CONCERNS have been raised over a proposed restructure of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s library system.
Multiple library employees, who wish to remain anonymous, have expressed concerns over the proposed model, which is set to come into effect in early January 2027.
Director of Communities at the shire, Cheryl Casey, said the community comes first.
“We’re reviewing the shire’s library service to ensure it meets community needs and delivers the best outcomes for our residents now and into the future,” said Casey.
“No final decisions have been made and consultation with employees is underway.”
A staff briefing for library employees was held on 17 September, where they were presented with the findings of the Libraries Service Review and proposed workforce changes.
According to documents obtained by The News, consultation was set to close on 2 October, with a confirmation of the final structure between 7 to 9 October.
The documents suggest Somerville Library could transition to a community hub-based model alongside a mobile library.
“A local library is more than a building — it is a community hub providing access to books, technology, learning opportunities and connection,” said a staff member.
“Any move to remove a branch should require open community discussion and transparent decision-making.”
Current library positions are set to be made redundant, with permanent staff redeployed to the new structure and temporary/casual staff able to apply to any available positions.
Standalone librarian positions will be replaced with a new model of Library Experience Officers and specialist lead roles.
There will be six Library Leads, who will focus on specific areas of asset and infrastructure, digital technology, outreach and partnerships, reading and collections, planning and engagement and programs and events.
A staff member said the staffing changes mean there aren’t enough staff on the floor at all times.
“The librarians in this shire work harder than any other I’ve seen, and at this staffing level it is just impossible for us to complete the tasks we need to do to keep the library running, even if we didn’t assist customers at all,” said the staff member.
“Increasingly, libraries are helping the elderly with technology, emails and printing, we help connect people with services they need, some people in real need such as the homeless and victims of domestic violence, we help people with the census, with passport applications, writing resumes and applying for jobs, and we simply won’t have the time to do any of this.”
The library staff are currently broken up into four teams: Mornington, Hastings (who also look after Somerville), Rosebud, and a casual team.
The proposed changes would see the teams dispersed, with staff expected to work at all locations.
Staff members expressed concerns over this change as it would mean a loss of consistency to patrons.
“Libraries function on community connection; we help societies most vulnerable, we build trust within the community, trust that is completely undermined by having different people working every day,” said a staff member.
There will also no longer be casual staff and instead a “permanent relief pool” will be introduced to provide planned and unplanned coverage across the library branches.
One staff member said management claimed the changes are not due to budget cuts.
“This is incredibly dishonest and lacking in openness and integrity,” said the staff member.
“The reason they have said this is because the previous staff budget didn’t include casual staff, which was covered in a separate budget. Once the current spend on casual relief staff is factored in, the total spend will be significantly less.”
An employee said residents have been asking why decisions that could permanently change access to library services are being made without an opportunity for the community to examine the proposal and provide feedback.
The shire declined to comment on whether the community will be consulted on the structure changes.
“The Mornington Peninsula Library Service belongs to the community,” said a staff member.
“Decisions about its future should not be made without the voices of the people who use, support and value these essential services.”
First published in the Mornington News – 20 October 2026
