21 September 2026

The Newtown community is celebrating a major milestone, with the newly redeveloped Chilwell Library now open in Sladen Park on Wadawurrung Country.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM joined State Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP, Geelong Regional Library Corporation deputy chair Cr Elise Wilkinson, Geelong Regional Library Corporation chief executive David Semmens and the Chilwell Library Group members to officially mark the occasion. Formalities began with a smoking ceremony from Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Ash Skinner.

The $2.5 million redevelopment was supported by $150,000 from the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, and $2.35 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

Construction began in July 2025 to transform the much loved library into a modern, light filled hub connected to the park, while preserving its neighbourhood charm.

The library’s footprint has expanded from 218 square metres to approximately 345 square metres. A further 75 square metres of outdoor decking and terraced seating now connects directly to the surrounding park.

First opened in 1958 and refurbished in 1993 and 2019, Chilwell Library has long been an intimate and community focused space close to the vibrant Pakington Street precinct.

The revitalised library provides a warm, safe and inclusive space for people across Newtown and surrounding suburbs.

Key features include:

• accessible entry
• large, flexible meeting room with storage
• small meeting room with kitchenette
• dedicated kids’ corner
• internal and external public toilets

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said the project aimed to provide an accessible and comfortable space that encouraged visitors to stay longer.

“The redeveloped Chilwell Library is a modern and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy that still feels true to its neighbourhood roots,” Mayor Kontelj said.

“This is a community asset that will be a place of learning and connection for local families and schools for many decades to come.

“It’s been a great collaborate effort from design through to construction. I’d like to thank the Victorian Government for their funding contribution as well as the Chilwell Library Group, who advocated on behalf of the community for upgraded amenities. I’m proud to say what’s been delivered is so much more than that.”

State Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP said, “I’d like to thank and congratulate the local Chilwell Library users who fought to keep this valuable asset for people of all ages in the community.”

“Libraries are vital to communities for education, enjoyment and social engagement,” Ms Couzens said.

“The redeveloped Chilwell Library is now a modern public asset that everyone can enjoy.”

Deputy Chair of Geelong Regional Library Corporation Cr Elise Wilkinson said, “Libraries are vital community hubs that bring people together through learning, literacy and connection.”

“The redeveloped Chilwell Library provides a more accessible and flexible space for the community, ensuring it continues to support discovery, creativity, and lifelong learning for generations to come,” Cr Wilkinson said.

For more information including opening hours, visit our locate page.

Pictured: Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM, Christine Couzens MP, Chilwell Library Group members Tracey Stone and Hilary Hoevenaars, Jan Laidlaw, Cr Chris Burson, Chilwell Library Group members Dorothy Trezise, Lynne Dowling, Peter Murrihy and GRLC board deputy chair Cr Elise Wilkinson.