Funds allow library to book in for a facelift

By Rebecca Fraser
ENDEAVOUR Hills Library is set for a massive face-lift.
The move follows the announcement of a $384,000 State Government grant through the Living Libraries program and news that Casey council will match the funding allocation dollar for dollar.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford said the funding was a result of a great partnership between the State Government and Casey council.
“This is a very worthwhile and much needed project.
“It will provide a much needed spruce up and greatly improve library facilities,” he said.
Chairman of Casey Cardinia Library Corporation and Casey councillor Wayne Smith also welcomed the funding announcement.
Cr Smith said cooperation between both Cardinia and Casey councils had also helped ensure the grant.
“This was our number one priority.
“We made a deal with Cardinia that we would support the Emerald Library and then they would support us with Endeavour Hills.
“The cooperation be-tween the two municipalities has made everyone happy.”
Cr Smith said the next project the library corporation would push for would be expanding either the Doveton or Hampton Park Library.
“We have known for a long time that something needed to be done with the library.
“The bottom line is that it is in the wrong spot but it is too difficult to move.
“Bringing it (the library) up to scratch was the next best option,” he said.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan said the upgrade, was a win-win for the Endeavour Hills community.
Mr Donnellan said since being built in 1987 for a population of approximately 15,000, the Endeavour Hills Library, alongside with other retail and public facilities, had undergone significant growth for a current population of about 27,000 residents.
He said the significant increase in population around the Endeavour Hills area over the years had meant that the upgrade would improve literacy by making books available to local residents and providing communities with computers and other digital resources.
“The upgrade for the Endeavour Hills Library was well overdue and well deserved by the locals who visit the library every month.
“Thanks to this funding boost towards Endeavour Hills Library we will be able to expand this already popular community hub,” he said.
CEO of Casey Cardinia Library Corporation Peter Carter said his organisation had worked closely with Casey council to submit the grant.
He said the funding would pay for an extension and complete refurbishment of the dated facility.
“It is a fairly old looking building with a bit of a 1970s, 1980s feel so it will be great to see a facelift,” he said.