Darebin Libraries and Learning Strategy 2020-24

I'm amazed every time I come that my local community has such a wonderful free resource that allows everyone to participate in learning and sharing. Library customer, March 2019

The Darebin Libraries and Learning Strategy 2020-24 was adopted by Council in September 2020.

In developing the Strategy, we asked our community what they wanted and needed from us, and how we could support your lifelong learning. We also considered how our population is growing and how the way we live, work and learn is changing. We looked at the challenges facing all of us, including the climate emergency, the recovery from COVID-19, increasing income inequality and social isolation.

To help us continue to provide services that benefit our community, we will use a community-centred approach and focus on four key goals that were developed with the Darebin community:

1. Equity of access: We will provide services, resources and facilities that enable all community members to access our libraries
2. A thriving and resilient community: We will promote and support the wellbeing and resilience of our community through increased opportunities for lifelong learning and social connection
3. Welcoming safe spaces: We will create welcoming, safe, flexible and inclusive physical and digital spaces
4. Responsive services: We will continue to build Darebin Libraries' capacity to provide services to meet our community's needs

To see what we envision for our libraries in Darebin for the next four years, please read our Strategy which has been included in the document library on the right of this page.

Thank you to members of both the Lifelong Learning Strategy Reference Group and the Darebin Libraries Strategy Implementation Reference Group and everyone who participated in the consultation activities and provided their feedback. We heard from over 4,375 community members and community organisation representatives, including those who don't currently use our libraries. Your feedback has been incredibly valuable as we shape Darebin Libraries' future direction.

You can view a summary of the consultation findings from the community engagement activities so far in the document library on the right of this page.

Progress reports on the delivery of this Strategy will be found at: www.darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au/strategy/