Labor loves local libraries

Toddlers and their parents at Woodend Library were treated to a special guest during story time today; Catherine Andrews, wife of the Victorian Premier.

Touring the electorate with the Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, Catherine visited Woodend Library to remind parents and young readers about the final weeks of the 2015 Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Catherine Andrews said the Challenge was open to readers of all ages and that parents or schools were able to register children online via the Victorian Department of Education’s website.

"If you didn’t get the opportunity to participate this year, you can always take part next year," said Catherine Andrews.

In good news for local library lovers, Ms Thomas also announced that Goldfields Libraries Corporation would be receiving $1,259,063 as part of the Public Libraries Funding Program in 2015-2016.

Funds can be used towards all aspects of local library operations including staffing, community programs, book purchases and technology upgrades.

Ms Thomas said the Andrews Labor Government had delivered a record $40 million to support ongoing library services for councils, regional libraries and Vision Australia through the public Libraries Funding Program.

The Labor Government is committed to ensuring vibrant, accessible and quality library services for communities across Victoria. Funding is allocated where it’s most needed, based primarily on population.

The funding builds on the Labor Government’s investment to ensure vibrant, accessible and quality library services for Victorian communities through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Fund ($4.3 million) and the Premiers’ Reading Challenge ($1 million).

Woodend Library received $68,000 in the last round of the Living Libraries Fund.

Quotes attributable to Mary-Anne Thomas, Member for Macedon
"Local libraries are such an important part of our community – they foster lifelong learning, provide free access to information and are a place for people to meet and engage".

"Locally I know how many residents rely on and love our library services. This funding will help ensure that services like these can continue and grow".

"Visiting the local library was such an important part of my own family’s life – services such as these are a vital part of our community".