By JESSE GRAHAM
LILYDALE’S library will move from the Yarra Ranges Council office to Box Hill Institute’s Lilydale Lakeside campus, following a decision from councillors on Tuesday 14 June.
At the Tuesday council meeting, councillors voted six-to-one to support the library’s relocation from its location in Anderson Street to the Jarlo Drive campus’s LA building.
Councillor Terry Avery said the library would be located on the ground level of the campus, and said that, although the campus was located away from the main street, the location would be “warmly received by the community”.
Councillor Mike Clarke seconded the motion, and said the campus had the “right ambiance” to support the library.
“Along with it comes a really good deal and really good work done by our staff,” he said.
“There’s been a lot of work on this – we’ve got the best outcome available.”
The council officer’s report said there were “limited suitable sites” within central Lilydale to house the library, and that the campus had been highlighted as the most suitable.
“The co-location with an educational facility and amenities such as cafes and shops, higher levels of safety at night, convenient parking and connection to an outdoor space were the differentiating factors,” the report read.
The report also noted that the new library would have a ratio of 30 per cent books to 70 per cent other purposes, such as computer spaces – a reversal of current ratios.
But Councillor Fiona McAllister opposed the move and said the location was not easily accessible and would be located away from the main “activity centre” of town.
“I understand why we need to make a decision and why we need to look at this site – it is a great site – but these concerns still resonate with me,” she said.
Councillor Jim Child said, while he understood Cr McAllister’s concerns, the campus was “a missed opportunity”.
“I think we’re in a place to take advantage of it,” he said.
“I think there’s something that’s going to really happen up there.”
Councillors voted six-to-one to relocate the library, with Cr McAllister voting against the proposal.
Social and economic development acting director James Collins said the library had the council’s highest catchment area, highest number of members and usage hours, but the location and a lack of car parking made it difficult for people to visit.
“We already have around 200,000 visit that site per year – I expect that will go up and continue to grow ever year,” he said.
“The biggest concern here is car parking and connection to any other type of service.
“I think you’ll find there’ll be a very positive response from the community.”
The council will now work with Box Hill Institute and Eastern Regional Libraries to develop a lease agreement for the coming 10 years.
The community will be invited to provide feedback on the themes, operating hours and resources for the library at a later date.
