MEDIA RELEASE | TRANSITION TO CENTRAL WEST LIBRARIES
Published on 01 April 2025
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS: TRANSITION TO CENTRAL WEST LIBRARIES
The Grenfell Public Library will officially transition its management to Central West Libraries on 1 May 2025, marking an exciting new chapter for the local community. This change will bring many benefits, including professional management, enhanced library services, and a more strategic approach to library operations.
Mayor Paul Best expressed his enthusiasm for the transition, stating: “We are excited to bring Central West Libraries’ expertise to Grenfell. This transition will ensure that the Weddin Shire community has access to more resources, services, and programs that will enrich the lives of everyone who uses our library. This guarantees that residents will have extensive library services well into the future.”
Central West Libraries is a regional library service who deliver resources, programs, and services across several communities in the Central West, including Cowra, Forbes, Blayney, Canowindra, Molong, Manildra, and Orange. With a focus on delivering quality library services, Central West Libraries is dedicated to lifelong learning, creativity, and community engagement.
Cameron Morley, Head of Public Library Services at the State Library NSW said “The State Library supports regional cooperation, indeed over 50 councils across NSW participate in regional or cooperative library services under the Library Act 1939. The benefits include economies of scale for systems and procurement, as well as access to larger collections, collection management, shared information technology, programming, staffing, training and support. Libraries can maintain their local identity while benefitting from being part of a larger system.”
Cameron Morley continued to say “As a member of a regional library, Weddin Shire Council will continue to receive State Library subsidy payments in accordance with the Library Act 1939 and is eligible to apply for Public Library Infrastructure Grants.”
The impact on library members will be kept to a minimum during the transition. The Grenfell Library will continue to operate five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday. Library users will have uninterrupted access to services from 1 May 2025 and will not need a new membership card. Additionally, online services such as BorrowBox, Indyreads, and Story Box will remain unaffected, ensuring seamless access to digital resources.
The shift to Central West Libraries represents a significant step forward, bringing several key benefits to the Weddin Shire community. Central West Libraries will apply its expertise in library management, ensuring more strategic and efficient operation of the Grenfell Public Library. Library users will enjoy access to a broader selection of materials, with new titles added weekly. This will offer access to a wider range of books, e-books, audiobooks, and other resources for members to enjoy. Grenfell Library will also offer an expanded calendar of community programs and events designed to engage residents of all ages.
Staff have been consulted along the way and had earlier met with the staff of Central West Libraries on the transition process.
The transition will ensure a professionally managed service, while maintaining the same high-quality, local experience that residents have come to expect.
For more information, please contact Auburn Carr, Economic Development Officer, at 02 6343 1864 or via email at auburn@weddin.nsw.gov.au
Noreen Vu
GENERAL MANAGER
1 April 2025
-END-