Library Services

Report Card

2023–2024

Imagine, Explore, Discover, Connect.

;

The 2024 Brimbank Writers & Readers Festival

had an extremely successful opening night event

with Melburnian of the Year Kon Karapanagiotidis,

Hamed Allahyari, Norni Bero and Jaclyn Crupi talking

about family, heritage, food, and connection. “

” – Natalie

- Diane

;

Training of Brimbank Libraries staff in Auslan has

continued over the 23/24 year. An additional 17 staff

have gone on to complete Level 2 Training. Staff at St

Albans Library were able to put their Auslan training

into practice during a grade 3 and 4 school visit to the

library. After being asked to wear a listening device

by the teacher to support one of the students with

their hearing, the staff member made eye contact

with the young student and in Auslan, introduced

herself and asked the students’ name. The student’s

eyes lit up as he signed his name in response. Staff

were able to support the student throughout the

visit, helping them to browse the collection, borrow

items and importantly, feel included. Staff observed

that the student, who was noticeably overwhelmed

at the beginning of the session, had immediately

relaxed when connecting with staff through Auslan,

and left the session beaming after waving and giving

the thumbs up to staff. Staff at another Brimbank

Libraries branch were also able to support a family

attending an early year’s science program ‘Little

Scientist Club’. The staff noticed the mother and son

signing together and were able to sign with the family

through the 4-week program. The Auslan Training

initiative was presented at the 2024 National ALIA

Conference in Adelaide and inspired many library

services to consider Auslan training for their staff.

Customer Visits

;

“

”. - Jennifer

Library staff really do change lives and are the most

invaluable resource in supporting customers. 9,731

room bookings were recorded across Deer Park and

Sunshine Libraries highlighting the value of our

spaces for library customers, and 960 digital inclusion

and job search support programs and sessions were

delivered, assisting 2399 individuals.

;

The inaugural five-week accessibility program for all

abilities has concluded. Participants were excited to

be involved in the program and learn new things, and

it has provided carers the opportunity to network

and learn from each another. It allowed carers and

participants to meet and make new friends, as well

as making participants feel more welcome and

comfortable in library spaces.

;

At Sydenham Libraries, our recent ‘Loud in the Library’

event proved to be a resounding success, drawing in a

diverse group of young people. Among the attendees

were three Year 12 students who discovered the

event through their school newsletter. One of these

students, a dedicated library enthusiast, shared an

inspiring insight. She proudly told our staff that she

subscribes to the library’s Eventbrite page, keeping

her friends informed about youth programs. With

a grin, she added, “There’s free food, why wouldn’t

you?”

The event also showcased the thoughtfulness of

our younger patrons. A Year 7 student impressed the

staff with his consideration for his friends’ dietary

needs. Before indulging in the provided refreshments,

he approached the staff to ensure there were pizza

options suitable for his friends - one who couldn’t eat

pork and another who avoided beef. Once assured

of his friends’ well-being, this young man’s curiosity

turned to library memberships, eagerly inquiring

about the process and benefits.

The impact of ‘Loud in the Library’ extended beyond

the event itself. The following week, we were

delighted to see four young men who had attended

the event return, this time bringing adults with them

to sign up for library memberships. This heartening

turn of events demonstrated the power of engaging

youth programs in fostering a love for libraries and

reading among our community’s younger generation.

;

As part of the Victorian government funded Seniors

Digital Literacy Project, library staff facilitated

weekly eHelp Drop-in sessions at Sunshine Library.

Sessions supported community members to grow

their skills and self-confidence in using technology.

One customer was very eager to learn about iPads

and tablets and what kind of device would suit his

needs. The customer found a tablet on sale that had

the features he was interested in, and he brought it

in to the next session. Staff helped him with setup

and introduced basics such as how to turn the device

on, swiping and tapping and using the on-screen

keyboard. The customer soon progressed to email,

internet and downloading apps. Over the following

weeks, the customer was excited to discover

entertainment though streaming TV services,

reading eBooks, listening to music, checking cinema

websites for current screenings, as well as accessing

library mobile print services. Months later the same

customer visited the library and staff could see that

his understanding and skills had improved greatly.

The customer was able to comfortably navigate his

tablet and had independently downloaded new apps

and customised his device. 800 community members

participated in the Seniors Digital Literacy project in

2023.

;

Since its launch in September 2023, the Deer Park

Makerspace has become a vibrant hub of creativity

and community engagement. With 90 programs

hosted and 421 attendees, it has quickly established

itself as a popular service. The space has also

cultivated a dedicated following, with 185 community

members achieving “Super User” status and an

impressive 120 booked visits outside of regular class

hours.

