General News
12 June, 2025
Living Libraries to enhance valued services
AN exciting new project, Living Libraries, will be launched to strengthen and grow Pyrenees Shire’s library services.
Living Libraries will ensure all residents can access contemporary library services and resources.
Pyrenees Shire Mayor Cr Tanya Kehoe said it aims to create library spaces the whole community can use.
“Our physical library spaces, although very well-loved, do not currently accommodate the broad range of community needs,” Cr Kehoe said.
“Access to the library for many is limited by their geographic location, and some of our smaller communities and some social groups are currently under-serviced.”
Living Libraries’ key aims are to form partnerships with local businesses and community groups to offer Click and Collect pick-up services and returns drop-boxes across the Shire and investigate mobile services to improve early years’ education and support, and digital literacy program access.
Another key aim is to plan and deliver improved library programming, especially from early years to teens.
Another goal is to improve the current library spaces by reviewing layouts to boost appeal, accessibility and safety, adding zones for various activities to occur side-by- side, setting up private-use kiosks and providing extra collaborative spaces.
The project also aims to improve information and learning through better physical displays, making extra library materials available. providing contemporary IT hardware and devices sand delivering digital programming.
“We look forward to engaging with the community further as the Living Libraries project progresses,” Cr Kehoe said.
Pyrenees Shire’s library services have two dedicated sites in Avoca and Beaufort as well as a mobile library servicing smaller communities.
The Living Libraries project is funded by $200,000 from the Victorian Government’s Public Libraries Funding Program.