Libraries for all, libraries for life
Published on 29 November 2018
Public libraries around the world are places for discovery and connection. They are the centre of community culture and act as an indicator for the health and vitality of a community.
Maribyrnong Libraries are a well-used and well-loved part of the City’s social fabric. In the coming years Maribyrnong Libraries will be faced with increasing demand for 24/7 access to physical and virtual library collections, services and support.
In an effort to respond to increasing demand and expectations, we have developed a draft Maribyrnong Libraries Plan 2019-2023.
The Plan articulates the library service’s mission and key directions in serving and supporting a growing and highly diverse community over the next four years and into the future.
A set of four guiding principles will underpin and inform the direction of Maribyrnong Libraries:
- Inclusive: Our libraries are safe, welcoming and accessible to people of all ages, interests, cultural backgrounds, abilities and incomes.
- Responsive: Our library collections, programs, services and facilities are designed to meet community needs and expectations and delivered to create great customer experiences.
- Connected: Our libraries contribute to urban vitality, local identity and a sense of place and are important focal points and gathering places for the community.
- Coordinated: Our municipal and neighbourhood libraries form an integrated network of service points that works with Council and non-Council partners to empower the community.
The Plan describes the important role contemporary public libraries play in building community capacity and connections, and positions Maribyrnong Libraries to align with the City’s emerging social, economic and cultural contexts.
It also identifies the libraries’ strategic priorities and significant actions, and articulates Council’s commitment to investment in public library services and facilities that are in line with community needs and expectations.
At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, Council endorsed the Plan to be released for public comment.
To read the draft plan and to have your say on the proposed priorities, visit yourcityyourvoice.com.au
Message from the Mayor, Cr Martin Zakharov
Libraries are an integral part of creating an inclusive, healthy and vibrant community, and we want to make sure that we are responding to the diverse needs of our residents, now and into the future. This plan will ensure that Maribyrnong Libraries continue to be places for all that provide opportunities to learn, create and belong, so we would love to hear your thoughts about the direction we are taking.
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