Libraries to get top shelf support

THE future of the Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation (CCLC) was enhanced after it secured ongoing funding.
The corporation will continue to receive support from the State Government’s funding commitment to public libraries.
This year, the 2014-2015 Public Libraries Funding Program will provide the largest amount of funding ever provided to libraries in Victoria.
The CCLC caters for Casey and Cardinia Shire residents and provides them with access to more than 386,000 items plus on-line and downloadable items from seven libraries.
It also operates the Cardinia Mobile Library which visits nine towns each week.
Member for Bass Ken Smith said the benefit of the CCLC stretches widely across the community.
“The Casey Cardinia Library Corporation meets the needs of our community in many different ways with items and programs for everyone from the very young to the older and wiser members of the community,” he said.
“The Coalition Government is providing $2,186,873 to the CCLC from the $39.52 million 2014-2015 Public Libraries Funding Program.”
He added that the Public Library Funding program is in addition to the $4.5 million commitment over four years as part of the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund.
This enables libraries to purchase further resources.
Mr Smith said that these days libraries are used for more than just borrowing books but accommodate people studying, using the internet and taking part in activities.
The CCLC has also kept up to date with technology and provides ebooks.
“Gone are the days where you had to wait a month or so for a book or magazine to arrive from another library,” Mr Smith said.
The CCLC relies on state funding to continue providing its resources and facilities.
“Libraries are a vital piece of our community and there are now programs to interest just about everyone.
“It is only a matter of contacting your local library and asking what is on offer to interest you,” Mr Smith said.