The impact of the Makerspace extends far beyond

numbers. Many participants have reported significant

improvements in their mental health. One customer

with a disability shared how the space has become

a positive outlet, encouraging them to leave home

and explore their creativity. Another attendee,

visiting from a rehab center at Sunshine Hospital,

expressed appreciation for the change of pace and

the welcoming library environment during a mug

design class.

The Makerspace’s appeal has even reached beyond

our borders when a visitor from the UK discovered the

space while planning her trip via Eventbrite. Intrigued

by the offerings, she booked a session for the ‘Upcycle

Your Clothes’ workshop before leaving the UK and

brought along one of her grandmother’s vintage

dresses, which she transformed into a cute scrunchie

during the session, creating a unique memento of her

visit.

These stories underscore the Makerspace’s role

not just as a creative outlet, but as a catalyst for

personal growth, rehabilitation, and cross-cultural

connections. It has quickly become an integral part

of the community, offering diverse opportunities for

learning, socializing, and self-expression.

;

Recognizing Brimbank residents’ vulnerability to

the heat island effect, all Brimbank Library branches

served as cooling refuges during extreme heat. To

extend support beyond operating hours, Libraries

in collaboration with other council units created

HeatSafe packs, which included a microfibre

neck towel and a postcard with heatwave safety

information and emergency contacts. During the

project, 327 HeatSafe kits were distributed on days

over 30 degrees. Staff walked around the library

on hot days offering neck towels and support

information to those impacted by the heat. Taxi

vouchers were also made available to community

members who were walking home or catching public

transport in extreme heat. The impact this project had

on the community was substantial and noted through

several stories captured throughout the project. Many

community members of all ages expressed happiness

and relief when using the neck towels. Library staff

noted that the community were impacted by the

heat in various ways, such as walking to the library,

waiting for public transport after school, and having

no air conditioning at home. The library provided a

safe space for them to cool down, access the towels,

cool water and obtain important information to

support their health in extreme heat. Library staff

recorded kit distribution details to evaluate the project

and plan future initiatives aimed at supporting the

community’s health and wellbeing as the community

adapts to the effects of the changing climate. Over

the Labour Day long weekend, the Library team

extended Sunshine Library opening hours to support

the community with a cool space on Sunday. Staff

also opened both the Sydenham and Sunshine

Library on the Monday public holiday to serve as a

haven from the heat. The CEO publically thanked the

Library Staff in her Staff news update: “Thank you to

all the [library] staff who were involved in managing

this over the weekend and helped our community

throughout the heatwave.”

;

School holiday programs are growing in popularity,

with over 1000 participants attending. Each

program features a diverse range of engaging

activities that cater to various interests and ages,

in a safe and welcoming learning environment for

all participants. Activities have included Science

Shows, Author and Illustrator workshops, STEAM

learning and much more.

A record number of participants joined this years

BIG Summer Read, a competition designed to keep

children reading across the summer holidays to keep

up their literacy skills. Nearly a thousand children (989

to be exact) registered for the summer program, with

287 of them actively participating in various literacy

support activities. These engaging programs kept

families involved in learning throughout the summer

break. The diverse offerings included tech taster

sessions, live action role-playing games, and STEAM

based activities, providing a rich mix of educational

experiences.

;

St Albans Library is fortunate to partner with St

Albans Secondary College for the Reading Buddies

program to enable children a safe space to practice

their reading. Fourteen high school students

volunteered time out of their busy schedules on

Tuesday afternoons to listen to local children reading

aloud. Throughout 2023/24, a total of 117 children

visited the library and practiced their reading 413

times. Over 700 books were enjoyed with one prep

child reading 75 individual books, followed closely

by a grade 2 child with 74 books. It was a pleasure

watching the children’s literacy skills improve, as

well as their confidence. The program is also an

opportunity for the high school students to gain

confidence and do some volunteering in their local

community. The coordinator at St Albans Secondary

College said “THANK YOU! This program is just

outstanding and my students write passionately

about it when applying for tertiary scholarships.

They get as much out of it as the children.” One

of the students regretfully had to scale back her

volunteering because of Year 12 committments but

had this to say “I would like to formally thank you

for giving me the opportunity to join the Reading

Buddies program last year. It was truly a fantastic

journey. It’s more than just “helping the kids’ enhance

their reading skills... During those times, we’re able to

connect to them, get to know them a bit with their

fun little stories when a character in their storybook

triggers a memory in their minds. It’s also fulfilling

to witness their progress as they become more and

more confident with reading (especially when they

can finally choose any book that catches their eye!)

