Have Your Say on the Library Strategic Plan
Have your say on the Draft Library Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Background
Bega Valley Shire Council is seeking community feedback on the Draft Library Strategic Plan 2026–2030.
The draft plan provides a framework for the future development of library services across the Bega Valley over the next four years. It builds on recent achievements while responding to changing community needs and the evolving role of libraries as places of learning, connection, creativity and belonging.
Bega Valley Shire Libraries serve almost one-third of the shire's population, with more than 12,000 active members and approximately 139,000 visits each year. The draft plan outlines how library services will continue to support literacy, lifelong learning, digital inclusion and community wellbeing while adapting to future opportunities and challenges.
The plan has been informed by community consultation, library usage data, demographic analysis and benchmarking against State Library of NSW standards.
Community feedback highlighted the importance of:
- Strong and diverse physical collections
- Welcoming, accessible and flexible library spaces
- Digital literacy and skills development opportunities
- Improved access, outreach and convenience
- The exceptional value of library staff, whose knowledge, support and customer service were consistently identified as one of the library service's greatest strengths
The draft plan identifies five strategic priorities:
- Collections at the Heart
- Trusted Community Connections
- Enhanced Experiences and Inspiring Spaces
- Lifelong Learning and Creativity
- Sustainability and Resilience
Potential future initiatives include improved quiet study and workspaces, expanded youth and digital literacy programs, enhanced outreach services, creative technology opportunities, additional book return points and investigation of flexible after-hours access options.
How to provide your feedback
Council invites community members, library users and stakeholders to review the draft plan and provide feedback during the public exhibition period.
All submissions received will be considered before the final plan is presented to Council for adoption.
Feedback may be provided by:
Email: council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au(External link)
Post: Chief Executive Officer, Bega Valley Shire Council, PO Box 492, Bega NSW 2550
Online: via the Have Your Say button below.
Submissions must be received by 11.59pm on Thursday 5 November 2026.
