Wyndham residents love their libraries.
A Nexus Research survey of libraries across metropolitan and regional Victoria found that 51 per cent of residents in Wyndham had used a library in the past 12 months, compared with state average of 49 per cent.
The survey also found that 94 per cent of Wyndham residents were satisfied with the service at their local libraries and 66 per cent were likely to recommend their public library to a friend or family member.
Wyndham council’s quarterly service report for July 1 to September 30 appears to back the survey findings, with library usage on the rise.
Over the three months, visits to libraries increased 29 per cent, computer bookings were up 19 per cent, and lending jumped 10 per cent.
Internet usage was also on the rise, up 7 per cent compared with the same time last year.
Speaking about the increase in library usage at Monday night’s council meeting, Cr Marie Brittan said it showed that council was about more than just roads, rates and rubbish.
“Eight years ago we were concerned about the future of libraries because of e-books and technology,” she said.
Cr Heather Marcus also recognised the significant expansion of library services.
“When I came to this city we had just one little library,” she said.
“The increase in every component [of library usage] shows people care about their libraries.”
There are five libraries in Wyndham – at Werribee, Pacific Werribee, Wyndham Vale and Point Cook and the Julia Gillard Library in Tarneit.
