Corangamite Moyne Library Service first year report card
Published on 24 August 2023
The Corangamite Moyne Library Service (CMLS) is one year old, and the report card shows the new model is much loved by the communities it serves, and visitor numbers are up.
CMLS is trending up for both shires on a number of significant measures, from user visits, to loans, and program attendance.
Moyne Shire Mayor Cr Karen Foster said the libraries don’t just provide access to books and other loan items, the staff also support users to navigate the digital landscape, with digital literacy support sessions.
“Our programs are back and in demand, with events for children, particularly our story times seeing strong attendance. These sessions bring the fun to early literacy and learning, while giving carers and children a chance to connect and meet friends, old and new.
“Our adult literary events have proven popular, with author talks, poetry readings and more drawing record crowds,” Cr Foster said.
Key statistics across both shires combined include:
- Library visits are up 28% (over 64,000 visits)
- Program attendance is up 83%
- Wi-Fi usage is up 56%
- Public PC usage is up 46%
- Over 84,000 physical loans (books, DVDs, magazines)
- Over 26,000 digital loans (audiobooks, e-books, digital magazines, streaming videos)
“Libraries are key to supporting our community in a cost-of-living crisis, remaining as free public spaces where people can drop by for somewhere warm and comfortable, to read a paper, connect with friends, or bring the kids for a play,” Cr Foster said.