Future of Penola Community Library

What is being decided?

Council is seeking feedback from the community on future options for the Penola Community Library service.

Background

Penola currently has a 'School Community Library'. School Community Libraries are hybrid library models that allow the general public to access library materials and services through the school library located at and managed by local schools. School Community Libraries typically operate in regional communities where it is not feasible to have a stand-alone “main street” Library. School Community Libraries are made possible through a three-way partnership between the South Australian Libraries Board, the Department of Education, and local Councils.

The State Government is undertaking a review of all School Community Libraries. This review is examining the ongoing funding arrangements for School Community Libraries and setting guidelines for their operations. During this review, Council has identified an opportunity to increase Library Services to the community in Penola (and surrounding areas) by relocating the community-portion of the Library to the Penola Visitor Information Centre. The school-portion of the Library could stay in its current location and service the school students only.

**The Penola High School have indicated that there may be opportunity for increased opening hours and days in the future with additional staff and volunteers. Should the Community Library remain at the School, the information provided in this survey will be used to inform potential changes.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 14 May 2024, Council resolved to "Commence Public Consultation regarding future options for the Penola Community Library in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy. The consultation should include engaging with the previous Penola Library Stakeholder Group in the first instance."

The Penola Library Stakeholder Group met on Tuesday, 4 June 2024 and developed a survey to seek constructive feedback from the local community regarding expected service levels of the Penola Community Library and the potential relocation of the community-portion of the current library into the Penola Visitor Information Centre.

Please note: It is anticipated that any changes to the current School Community Library operating model would take at least 12 months to implement.

Get involved

This consultation is now CLOSED.

Feedback was received until 5 pm on Thursday, 4 July 2024. Council received and noted a consultation feedback report in August 2024. The report can be found here.

Please note that all submissions, including the names of those responding may be tabled at a public meeting of Council unless otherwise indicated by the respondent in which case their details are to be excluded from publication.