Geelong library closures: Council says ‘there are options’

A numbers war has broken out amid threats several libraries would close across Geelong. See the full breakdown.

A cash stoush better library CEO Vanessa Schernickau, left, and Geelong council acting CEO Kaarina Phyland, right could see three libraries closed. Picture: Brad Fleet

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The region’s library management has been told to “tighten its belt”, not close libraries, or face losing control of its Geelong sites amid a fierce numbers war with council.

Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation (GRLC) has proposed to shut three sites and cut opening hours at seven others to make up for a $1m funding shortfall.

The corporation is due to have $4.7m in cash reserves in July, according to draft budget papers.

GRLC said libraries at Barwon Heads, Highton and Geelong West could be shut by September 30 after the City of Greater Geelong council hadn’t allocated enough money to operate two new major libraries.

But Geelong council acting chief executive Kaarina Phyland said GRLC had “options that they are choosing not to take up”.

She said council would consider taking management of libraries in house if GRLC was unable to keep all Geelong libraries open.

Council’s draft budget shows it is due to have $164m in “cash and cash equivalents” in July.

GRLC is responsible for 19 libraries in the Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway, Golden Plains and Surf Coast council areas.

Geelong council’s contribution to GRLC is due to rise by $244,000 in 2023-24 to $12.24m. About 85 per cent of GRLC’s operating budget comes from the council.

GRLC chief executive Vanessa Schernickau said the council’s 2023-24 funding for libraries failed to cover the $1.118m cost to operate the recently opened Boronggook Drysdale Library and the Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library due to open next year.

Asked if GRLC could fill the blackhole, Ms Schernickau said it needed cash on hand to meet spikes in fortnightly payroll and supplier payments which are due to increase in coming years.

“Our ability to meet short term obligations would be compromised if we used our cash to fund the additional $1.1m staffing costs for the new Drysdale and Armstrong Creek libraries in FY24.”

Meeting of the Save Geelong West Library Group this morning. Geelong council wants to close our library in October. We won’t let this happen! SAVE THE LIBRARY!! @Hwtippet @margaretpaul @abcmelbourne @RichardMarlesMP @CCouzensMP #geelong @GreaterGeelong @geelongaddy @Raf_Epstein pic.twitter.com/MmqphK9bF3

— Kate (@kesaust) May 13, 2023

Ms Schernickau said the shortfall would increase to $1.8m in FY25.

“We will need to find a further $700k to pay for the additional Armstrong Creek wages and salaries in subsequent years, making our total shortfall $1.8m of savings we must find.

Ms Phyland said the council wanted GRLC to “tighten their belt” not close libraries.

“We are in the process of assisting the GRLC to identify where they can make savings in senior roles and back office roles … as well other discretionary operating costs.

“The city has previously supplied payroll, finance and back office services to GRLC but the corporation has chosen to take these responsibilities in house, adding to their overheads.”

Financial statements shows GRLC’s income will rise by $680,042 to $17.55m in 2023-24 while employee costs will rise by $595,092 to $13.06m in the same period.

At June 30 the GRLC cash forecast is due to be $4.7m, and it is due to record a $498,000 deficit in 2023-24.

GRLC has about 56 full-time permanent staff and 64 part-time staff.

GRLC’s and Geelong council’s budgets are opened for public comment.

Originally published as Geelong library closures: Council says ‘there are options’