THE Wimmera Regional Library Corporation has responded to news that three councils will withdraw their library services from the corporation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians and Yarriambiack shire councils recently announced they will longer be a part of the corporation as of July 2020.
The Wimmera Regional Library Corporation includes libraries in Dimboola, Edenhope, Goroke, Harrow, Horsham, Kaniva, Nhill, St Arnaud, Stawell and Warracknabeal.
Corporation chief executive Ann Twyford said the three councils would employ current local library staff as council staff instead.
"However, the library will have to look at alternatives for the Mobile Library Operator and other affected WRLC staff who deliver library services in the background," she said.
"Over the next 12 months, WRLC will negotiate with the three member councils in the withdrawal process. Everyone will work together to ensure a smooth transition of library services.
"We anticipate that there will be minimal disruption to communities and library patrons in using their library services."
Yarriambiack Shire Council chief executive Jessie Holmes said the council would maintain the static library at Warracknabeal along with its current staff, however said the mobile library would be replaced with a local community model.
Hindmarsh Shire Council's chief executive officer Greg Wood said the council would implement static library services at Jeparit and Rainbow from July 2020. He also said works on the new Dimboola Library would start soon.
Northern Grampians Shire Council chief executive Michael Bailey said the council's library services in Stawell, St Arnaud and Marnoo would change by making library staff council employees. He said this would reduce the cost of administering library services.
Horsham Rural City Council's community wellbeing director Kevin O'Brien said the council had requested the WRLC board to assess the financial and service implications as a result of withdrawal by the three councils.
"Council will determine its position in relation to its membership of the Wimmera Regional Library Corporation after the financial and service implications as a result of withdrawal by the three Councils is known," he said.
The Mail-Times has contacted West Wimmera Shire Council for comment.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.
