Libraries Change Lives project launches at Goldfields libraries

The Libraries Change Lives initiative will be launched at 11am on Thursday 8 November at Castlemaine Library to highlight the economic and social benefits public libraries bring to the state, and to our region. 

Join Goldfields Libraries CEO Mark Hands and local author Christie Nieman as they talk about the value of public libraries, and celebrate the essential services they provide every day. Share your own story over a piece of cake at our special morning tea, and help us continue the conversation about the important role public libraries play in our communities.

Developed by Public Libraries Victoria Network and State Library Victoria, Libraries Change Lives is a statewide project designed to build community support and attract additional state government funding for the state’s 272 public libraries, which attract more than 30 million visitors a year.

New economic modelling demonstrates that every dollar invested in public libraries generates $4.30 of benefits for the state. At the local level, every dollar invested in Goldfields Libraries is delivering $4.50 of benefits to our community.

Mr Hands said public libraries have evolved beyond their traditional role of housing collections to offer vital community services, including digital connectivity, support for all kinds of literacy (including early years, financial and digital), universal access to information and government services.

“Today’s libraries are about services and programs as much as physical collections. No other institution offers the same personal help, equal and free access to information, social engagement, and sense of safety and belonging,” Mr Hands said.

“From local history talks and Tech Savvy Seniors programs, to Storytime sessions for preschool children, public libraries offer an incredible breadth of services to support community members at every stage of life.

“We are launching the Libraries Change Lives campaign to demonstrate public libraries are a must-have community service that can play an even greater role in growing the Victorian economy and delivering social benefits.”

The research from SGS Economics shows public libraries deliver more than $1 billion in benefits to the Victorian community each year, and drive over $328 million in economic activity.

Goldfields Libraries welcomes 1,144,000 visitors a year, engaging them in diverse programs such as health and wellbeing workshops, digital literacy and IT help sessions and school holiday activities.

Goldfields Libraries delivers $27.4m in net benefits to the community.

It also make a positive impact on the local economy, contributing $7.9m to Gross Regional Product through job creation (direct and indirect), expenditure and the economic activity local library services trigger.

Speaking on behalf of the sector, Public Libraries Victoria Network President Joseph Cullen said many libraries were grappling with booming visitation and increased community demands for services. More people are using public libraries than ever before. About a third of Victorians are members, and last year libraries recorded more than 30 million visits – the equivalent of five visits for every Victorian.

“Libraries are facing escalating demand for space, longer opening hours, expanded programs and access to online services. We want to meet those community expectations, but we need more state government funding to do it,” Mr Cullen said.

“Libraries provided 4 million free Wi-Fi sessions last year – double the previous year.  When one in eight Victorian households does not have internet access, we need libraries to bridge the digital divide. 

“We can also do more to support early years’ literacy. We know that most children who start school behind, stay behind. More than 15,000 preschool children and their families attend Story Time at a library each week. That’s a great start but we know we can do more by reaching out to disadvantaged communities.”

Victorian public libraries change lives by offering communities a place to learn, create and belong.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.LibrariesChangeLives.org.au