Yarra Plenty Regional Library
Yarra Plenty Regional Library provides a public library service to the local government municipalities of the City of Banyule, Shire of Nillumbik and City of Whittlesea in the northeast of Melbourne Australia. There are nine branch libraries, a mobile library and outreach van. It is an independent legal entity with an executive management team which is responsible for day-to-day operations of the organisation. It is managed by the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Board made of two representatives of the three municipalities that constitute the service. Its role is to set the policy and direction for the regional library service. The library is administered from its Library Support Services located at PRACC North at the City of Whittlesea Civic Centre, Sth Morang. The library service covers an area of 988.4 km² including metropolitan, urban fringe and rural populations.
Service delivery is provided through nine branch libraries located at Greensborough, Eltham, Ivanhoe, Lalor, Mill Park, Rosanna, Thomastown, Watsonia and Whittlesea. Two mobile libraries provide services including a specially designed vehicle that visits institutions for those residents unable to visit a library. YPRL also provides computer services to Murrindindi Library Service, including full access to the library's database.
YPRL is a member of Libraries Australia and a member of Public Libraries Victoria
There are 115,000 members constituting 31 per cent of a population of nearly 400 000 people across the three municipalities. It has 155 staff and issues 3.6 million loans a year.
History
Heidelberg City Library became Heidelberg Regional Library in 1965 following the City of Heidelberg's agreement with the former Shire of Eltham and the Shire of Diamond Valley The Shire of Eltham was represented by Councilors Charice Pelling and John Lewis. In December 1976 the formerly became a member of the Heidelberg Regional Library Service The history of public library service in the City of Heidelberg dates back to 1899. Heidelberg City Library operated the first bookmobile in Victoria in 1954. As early as 1883 Whittlesea Shire residents were lobbying for a library.Yarra Plenty Regional Library was established in 1996 under the Local Government Act 1989 following changes in local government boundaries, an agreement between the new municipalities of Nillumbik Shire Council and Banyule and Whittlesea City Councils formed a Regional Library Corporation
The Library has a long and rich history of volunteerism which continues to this day. As early as 1980, Heidelberg Regional Library were recruiting volunteers to deliver books to local nursing homes.
In 2005 YPRL implemented a floating collection which means that a loaned item which includes books and audio visual materials can remain at a branch library when returned instead of being returned to the library from where it was borrowed.
In 2006 the library had the highest per capita rate of membership in Australia
In 2007, Yarra Plenty Regional Library commenced a change over to self service with the RFID tagging of the entire collection and installation of self check machines. These machines allow patrons to add items to their own card, with no staff required to assist. Part of the renovations to Eltham included a self returns machine so that patrons could also return their own materials rather than having staff do it. Changing completely to Self Check Out was a pioneering move on the part of the library, being one of the first in Australia to adopt the technology.
Wikinorthia, a community history wiki was launched in 2008, a project allowing users to add and edit content. It was the first project of its kind in Australia, engaging people from communities across Moreland, Darebin, Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea.
In November 2010 YPRL launched its new discovery layer website with an integrated catalogue. YPRL was the first library in Australia to utilise this technology via the Canadian company Bibliocommons.
In 2012 the Doggy Tales reading support program for children started at Diamond Valley Library and has since been extended to most branch libraries. In 2017 YPRL had the largest LOTE collection in Victoria.
In August 2018 YPRL removed all fines from children's books. On 1 July 2019 the Library removed all fines from all items returned late.
On 16 March 2020 all branches were closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. While branches were physically closed, some services such as eLibrary services remained available and programs such as virtual storytimes were developed and delivered such as Facebook live storytime. From 1 June 2020 eight libraries and the mobile library re-opened for a restricted "click and collect" service. On 30 June 2020, libraries opened as part of stage two plans with changes in place including reduced visitor numbers, varied opening hours and visits limited to an hour.
