30 years of library connection

MURRINDINDI Shire Council and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) have celebrated 30 years of partnership; three decades of sharing resources, knowledge and expertise to strengthen library services for Murrindindi communities. Councillors, council leaders, library staff and YPRL representatives came together in Alexandra on Wednesday, September 2 for a celebratory lunch and tour of the Alexandra Library. As part of the celebration, Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher presented YPRL Chief Executive Officer Nicole Rudden with a Certificate of Appreciation recognising the partnership and its shared commitment to helping people discover, learn and belong. The partnership began on July 1, 1996, following significant changes to local government and library services across Victoria. When Murrindindi established its own local library service, its agreement with YPRL connected residents to a collection of around 450,000 items, along with shared library systems, training and specialist services that would have been difficult for a small rural service to provide on its own. Thirty years later, much has changed. CD-ROM databases and physical computer systems have given way to eBooks, audiobooks, digital resources and cloud-based technology. But the principle at the heart of the partnership remains the same, sharing resources and expertise so Murrindindi communities can access opportunities and services beyond what a stand-alone rural library service could typically offer. Cr Gallagher said the partnership allowed Murrindindi to retain the local relationships and character of a rural library service while benefiting from the reach of a much larger library network. “Our libraries in Alexandra, Yea and Kinglake, together with our Mobile Library, are deeply connected to the communities they serve,” Cr Gallagher said. “Through YPRL, those local relationships are backed by extensive collections, digital resources, shared technology, specialist expertise and professional development. “It means someone walking into one of our libraries isn't limited by the size of the building they are standing in. They are connected to something much bigger.” YPRL Chief Executive Officer Nicole Rudden said the milestone reflected a partnership built on shared values and a commitment to high-quality library services. “Thirty years is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on everything our two organisations have achieved together,” Ms Rudden said. “While libraries and the way people access information have changed enormously since 1996, our shared purpose has remained constant, connecting people with resources, knowledge, opportunities and each other. “YPRL is incredibly proud of our partnership with Murrindindi Shire Council and we look forward to continuing to share our expertise and evolve our services together.” Cr Gallagher said the anniversary was also an opportunity to recognise the many people who had sustained the partnership over three decades. “Partnerships like this endure because of people, the library staff, volunteers, Friends of the Library groups, specialists and leaders across both organisations who have contributed over the years,” he said. “Together, they have helped generations of Murrindindi residents read, learn, discover and connect.” The anniversary comes as council develops its new Library Strategy and Action Plan, which will guide the future direction of Murrindindi Library Service. “We don't know exactly what libraries will look like in another 30 years, just as those establishing this partnership in 1996 couldn't have imagined everything our libraries offer today,” Cr Gallagher said. “But what we do know is that where someone lives should never limit what they can discover. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with YPRL and writing the next chapter together.”