Writing on the wall? Libraries spared the axe, but opening hours slashed
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Three libraries in Geelong area facing closure were given a last-minute reprieve, but some opening hours will be cut across local network and opening of a new branch delayed as economic woes deepen for council. The coastal hamlet of Geelong West, Highton and Barwon presidents had been earmarked for closure by the Geelong District Library Company after a funding spat with the City Council. Karen Firth, Friends of the Barwon Heads Community Library, says her library is a special place. Wayne Taylor But later this week, the company announced they would stay open despite what the council said was a $762,000 shortfall in its 2023-24 draft budget. The Library Company said Friday that its managing director, Vanessa Schernichau, has met with Kaarina Phyland, Acting City of Greater Geelong Managing Director, to come up with a deal to avoid closures.