Tom Ingleton
The future of Tullamarine’s undersized and under-resourced library could be set for change, as Hume councillors back a proposal to explore expanded hours, new infrastructure, and even 24-7 access, while also pushing to restore a community hall’s historical name.
Speaking during the June 10 council meeting, councillor Naim Kurt urged council to prepare a report on the state of Tullamarine’s library and adjacent War Memorial Hall.
“The current library in Tullamarine is currently our shortest opening hours library,” Cr Kurt said.
“But it’s a library that’s packing a real punch among residents.”
At just 20 hours per week and with only one full-service day on Wednesdays, the library struggles to meet the growing needs of a changing suburb.
“The facility is under resourced and in need of improvement to make sure it is modern and suitable for the needs of the Tullamarine community,“ Cr Kurt said.
He suggested the demographic shift was a part of the pressure and need for improvement.
“There is a younger demographic moving into Tullamarine at the moment, there are a lot of young families which are using the library as it is and there are a lot of seniors who are using The Chatty Cafe,” Cr Kurt said.
He also raised concerns that limited opening times reduce access to programs like Baby Bounce.
“I know people in my own family who have recently had children – unfortunately, because of the opening hours, they’re only able to access one Baby Bounce program every few weeks there.”
Cr Kurt suggested that Tullamarine could be a candidate for after-hours innovation.
“One thing that was raised in the previous council term was the opportunities for the 24-7 access to libraries – something that has been trialled in rural councils – and it was identified the Tullamarine Library could potentially be one too.”
The motion also calls for the restoration of the Tullamarine War Memorial Hall name, which has been listed in council documents as the Tullamarine Community Hall.
Cr Steve Gagen expressed strong support for returning the site to its historical name and purpose.
“I’m quite outraged actually by the renaming of the Tullamarine Community Hall because it’s a link back to the history not just of Tullamarine but of Melbourne,” Cr Gagen said.
He also supported improvements to the library’s accessibility.
“I very much support the motion for the improved opening times of the library, I’m rather appalled that the library opening hours are so short.”