Collections
In addition to the library's management system Sirsi Dynix Digital collections are accessible from a variety of different platforms including Flickr, HistoryPin and Places of Pride.Libraries
Diamond Valley Library
is one of two libraries in the Shire of Nillumbik. The current building was opened on 5 May 1984. Built at a cost of $430,534 it sits beside the Nillumbik Shire Offices in Civic Drive, Greensborough. It replaced the former library which operated out of the basement of these offices, the former Shire of Diamond Valley. The Local History Collection at Diamond Valley Library is of historic significance to the City of Banyule and the Shire of Nillumbik as a record of the history of the community who made up the defunct Shire of Diamond Valley. The Collection's range of material reflects major themes in the history of the former Shire and surrounding areas, in particular late twentieth century urban development. YPRL was a recipient of a Local History Grant Program in 2007–2008 for the Diamond Valley Local History Digitisation Project. The Diamond Valley Toy Library operates out of the community room.In December 2014 a community garden was unveiled which included a no-dig garden in order to promote sustainable living. It has a A local food swap event takes place twice a month. The library is a member of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation which aims to help children form positive food habits for life, by embedding gardening in food education. The library has increased its programing around healthy eating, sustainability and gardening skills. In December 2019 Nillumbik Shire Council received $500,000 for the redevelopment of Diamond Valley Library under the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program. Nillumbik Shire Council to contribute $270,000 and Yarra Plenty Regional Library $80,000. Planned improvements include an extended children's area, introducing flexible co-working spaces, adding a tech area for young people, building a community meeting room with kitchen facilities, refurbishing the quiet study area and improving accessibility.
Eltham Library
Library is one of two libraries in the Shire of Nillumbik. The library complex was officially opened on 22 May 1994. It was designed by Melbourne architect Greg Burgess and won the Royal Australian Institute of Architects' Institutional Architecture Award in 1995. The building is located in a historically significant setting adjacent to Shillinglaw Cottage, the timber trestle railway bridge and a number of old oak and peppercorn trees. The setback, height of walls and the roof, materials and colours were chosen to complement this natural setting. 14,100 mudbricks were made locally for the building. The library foyer incorporates a community art gallery. Exhibitions are managed through the Shire of Nillumbik. An extensive re-modelling and renovation took place in 2010, adding more space with the removal of the large circulation desk turning this into a reading corner, adding more computers. A new children's courtyard was designed by Jeavons Landscape Architects,in collaboration with Greg Burgess Architects. The Eltham Library is a significant heritage listed building in the Nillumbik Shire. A sculpture of local author Alan Marshall by Marcus Skipper welcomes visitors to the library.The Local History Collection at Eltham Library is of historic significance to the Shire of Nillumbik. It reflects the history of the communities that made up the former Shire of Eltham from the 1840s. The collection's focus and scope reflects major themes in the history of the area. In 2013, YPRL were a recipient of a 2012–2013 Local History Grant to digitise and catalogue The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph collection held in partnership by Yarra Plenty Regional Library and Eltham District Historical Society. Eltham Library was rated fifth out of seventeen best libraries for kids across Melbourne in January 2018.
Ivanhoe Library
Library is one of three libraries in the City of Banyule and is the oldest library building in the Region. It was opened on 8 October 1965. It is located next door to the former Heidelberg Town Hall and Civic Centre. It includes two main floors and a mezzanine floor. Architects were Leith & Bartlett Pty Ltd and the builders were Neilson & Robinson Pty Ltd Mordiallic. It was built at a cost of £7,000 and was also at that time the Regional Library headquarters. The Local History Collection at Ivanhoe Library is of historic significance to the City of Banyule. Its range of material reflects major themes in the history of the former City of Heidelberg, as defined in 1964, including early settlement, local institutions, and twentieth century urban development. The library has a State government funding for a new Ivanhoe Library was announced by the Minister for Local Government in December 2017, following support for a Living Libraries Infrastructure program. A major project to build a new Ivanhoe library and cultural hub will commence in 2019 It will be built at a cost of $29 million. $23.8 million of which will be contributed by the Victorian State Government. Buxton Construction have been appointed as builders. Construction commenced in mid-February 2019. The state-of-the-art building will include a modern accessible library, an art gallery, conference and meeting spaces, maternal and child health consulting suits, an informal theartrette and a cafe. Construction is expected to be completed by September 2020. The library was closed on 20 March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and did not re-open. This presented an opportunity for the building to be demolished earlier than expected.Lalor Library
Library is one of four libraries in the City of Whittlesea. A temporary building opened on 11 November 1976, followed by a permanent building which finally opened in 1985 after funding was made available on its current site at May Road, Lalor. New facilities and an extension was designed by Terence Carey Architects took place in 2003. In 2006 a community art mural was created for an inside wall after the library had recently been refurbished featuring 21 butterflies, each unique, emerging from the pages of a book all made from mosaic tiles by artists. Further renovations took place in 2013 when the heating and cooling system was replaced with a climate control system and improvements were made to the public foyer, seating, signage and library toilets. The library has a popular toy library.Mill Park Library
Library is one of four libraries in the City of Whittlesea. It opened on 23 June 2002 and was built at a cost of $6 million. It was built by Melbourne architects Oaten Stanistreet and was one of Victoria's largest public libraries at the time. It was the first to be built on the concept of a hybrid digital/print library. The Library was awarded the Victorian Engineering Excellence Award in October 2003.The J.W. Payne Local History Collection at Mill Park Library is of historic significance to the City of Whittlesea. Its range of material reflects major themes in the history of the municipality from the time of traditional Aboriginal occupation to the present.
