8 August 2024

Ascot Vale Library is about to get bigger and better, with works to add an upper floor and almost triple its size now underway to bring more programs and events to the local community.

Member for Essendon Danny Pearson MP visited the library site today to announce the start of works on its $6.52 million redevelopment and extension.

The project is receiving $4.84 million in funding from Moonee Valley City Council and $1.68 million from the Victorian Government – comprised of $1.5 million from the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program (LLIP) 2021-22 funding round, and a further $180,000 through the Changing Places Program to provide new toilet and changing facilities in the library for people with high support needs.

The library’s redevelopment will include an extra floor, a new youth area and larger children’s area, an event space, reading terrace, more computers and a study space.

The redevelopment will enable more programs to be delivered and will especially help meet the local community’s growing need for more literacy programs and other initiatives for vulnerable community members, including those from multicultural communities. Boosting programming for young people will also be a focus.

Over the last nine years, more than $49.3 million in LLIP funding has been invested into 139 Victorian library infrastructure projects to meet growing and changing community needs.

The Government continues to invest through its Changing Places Program into providing bathroom and changing facilities for people with high support needs who cannot use standard accessible toilets – to ensure they can fully participate in the community, along with their carers.

For more information on the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and this year’s successful applications, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants

Quotes attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson

“As the Moonee Valley community grows and becomes more culturally diverse, so too does its need for programs and opportunities that improve literacy, enhance learning, strengthen community connections and provide free access to Wi-Fi, printers and other equipment. The Ascot Vale Library redevelopment promises to deliver all of this, and more.”