Media Release

Public Libraries: the Quiet Achievers in our Community

The public library is our most visited and valuable public institution at a local level, playing a vital community building role, according to a study just released by the State Library of Victoria and the Victorian public library network.

The ‘Libraries Building Communities’ study reveals that no other agency in society has the breadth of role, user range and diversity, and potential impact on the whole community. A public library is about much more than books. It ensures people have better social networks, are more tolerant about differences, more computer literate, better educated and informed.  

‘Libraries Building Communities’ is the result of two years’ work. Never before in Australia has research of this scale and complexity been undertaken to examine the community building role of public libraries. The study surveyed all 238 public library branches in Victoria and drew on a sample of nearly 10,000 Victorians. It revealed that around six in ten Victorians are current public library users.  

On average, every day each Victorian public library will lend about 500 items; they will receive nearly 270 visits from a total of 2.5 million registered users and respond to nearly 30 reference enquiries. As well as these traditional services, public libraries fulfil an extraordinarily varied role providing activities ranging from homework support, computer clubs for seniors and career guidance through to bi-lingual story- telling sessions, live music performances and English classes for culturally diverse communities. 

Very few other services or organisations have this kind of community penetration. With appropriate resourcing, public libraries can expand their services even further to realise their immense potential as community builders. 

The report, ‘Libraries Building Communities’, will be launched by Minister for Local Government Candy Broad MP and performer Jane Clifton on Wednesday 9 March at 10.30 am at the Footscray Library, 56 Paisley Street, Footscray.  

The report is available on the Libraries Building Communities or purchased via the online shop . 

Library users surveyed for the LBC report talk about their local libraries:
 

'Library – it’s one thing the whole family can do together'

'It doesn’t matter who you are, when you walk through the door you have equal privileges'

'Our local library is the holder of much of the knowledge about the local area and gives us a link to our past, present and future'

When I wasn’t working I would say it saved my sanity'

Libraries are our best chance to create a centre of community spirit and activity'

You can come and sit in a library and you might still be by yourself and reading, but you’re not alone, there are other people around you' 

Available for interview:

CEO and State Librarian, State library of Victoria, Anne-Marie Schwirtlich
Manager Community Learning & Libraries, Patti Manolis