Maribyrnong council is inviting the community to consider if it will need to rebuild or relocate the Yarraville Library.
Council said the challenge is how the library can continue to meet the needs of a growing community given the size constraints of the current building.
During a community engagement in late 2023, respondents told the council that they liked the collections and programs offered at the library.
While they enjoyed the intimate surroundings, they agreed that the current space was too small to deliver on their aspirations.
Just over half of respondents wanted their future library to include more community spaces, and over a third (38.9 per cent) wanted spaces to support quiet study and collaborative work.
The rebuild option would involve the demolition of the current Wembley Avenue location to facilitate the construction of a new library, including exploring the addition of a second storey.
This option is currently unfunded and would be considered as part of the council’s 10-year asset plan ,with a view to construction commencing in 2034.
Relocation would enable a new purpose-built library to be constructed around 600 metres from the existing facility as part of the redevelopment at Bradmill.
For this option, the developer would fund the construction, and the council would only be responsible for fit-out costs.
This option would result in a a new library opening in 2028.
Either option would provide some additional capacity—potentially delivering a library that is three times larger at the existing location or five times larger if relocated—increasing the ability to deliver more services, including a larger book collection and more study space.
However, both options would limit outdoor space.
Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam said, “Council understands libraries are an important part of our social fabric and provide an important place to meet and connect. This is why it is so important that we hear from you about your preferred option for the future of Yarraville Library.”
Details at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/yarraville-library.
Feedback closes on Sunday, August 11, at midnight.