In 2012 Mill Park Library was the first public library in Victoria to host a digital hub serviced by the National Broadband Network.
In November 2013 Mill Park launched the states first in a Victorian public library.
The Chancez Café opened in November 2017. In partnership with Araluen – a support service for adults with disabilities in Melbourne's north-east suburbs. Visitors to the library can grab a coffee two mornings a week. In December 2017 the Victorian State Government allocated funding $559,493 to Whittlesea City Council for library refurbishment.
In early 2018 Mill Park was among a number of libraries to join the Libraries after dark program. The library is open one night late to offer a safe place for people who may otherwise play poker machines, but it is open to the whole community.
In 2019 the City of Whittlesea will refurbish the Chancez Cafe area, make improvements to the children's area, update quiet study spaces and meeting rooms, and undergo general refurbishments such as improved lighting and air-conditioning. In January 2019 The City of Whittlesea advertised Refurbishment Works at Mill Park Library on their eTendering portal described as "building refurbishment works includes demolition, mechanical, electrical and hydraulic services, floor coverings, painting and all associated works at the Mill Park Library". Works commenced in May 2019 to renovate the space to be more flexible and open and to construct an outdoor deck. The children's area, maker space and cafe facilities will be improved and new furniture added. In July 2019 the library re-opened following the two-month closure and $1 million makeover. Further improvements included the installation of a cubby and breastfeeding nook and increase in the number of seats and tables for use. In May 2020 the City of Whittlesea invited separate tenders for HVAC upgrade works including the demolition, removal and disposal of the exisitng system and the supply and installation of a new system. Amenities upgrade works and lighting upgrade works at Mill Park Library.
Rosanna Library
Library is one of three libraries in the City of Banyule. It was opened on 15 August 1973 by the Minister for Local Government and Planning Mr Hunt. The library is located at Turnham Avenue near the corner of Douglas Street. It was built with a bluestone exterior at a cost of $140,000. In addition the City of Heidelberg had purchased the property which included a shop at the corner. This was eventually demolished and the area landscaped. The design of the layout is an open look. Following the construction and opening of a new Rosanna Railway Station and removal of the nearby level crossing at Lower Plenty Road in 2018, there is concern about the impact of further development in the immediate area, next door to the library with the construction of a Woolworths Supermarket. The Library has a The City of Banyule operate a customer service kiosk inside the library.Thomastown Library
Library is one of four libraries in the City of Whittlesea. The library is located beside the Edgars Creek Trail and walking distance to Westgarthtown. It opened in April 1993. In 2005 Thomastown Library was extended to include meeting rooms, a computer room with 16 terminals, a landscaped courtyard, storage area and kitchenette and revamped children's area which was lauded as a community hub and a model for community projects across Victoria by the State Government. Three art projects were also implemented at this time which included an outdoor mosaic work incorporating the themes of water, migration and Edgar's Creek, a 10-metre long curved glass entry wall and circulation desk windows featuring images of local people and places and the teenage area features images of local teenagers involved in a number of activities. In late 2015, early 2016 improvements were undertaken in the building which included building extension works of 10 square metres for a multiple purpose room and office space and 145 square metres of office reconfiguration works to provide two maternal & child health centre consulting rooms, waiting area and program room within the community hub. The Library has a . It has a strong partnership with Thomastown Neighbourhood House which is located in the library. A coffee cart opened in September 2016.Watsonia Library
