Casey Cardinia Libraries have joined Victoria’s Public Libraries and State Library Victoria in a new campaign to highlight the economic and social benefits that libraries bring to communities right across the state.
‘Libraries Change Lives’ is designed to build community support and attract additional state government funding for the state’s 272 public libraries, which receive more than 30 million visitors a year.
New economic modelling demonstrates that every dollar invested in Casey Cardinia’s public libraries generates $5.00 benefits for the state (SGS Economics Libraries Work! The Socio-Economic Value of Public Libraries to Victorians 2018).
CCL CEO Chris Buckingham said: “More than 1.2 million people visit our branches every year. More people are using public libraries than ever before. We now have more than 120,000 members in the Casey Cardinia Region.”
It’s still news to many Victorians that public libraries offer free access to the internet, e-books and online magazines, newspapers, Wi-Fi, computers, meeting rooms, literacy support, English language classes and in some locations even recording studios.
Public libraries offer an incredible breadth of services to support community members at every stage of life.
Cr Wayne Smith, chairman Casey Cardinia Libraries said, “No other institution offers the same personal help, equal and free access to information, social engagement, and sense of safety and belonging.
“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.”
The Libraries Change Lives campaign launch for the Casey Cardinia region will be held at Bunjil Place Library on Thursday, 4 October at 10am.
Everyone is welcome, the event will include an interactive expo on the amazing programs and services Casey Cardinia Libraries provide the community.
There will also be opportunities for attendees to share their stories on how libraries have changed their life.
For more information go to ccl.vic.gov.au.
