The interim council of the City of Greater Geelong has decided to close the Chilwell Library, Newtown, on 30th June, 2017, with only 10 days’ notice on the Council website and no community consultation. These administrators have questionable connection to and understanding of its value to the community.

The 1265 members of the library will know of its value to young and old alike and will appreciate it providing a friendly place to sit in the sun and read the paper, access the internet, bring the children for storytime and borrow books, CDs and DVDs, within walking distance of their homes.   

There are no other such facilities within walking distance of this growing community of 10,000+ people, a significant percentage of whom are older, without vehicles and without internet access.

For six decades Chilwell Library has served the COGG’s municipal health plan’s own goals of promoting physical activity and community connectedness. It is a small, intimate and community-focussed library, situated between Sladen Park and the Maternal Health Centre and very close to the vibrant Pakington street precinct, making it an ideal community hub.