The new Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub was today officially opened.

State Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos joined Glen Eira Mayor Jim Magee and members of the local community to celebrate the completion of the project.

Through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, the Andrews Labor Government contributed $1 million towards the $6.2 million project, as well as a $5 million loan through the Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme 2019-20.

Additionally, the Government provided the retail space at McKinnon Station to maintain library and youth services during the construction period.

The new library includes:

• More space for expanded collections: The floor space is 30 per cent larger and there is an increase of 10,000 items in the library’s collection, bringing it to a total of 50,000.
• More comfortable spaces for quiet reading and study.
• A bigger story time area.
• An internal courtyard – this is a nice feature of the new building!
• A Changing Places facility for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, allowing people with high support needs to fully participate in the community.
• A permanent home for Glen Eira Youth Services which includes a youth counselling room and recording and editing suite and study areas.

Through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program the Government has invested more than $47.1 million into 120 projects over the last eight years, supporting councils and regional library corporations to deliver new or renewed library infrastructure for their communities.

The Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme is a $100 million initiative that provides councils with access to low-interest, government-guaranteed loans between $500,000 and $10 million for key infrastructure projects.

More information on the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants.

Quotes attributable to Nick Staikos MP

“As a lifelong Bentleigh local, I know how important our local library is to daily life in Bentleigh.”

“Libraries are no longer just about books, they are places for the community to gather, places of knowledge and places of lifelong learning.”

“Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub is a warm, inviting, accessible and inclusive place that will serve our community well for a long time to come.”