The Little River Mechanics’ Institute and Free Library has launched new audiovisual, projection and theatrical lighting facilities funded by a state government grant.
The state government awarded the library $12,000 in funding to install the equipment, which is now available for community groups to use.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas recently visited Little River, on behalf of the Local Government Minister Shaun Leane, to watch a display of the audiovisual and theatrical equipment.
The Little River Mechanics’ Institute was built in 1910 and its heritage library, which operates under community ownership, has been continuously open to borrowers since 1911.
Regular events held at the library include school visits, movie screenings, community meetings and art exhibitions.
Mechanics’ Institutes began as a model for free education for workers in Scotland.
They opened in Australia in the early 19th century and were extremely popular, with one in almost every town in Victoria.
Today, 562 remain in the state and 10 of them continue to provide library services to their local communities. These 10, including the one in Little River, received $100,000 of grants from the Public Libraries Funding Program to help them with initiatives like buying new books and equipment.
Mr Pallas said it was “fantastic” to see the state government recognise the importance of the Little River Mechanics’ Institute and Free Library.
“This library has been serving the community for more than a hundred years and continues to provide a vital facility for locals – not just as a place for borrowing books but also as a place to meet, take part in activities and socialise,” he said.
