Library on the move again

ONE the state’s busiest mobile libraries is back on the road thanks to a $105,000 partnership between the Brumby Labor Government and Cardinia Shire Council.
Local Government Minster Richard Wynne officially reopened the Cardinia Mobile Library in Pakenham alongside Member for Gembrook Tammy Lobato on Tuesday.
Mr Wynne said the library had been temporarily off the road while it underwent a major refurbishment to better serve the needs of a growing community and maintain its busy schedule of visits.
“After 10 years of reliable service, this upgrade to the Cardinia Mobile Library will ensure it can stay on the road to meet the diverse needs of library members residing in this large municipality,” Mr Wynne said.
“The library has undergone a major overhaul – inside and out – to improve accessibility and amenity for staff and visitors. Shelving and desk spaces have been upgraded as well as the trailer’s infrastructure, including air conditioning and power.”
The Cardinia Mobile Library, one of 27 in Victoria, has a membership base of 4000 people who make up to 111,000 loans of more than 13,000 items per year.
In addition to a Living Libraries grant for the mobile library in 2009, Cardinia Shire Council has received $1 million towards the major redevelopment of Pakenham Library and Community Hall from the Living Libraries Program and a Victorian Community Support Grant.