So, thank you. For opening this door for me. For

guiding us when the kids are being a bit naughty. And

for ensuring a safe space for everyone to grow.”

;

The Public Libraries Victoria (PLV) Sustainability

Portal, launched in February 2024, has been a game

changer for our community, supporting both library

professionals and local residents in their sustainability

efforts. The portal, which has been featured in

respected news and journal articles such as INCITE

(Australian Library & Information Association), ALIA

Green, Public Libraries Victoria News, and ENSULIB

(International Federation of Libraries Association),

offers comprehensive resources aligned with the

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs). Highlighting sustainable initiatives like

seed libraries and e-waste bins, the portal has

significantly raised environmental awareness and

action within our city and has supported library

staff to begin having conversations with community

about the SDGs. Brimbank Libraries are represented

on an interactive map for having the following

sustainable initiatives accessible to the community

in their spaces: Seed Library, Library of Things,

E-Waste Bins and Energy Saver Kits. The website

was created by a Brimbank Libraries staff member,

who has since been awarded a scholarship through

the State Library Victoria. The scholarship will be

undertaken during 2024 and focuses on developing a

Sustainable Development framework and Sustainable

Accreditation program intended for Victorian Public

Libraries. The Sustainability Portal was presented at

the ALIA 2024 National Conference. By celebrating

an industry culture and focus on sustainability, the

PLV Sustainability Portal is proving to be an invaluable

asset to our community’s environmental and social

well-being.



https://www.plv.org.au/sustainability-home/

;

St Albans Library hosted local band ‘The Hackkets’, a

music group made up of members with and without

disability, with three of them being Brimbank locals.

Guitarist and singer Peter is a stalwart regular at our

libraries! Initially a cover band, they have branched

out into writing their own songs, culminating in their

recent album ‘So Faar, So Good’.

Locally acclaimed musician Harrie remarked “they’ve

sold more merch tonight than I ever have!” Another

listener said “they’ve got clear roots in Beatles and

Creedence Clearwater Revival, but they’ve totally

owned it and made it their own.” Staff member

Jennifer added, “Peter came into the library on

Saturday and we had a good chat about the show, he

was stoked.” Peter said “

.

;

Brimbank Libraries has introduced access to eBooks

via cloudLibrary. This new digital lending platform

replaces our previous Libby platform, and offers

enhanced features allowing the community to

discover and access more eBooks than ever before.

cloudLibrary allows community members access to

over 65,000 eBook titles, compared to around 8,000

we had available via Libby. This increased range of

titles is thanks to the platform supporting libraries

to share access to their collections, meaning we can

offer this increased collection within a similar financial

investment to Libby.

;

Starting in mid-2023 all five branches of Brimbank

Libraries improved access to Junior Non-Fiction

materials, separating these titles from the Adult

collection. Junior Non-Fiction collections have been

housed close to other Junior materials, and have

enhanced child-friendly signage within the collection.

The move improves the visibility of the collection,

encourages children to explore its contents for

general curiosity – not just for school projects, and

increases exposure to topics that celebrate diversity,

and celebrate our cultural heritage.

Since implementing the change, there has been a

35% increase in the number of loans of Junior non

fiction materials.

WELCOMING SPACES

;

In response to community feedback, Keilor Library

has had a new shade sail installed in its outdoor

learning lounge. The addition of the shade sail not

only offers a cool respite for visitors but also opens

up exciting possibilities for expanded programs and

activities, fostering a dynamic learning environment

for all community members. So far the area has

been utilised for a children’s petting zoo, gardening

workshops and bee keeping sessions.

;

The Keilor Library has recently installed enhanced

picture book shelving, resulting in a more open and

inviting environment for community members to sit

and relax. This newly designed space is also utilised

for the delivery of children’s programs and now

features improved accessibility for individuals with

prams and wheelchairs.

;

In response to community feedback, the St Albans

library has introduced a new gaming area to better

meet the interests and recreational needs of its

customers. This initiative reflects the library’s

commitment to adapting its services based on the

evolving preferences of the community.

The gaming area is equipped with various gaming

consoles and an array of popular video games,

designed to appeal to a wide range of age groups

and interests. This addition aims to foster a sense of

community, encourage social interaction, and provide

a modern recreational space within the library.

The response to the new gaming area has been

overwhelmingly positive, with many community

members expressing their enthusiasm and

appreciation. The introduction of this space is

expected to attract a more diverse audience to the

library, enhancing its role as a dynamic and inclusive

community hub.

;

Brimbank Libraries have recorded a strong finish

to the 2023/24 financial year. Loans of the library

collection have increased from the same time last

year across all 5 library branches.

