Our Vision and Purpose
Our Vision
To inspire and empower our community by providing inclusive, innovative library services that foster lifelong learning, creativity, and meaningful connections.
About Bega Valley Regional Library
Bega Valley Regional Library is located in the picturesque South East corner of New South Wales, halfway between Sydney and Melbourne and just three hours from Canberra. Our libraries sit within the stunning Bega Valley Shire on the land of the Yuin Nation—a region known for its pristine wilderness, unspoilt coastline, and vibrant villages.
Our Story
Library services in the Bega Valley began in 1945 with the opening of the Bega Municipal Library, one of only four public libraries in NSW at the time. In 1975, branches at Eden, Merimbula, and Bermagui were established with the support of an Area Improvement Grant, forming the South Coast Co-operative Library Service. The amalgamation of Bega, Imlay, and Mumbulla Shires in 1980 created the Bega Valley Shire Library service we know today, covering more than 6,000 square kilometres.
Our Role in the Community
Today, Bega Valley Shire Library is a vital community asset operated by Bega Valley Shire Council. With four branches—Bermagui, Bega, Tura Beach, and Eden—plus outreach and online services, we provide spaces and resources that bring people together. Our libraries offer access to technology, creative programs, study and meeting spaces, and opportunities to learn and connect.
We are committed to bridging the digital divide so no one is left behind. By providing resource-rich environments and fostering a love of reading, we support literacy as a fundamental life skill—essential for education, economic participation, and wellbeing. Research shows that reading for both information and pleasure benefits health and happiness, and we strive to make that accessible to all.
Partnership with University of Wollongong
Through our partnership with the University of Wollongong, Bega Library offers access to academic collections, online resources, reference assistance, and literacy classes. Visit the University of Wollongong – Bega Campus for more information.