A new reserve and collect service will ensure Dingee’s book lovers can continue to access the full Goldfields Library collection.
The service is moving from the historic railway station to the Dingee Bush Nursing Centre from October 2026, ensuring ongoing access and support for local readers.
The change follows community consultation this year that showed while service usage and volunteer availability have decreased, there was still support for a library service in the Loddon Shire town.
Goldfields Libraries Community Based Services Coordinator Elise Wright said she was delighted to share that the service would continue under the new model.
“The service will provide residents with access to our full collection through reservations, while also offering a convenient local collection and returns point,” Elise said.
“Library services have been available in Dingee for many years, initially via visits from our mobile library bus, and then, from 2017, from the historic station.
“The model worked well thanks to the support of dedicated volunteers from the Dingee and District Country Women’s Association.
“We would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who has given their time over the past nine years to support the service. Their care has fostered a love of reading in the community.
“We now look forward to continuing their good work, with the help of our new partnership with the Bush Nursing Centre.”
Dingee library patrons can reserve any item from across the Goldfields Libraries network online, or with the help of library staff during service times.
Items can be collected and returned during the Dingee Bush Nursing Centre operating hours of Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm, and Wednesday 8.30am to 1.00pm.
Library staff will visit the site each Tuesday from 10-10.30am, starting October 6.
“In addition to this, we will continue to provide outreach services, with regular visits to local preschools and playgroups for our much-loved Storytime sessions,” Elise said.
“A reserve and collect service has worked well in other small towns within our library network for many years, and we’re sure Dingee readers will also enjoy the benefits of an easy return and collection point for books, DVDs, Library of Things items and more, in addition to all the eLibrary services all of our patrons enjoy from the comfort of home.”