We’re exploring ways to improve library services for residents in our hinterland and coastal towns outside Torquay.
Current mobile library snapshot
Geelong Regional Libraries currently provide a mobile library bus for up to 15 hours per week across Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Deans Marsh, Lorne and Winchelsea.
While the current service is useful, it’s only available for community use when the vehicle is in town which can make it difficult for some to access. The bus is also aging and facing increasing maintenance and reliability challenges.
With the vehicle nearing the end of its working life, we’re exploring other ways to make library services more convenient, reliable and accessible for everyone.
Current mobile library snapshot
Geelong Regional Libraries currently provide a mobile library bus for up to 15 hours per week across Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Deans Marsh, Lorne and Winchelsea.
While the current service is useful, it’s only available for community use when the vehicle is in town which can make it difficult for some to access. The bus is also aging and facing increasing maintenance and reliability challenges.
With the vehicle nearing the end of its working life, we’re exploring other ways to make library services more convenient, reliable and accessible for everyone.
Who we heard from
We received 171 responses, with most participants from Aireys Inlet and Anglesea, followed by Winchelsea, Lorne and Deans Marsh.
What we heard
- 64% said they visit their library service often (weekly/fortnightly/monthly)
- Most important uses:
- Being able to borrow/return items
- Having a library service available locally
- Best time to access library services:
- Morning: 27%
- Mid afternoon: 27%
- Anytime: 26%
Here are some of the key themes we heard from residents:
- Convenience and local access: Residents value this essential local service.
- Reliability problems: Concerns expressed about bus cancellations, breakdowns and the small van being inadequate.
- Social connection and staff interaction: People value community ties and staff expertise.
- Children and early literacy: This is critical for families, including allowing kids to browse.
- Improved infrastructure and evolved models: Residents are generally open to a new bus, library lockers and permanent spaces, but they want to keep staffed services.
Community feedback has been shared with councillors and will help guide decision making as to what library services look like into the future. We will keep you updated as we explore options for each township.
We know how important library services are to our community. We will not be reducing library services - we’re considering more flexible and accessible options that might better meet community needs.
