Transition to new library services

Hindmarsh leaders are eagerly anticipating a new library service for the municipality as work continues behind the scenes throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Hindmarsh Shire Council mayor Rob Gersch said the transition from Wimmera Regional Library Corporation to a council-run model was evolving well.

“With works well underway on the new Dimboola Library, July 2020 is looking like being a very exciting time for libraries within the shire,” he said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty and anxiety among our community, region and beyond, but at this stage we have come out of it relatively unscathed and the new construction at Dimboola and the establishment of new library services is providing a level of anticipation and confidence.”

Hindmarsh Shire library co-ordinator Whitney Kingston said library leaders were working on providing a safe, efficient and convenient service.

“New services are planned for Rainbow and Jeparit. Further details will be released in the near future,” she said.

“Nhill Library will continue to provide Nhill and district residents with the same service they have become accustomed to.”

Cr Gersch said it was exciting to be involved in creating a new library service that was unique, adaptive and individualised to the Hindmarsh community.

“Hindmarsh Shire service,” he said.

Libraries is your library

Hindmarsh Shire Libraries is a member of Libraries Victoria, formerly Swift Consortium.

Ms Kingston said this meant customers would still be able to borrow from libraries across Victoria, including from Wimmera Regional Library Corporation branches.

She said Hindmarsh Shire residents who were current cardholders of Wimmera Regional Library Corporation could keep their membership, change to Hindmarsh Shire Libraries or be members of both.

“Hindmarsh Shire Libraries will have access to many of the e-resources our customers are already familiar with, but we are aiming to provide more tailored choices and broader selections to reflect the needs of the residents and communities in the shire,” she said.

“Events such as school holiday activities – current COVID-19 situation allowing, story time sessions, authors and artists visits and workshops will also continue as they have in the past.”

Cr Gersch said Hindmarsh Shire Libraries would provide a home service, have institutional memberships and work with regional schools and kindergartens to help create links to lifelong literacy and learning.

“Hindmarsh Shire Libraries is committed to making the transition to the new library services as easy as possible and we welcome all residents and visitors to become members of your local library service,” he said.

He said people could call corporate and community services director Monica Revell on 5391 4444 or email mrevell@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au for more information.