Withers Library to get $300,000 for new operations with Bunbury council backing the service

[Pelican Press 0]

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

Withers Library to get $300,000 for new operations with Bunbury council backing the service

The Withers Library is expected to return to higher service levels with Bunbury councillors unanimously agreeing to allocate up to $300,000 to fund a new operating model after community backlash saved it from closure earlier this year.

In March, the City of Bunbury rescinded a motion which would have seen Foodbank WA’s Bunbury headquarters moved to the site, creating a community hub which many thought would see the library aspects lost for good.

But on Tuesday, the council accepted a report detailing the operational and resourcing needs to restore the library to pre-COVID service levels, which have dwindled since 2020.

Camera IconThe Withers Community Library Credit: Oliver Lane/South Western Times/RegionalHUB

A $300,000 cash injection was included for a new operating model, which will come from the 2025-26 budget.

The report suggested increasing the library’s operating hours up to 28 hours per week and hiring permanent staff at the library.

City of Bunbury mayor Jaysen Miguel said the finer details were yet to be ironed out through community consultation, such as what times the library would be open.

“What we’ve indicated, and what council has now supported, is saying that we’re allocating up to an extra $300,000,” he said.

“What council has effectively said is that we’ve committed to extending the hours out there and allocated some budget funds.”

Mr Miguel said the plan would start in September, after the recruitment process for new staff was completed.

Save Withers Library Action Group chair Betty McCleary gave a deputation at the council meeting, where she thanked the city for their support.

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

“I’m pleased to say it (the report) is overwhelmingly supported by our Action Group and the wider community,” she said.

“During our discussions, it became very evident management have put in many hours researching and planning the best way forward for the success of the working future of the library.”

Ms McCleary said she was confident “relevant, interesting and informative programs” would be restored at the hub.

“Libraries are a local gateway to knowledge, providing the foundation for lifelong learning, independent decision making, cultural development and social cohesion within our community,” she said.

She praised city staff for “their diligence and dedication” which produced a “responsible recommendation”.

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

#Withers #Library #operations #Bunbury #council #backing #service

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up