Our Vision
To enrich the community through creative, future focused library services, supporting lifelong learning and strong community connections.........
Bega Valley Regional Library is located in the South East corner of New South Wales, half way between Australia’s two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne and three hours’ drive from the nation’s capital, Canberra.The Library is Idyllically situated within the Bega Valley Shire on the land of the original custodians, the people of the Yuin Nation, a landscape of pristine wilderness, rich pastures, unspoilt coastline and boutique villages.
A library service was established in the Bega Valley with the opening of the Bega Municipal Library in 1945; one of only four public libraries in NSW. Branches at Eden, Merimbula and Bermagui were set up by the Imlay and Mumbulla Councils in 1975 with the assistance of an Area Improvement Grant, and with Bega, formed the South Coast Co-operative Library Service. The amalgamation of Bega, Imlay and Mumbulla Shires at the end of 1980 eventually meant the establishment of the Bega Valley Shire Library service of today, covering more than 6,000 sq kms.
The Bega Valley Shire Library service is a valued and important community asset operated by the Bega Valley Shire Council. With four branch locations; Bermagui, Bega, Tura Beach and Eden, and with a range of outreach and online services, the Library Service plays a vital role in the learning, creativity and connectivity of our communities.
People of all ages come together in libraries to connect and share with others. Our Library provides access to technology, a range of creative and innovative programs, meetings and study spaces and opportunities to engage in a host of activities. The BVSL is dedicated to bridging the digital divide to ensure that no one is left behind. We have a critical role to play in providing accessible and resource rich environments that evoke a love of reading. Literacy is an essential life skill for everyone, fundamental to all learning, a building block of education and integral to economic and social participation within society. Research shows that reading, not only for information but for pleasure, is good for you, benefiting an individual’s health and wellbeing.
University of Wollongong Partnership
Bega Library as a partner with the University of Wollongong provides access to a local academic collection, online resources, reference assistance and literacy classes. Visit University of Wollongong - Bega Campus for more information