MURRINDINDI SHIRE, VIC. — Libraries aren’t just places we visit; they’re places where communities grow.
Murrindindi Shire Council is inviting the community to help shape the future of one of Victoria’s highest-performing rural library services, with community consultation now open on the Library Strategy and Action Plan 2027-2030.
Last year alone, Murrindindi Library Service welcomed more than 70,000 visits, delivered almost 78,000 loans and downloads and attracted more than 8,000 people to library programs. While books remain at the heart of the service, today’s libraries are also places where people learn new skills, connect with others, access technology, attend events and find trusted information and support.
Council is now asking the community to help guide how library services continue to evolve over the next four years.
The new Strategy will build on the strengths of today’s service, helping Council understand what the community values most and ensuring Murrindindi’s libraries continue to reflect local needs while making the best use of resources into the future.
Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said the new Strategy presented an opportunity to build and strengthen an already successful service while ensuring it continues to meet the changing needs of the community.
“Our libraries are among Council’s highest-performing and most valued services, and we’re incredibly proud of what they deliver for our community every day.”
“They’re places where children discover the joy of reading, students study, people learn new digital skills, community groups come together and residents connect with one another. They’re about much more than books.”
“Now we’re asking our community to help write the next chapter of their library. Whether you visit every week, every now and then, or have never used our library service before, we’d love to hear your ideas.”
Manager Customer Experience Anna Cullen said the Strategy was being developed from a position of strength.
“Community feedback consistently tells us our libraries are welcoming, trusted and highly valued places, while independent benchmarking shows Murrindindi continues to perform exceptionally well compared with library services across Victoria.”
“This isn’t about fixing something that’s broken. It’s about understanding what our community values most, responding to changing needs and identifying opportunities to continue delivering an outstanding library service into the future.”
“One of the greatest strengths of Murrindindi Library Service is the partnerships the support it. They help us understand local needs, deliver diverse programs and create welcoming spaces where people can learn, connect and belong.”
Council is seeking feedback from library users and non-users alike to better understand:
- how people use library services – or why they don’t
- the programs, collections and spaces that matter most
- barriers to accessing library services
- ·opportunities to strengthen learning, wellbeing and community connection
- ideas that will help shape the future direction of library services.
Community feedback will be considered alongside community input, service data, research, demographic information, sector benchmarking and available resources to develop the Draft Library Strategy and Action Plan 2027-2030.
Community consultation is open from Monday, July 27 to Friday, August 28, 2026.
Residents can get involved by:
- completing the online survey at murrindindi.vic.gov.au/lsap
- sharing ideas on the online Ideas Board
- emailing feedback to mls@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
- completing a paper survey at Alexandra, Yea or Kinglake libraries or on the Mobile Library
- calling Council on (03) 5772 0333 to arrange a phone conversation
- speaking directly with the Coordinator Library Services during community drop-in sessions.
Community drop-in sessions
- Alexandra Library – Monday, August 3, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
- Yea Library – Wednesday, August 5, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
- Kinglake Library – Thursday, August 6, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Every idea matters. Help write the next chapter of your library.
