Libraries Change Lives is a statewide advocacy campaign designed to build community support and attract additional state government funding for the state’s 272 public libraries, which attract more than 30 million visitors a year and generate $328m in economic activity.

New economic modelling demonstrated how every dollar invested in Yarra Libraries returns $4.80 of benefits to the community. (Source: Libraries Work! The socio-economic value of public libraries to Victorians, 2018) An increase to operational funding from the State Government would enable public libraries to meet the needs of growing communities with increased opening hours, improved collections and more specialist staff support.

Yarra Libraries launched the campaign in late September at Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library, in partnership with Public Libraries Victoria Network (PLVN) and State Library Victoria.

Comedian Cal Wilson opened the event with a speech about the power of storytelling, followed by special guest Abiola Ajetomobi, director of the Innovation Hub at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, who spoke about how libraries changed her life, the lives of refugees and new migrants in Australia

PLVN President Joseph Cullen, Casey-Cardinia Libraries CEO Chris Buckingham and State Library Victoria CEO Kate Torney spoke about the value and social benefit of public libraries. This video captures the energy and spirit of the day and demonstrates our commitment to serving the needs of our community.

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