Community invited to have their say on proposed changes to library opening hours.

Monday 20 January 2020

The Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC) is proposing changes to the opening hours at some of its libraries and is inviting the community to have their say from 20 January – 29 February.

Every four years, the GRLC creates a Library Plan, including a vision, mission, values, goals and strategies, which helps guide the work of the organisation. A review of opening hours across the library network was a key strategy outlined in the Reading Ahead: Geelong Regional Library Corporation Reading Plan 2017-2021.

The purpose of the review is to ensure opening hours are allocated equitably across the library network of 17 branches to maximise the benefit to the community. Following initial research, and based on community feedback already obtained, a proposal has been developed which recommends changes to opening hours at some of the GRLC’s 17 branches.

As part of its commitment to empowering the community it serves, GRLC is now inviting the community to have their say about the proposal via an online survey.

Under the proposal, 11 of the 17 branches would open their doors earlier; two branches would open on days they are currently closed; and six branches would be open for additional hours per week. There are currently no recommendations proposals to change opening hours for the GRLC’s two mobile libraries or at Bannockburn, Torquay, Queenscliff or Western Heights College Library branches.

Cr Ron Nelson, Chair of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, says the project demonstrates the positive work the GRLC is doing to meet its goals.

“We have a stated vision of ‘A thriving regional community... enriched by reading, empowered by learning and inspired by information and ideas’, and this proposal aims to help us achieve this,” he says. 
“Community engagement has been a focus throughout this project and we are committed to undertaking a thorough, genuine community consultation and look forward to a constructive engagement process.”

“I invite all members of our communities to review the proposal and have their say today; information can be found on the GRLC website at www.grlc.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay.”

Patti Manolis, CEO of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, says this change is about a focus on continuous improvement and getting it right for the communities the organisation serves.

“We need to ensure we’re using the resources we have to best meet the needs of our communities, especially for those where there is less access to technology and free resources,” she says.

“The proposal is based on substantial data showing how and when people use their libraries, community feedback provided via the biennial Library Survey and the goals stated in our Library Plan (2017-2021).”

“Community feedback about the opening hours proposal will inform our decisions about what changes to implement. We will keep the community informed throughout the process on our website and social media channels.”

Community members can see the opening hours proposal, find out more about the project and access the survey at www.grlc.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay.

- End -

Media enquiries
Ann Card
Coordinator, Marketing & Communications    
Geelong Regional Library Corporation 
P: 4201 0528
M: 0437 177 735
E: ann.card@grlc.vic.gov.au