PLEASE NOTE: Realm Library will close at 5pm on Tue 8 October due to a power outage.
Yarra Junction Library will open at 12pm on Thu 10 October due to a power outage in the morning. Thank you for your understanding.
eBooks and eAudiobooks in Your Library’s OverDrive collection will move to a new shared consortium called Boobook Digital Library after hours on Tuesday 8th October
The Libraries Change Lives initiative will start a conversation about the value of public libraries and celebrate the essential services they deliver every day.
We need to make sure Victorian public libraries are supported to meet rising community demand for their vital services.
Public libraries are not equipped to support the surge and will not be able to help develop healthy communities without investment in operational costs, physical and online infrastructure and specialist programs. Libraries build literate, productive and engaged communities and generate $4.30 in benefit for every dollar invested.
Libraries Welcome You
Victoria welcomes 2800 new residents per week. Public libraries receive over 30 million visitors annually, equivalent to five visits per Victorian, and visitation continues to outpace population growth.
Libraries foster literacy of all kinds
Literacy is a critical factor in economic and social participation, removing barriers to education and employment.
Victoria’s public libraries build healthy and productive communities by supporting all kinds of literacy, at all stages of life.
Libraries create communities
Today’s libraries are vibrant neighbourhood hubs offering social interaction and shared cultural experiences.
They help build strong and engaged communities, where everyone belongs, and offer a platform for state-wide community development.
Libraries create engaged early years education programs
Public libraries must be resourced to connect with children and families who are not already engaged with early literacy programs to combat educational disadvantage.
Public libraries can also build literacy in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Dedicated funding will deliver a cohesive approach to STEM programs in public libraries, and build staff capacity to provide learning opportunities.
Libraries support culture and creativity
Public libraries are among Victoria’s most popular cultural institutions, providing free and equitable access to vast collections of books, films, music and more.
Public libraries play a fundamental role in our state’s cultural life, deploying sophisticated programming that can be accessed for free by anyone in the community.
Libraries provide free, public spaces
Communities need safe and inclusive, well-designed public spaces.
Victorian libraries offer a mix of historic and contemporary public spaces that support community participation and social engagement. They are places where everyone is welcome, and everyone belongs.
With the exception of Realm, all Eastern Regional Libraries branches are closed on New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Labour Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Queen’s Birthday, AFL Grand Final Friday, Melbourne Cup, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and any other holidays listed on the Victorian Government’s website.
Realm is open between 10:00am and 5:00pm on Australia Day, Labour Day, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Queen’s Birthday, AFL Grand Final Friday and Melbourne Cup Day. It is closed all day on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.