More residents join Geelong libraries to combat soaring cost of living

More young people in Geelong are taking advantage of their local libraries to save some coin as residents continue to feel the pinch of rising cost of living.

Library officer Harper Williams-Treloar at the Boronggook Drysdale Library. Picture: Alan Barber

Geelong residents are taking advantage of free services available at their local library as the cost of living continues to soar.

More than 17,000 people have joined Geelong Regional Libraries this financial year, which has about 120,000 members.

Customer feedback regularly mentions that libraries are “invaluable” during the cost of living crisis.

Local libraries have seen a jump in young people joining in the past financial year, including a 73 per cent rise in youth membership, for ages 12 to 17, and a 40 per cent increase in child membership, ages up to 11-years-old.

Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation (GRLC) board chair Liz Pattison said libraries were “no longer just about borrowing books”.

“Our vast range of programs and events appeal to people of all ages, from vital early literacy programs to author talks to writers’ workshops to craft sessions where people gather to create, but more importantly to connect,” she said.

When families start to feel the cost of living pinch, they may struggle to find extra money for extra-curricular and after school activities or school holiday programs, Ms Pattison said.

“Our libraries are safe and inclusive spaces and our school holiday and after school programs not only foster in children a lifelong love of reading, but also offer programs that promote digital,” she said.

Library officer Harper Williams-Treloar at the Boronggook Drysdale Library. Picture: Alan Barber

Ms Pattison said residents could not only save money on books and films but other services which were available for free.

“You can borrow a thermal imaging camera to check the energy efficiency of your home potentially cutting costs on energy bills,” she said.

“These cameras cost upwards of $800 but can be borrowed for free from your local library.”

Ms Pattison said “everyone was welcome at the library”.

“When one in four Australian feel lonely, library programs that foster social connection are invaluable,” she said.

To find your nearest library, visit www.grlc.vic.gov.au.

Originally published as More residents join Geelong libraries to combat soaring cost of living