The Friends of the Benalla Library:

• raise funds to help acquire books and other materials, and selling surplus library stock,

• promote the library's services and facilities,

• raise the profile of the library in the community,

• and are currently campaigning for:
  A new Library for Benalla

The first General meeting for 2012 will be
Wednesday 1st Feb @ the Commercial Hotel Dining Room,
starting at 2:00 pm.

The new CEO of the High Country Libraries, Jenny Wyllie,
will be our guest speaker.
Many of you will remember Jenny from her time at the Benalla Library.
It will be a great opportunity to hear her views on the future for our library,
and for her to hear from us.

This meeting will also discuss the plans for FoBL activities for 2012.
 

Christmas Gathering on December 7th
at The Commercial Hotel, on the back decking
(Photos courtesy of Betty Lindsay).

Prospects for a New Library for Benalla
 - from Benalla Ensign

The current Benalla Library was established in a former Returned Services Memorial Hall as a temporary location in 1968. The Benalla library has served the community well, but does not meet current day standards:

• Size: At 340 square metres the current floor space is significantly below the recommended Library floor space of 900 square metres.

• Lack of display space: Due to the facilities size and lack of display space, only a limited collection of books and other resources can be displayed.

• Technology limitations: The current library delivers only limited internet access.

• Building limitations: No room for expansion. No multi-use spaces. Poor staff work areas. Not Disability Discrimination Act compliant. OH&S compliance issues. High operational overheads. Environmentally unfriendly.

• Location: No public transport. Limited nearby parking.

Along with some 18 other options, the construction of a purpose-built library was considered by a feasibility report conducted in 2009, but was considered to be too expensive.

On a cost versus benefit basis, the option to convert the Civic Centre into a library, and relocate Council's administration, was the best value. At a similar cost to constructing a new library, the community will have three refurbished buildings:

• A modern library located at the site of the current Civic Centre.

• A new Civic Centre. The current Civic Centre is nearly 40-years-old and needs significant refurbishment regardless of the need for a new library.

• A restored former shire offices at 13 Mair Street. The building must be renovated following Heritage Victoria's decision to include the building on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Based on funding commitments made in the 2010 / 11 and 2011 / 12 financial years,
the following funding sources have been confirmed:

Funding for the balance of the project will come from Australian and Victorian government grants and Council.

A $1 million application will soon be lodged with the Australian Government's Regional Development Fund, and Council is awaiting the outcome of a $150,000 grant application to Heritage Victoria to part fund the refurbishment of the former Shire Offices at 13 Mair Street, Benalla.

Council's final contribution to the project depends on the outcome of these applications.

The library's architectural plans are on pubic display at the library and the Benalla Civic Centre.

Construction timelines are dependent on a variety of factors such as funding and the relocation of the Benalla Civic Centre, however, it is anticipated that construction could commence early in the 2012/13 financial year.

Council's preferred option is to relocate its administrative operations to the former Benalla Post Office site at 1 Bridge Street East, Benalla. All options to secure the site, including acquisition; joint development; and long-term leasing, are being looked into.

Australia Post has indicated that the property will be listed for sale by an open "Expression of Interest" campaign in the coming months.

August 2011 in the Library

The FoBL stand at the Tatong Market in March was very rewarding.
Thanks for support from Members, Executive & the Committee.
The new gazebo was a great success.

"Philosopher's Corner"

(Will meet again in 2012)

A monthly discussion group designed for all levels of knowledge;
Third Wednesday of each month, 2pm at the library.
Participants might research a well known philosopher's beliefs, and share that knowledge with the group.
The group could then discuss; (a) How does this philosophy relate to us as individuals? and, (b) How does this particular philosophy correlate to us in our various roles within the community of Benalla?
The group dynamics may naturally take us in a different direction.

If you are interested in participating please book in at the library or phone 57622069
"Socrates (born 469 BC) would approach Athenians of every class age and occupations and ask them to explain why they held certain beliefs and what they took to be the meaning of life" P. 15 "The consolations of Philosophy" Alian De Bottom (Penguin Books).

Raffle 2011
Winners of the raffle, drawn March 17th:
1st prize Quilt --  Ali Davies
2nd Prize 6 bottles wine  --   Jude Hoskin
3rd prize QS quilt cover  --   Annie Cuming
 

Fobl Information and Book Sales at the
Tatong Market
(first Saturday each month)

also at the Library, four times per year.
Watch out for notices at the Library.

And at the Friends of the Library fund-raising Film & afternoon tea "The Tree" -

Street parade, Benalla Festival

Friends Of the Benalla Library AGM
was held on August 4th in the Commercial Hotel.

The Executive as Elected are:
President: Robyn MacLean
Vice President: Betty Lindsay
Secretary: Geraldine McCorkell
Treasurer: Godfrey Marple

Elaine Richmond gave a talk on Future Trends in Libraries; a free community library still has a place in the digital age.

C.W.A. Market Stall
 

Raffle Winner
 

Rhyme-Time
 

Tricia Veale signing her books

Rob, Geraldine, Cate, and Bev
 

The Evening with Cate Kennedy was a great success.
Acclaimed local short story writer, Cate Kennedy,
read from her latest book and debut novel, "The World Beneath",
and described the process of writing her book.
 

Betty & Robyn attend the FOBL stand at Tatong Market