Bringing the libraries to the people
Published on 18 July 2024
A new library located conveniently at the Mernda Town Centre is proving popular with locals with close to 30,000 visitors through the door in the first few months.
The library, located at the shopping centre and next to Mernda Station, has welcomed 1600 new members with more than 33,000 items borrowed since its opening on 22 January 2024.
City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson, who formally opened the library at an event on 18 July, shared her thoughts on the importance of libraries.
“Libraries play a crucial role in promoting literacy, education and they provide safe, comfortable, and inclusive spaces for our community. They also offer an opportunity for a free activity in these times of cost-of-living pressures,” Lydia said.
Lydia said the location was ideal, enabling people to visit the library while they were already out and about doing their shopping, attending medical appointments or catching public transport.
“Libraries serve as the cornerstone of a thriving community, benefiting people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. It’s heart-warming to see how the community has embraced the Mernda Library.”
The library offers a fantastic range of books and resources, public computers, printing services, free Wi-Fi and cozy seating for reading, studying, or working. Self-checkout stations and a handy ‘Click and Collect’ service make borrowing books easy and convenient.
The Mernda Library is an addition to the existing library services in the City of Whittlesea, which include branches in Lalor, Mill Park, Thomastown, and Whittlesea, as well as a library hub at Galada Community Centre in Epping.
Last year, the City of Whittlesea conducted a review of its library services to meet the demands of a growing community. This review confirmed visits to libraries across the City of Whittlesea are projected to increase significantly in coming years.
To meet the growing demand for library services, plans are underway to open a new hub at the Kirrip Community Centre in Wollert and a mini-branch at Donnybrook’s Murnong Community Centre by 2025.
Located at Shop MM3, 16/180 Riverdale Boulevard, Mernda, the Mernda Library operates from Monday to Saturday. For more information about the Mernda Library or to become a member, visit www.yprl.vic.gov.au.
Mernda Library opening hours
Monday to Wednesday: 9.30am to 5.30pm
Thursday: 9.30am to 8.30pm
Friday: 9.30am to 5.30pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday and public holidays: Closed