$7 million boost for library

By Callan Date
LOCAL bookworms are set to benefit from $7 million allocated to the Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation (CCLC) in the City of Casey’s 2007-08 budget.
Online membership applications, continued digitisation of resources and improved computer facilities will be just a few of the upgrades implemented after councillors unanimously approved the corporation’s draft budget at last week’s council meeting.
Monash University is also set to play a role in the future of the corporation with councillors requesting Monash officials provide more information about a proposed knowledge hub.
Casey ratepayers are to contribute just over $3.7 million, with Cardinia Shire and the State Government picking up the balance.
Local residents have access to libraries at Endeavour Hills, Doveton, Narre Warren, Hampton Park and Cranbourne as well as two locations in neighbouring Cardinia Shire.
A mobile service also operates throughout the area.
Councillor Janet Halsall said library corporation staff process on average, 32,000 items each year with the total opening hours of the seven venues exceeding 360 per week.
“Across the board Internet usage at the libraries is booked out more than 70 per cent of the time,” Cr Halsall said.
Library corporation CEO Peter Carter said the financial allocation signalled exciting times for Casey residents.
“We hope to install free wireless spots at several libraries so people can access the Internet on their laptops,” Mr Carter said.
He said about 2.3 million loans would be handled during the next financial year and about 55,000 new items would be purchased.
“We will have about 350,000 items, including books, DVDs, CDs and computer games, across the region.”
Major objectives of the 2007-11 CCLC plan were also highlighted including:
* Providing a reliable integrated library management system and information communications technology platform to support staff and customer services network.
* Providing a welcoming and convenient services and appropriate facilities at locations and hours that meet community expectations.
* Delivering positive and efficient access to, and circulation of, wanted resources at convenient times.
* Providing targeted reader development and life-long learning programs to enhance users experience and encourage usage of library services.