Geelong Council has asked the local library operator not to close any libraries, as it looks to make up for a $1 million shortfall in funding.The GRLC has proposed the closure of the Barwon Heads, Geelong West and Highton libraries in response to Council’s budget crunch.
Council’s Acting CEO Kaarina Phyland said the operator has options ‘they are choosing not to take up’.
“Like many governments and other organisations, we are under financial pressure due to rapidly rising costs,” she said.
“Our Council is facing difficult decisions as it looks to keep the City financially sustainable so we can continue to focus on the critical areas only a council can deliver for their community.
“Within this context we are asking all of our service providers to do the same.”
The GRLC has also proposed the transition of the Library to an unstaffed model, while the Corio and Boronggook Drysdale libraries are set to close on Sundays and eight local libraries will be closing earlier on Saturdays.
The Council’s proposed budget includes a total contribution towards the Geelong Regional Library Corporation of just below $14 million, including a cash contribution of $12.2 million.
Council said this is a $240,000 increase on funding from 2022-23, where the City contributed 85 per cent of the GRLC’s operating budget.
“We value the role that libraries play in our community and have requested the GRLC not close any libraries, but rather tighten their belt with our community’s needs front of mind,” Ms. Phyland said.
“The GRLC has options that they are choosing not to take up.
“We are in the process of assisting the GRLC to identify where they can make savings in senior roles and back office roles to align to an organisation of their size, as well as savings in other discretionary operating costs.
“The City has previously supplied payroll, finance and other back office services to the GRLC but the Corporation has chosen to take these responsibilities in house, adding to their overheads.
“We will consider taking library services in-house if the GRLC cannot find a way to operate all of Geelong’s libraries with the funding available.”
Image: The Geelong West Library is one of three slated for closure (file image).