AVID readers from Moorabool Shire’s smaller towns are pushing for extra library services to complement the modern hub in Bacchus Marsh.
This comes as the shire’s agreement with Ballarat Council, which co-ordinates the mobile library vehicle servicing residents in outer areas, nears its June 30 expiry.
Moorabool paid $385,691 for the mobile service in the 2011-12 financial year.
Mayor Pat Griffin said the council was investigating options to boost library services across the shire.
“We’re looking at a review to expand the services, that could perhaps mean building a new, purpose-built vehicle with internet services and maybe coffee facilities … and perhaps a library stall within shops in Blackwood and Lal Lal,” he said.
A report presented to councillors last July noted risks that the mobile library truck could break down, increasing budget costs.
Cr Griffin said the council was also looking at options to build a new library in Ballan.
Volunteers at Ballan’s Mechanics Institute believe the 152-year-old building – being used as a Centrelink agency with employment services, a community house, and training facility for the shire and government departments – is an ideal space for a new library.
Secretary Brian Foley said the building had housed a free library for more than 100 years, initiated by one of the founder’s wives.
“We’ve still got memorabilia from its old library days,” he said. Occupational health and safety officer for the building, Gail Fiander said the mobile service wasn’t accessible for disabled residents such as herself.
“I couldn’t access the truck, so I trek down to Bacchus Marsh.”
Ms Fiander said it was also a problem for the elderly, who would not venture out in poor weather.
She said some residents had resorted to holding their own book swaps.
“The last census revealed around30 per cent of our population in Ballan is over 55. Vans are not really designed for older residents and the mobile-impaired, so given the make-up of Ballan it’s not an ideal situation.”
Cr Griffin said the council would also consider opening a library at the shire offices in Stead Street.
