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To help shape our five library branches for the next four years, we asked the community for feedback in June and September 2025.

Almost 1,300 people shared what they want from our libraries. You told us:

• books, staff and programs are highly valued
• you want longer opening hours, a wider range of books, better technology, and spaces to learn and meet
• non‑members would be more likely to visit if there were more events, better promotion, and modern, easy‑to‑use spaces
• younger people want quiet study areas, group work spaces and creative technology
• older people see libraries as social and cultural places and value programs that help them connect, enjoy culture and build digital skills.

Your feedback helped create the Libraries Plan 2026–30, which Council endorsed in December 2025.

While the Libraries Plan sets the direction for all branches, we also want to understand what you want from Footscray Library.

Tell us what would make Footscray a world‑class library that supports learning, creativity and innovation.

In late 2023 and mid‑2024, we engaged with the Yarraville community about the future of their local library on Wembley Avenue. More than 800 residents took part across two phases of engagement.

The community told us:

• the library was well-loved for its staff, welcoming atmosphere and local feel
• the building was too small and no longer fit for purpose
• people wanted more space, better accessibility, and modern facilities
• common requests included:
  • larger collections and more room to browse
  • meeting and study rooms
  • dedicated spaces for children and young people
  • digital, learning and community spaces that support a wider range of activities.

What happened next

Community feedback helped Council compare options for rebuilding on the existing site with relocating to Bradmill Reserve, which offered more space.

In September 2024, Council decided to relocate Yarraville Library to the Bradmill Precinct to allow for a larger, purpose‑built library that better meets future community needs.

This will happen closer to 2030.

How this informs the Creative West project

The Yarraville engagement showed that:

• communities value libraries as accessible and flexible community hubs, and
• residents want libraries that can support learning, connection, programs and changing needs.

Between 2019-2020, we engaged with 1,255 community members on the future of Creative West.

For the library element, you told us:

• a large-scale and innovative library was the key feature that would encourage participants to visit Creative West
• spaces should be multi-functional to accommodate diverse uses
• study rooms and all-ages programming were preferred features of the library spaces
• community spaces should prioritise cultural events and meeting rooms for local community groups.

Maribyrnong City Council is committed to its obligations in protecting your personal information pursuant to the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and the Health Records Act 2001. The personal information requested on this form is being collected by Maribyrnong City Council for the purpose of the Creative West project. The information will be used by Council for this primary purpose or directly related purposes. Council may not be able to assist/provide a service as a consequence should this information not be provided. Council will not disclose your personal information to any third party unless required to do so by law. Requests for access to and/or amendment of the information provided may be made to Council’s Privacy Officer on 9688 0200. For more information please refer to Council’s Privacy Policy, available for download from this website bit.ly/maribyrnongprivacy