Showcasing Hobsons Bay Libraries

Hobsons Bay is situated on Port Phillip Bay, 10 kilometres west of Melbourne CBD and covers 66 square kilometres. The neighbourhood character ranges from inner urban to new suburban.

Hobsons Bay Libraries were formed in 1994 when the former cities of Williamstown and Altona merged.

After a comprehensive facilities and services review in 2001, Hobsons Bay City Council embarked on a building renewal program to create more accessible and spacious library facilities.

Library facilities

Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre ($4.2 million) was the first new library to be completed and opened in March 2006.

Altona North Community Library ($4.8 million) opened in March 2010 increasing the number of physical libraries in Hobsons Bay from four to five.

The modern and spacious Williamstown Library ($7.8 million) opened in September 2012.

The Newport Community Hub ($9.3 million) opened in September 2016 and includes a library, maternal and child health services and recreational spaces for young people and seniors.

Each redevelopment has emphasised the creation of a comfortable, welcoming ‘third place’ for the community.

Creative Technology Hub 

The Creative Technology Hub opened in October 2019 for a series of taster workshops and drop in sessions before its formal opening in early 2020. Featuring a 3D printer, laser cutter, green screen and the latest in creative technologies, this new makerspace provides visitors and program participants, aged 13 and above, with opportunities to play and learn with new technologies which could open doors to new employment and further education opportunities. 

Strategic Plan

The Learning Communities Strategic Plan 2016–19 sets out the vision, mission and goals for the Hobsons Bay community and informs how we will approach working together with community members, community organisations, service providers, local business and commercial sectors over the next three years to provide inspiring community spaces, programs, services and resources for everyone in Hobsons Bay.

Systems

In 2006 Hobsons Bay Libraries became the first Victorian library to run the 3M RFID system, handling both circulation and security.

We continue to raise the bar with technology, working with an online a print management system since 2009 and with  free Wi-Fi available since 2010.

Collections

Hobsons Bay has a comparatively young collection with nearly 70% of its physical collection less than five years old.  Our  Collection Curation and Management Statement ensures over 90% of all customer requests are included in the library's collection.

Partnerships

We take pride in developing innovative partnerships.

Formal partnerships include Volunteer West, Bayside College, CityWest Water, the UrCommunity Healthy Food Hub at Altona North Community Library, Deakin University and Victoria University.

Community Engagement

We strive to provide a range of low-cost or free activities and events of interest and benefit to the local community.

Regular programs cater to all ages from birth (e.g. Babies love Books) to seniors (e.g. Heritage Group, computer training).

We also deliver outreach programs within the community from kinder and school visits to special presentations or home visits to home library customers.

We love to get out and about with our Libraries on Location program - delivering programs and services at shopping centres, local festivals and community events.

Staff Culture 

Hobsons Bay Libraries employs approximately 90 staff in full time, part time and casual roles.
 
We aim to deal with your enquiries as far as we can at the first point of contact. Not every single enquiry can be resolved immediately but we are eager to assist you with any question we can, whether it be finding material in the library, online or helping you connect with other organisations in the community.

The History of Altona Library

The History of Williamstown Library