In the last 12 months, libraries have made

improvements to increase access to our junior

non-fiction collections – this has led to an overall

35% increase in the usage of junior non-fiction

across all libraries – with Sydenham Library

recording a 62% increase.

The recent introduction of cloudLibrary has seen an

increase in usage of eBooks compared to the previous

Libby platform – around 87% from April.

Top Circulating Titles for the financial year are

dominated by children’s authors Aaron Blabey and

Anh Do – taking 10 out of the 15 top spots.

;

Brimbank Libraries is committed to supporting work

experience opportunities for secondary and tertiary

students requiring placement to complete their

course. In 2023-2024 libraries supported 25 paid and

non-paid placements across the five library locations.

Library Industry placements provide students an

opportunity to put into practice theory learnt in their

course, positively support the library profession whilst

also offering the libraries unit opportunity to recruit

outstanding library professionals when vacancies

exist. Placements for Secondary, Victorian Certificate

of Applied Learning (VCAL), Duke of Edinburgh and

special needs students are designed to build positive

relationships and build on student strengths.

;

A proud parent visited the library to collect a

certificate on behalf of his son who completed the

“1000 Books Before School” challenge. The family’s

joy was palpable as they shared how this program

had transformed their young reader. Thanks to the

library’s initiative, their son had developed a deep love

for reading, a gift that will undoubtedly serve him well

throughout his life.

To commemorate this milestone, the parents

organized a celebration - they threw a literature

space themed party for him, blending his newfound

passion for reading with the wonders of outer space.

This creative fusion not only marked the child’s

accomplishment but also highlighted how the library’s

programs can spark imagination and foster a lifelong

love of learning.

The family’s gratitude and enthusiasm serve

as a heartwarming testament to the profound

impact libraries can have on young minds and the

communities they serve.

Top circulating titles for 2023-2024 financial year

;

Deer Park Library celebrated its 30th Birthday on

Thursday 28 September 2023 with 1245 people

through the library doors. Many VIPs also attended,

including past Deer Park Library team members,

Brimbank Mayor, Councillors, the Members of

Parliament for Kororoit and Western Metropolitan

Region, Brimbank Leadership Team and Public

Libraries Victoria CEO.

Family fun activities were held across the afternoon

including a magic show, sausage sizzle, party games

and face painting. Three birthday competitions were

held, with 718 entries collected.

The newly developed Maker Space was officially

opened and 35 people toured the space, all eager to

come back and be inducted as super users.

;

On Wednesday 20 March 2024 Community members,

Council staff and Councillors celebrated Bakandji artist

and Brimbank local Aunty Jeanie Mason and her latest

public artwork ‘Knowledge and Wisdom’. The large

mural, which was painted over several weeks, depicts

a large central figure surrounded by young people,

flora, fauna and the river coursing a path across the

wall. The artwork, located in the children’s area of

Sunshine Library, captures the essence of public

libraries: spaces for sharing and learning knowledge

and wisdom through storytelling and access to

reputable information. Aunty Jeanie generously led a

hand-printing workshop at the event that saw both

young and old pressing their handprint onto the wall

in paint. The mural, which is housed in the library

storytelling space, will serve as a point of creativity

and inspire young families and community members

for decades to come.

;

In response to community feedback, the library

purchased three sleeper lounges designed to provide

a safe, comfortable space for rest and relaxation.

These lounges have been placed in quiet areas of

the library to support people who require a safe

space to rest. The initiative was developed to

address the immediate needs of those experiencing

homelessness. By offering these spaces, the library

not only provides temporary relief but also fosters

a sense of dignity and belonging. Alongside the

sleeper lounges, staff are able to provide information

about local support services, including housing

advice and mental health resources, to offer a holistic

approach to community wellbeing. This initiative

underscores the libraries commitment to inclusivity

and the libraries role as a sanctuary for all members

of the community.

;

Brimbank Libraries Management System (Koha)

upgrade came with several enhancements for

community members, including:

•

Digital Barcodes for customers

- Customers

are now able to log in to their library accounts to

generate a digital library barcode, which can be

added to their phones using apps such as Google

Wallet, and used at library information desks &

self-serve kiosks.

•

Improved opt-out of automatic renewals

- Customers can now fully opt in or out of

automatic renewals.

•

Improved Holds

- Customers can now go online

to change the pickup location of holds of their

reservations via their own device.

•

Improved Online Memberships

- Customers

can join online and instantly receive a fully

functioning digital membership that allows

immediate access to online resources.

•

Translated Notices

– Customers will now

be able to choose their language of choice to

receive their notices.

