Ascot Vale Library is getting a major renovation!
Back in 2022, Ascot Vale Library was awarded $1.5 million through the State Government's Living Libraries Infrastructure Program for a large-scale redevelopment. Now, building works are finally ready to commence.
The library at 165 Union Road is now closed but our team has moved to the Moonee Valley Libraries Pop-up Branch at 15 Ascot Vale Road.
Services available at the Pop-up include:
- Borrowing and returning of library items
- Pick up of reservations
- Book, magazine, and DVD collections
- Daily newspapers
- Computer access
- Printing, photocopying and scanning
- Study space
- Assistance from our friendly staff
Our early years literacy programs, including Baby Rhyme Time, Toddler Time, and Preschool Storytime, will be held at their regular times at the Crown Street Stables. Saturday Storytimes will not run at Ascot Vale throughout the renovation period.
What's included in the renovation?
Whilst the exterior of the building will remain intact, the interior will be significantly expanded and renewed. The first floor will be made accessible, meaning the library's floorspace will nearly triple in size. The redevelopment will include meeting rooms, an enlarged children’s area, more study space, more public toilets and an externally accessible Changing Places toilet.
This project will transform the library into a modern, accessible space and significantly improve equity and access to library collections, services and programs for the whole community. The works will also improve environmental performance to reduce carbon emissions from the building. Completion is anticipated by late 2025.
Map to Pop-up branch:
Turning of the Sod, August 2024
On Thursday 8 August 2024, Ascot Vale Library hosted a sod-turning ceremony to officially mark the commencement of the redevelopment. Special guests included the Honorable Minister Danny Pearson, Moonee Valley CEO Helen Sui, Mayor Cr Pierce Tyson, Cr Narelle Sharpe, Cr Rose Iser, and Cr Samantha Byrne. Members of the library team also attended alongside project managers and other Council staff.
Photographs by Jorge de Araujo (Artificial Studios)
For more information about the project please visit Council's Major Development & Strategic Planning Projects page.
The Ascot Vale Library redevelopment was made possible by the State Government's Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, with support from Changing Places and Moonee Valley City Council.