September 2021 - October 2021
Feedback analysed. See Ballan Library Phase One Engagement Summary for more information.
The Ballan Library community engagement undertaken from September - October 20221 revealed some key themes:
In order of importance for the new library, survey respondents rated:
When envisaging how the new library should be used, survey respondents identified a place to learn and study and a multigenerational place for people to meet and gather, as key functions for the new Library and Community Hub.
Other key themes captured by the survey include:
Reflecting on these themes, there are several which have been addressed since the initial engagement in 2021.
Community suggestion | Update |
The central location in the Ballan town centre is important | The new Library and Community Hub will retain its central location, moving just a few blocks to 127 Inglis Steet (old Commonwelath Bank building). |
Requirement for modern technology, including computers, printing and wifi options | The new fit for purpose Library and Community Hub will include updates to technology such as wifi, printing options and computers as a minimum. |
Valued collection of borrowing materials and its need for expansion | As the physical ibrary space expands, so to will the borrowing collection in proportion with the new facility. |
Extended opening hours | There will be adjustments to the opening hours of the new library in line with community needs, staffing resources and service demand. These will be decided upon after construction. |
September 2021 - October 2021
Feedback analysed. See Ballan Library Phase One Engagement Summary for more information.
January 2022
6 May - 13 June 2022
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The Ballan community and Moorabool Shire Council recognised the need for a new Ballan Library as a key priroty for the growing town several years ago. The project has been on a consistent feature on Council's advocacy list during this time.
On January 27 2022, it was announced that Moorabool Shire Council would receive grant funding from the state government for the new $7 million Ballan Library and Community Hub.
The funding contributions include:
The new Library and Community Hub will consist of:
Phase one of community engagement was undertaken in September- October 2021 to gain an understanding of what the community values about the current Ballan library, what future services they'd like to see and their usage patterns.
This second phase of community engagement will expand on the themes from phase one of the engagement to inform the design of the new Library and Community Centre.