The Little River Mechanics’ Institute will carry out restoration work on its heritage collection books and install audio-visual and theatrical lighting facilities, thanks to a $12,000 State Government grant.

Local Government Minister Shaun Leane has announced the Institute will receive the grant from the Public Libraries Funding Program 2020-21.

It’s one of ten Mechanics’ Institutes across the state receiving a share in $100,000 in grants to improve their libraries.

The Andrews Labor Government is also providing $30,000 to the Mechanics’ Institutes of Victoria (MIV) from the Public Libraries Funding Programs.

The MIV will use these funds for a range of projects including IT upgrades, collection-building and cataloguing, website maintenance and publishing its magazine.

The Public Libraries Funding Program supports councils, regional library corporations, Mechanics’ Institutes and Vision Australia to provide services that help build literate, healthy and engaged communities.

Mechanics’ Institutes began as a model for free education for workers in Scotland and were established throughout Britain’s colonies. Institutes opened in Australia in the early 19^th century and were extremely popular, with one in almost every town in Victoria. They evolved to offer community facilities including public halls, libraries and spaces for events and entertainment.

Today, 562 Mechanics’ Institutes remain in Victoria and only ten of them offer library services.

Built in 1910, the Little River Mechanics’ Institute is managed by a volunteer committee and hosts a free library that has been open to borrowers since 1911.

Their Secretary Les Sanderson has welcomed the funding.

“We’re really thrilled to receive this grant. We’re excited we can install audio-visual equipment and theatrical lighting to screen historical movies. There are certainly more important things to be done in the library – upgrading the flooring and toilets, installing heating – so this kind of work would’ve been a long way down the track, five to 10 years, if it weren’t for this grant.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Hon Shaun Leane

“Mechanics’ Institutes play an important role in helping strengthen Victorian communities. Like libraries, they support a culture that values learning and social connections.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“We’re delighted that the Andrews Labor Government is recognising the Little River Mechanics’ Institute as it continues to survive, evolve and serve our local community in so many ways for more than a century.”