Chilwell Library, Newtown to close for 12 months

Chilwell Library will be closed for 12 months as part of a $2.5m redevelopment.

Library manager Deanne Verity with local residents Dorethy Trezise and Jan Laidlaw at Chilwell library which will be closed for renovations. Picture: Brad Fleet

Chilwell Library will be closed for 12 months as part of a $2.5m redevelopment.

The library, located on Russell St in Newtown, shut on June 29 so staff could remove collections, furniture and equipment.

Construction is scheduled to start on July 7, with the library expected to reopen in mid-2026.

The revitalised library is expected to be larger and include meeting rooms, an outdoor deck and public toilets.

The community campaigned to save the Chilwell Library in 2017 – with more than 500 people signing a petition to keep it open.

The library was again spared from cuts in 2023 following community backlash after the Geelong Regional Library Corporation announced a controversial proposal to shutter several libraries and leave Chilwell Library unstaffed.

Chilwell Library Group member Lynne Dowling said the group had worked for eight years to retain the library and achieve the improvements.

“Our members have been strong representatives of the former City of Newtown,” Ms Dowling said.

Ms Dowling said the group’s oldest member, Dorothy Trezise, was the daughter of the first female Mayor of Newtown – Zillah Crawcour.

“Over many years these women, and our other members, have continued to work for the benefit of the community of Newtown and Chilwell, and continue to do so,” Ms Dowling said.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the redevelopment reflected the city’s commitment to investing in inclusive, accessible, and vibrant community spaces.

“Chilwell Library is a cherished local hub, and this redevelopment will ensure it continues to serve the community for generations to come,” he said.

“It was important that we worked closely with GRLC and Chilwell Library Group to design a welcoming space that meets the needs of the community.”

Geelong Regional Libraries chief executive officer Vanessa Schernickau said the libraries were central to communities.

Residents can visit nearby libraries, including Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and the Geelong West Library, while the redevelopment is underway.

For more information and project updates, visit: geelongaustralia.com.au/clr.

Originally published as Chilwell Library, Newtown to close for 12 months