Stop Melbourne City Library redevelopment - save our library, books and reading spaces`
The issue
The City of Melbourne intends to convert level one of the City Library into meeting rooms and co-working spaces - work scheduled to begin in February. The fiction and non-fiction sections and level one computer areas will make way for the redevelopment. The books may or may not find space in other libraries. The Council has so far not provided specific details.
The City Library is the busiest lending library in Victoria and should remain a place for reading, research, writing, thinking, studying and relaxing - for all the people from our community and the country, interstate and overseas visitors who love to use the library. There are plenty of vacant office spaces in the city for people who want meeting rooms.
Yes, we are living in the digital age, but many people of all ages still enjoy browsing and reading hardcopy books, magazines and newspapers. Library users find it a safe haven from the hustle of the city and climate extremes. The computers on level one are a vital resource for the many people who don't have their own laptops, tablets or access to the internet at home. The library will be reduced to just the ground floor, a space which will not be adequate for all the people who currently enjoy using the library.
Our library - at the heart of the city - is a much-loved community resource and we also value the library staff who have established great working relationships and rapport with all the diverse people who visit. They have worked hard to make it a good experience for everybody.
The only notifications of the changes to be made have been online via social media - Facebook and Instagram - and within the City of Melbourne website - in very general terms, lacking details. There have been no notices posted around the library. Staff are not allowed to provide any information about the proposed redevelopment. Most library users are unaware of the drastic changes that are about to take place.
The City of Melbourne needs to act on its own policy to be open and transparent and listen to the community. As City Library users and supporters, we do not want our library downsized with the loss of thousands of books and most computers.
The issue
The City of Melbourne intends to convert level one of the City Library into meeting rooms and co-working spaces - work scheduled to begin in February. The fiction and non-fiction sections and level one computer areas will make way for the redevelopment. The books may or may not find space in other libraries. The Council has so far not provided specific details.
The City Library is the busiest lending library in Victoria and should remain a place for reading, research, writing, thinking, studying and relaxing - for all the people from our community and the country, interstate and overseas visitors who love to use the library. There are plenty of vacant office spaces in the city for people who want meeting rooms.
Yes, we are living in the digital age, but many people of all ages still enjoy browsing and reading hardcopy books, magazines and newspapers. Library users find it a safe haven from the hustle of the city and climate extremes. The computers on level one are a vital resource for the many people who don't have their own laptops, tablets or access to the internet at home. The library will be reduced to just the ground floor, a space which will not be adequate for all the people who currently enjoy using the library.
Our library - at the heart of the city - is a much-loved community resource and we also value the library staff who have established great working relationships and rapport with all the diverse people who visit. They have worked hard to make it a good experience for everybody.
The only notifications of the changes to be made have been online via social media - Facebook and Instagram - and within the City of Melbourne website - in very general terms, lacking details. There have been no notices posted around the library. Staff are not allowed to provide any information about the proposed redevelopment. Most library users are unaware of the drastic changes that are about to take place.
The City of Melbourne needs to act on its own policy to be open and transparent and listen to the community. As City Library users and supporters, we do not want our library downsized with the loss of thousands of books and most computers.
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 6 December 2023