While, for our residents, libraries remain first and foremost, a place to borrow books, we also know needs and expectations are changing in response to changing demographics, events, and technological developments.

For example, as was evident during the October 2022 flood event, our libraries also serve as a place of refuge and escape for vulnerable members of our community - and not just in extreme events. This is equally true for those dealing with cost of living pressures, like rising power bills.

The Maribyrnong City Council Library Plan 2023-25, endorsed at a meeting on 19 July 2023, sets out the aspirations and key activities for library services over the next two years.

You can view the endorsed Plan here.

If you have any questions, please email: library@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

The endorsed Library Plan seeks to address a number of challenges including:

Ongoing impact of COVID-19

Post the immediate impacts institutions like libraries, and individuals are still having to adjust to a post-pandemic norm - including rethinking priorities in relation to the maintenance of good physical and mental health, social connections, and social distance in relation specifically to the proximity of services in local communities.

A need for flexible library services

There has been increased demand for adaptable spaces that offer residents greater flexibility when visiting our libraries - from quiet spaces to study and work and informal seating to gathering spaces and program areas. These spaces must be supported by fresh and relevant library collections.

Digital literacy

We know technology can be challenging - it is for us too at times. Helping bridge the digital divide remains a priority, but also a challenge for our libraries that provide access to fast-speed Internet and Wi-Fi, and computers and tablets. We also recognise our role in supporting residents with low digital literacy and/or no computer or internet, to access information they need online, fill in forms, and complete job applications.

Staff capabilities

Changing community needs and rapid advances in technology continue to influence the delivery of our services. The need for continued investment in technology and a skilled, competent workforce with contemporary skills to adapt and innovate has never been more important.

You'll find a snapshot in the image below of how your feedback helped inform key actions to address the identified challenges around the ongoing impact of COVID-19, flexible library spaces, digital literacy, and staff capability, in the short term. These actions reflect feedback from both our community and our staff, while also reflecting industry best practice.

Phase Two engagement was premised on demonstrating how feedback from the first conversation helped shape the draft document, highlighting some of the key actions that showcased community priorities. This conversation was primarily online and supported by two in-person events.

There were a large number of document downloads (121) and page views (465) confirming a continued high level of interest in the project.

Similar to Phase One, feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with the 36 visitors who provided additional feedback:

• enthusiastic about the proposed actions, particularly in relation to the ‘Library of Things’ space
• supportive of building library staff capability, recognising the valuable role and contribution library staff make to the community

As a result of this feedback we updated the Library Plan to:

• make it clearer the Library Plan is supported by an Annual Action Plan
• committed to a pilot of 'Library Things' (rather than an investigation)
• committed to wellbeing initiatives, in addition to professional development for staff

During our initial conversation in late 2022, 1,300 community members shared their aspirations for Maribyrnong libraries online and in person providing nearly 4,000 comments that helped inform the development of the draft Library Plan 2023-25.

From the hundreds of responses, we heard some creative and practical ideas on what our future libraries could look like which we have shared below.

Here's what experts and commentators say about libraries of the future.