A town library has been a popular topic of discussion in Trafalgar for the past few years. The town currently has a travelling mobile library (MYLI) which visits Trafalgar on Tuesdays (9:30am – 12:30pm) and Fridays (11:00am – 1:30pm, 2:30pm – 6pm). It also makes stops in local towns like Thorpdale, Yarragon, and Willow Grove.
The closest permanent libraries to Trafalgar are the Moe Library (approximately 10kms away) and the Warragul Library (approximately 22kms). While these are fairly accessible by train or car, a permanent Trafalgar library would be more convenient.
In 2022, council officially endorsed the old Trafalgar Kindergarten at 28 Contingent Street as the preferred site for a town library.
The library is currently within the Long Term Infrastructure Plan, which outlines council’s plan for infrastructure projects over the next 10 years. According to a council spokesperson, “the overarching objective of the Long Term Infrastructure Plan is to provide the right infrastructure, at the right time, in the right places, and in a way that represents best value for money and sustainable use of resources.”
This plan has been on public display in August and will be reviewed and endorsed by council in October.
Council’s endorsed design for the library would cost approximately $1.3 million. A council spokesperson told Traf District News that they are seeking funding from the State Government Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, and subject to a successful grant application, the project would proceed in 2026/27.
Under this program earlier this year, the state government announced funding to deliver new or upgraded infrastructure projects at 19 libraries across.
Minister for Local Government, Nick Staikos said that funding libraries helps foster “lifelong learning.”
“We know that libraries are the heart of the communities they serve, which is why we’re pleased to support these nineteen community spaces to build lasting change,” he said.
Many of the projects that received funding are based in regional areas as well. Morwell Library received approximately $30,000 for the installation of a kitchenette while libraries in Gisborne and Bendigo will receive more than $400,000 each for major upgrades.
Research conducted by Philip Hider at the Charles Sturt University – which surveyed more than 100 regional and rural libraries in Australia – found that libraries act as a “community hub” and facilitate connection and engagement within the community. The fact that libraries also carry physical media, such as books and DVDs, as well as having computers, printing services and free Wi-Fi, was seen as important as well.
Former councillor, Darren Wallace endorsed the Contingent St library design back in 2022. Even after his defeat at last year’s election, he is “still trying to get the old kindergarten, which is a council building, turned into a static library.”
A council spokesperson said “council will explore engaging with the Trafalgar community to finalise any proposed plans in the near future.”
With this in mind, what do you think of a permanent library in Trafalgar?
