Victorian families under financial strain are turning to their local library

Victorian libraries are struggling to cope with the influx of people through the doors and are calling on the Andrews government to provide more funding.

Free children’s services, such as Baby Rhyme Time and Story Time, are attracting hundreds of people to libraries every week. Picture: Mark Stewart

Victorians who can’t afford to pay everyday bills amid the cost-of-living crunch are turning to libraries to access free computers, Wi-Fi and heating.

Parents unable to pay for their children’s entertainment and adults searching the web for jobs and tutoring are flooding free library activities, sparking calls for more state government funding.

And many libraries are resorting to shorter opening hours, cuts to staffing levels and programs, and reduced investment in collections in response.

With so many Victorian households under financial strain, Public Libraries Victoria chief Angela Savage said libraries were one of the few places anyone could attend for free.

There are calls for more state government funding for libraries. Picture: Mark Stewart

“When families are having to ditch their home internet so they can put food on the table, libraries are there to provide free access to computers, internet and Wi-Fi,” she said.

“The cost-of-living crisis is pushing up the demand for public libraries as people can’t afford to run their heating or cooling and instead they spend their time at the library seeking shelter, comfort and connection.”

Ms Savage said free children’s services, such as Baby Rhyme Time and Story Time, were attracting hundreds of people to libraries every week.

“Our school holiday programs were packed last month, as well as crucial programs for seniors, tutoring services and JobSeeker support,” she said.

Jamson, 1, enjoys Baby Time at the Williams Landing Library Lounge with mum Carol. Picture: Mark Stewart

Libraries struggling to cope with the influx of people have launched an SOS to the state government ahead of the Victorian budget.

Ms Savage said the state government’s funding for Victorian libraries had been steadily declining in real terms for years, failing to keep up with the growing population and inflation.

“Our libraries play a crucial role in Victorians’ lives, with one in three people a member of their local library,” she said.

“On any given day, there are hundreds of free programs running and 60,000 people visiting a public library.”

Ms Savage said while funding appears to be increasing year-on-year – currently $7.06 per resident – when inflation and rising costs are accounted for, the funding was actually decreasing to $5.93 per resident.

Public Libraries Victoria is also calling for a “funding lifeline” of $28m over four years to the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.

Earlier this year inter-library loans were suspended due to changes to the government’s State Purchasing Contract, which saw courier costs increase by 300 to 720 per cent. Ms Savage said while a reprieve was granted in the form of a pilot courier program with Australia Post, costs are still higher and there are still restrictions in place.

“This service is heavily relied upon by regional communities that continue to be hit hard by the urban divide. Additional funding is key to support these vital services,” she said. A government spokesperson said: “The 2023-24 Victorian budget will be handed down on May 23.”