The Libraries Change Lives initiative was launched at the Bairnsdale Library on Tuesday, November 12, to highlight the economic and social benefits public libraries bring to East Gippsland and the state.

Mayor, Cr Natalie O’Connell, was joined by library ambassadors Barry Heard and Keith Ridout, Friends of the Library volunteers from Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance, council’s library staff, community members and councillors in launching the event and sharing their stories on how libraries enrich their lives.

Developed by Public Libraries Victoria Network and State Library Victoria, Libraries Change Lives is a statewide project designed to build community support and attract additional state government funding for the state’s 272 public libraries, which attract more than 30 million visitors a year.

“A library’s books and resources, or ‘collections’ as they are known, are important but they’re just one part of the story. This campaign will share the experiences of the 2.2 million library users all over the state to celebrate libraries and the life-changing work of librarians,” Cr O’Connell said.

“Public libraries have evolved beyond their traditional role of housing collections to offer vital community services, including digital connectivity, support for all kinds of literacy (including early years, financial and digital), universal access to information and government services.

“Todays libraries are about services and programs as much as physical collections. No other institution offers the same personal help, equal and free access to information, social engagement, and sense of safety and belonging.”

Cr O’Connell shared how her own experiences with the library enhanced her life, from recalling the days as a primary school student in Omeo when bookie (and now library ambassador) Keith Ridout would arrive with the Bookmobile to allow children to swap books, to now attending rhymetime sessions with her own daughters. Renowned local author and library ambassador, Barry Heard, spoke of how he visits local schools and encourages children to read books, while also calling on the community to share their stories about their favourite books because everyone wants to know about a great read.

Public Libraries Victoria Network president, Joseph Cullen, said many libraries were grappling with booming visitation and increased community demands for services. More people are using public libraries than ever before. About a third of Victorians are members, and last year libraries recorded more than 30 million visits – the equivalent of five visits for every Victorian.

“Libraries are facing escalating demand for space, longer opening hours, expanded programs and access to online services. We want to meet those community expectations, but we need more state government funding to do it,” Mr Cullen said.

“Libraries provided four million free Wi-Fi sessions last year – double the previous year. When one in eight Victorian households does not have internet access, we need libraries to bridge the digital divide.”

“We can also do more to support early years’ literacy. We know that most children who start school behind, stay behind. More than 15,000 preschool children and their families attend story time at a library each week. That’s a great start but we know we can do more by reaching out to disadvantaged communities.”

Cr O’ Connell said public libraries change lives by offering communities a place to learn, create and belong, and that East Gippsland Shire Council’s libraries were looking forward to embracing the #LibrariesChangeLives campaign. “Our public libraries are vibrant community hubs.

They offer social interaction, digital connection, lifelong learning and rich cultural experiences, and we encourage all residents to visit, meet other people, connect, learn and enjoy.”

PICTURED: Former bookmobile icon and library ambassador, Keith Ridout, Mayor, Cr Natalie O’Connell, and renowned author and library ambassador, Barry Heard, cut the cake to launch Libraries Change Lives at the Bairnsdale Library on Tuesday afternoon.