Volunteers Jean Silk (left), Marie Livera, Joy Studd, Gay Deleur and Lorna Coleman are delighted with the $10,000 allocated to the Berwick Free Library.
By Callan Date
THE BERWICK Free Library will start another chapter in its proud history with $10,000 allocated to buy new books and update facilities.
Bookworms will be treated to a range of current novels, updated computers and modernised shelving as part of the funding package given to the Berwick Mechanics Institute and Free Library last Friday.
Library treasurer Graham Hughes was delighted with the funding and said borrowers could soon expect an exciting new look at the High Street centre.
“We will be spending the money on several large print books as well as new audiovisual items. The library will also have new display stands, computers and shelving,” Mr Hughes said.
More children’s books will also be added to the catalogue that has continuously served the wider Berwick community for 142 years.
“The institute was established in Berwick in 1864 and the funding will make sure it can continue to provide a great service to the Berwick people,” he said.
The money is part of a State Government special grants package that resulted in six mechanics institutes across Victoria receiving funding.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato welcomed the grant and said Berwick people would benefit greatly from the funding.
“The Berwick Mechanics Institute has a long history of community building and educating the local community,” Ms Lobato said.
“Libraries and services provided by the mechanics institutes help give local communities access to educational and lifelong opportunities as well as modern technologies,” she said.
