Libraries Change Lives

Libraries Change Lives is a state-wide campaign that highlights the positive impacts that Victorian public libraries have on their communities, by providing opportunities to learn, create and belong.

What is the Libraries Change Lives campaign?

The campaign is a collaboration between Public Libraries Victoria and State Library Victoria, with support from library services across Victoria to develop a united voice and advocacy approach.

Victoria needs public libraries. Every day Victorians depend on public libraries for free and universal access to education, resources and programs. They rely on public libraries to provide a safe and welcoming space to go when they feel lonely or isolated.

Victoria’s population is increasing, yet library funding is not keeping up with population growth. However, investing in libraries makes sense: every dollar invested in libraries generates $4.30 in benefit to the local community.

Through the Libraries Change Lives campaign, Geelong Regional Libraries supports the call for an increase to operational funding from the State Government to enable public libraries to continue to meet the needs and expectations of growing communities.    

In 2022, the Libraries Change Lives campaign focuses on the positive impact of public libraries on mental wellbeing, social connectedness and physical health.

This campaign focus is aligned with the State Library of Victoria's and Public Libraries Victoria's strategic framework, Libraries for Health and Wellbeing 2024.

Libraries Change Lives – our public libraries need your support

Geelong Regional Libraries is proud to support the Libraries Change Lives campaign, and we need your help to add your voice to the campaign. In the menus below are some ways you can support Libraries Change Lives. 

To find out more about the campaign, visit the Libraries Change Lives website.

#1 Fill out a postcard in your local library

Visit your local library and pick up a Libraries Change Lives postcard to leave a message about how your library supports your mental wellbeing, social connectedness or physical health.

#2 Share the love on social media

Share your love for your local library on social media. It doesn’t need to be anything out of the ordinary – perhaps post a photo of a stack of books you’ve borrowed or share a message about why you love your local library.

Just make sure you tag #LibrariesChangeLives and our social channels so we can share your story!

Facebook: @GeelongRegionalLibraries
Twitter: @geelonglibrary
Instagram: @geelonglibraries

You could also tag your local MP so they hear your message of support.

#3 Tell us your story

Do you have a great story about why you love your local library?

Perhaps you learnt a new skill like 3D printing, started a business at the library or made a new friend at Toddler Time?

We'd love to hear your story and share real life examples of how public libraries make a difference. Please complete the form below.

#4 Visit your library and borrow!

The simplest way to support your library? Be an active library member!

Whether you borrow physical items or something from the eCollection, attend an Author Encounter, eKnow How or children’s session, use the free WiFi, or just visit a branch or Mobile Library – all of these actions help show your support. Even children can have their own library card and be active members!

 

Has the library changed your life? Tell us how!

We'd love to hear your story and share real life examples of how public libraries make a difference. To share your story share via the Libraries Change Lives form.

Click on the images below to read stories from some of our library members.

Geelong Regional Libraries is proud to support the Libraries Change Lives campaign, but we need your help to spread the word.

To find out more about the campaign, and how you can help, visit the Libraries Change Lives website.

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