Library is one of three libraries in the City of Banyule. It was opened in front of a large crowd of residents in November 1988 by the Diamond Valley Shire President Cr Val Simpson. It was designed by architect Mr Peter Hirst. A renovation and extension took place in 2002 which included a new children's area, quiet study reading space, areas for accessing information technology and a community meeting area. A public art installation was also commissioned by the City of Banyule. The Wings of the Waa Mojety was installed on the library building by the artist, Andrea Tomaselli. It represents the Wurundjeri people, the native custodians of the land as well as music, and other symbols of educational and social art forms. A multimedia artwork: "Unrestricted Under the Sea" was also produced and installed in front of the meeting room. The piece was a result of a partnership between YPRL, Banyule City Council and Neami, an organisation that provides a mental health support service. A Japansese courtyard garden was installed in June 2012. In 2015, a further refurbishment took place which included the addition of a lab bar where library users can access free Wi-Fi, new carpet, shelving and furnishings, an updated children's library, interior and exterior painting and improved access to public computers. Watsonia Library hosts a write and publish maker space.Whittlesea Library
The Whittlesea Community Activity Centre and Library was officially opened on Saturday 18 October 2015. Whittlesea Library was funded by the City of Whittlesea and a grant from the Victorian State Government's Living Libraries infrastructure program. The Library is 250 sqm and supports a collection of about 19,000 items. Special features of the building include a children's outdoor reading space, a reading lounge with a gas log fire and a media area designed for teenagers The Centre includes a state-of-the-art community hub and includes meeting rooms and the main Memorial hall which can seat up to 200 people. The hall includes four Victorian Ash Architectural Trusses spanning 13 meters long.In April 2016 Whittlesea Library launched the Mr Whittles Robot program. "Mr Whittles" is a telepresence robot on a miniature segway-style base with an iPad mounted on a telescopic pole to engage isolated seniors in the community. Less mobile residents can have access to virtual tours, consultations and events without leaving home. This interactive robot will be located within Whittlesea Library and be available to local aged care facilities and socially isolated residents. Funding for this project came from the Whittlesea Bowls Club who donated $5,200 and Whittlesea Community House which donated an iPad air. Whittlesea Library is the first public library in Australia to use this style of robot to allow aged care residents and house-bound residents to engage and reconnect with the community. In August 2017 Whittlesea Library became a hub to host a set of Federation Bells that were first created to mark the Centenary of Federation in 2001. A decision to host a drag queen to present a storytime session coinciding with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia Day in 2019 created controversy in the media.
Mobile Library
A new Mobile Library was launched in January 2006. This state-of-the-art vehicle is one of the biggest in Australia and also one of the busiest. It transports about 10,500 items. The vehicle's features included three public access PCs with Internet access via a roof-mounted satellite dish. It also has space for activities such as children's story times. The mobile attends local festivals and events and has the ability to operate independently with its own generator. The attractive graphics on the vehicle featured local faces. Following the devastation of the Black Saturday fires in 2009, the mobile resumed service to the fire affected Shires of Nillumbik and Whittlesea as soon as the roads were reopened. The mobile library provided a touch of normality for the residents contributing to the initial recovery.In early 2018 the mobile library had a considerable refurbishment, including new graphics on the side and back of the vehicle and change over of staff after the retirement of two long-term employees of YPRL. In January 2019 YPRL took delivery of a new Mercedes-Benz prime mover. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Actros 2646 has a Euro 6 engine with 460hp, 6 × 4 drive line, a 12-speed automated transmission with a dual axle trailer. The entire vehicle is 19 metres long. The trailer was especially made and extends sideways to nearly the double floor space inside. The satelite dish and one PC were removed in the 2018 refurbishment.
The mobile library's schedule includes stops at Epping, Doreen, Mernda, Panton Hill, St Andrews, Hurstbridge, North Warrandyte, Kangaroo Ground, Diamond Creek, Arthurs Creek, Yarrambat, West Heidelberg and Christmas Hills.