Home Programs & Projects Share Share Share Copy Link Copy Link Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Email State Library Partnership Scroll down Body State Library Partnership What’s our State Library of Victoria Partnership all about? And no, we’re not just talking about books! We teamed up with the State Library of Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria to create more opportunities for young people to socially connect at libraries. And in ways that work for them and their mental wellbeing. Together libraries and young people are creating culturally safe spaces for young Victorians to connect with each other and their communities. This partnership focuses on improving the cultural safety at libraries through antiracism training for staff as well as upskilling library staff in codesign. We know young people are eager to have more safe spaces to relax, study and connect with one another. Through codesigned projects, young people can have a voice and agency about programs that they want to see at their libraries. So that these spaces are more accessible for themselves and their peers. Meet our partner libraries We are proud to have 4 libraries as part of this ground-breaking project, spanning across both regional and metropolitan Victoria. These libraries are leading the way and are committed to providing young people with safe spaces to socially connect in their local libraries: La Trobe Library Moonee Valley Library Swan Hill Library Wyndham Library Here’s what our young people have to say about it: Young people have felt empowered to share their insights and take control of the programming their libraries offer. Noting how important it is to be financially compensated as a lived experience expert. One young person from La Trobe Valley shared ‘please let me know when is the next [co-design] meeting, I'm looking forward to it. I can’t wait to return and be in the company of such wonderful people’. Plus, the library staff and leadership team have been thrilled with the engagement of young people. Another young person wrote ‘I'm glad to hear.... [our] ideas are sparking inspiration!!! And thankyou’. How do I get involved? I’m a library interested in rolling out a similar project - stay tuned for more information and a tipsheet coming mid 2023. I’m a young person - get involved via the 4 libraries mentioned above, by contacting them directly.
