The Sunshine Coast’s library network is evolving, and your voice is crucial in shaping its future! The Sunshine Coast Council is launching a comprehensive community engagement survey to gather feedback on current library services and explore what residents envision for the future.
With nine library branches, a mobile library, an express library, a heritage library, and a thriving eLibrary catalogue, the Sunshine Coast library service is a vital resource for residents, workers, and visitors alike. From borrowing books and accessing free Wi-Fi to attending engaging programs and utilising quiet study spaces, the libraries play a significant role in our community.
The numbers speak for themselves. In the 2023/2024 period, the library network recorded a staggering 931,000 in-person branch visits, boasted over 126,000 library members, welcomed 30,733 attendees to its diverse programs, and saw an impressive 854,000 interactions with the eLibrary.
Planning for the Future:
Currently, the Sunshine Coast library service is guided by two key plans: the Sunshine Coast Libraries Plan 2014-2024, focusing on operations and service delivery (which is now under review), and the Libraries Network Plan 2019-2041, which addresses the provision of library branches across the region.
Now, as the 2014-2024 plan reaches its conclusion, Council is embarking on a new phase of planning, aiming to create the Sunshine Coast Library Services Plan 2025-2035. This new plan will be directly informed by community feedback, ensuring that our libraries continue to meet the evolving needs of our growing community.
Have Your Say!
From Monday, March 31st to midnight Monday, May 5th, 2025, residents are invited to participate in the community engagement survey. Whether you’re a regular library user or have never stepped inside a branch or used the online resources, your input is valuable. “We want to hear from you!” encourages the Council. “We are seeking feedback on what you currently love doing at the library and what you’d like to do there in the future, from services, to programs and events.”
Get Involved:
- Online Survey: Participate in the survey online to share your thoughts and ideas.
- Pop-Up Event: Meet Council representatives in person at the Maleny Library, 5 Coral Street, Maleny: Saturday, April 12th (1-3pm)
Next Steps and Timeline:
Following the survey period, Council will review all community feedback to identify key themes and priorities. These insights will form the foundation of the Sunshine Coast Library Services Plan 2025-2035. The final plan is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
To stay up-to-date on the project, residents are encouraged to follow the project updates online. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our Sunshine Coast libraries. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a vital community resource. Make your voice heard and help create a library service that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our community.