Mortlake will get a new and improved community library and Hamilton will have its library upgraded after the state government allocated a total of $620,000 to the two projects.
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State Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins visited Hamilton and Mortlake on Tuesday to announce $500,000 in funding for a new Mortlake library and $120,000 for the Hamilton library upgrade. The funding came from the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
In Mortlake, the existing library building on Dunlop Street will be demolished for a new, more accessible public library and community hub.
A spokesman for Moyne Shire said the redevelopment of the Mortlake Library had been budgeted for in the 2016-17 financial year.
The new facility is estimated to cost about $800,000. The council’s contribution is budgeted at $250,000.
The council has backed a plan for a new Mortlake library because the existing facility lacked sufficient floor space, did not have a designated children’s area, and had limited meeting spaces and storage.
The council’s plan for the new facility pursues ideas for more multi-purpose spaces and to combine the library with the neighbouring Visitor Information Centre.
Other proposed features for the new facility include courtyard and lounge areas, and separate service desks for the library and the information service.
The council has consulted with the community and received a positive response to the ideas developed so far.
The concept plans allow for the existing facility to be demolished and replaced in a staged fashion from the rear forward using a number of portal bays.
They also call for rear access with ample parking available at the back of the building.
In Hamilton, the $120,000 funding will go towards works including replacing the customer service desk, replacing shelving and reconfiguring the floor space to support group activities.
The project will also increase the space available for seating, enabling the library to better meet demand for space for study, reading, and Wi-Fi use.
Ms Hutchins said the two libraries were the beneficiaries of changes made to the guidelines by the Labor state government, with small rural and regional councils no longer required to make equal co-contributions to secure state funding.
