Mernda Town Centre’s new library has been a hit with locals with nearly 30,000 visitors in the first few months.
Located at the shopping centre next to Mernda Station, the library has welcomed 1600 members with more than 33,000 items burrowed since its opening on January 22 2024.
Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson, who formally opened the library at an event on July 18, spoke of the importance of libraries.
“Libraries play a crucial role in promoting literacy, education and they provide safe, comfortable, and inclusive spaces for our community. They also offer an opportunity for a free activity in these times of cost-of-living pressures,” Ms WIlson said.
The library’s location has been credited in its success, enabling people to visit while they do shopping, attend medical appointments or catch public transport.
The library offers a wide range of books, resources, public computers, printing services, free Wi-Fi and ample room for reading, studying or working. Self-checkout and click and collect services make the burrowing process user friendly.
The Mernda Library joins the existing library services in the City of Whittlesea which include branches in Lalor, Mill Park, Thomastown, and Whittlesea, as well as a library hub at Galada Community Centre in Epping.
Last year, the City of Whittlesea conducted a review of its library services to meet the demands of a growing community. Library visits are projected to increase in the coming years.
To meet the growing demand for library services, plans are under way to open a new hub at the Kirrip Community Centre in Wollert and a mini-branch at Donnybrook’s Murnong Community Centre by 2025.
Jaidyn Kennedy
