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Date: 6 May 2008
Victoria’s writers and literary organisations will have a new home with the 3.2 million fit-out of the Centre for Books Writing and Ideas, the
centrepiece of Melbourne’s bid to be recognised internationally as a UNESCO City of Literature.
The Minister for the Arts, Lynne Kosky, said the Centre would reinforce Melbourne’s pre-eminence as a cultural, educational and creative capital and be a key addition
to the literary and ideas precinct based around the State Library of Victoria.
“This new investment builds on our previous commitment to establish the Centre for Books Writing and Ideas, and will support Melbourne’s vibrant independent literary
scene,” Ms Kosky said.
“Importantly, the Centre also receives $7.1 million to deliver and promote innovative public programs, such as book launches, keynote lectures, thinktanks and
university links.”
The Centre, due to open in late 2009, will see the co-location of many of Victoria’s leading writing organisations including the Victorian Writers’ Centre, Express
Media, Melbourne Writers’ Festival, Emerging Writers’ Festival and the Australian Poetry Centre.
Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said literary arts at the local level also received a Brumby Labor Government State Budget boost, with almost $3 million going
to local libraries for improved secure wireless broadband facilities and protection for children using the web.
“Library users across Victoria will have the flexibility to access free wireless internet services in libraries from their own computers, while making use the full
range of library resources, thanks to this $3 million investment,” Mr Wynne said.
“It will also go to projects to help ensure all online facilities provided by public libraries are safe for all to use, especially children, and that they are easy to
manage for library staff.”
A further part of the $3 million fund will be $900,000 over four years to bring the State a step closer to a single library membership system to give Victorians access
to all the information and material held by public libraries regardless of where they live.
“Since 2000 our Government has funded 86 projects – almost one third of Victoria's public library services – through the Living Libraries Program,” Mr Wynne said.
“These grants have provided new or improved library infrastructure and supported the role of public libraries in strengthening communities as a meeting place,
fostering life-long learning and as providers of free access to information resources.”
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