The Sunbury Library will no longer be selling second-hand books among its other services it has been revealed.
The Library, which is run and operated under the Hume City Council who also oversees the Craigieburn and Broadmeadows libraries, has been offering this extra service for many years but will stop due to “lack of space”.
Facebook user and Sunbury resident Mary Day initially posted the news on the group “The Real Sunbury Community Page” and stated her disappointment at the council’s decision to stop selling pre-loved books saying “you will now have to travel to Craigieburn…to buy a 50 cent book!”
“Sad to say, Sunbury is losing out again!” her post said.
Director of Community Services at Hume Council and Sunbury Library, Margarita Caddick, said in a statement that second hand book sales were discontinued due to the very limited space available at the Sunbury Library, particularly with regard to storage.
“Once the new Hume Global Learning Centre opens in Sunbury, Council will reconsider the options to run regular book sales in Sunbury. In the interim, the sale of withdrawn library books that have been taken out of circulation and are not donated, are also offered at the major festivals across the City, as well as at book sales run from the garage in the Hume Global Learning Centre – Craigieburn.”
“Hume City Council has an extensive program of donations of withdrawn library books to various charities and education institutions such as schools, nursing homes, pre-schools and child care centres. “
“In carefully managing withdrawn book collections, Council is able to ensure that they are shared amongst the community and continue to provide enjoyment to a wide cross section of Hume residents in line with Council’s general practice.” She said.
The proposed Hume Global Learning Centre for Sunbury is due to open in 2019 and will be an extension of the current facilities and simular to the Craigieburn centre will have meeting and training rooms, upgraded internet facilities, event spaces and catering services.
Local resident and Palmer United candidate for Sunbury, Trevor Dance says it’s a silly decision to scrap the initiative as it has worked for a long time and it’s a great asset for the Sunbury Community.
“It’s a service that costs nothing but means a lot to so many. It will affect all and when they said its being transferred (The service) to the other side of Hume, it simply shows the lack of interest in maintaining a good service for Sunbury residents especially those who are underprivileged and the elderly. “
“You may as well go to the State Library as it would be quicker.” He said.
Library patron and Sunbury resident for 26 years, Helen Sullivan said she would be disappointed to see the second-hand book stall go.
“I’m a big reader and go to the library usually once a week, and I love being able to look through the piles of pre-loved books for a hidden gem. I’m sure there are many people in the community, especially elderly people that will miss it too.”
“Books bring communities together, the last thing we should be doing is preventing access to them.”
Amy Sullivan 