Sadly this isn't the case at the Warrnambool Special Developmental School, however a fund-raiser on Friday night is aiming to change that.

The current library at the school's Hyland Street site is two shelves filled with books, but an actual library is being constructed at the school's new site on Wollaston Road.

A movie night will be held on Friday with all proceeds going to the school.

Money will go towards equipping the new library.

Warrnambool Library is supporting the school's fund-raiser and manager Lisa McDonald said libraries were a vital public institution that played a fundamental role in cultural life.

"We are saddened that they don't have a library currently," she said.

"We are excited to work with the Special Developmental School to build a great library.

"Libraries have the capacity to change lives and we want to reach out to the community to embrace libraries."

She said libraries fostered literacy, which was a critical factor in economic and social participation and removed barriers to education and employment.

Chair of the SDS community strengthening committee Kylie Gaston said the pupils deserved a new library with the best equipment and resources.

"It's wonderful the students are going to have a beautiful new library," she said. "We want to fill it with as many books as possible.

"I encourage everyone to come along and support this great cause."

The movie, called The Public, is directed by Emilio Estevez and stars Alec Baldwin, Jena Malone, Christian Slater and Michael K Williams.

It is described as a heart-warming film about homeless people who occupy a library to escape freezing conditions.

It is inspired by the notion that libraries have become far more than just places to borrow books.

Tickets are available from the Warrnambool Library at 25 Liebig Street.

They are $20.

The movie will be screening on Friday from 7pm at Warrnambool Capitol Cinema.