about the strategy.

Huntly Family Fun Day, Huntly
Sunday, February 21, 10am-1pm

Old Church on the Hill, Quarry Hill
Friday, February 26, 11.20am-12.30pm

Summer in the Parks, Bendigo
Friday, February 26, 6-8.30pm

Shine Bright Early Years Centre, Maiden Gully
Thursday, March 11, 8.30-11.30am
Special Storytime at 10am

Email us, or give us a call

You can also share your thoughts via email or over the phone. Contact Lucy Mayes, Manager of Engagement at Goldfields Libraries.

e: lucym@ncgrl.vic.gov.au
p: 5449 2756

Q&A's

Why are you developing the strategy?
What sort of things will the Strategy guide?
Why are the 'Have a Chat' sessions and focus groups only being held in Bendigo?
Who runs our local libraries?
How many library branches does Goldfields Libraries operate?
How many members does Goldfields Libraries have?
What is the history of our local libraries in Greater Bendigo?
I haven’t been into a library for years so why should I visit one now?
How long will the strategy take to develop?
Will I have a further opportunity to comment on the draft strategy?

Why are you developing the strategy?

Community needs, hopes and expectations of public libraries have changed in recent years, so it’s important that we hear from our communities about the buildings and services which will be most meaningful and relevant to you as we design and deliver library services into the future.

It is therefore important to develop a strategic plan to establish the need for library services across the different demographic and population settings within the City of Greater Bendigo and beyond. A strategy will provide direction not only for existing sites but also for new services and infrastructure in areas of growth and in rural or more remote regions.

The strategy will also take into account a growing commitment to the concept of community hubs, as libraries can often be key tenants and generators of significant community activity and engagement as part of community hub space.

What sort of things will the Strategy guide?

While we won’t necessarily be able to incorporate all your hopes and wishes (or ours!) into future library development, we will take very seriously the needs and wants of our communities in planning and resourcing library services in the next 10 years. This will include consideration of the extent to which we are getting it right or how we could do better in:

Outreach services (Home Library Service, services to remote communities, getting out and about in the community)
Online services (our website, online catalogue system, eLibrary and social media platforms)
Location of library services
Service gaps in growing communities
Possibilities / preferences for co-location of libraries into community hubs
Co-location of, or partnership with, other services in our existing libraries
Literacy development
Lifelong learning
The role libraries can play in community wellbeing and resilience
Understanding barriers to people accessing library services
Exploring other models of service delivery to reach those who could benefit most

Why are the 'Have a Chat' sessions and focus groups only being held in Bendigo?

The consultation was initiated by the City of Greater Bendigo, to inform their 10-year Library Strategy. With this in mind, we only have staff capacity run in-person sessions in the Greater Bendigo area at this stage. We may look into resourcing community Q&A sessions in libraries outside of Bendigo if there is demand.

If you are outside the Bendigo area and would like to have your say, please contact Lucy Mayes by email:lucym@ncgrl.vic.gov.au or phone: 5449 2756

Who runs our local libraries?

Goldfields Libraries operates libraries in Greater Bendigo, Macedon Ranges Shire, Mount Alexander Shire and Loddon Shire.

They are funded by the four Councils through their annual budgets. Funding is also received from the Victorian Government’s Public Library Funding Program.

Our Local Government partners also provide the buildings for our local libraries to operate from.

How many library branches does Goldfields Libraries operate?

Goldfields Libraries runs nine stand-alone libraries and eight agency libraries across four shires. Agency libraries have shorter opening hours and are co-located with other community based services with the support of a community based library team and volunteers. Bendigo Library is also home to the Bendigo Regional Archives Centre. All branches and agencies share a collection of more than 278,000 books, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs and CDs, which are available for loan across the whole region.

Goldfields Libraries are located in:

Bendigo
Kangaroo Flat
Eaglehawk
Heathcote
Axedale (agency)
Elmore (agency)
Castlemaine
Gisborne
Kyneton
Romsey
Woodend
Boort (agency)
Dingee (agency)
Inglewood (agency)
Pyramid Hill (agency)
Tarnagulla (agency)
Wedderburn (agency)

How many members does Goldfields Libraries have?

We have more than 74,800 library members across our 4 shires.

What services and facilities are offered at local libraries?

Your local library offers the following items and services for free:

Books, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, CDs along with digital formats available to borrow
Fast Wi-Fi
Computers to use
Programs and events, both in-person and online, for all ages and interests
Device tech-help
Research help and resources
Airconditioned spaces with comfy seating for work, study or leisure
Meeting and activity rooms (some may incur costs)

What is the history of our local libraries in Greater Bendigo?

The current Bendigo library building was built in 1984 and underwent a major redevelopment in 2014. No further strategic planning work has been undertaken since that time on current and future needs for library services across the City.

The original Kangaroo Flat library was built in 1979 and was closed in mid-2020. The service moved into a refurbished space at the Lockwood Road Community Centre and is now co-located there with other community services.

Eaglehawk Library runs out of the historical Mechanics Institute Hall and Heathote Library runs out of the historical Council chambers.

In 2016, the mobile library service was stopped and library agencies at Axedale and Elmore were opened in collaboration with community organisations and volunteers. This has demonstrated a new model that has potential for application in other smaller or rural communities.

I haven’t been into a library for years so why should I visit one now?

Libraries these days are bustling community hubs. Pop in and you’ll see children attending Storytime session, staff helping with tech issues and research enquiries, community members using meetings rooms, young people hanging out after school and so much more. Our spaces are used for programs, events, activities, movie screenings, meetings, and to just relax or connect with others. You can come and find a warm smile, something interesting to do, and stay warm in winter or cool in summer. Libraries continue to also be important quiet places for browsing, reading, relaxing, studying, working or researching. Of course, there are also shelves upon shelves of books, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks and CDs.

Best of all, you get all this for free.

How long will the strategy take to develop?

The draft strategy will be ready for community feedback in July 2021

Will I have a further opportunity to comment on the draft strategy?

Yes. You will have an opportunity to comment on the draft strategy when it has been developed.

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