Millicent Spencer
Residents in Whittlesea will get two new libraries in Mernda and Kirrip next year.
At a council meeting on Monday 11 December, administrators unanimously voted in favour of expanding Whittlesea’s library services to accommodate the rising population.
Whittlesea’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson said after hearing from multiple residents it was important to address the need for more libraries given the rapid population growth in the municipality.
“Libraries play an incredibly important role in the lives of many people, with more than 1.15 million people – or one in every six Victorians – visiting libraries in person each year,” she said.
“There are significant pressures on council to ensure there are adequate provisions of library services across the municipality.”
The proposed library in Mernda will be located in the Mernda Town Centre Shopping Centre and is expected to open in August 2023.
The library will be run in conjunction with council’s community services and provide residents with easy access to programs and resources until a permanent library is built in the town.
Ms Wilson said having the community library as part of the shopping centre would make it easier for locals to access information, technology and connect with their community.
“Being located near public transport in the Mernda Town Centre means there will be fewer barriers to access for the community,” she said.
Ms Wilson said the experience of the interim library and community programs will be used to help shape the features of the permanent library in Mernda in the years ahead.
“The community library will provide Council with the opportunity to trial a range of services that will inform the design and functionality of the permanent facility,” she said.
The Kirrip library will be located in the foyer of the De Rossi Boulevard facility in Wollert East and is expected to open by the end of 2023.