;

A delighted mother shared a heartwarming story

about her young daughter’s love for Sydenham

Library. The little girl, captivated by her experience

at the library’s Little Scientist Club program, now

refers to it as the “science library.” This early exposure

to scientific concepts has sparked a keen interest,

making library visits a much-anticipated activity.

The child’s enthusiasm doesn’t stop at science

programs. She’s also formed a special bond with the

library’s plush resident - a stuffed dog that “lives”

in the children’s area. This cuddly companion has

become an integral part of her library experience,

adding a touch of comfort to her visits.

This illustrates how early positive experiences in

libraries can foster a lasting love for learning and

libraries for young customers.

;

Friday night at the library transformed into a lively

scene as “Game On” kicked off with karaoke from 5-8

PM. The space buzzed with energy as over 30 young

people gathered, filling the air with music, laughter,

and the aroma of pizza.

As the evening progressed, the room became a

melting pot of musical genres and generations. Young

voices belted out tunes ranging from classic rock to

contemporary pop.

The event drew a mix of familiar faces and

newcomers. Many Deer Park regulars, excited to

stay after hours, made up a large portion of the

crowd. Two shy newcomers, who had heard about

the event from Copperfield College found their own

ways to enjoy the night without stepping up to the

microphone. They engaged in spirited Mario Kart

battle on the Nintendo Switch, tackled giant Connect

4, and even carved out a quiet corner to watch videos

together, taking advantage of the library’s WiFi.

The atmosphere was one of inclusivity and

encouragement, coupled with a sense of safety and

belonging that permeated the space. The young

attendees appreciated having a space created just for

them, with minimal adult presence.

Watching these young people interact – sweet,

hilarious, and genuinely good company – reinforced

the value of events like these. It wasn’t just about

the karaoke or the games; it was about creating a

space where they could be themselves, express their

passions, and connect with one another in a safe and

welcoming environmen

Library New members

Visits

Loans

Help Desk

Program

Attendance

Deer Park

2275

S

521

122,574

S

16,363

184,186

S

36,449

45954

T

2,065

15,519

Keilor

997

S

507

36,334

S

3,322

74,702

S

13,526

12,781

T

253

3,931

St Albans

2,045

S

631

132,893

S

7,459

110,867

S

10,177

44,387

S

897

14,012

Sunshine

5,191

S

837

378,158

S

75,308

258,229

S

50,983

44,555

T

11,355

14,516

Sydenham

2,060

S

420

151,954

S

13,903

176,251

S

53,195

30,282

T

149

12,198

Online

1,789

S

195

1620,168

T

141,565

658399

S

122,205

N/A

3,565

Count does not include multiple people in a household

Physical loans

843,995

S

202,090

Digital loans (eBooks, audiobooks and ePress)

624,787

S

529,383

Total loans – Physical and Digital

1,468,782

S

731,473

Total loans of Community Language Collections

53,539

S

8,594

Most popular book and ebook

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Most popular picture book

The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young

New library resources added to the collection

94,535

S

38,287

Total Number of physical resources in the collection

178,177

T

678

Total Number of electronic resources in the collection

48,185

S

12,489

Library collections in community languages

19

0

New Library members

12,613

S

2,954

New Online members

1,789

S

195

Total Library members

129,082

S

11,079

Facebook subscribers

4351

S

205

Instagram Followers

1986

S

159

YouTube subscribers

741

S

66

Visits to the five library branches

821,913

S

116,355

Visits to the Online Library

1,316,005

T

304,163

Visit to Library Catalogue

1,142,897

S

141,106

Total visits

3,280,815

T

46,702

Help desk support

190,884

S

+102,209

PC Sessions

85,959

S

+35,389

Programs held

3565

S

123

Attendance library programs (front facing)

60176

S

3070

Early Years 0-5

27599

S

1143

Children 6 - 12

16,949

S

256

Young People 13 - 25

5518

S

305

Adult

5,701

S

521

Seniors

1370

S

708

Attendance Brimbank Writers & Readers Festival

560

S

23

Views of online programs

36,881

T

12,280

Deer Park Library,

4 Neale Road Deer Park

Keilor Library,

704B Old Calder Highway, Keilor

St Albans Library,

71A Alfrieda Street, St Albans

Sunshine Library,

301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine

Sydenham Library,

1 Station Street, Taylors Lakes

Online Library

brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

facebook.com/BrimbankLibraries

instagram.com/brimbanklibraries/

youtube.com/@BrimbankLibrariesAUS

Discover Learning in Brimbank

learning.brimbank.vic.gov.au

175 - 0724

Use Brimby, the online virtual assistant

brimbank.vic.gov.au