Merri-bek City Council decided on June 23 to reinstate a full-time library social worker position, after pressure from librarians, residents and some councillors.
The 2025-26 budget had only allocated funds for a two-day position, which means securing enough funds for a full-time position was a victory, Socialist Alliance Merri-Bek councillor told 麻豆传媒.
Given that Merri-bek Council ran a successful two-year trial of a full-time library social worker, people were angry when,聽in February, the role was cut.
Merri-bek residents joined a spirited rally outside Coburg Town Hall before the council meeting began expressing indignation over the potential loss of an essential service and the bean counters鈥 undervaluing of the vital social function that libraries serve.
Speakers said libraries play a bigger role than simply lending books; they are spaces for people to use the internet and computers.聽
鈥淣eoliberalism鈥檚 cuts to post offices and other public places mean face-to-face service goes by the wayside,鈥 Bolton said. 鈥淟ibraries allow people to access Centrelink and other government departments, with library staff often helping out.鈥
鈥淟ibraries also provide a respite from commodified access to goods and are often the only place for people to sit without being encouraged to buy something. For people of all ages and聽needs, libraries are hubs of community, socialising, recreation and study.鈥
There is also substantial evidence from the United States and Canada and New Zealand to support the effectiveness of Library聽Social Workers. Melbourne, Port Phillip, Fremantle, Darwin, Bendigo, Salisbury and Adelaide employ social workers in libraries.
The six councillors who voted for the full-time social workers were: Sue Bolton (Socialist Alliance); Nat Abboud (Independent), Liz Irvin (Greens); Adam Pulford (Greens); Jay Iwasaki (Greens) and Ella Svensson (Greens). Four councillors voted against: Helen Politis (Labor); Oscar Yildiz (Independent); Chris Miles (Labor) and Katerine Theodosis (Labor).