Council stays behind Berwick Library

By Jim Mynard
CASEY Council was expected to continue its financial support for the historic Berwick Library after officers recommended the library receive $27,000 a year for the next three years, indexed to the CPI.
This week Casey director of community services Jennie Lee, in a report to the council, described the library as a fascinating local service steeped in local history that was used by many members of the Casey community.
Ms Lee said the library was unusual in that it ran five days a week almost entirely on volunteer labour and a low operating budget.
“The library opened in 1862 as one of many mechanics’ institutes throughout Victoria and is now one of only five to still lend books.”
Ms Lee said that when the council of the day joined the regional library service Berwick Library decided to remain independent.
“By 1982 the library building was in dire need of replacement and the library and council replaced the building in a joint arrangement, but retained the facade.
“The library provided a $40,000 contribution, council and donations contributed a further $50,000 each towards the cost.
“In exchange the library gave up its 500year lease on the site and the council acquired the property by compulsory acquisition.
“The council then gave the library a 50year lease on the building, plus a 50year option.”
Ms Lee said the library operated five days a week and opened late on Friday nights and Saturdays in order to remain accessible to fulltime workers.
“It makes nearly 800 loans a week and 300 home deliveries a year.
“The average cost of a loan from the Berwick library is 94 cents compared to the state average of $3 a loan.”
Ms Lee said the High Street library played an important role in the lives of borrowers and volunteers.
“It is a unique part of the heritage of the City of Casey and for more than 120 years a lender of books to residents.”
She said the library also displayed books by local authors, provided a lowcost photocopy service, held weekly children’s storytelling, provided free internet access, visited housebound and hospitalised residents, donated surplus books to Papua New Guinea, provided a community noticeboard and preserved rare Australian books.