18 Jun 2018 Wangaratta Chronicle, Wangaratta VIC (General News) by Simone Kerwin WITH work complete on a $70,000 upgrade to Wangaratta Library facilities, an official opening was held on Tuesday. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) joined Rural City of Wangaratta mayor Ken Clarke to celebrate the completion of the works. The project was funded by the State Government through a $47,000 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program grant, a $21,510 contribution from the rural city, and $2000 from the Friends of the Library. Works involved removal of a glass wall dividing the childrens area from the adjacent magazine/reading room, to provide extra floor space for childrens activities; redesign of a small room at the rear of the library as an informal meeting space; and redevelopment of the former High Country Library Corporation headquarters at the left of the librarys entrance, for future use. Ms Symes said the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program helped ensure high quality infrastructure to meet communities changing needs, and support the role of libraries in encouraging community participation. The Wangaratta Library is a hub of community life, and this much-needed upgrade will be welcomed by the community, she said. These much-loved and used facilities needed an upgrade to bring the library into the 21st century. Ms Symes said the State Government recognised the role of public libraries in fostering lifelong learning, facilitating access to print and digital information, and providing a safe, supported community space for local people to engage in a wide range of activities.