Stawell and St Arnaud libraries will be withdrawn from the Wimmera Regional Library Corporation with operations to sit under the Shire from July 1.

The decision to withdraw from the corporation was made in a session of closed council in April last year but was resolved to be made public at the latest ordinary council meeting.

Northern Grampians former chief executive Michael Bailey announced in June 2019 council's library services would change and a transitional phase would be a 12-month process.

The changes to the library operations are part of a broader ongoing process of council continually looking at ways in which the organisation can provide services to the community more efficiently and effectively.

Northern Grampians Shire Council chief executive Liana Thompson said absorbing the library operations enabled Northern Grampians Shire Council to offer a better library experience to the community.

"The library review showed the current service model doesn't suit the community and we can provide a better service at a better price if we do it ourselves," she said.

"We have chosen a path that is best for the community in a financially sustainable way."

Ms Thompson said she could not provide an exact figure due to the decision being a commercial matter and was bound by contractual confidentiality.

"Our aim is to provide the same services currently on offer at the libraries and incorporate existing library staff into council," she said.

READ MORE: Future of Wimmera Regional Library Corporation questioned after councils announce service changes

"Libraries have moved from being just about books to being community hubs, and with that in mind, by taking the libraries under council's wing, we can create spaces that allow growth, promote learning across all demographics, and bring people closer together."

Council expects by incorporating library functions into the council's existing community services that there will be additional benefits for the community at a reduced cost.

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