West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation is now known as Myli – My Community Library a not-for-profit organisation. Recognised as leaders in the library sector across the state, they are the first Library Corporation in Victoria to become a not-for-profit – a change prompted by the new Local Government Act 2020.
The organisation is partners with Baw Baw Shire, Bass Coast Shire and South Gippsland Shire and delivers innovative, specialist library services to the residents living within these Shires. Most notably being the first library in Victoria to provide 24/7 library access to the Foster community.
Council has been working with the organisation to transition to a not-for-profit for the past two years to ensure the required governance changes do not affect the essential service.
“Library users will continue to experience all they know and love about the service. We will also continue to develop resources to broaden our services including video programs originally adapted in response to COVID-19 across a range of topics to support the community in areas like mental health and employment.” Leanne Williams, CEO, Myli – My Community Library.
Ms Williams says that the support demonstrated by its member Councils is a testament to the relationships and trust in the service that delivers both efficiency and value to the community above and beyond just a basic library service.
“Innovation is key to ensuring we meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our growing community. In 2019 we implemented the first 24/7 library and we will see two more 24/7 Libraries in 2021-22. The Books By Us program is another progressive program where the library partners with schools to give students an opportunity to write and publish their own books.” says Ms Williams.
“As recognised leaders across the state, being first to undergo this transition is a key advantage to the organisation. It opens up partnership opportunities and abilities to diversity revenue so the organisation can continue to deliver its quality, specialist library service that communities need.” Rick Brown, Board Chair, Myli – My Community Library.
There are numerous benefits of becoming a not-for-profit organisation and as a charity, there are opportunities for fundraising, sponsorship, donations and bequests to form part of the long-term strategy and increase revenue which benefits library users and the community.
Planned updates to website and social media platforms will launch on 1 December. The name change to Myli – My Community Library reflects the transition of the organisation and its delivery of library services beyond the existing West Gippsland region.
There are a number of ways you can learn more about the change including a list of frequently asked questions that have been prepared to answer any questions you might have and opportunities to provide feedback. Visit myli.org.au/myli, drop into your local library, call 1800 HI MYLI (1800 44 6954) or contact us
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