The future of the State Library of Victoria is under scrutiny as renowned Australian author Helen Garner and over 220 writers, scholars, and researchers express deep concern over planned job cuts. The proposed changes, which aim to reduce staffing and shift focus towards digital projects, have sparked a significant backlash within the literary community.
In an open letter addressed to the library’s board and executive, Garner described the library’s transformation into what she calls “party central.” She criticized the decision to cut 39 jobs, including halving the number of public-facing reference librarians from 25 to 10. Garner stated, “I’m sick about it,” reflecting on her fond memories of the library as a place of quiet contemplation and scholarly pursuit.
The letter, which was also sent to Colin Brooks, the Minister for Creative Industries, highlights growing alarm about the library’s shift away from its core mission. Garner, who wrote her first book, Monkey Grip, within the library’s walls in the 1970s, lamented the loss of its serene environment. “A place where thinking was respected and the conditions for its flourishing were insisted upon,” she said, criticizing the management for prioritizing “flashy tourist-oriented digital vanity projects” over essential library services.
Prominent signatories of the letter include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks, Nobel laureate JM Coetzee, and Booker Prize winner Thomas Keneally. The collective voices of established writers underscore the seriousness of the situation, with many calling for greater public accountability from the library’s leadership.
Proposed Changes and Community Response
The restructuring plan, outlined in the “Strategic Reorganisation Change Proposal” for October 2025, aims to eliminate critical roles while reducing access to public computers and outsourcing information technology functions. As of now, a petition initiated by CPSU Victoria, the library workers’ union, has gathered over 2,260 signatures, reflecting widespread community support for preserving library services.
The library’s spokesperson defended the proposed changes, claiming they reflect a commitment to serving the community effectively. They stated, “State Library Victoria will continue, as we always have, to provide appropriate computer access for the public to assist with research and reference activity.” This stands in stark contrast to the concerns raised by library staff, who argue that the changes undermine the library’s foundational purposes.
In response to the outcry, the open letter advocates for a public meeting where the board can explain their plans and reasoning. The signatories emphasized the importance of reforming the library’s governance to include input from stakeholders, such as scholars and public users, whose needs have not been adequately considered.
Government Involvement and Next Steps
A spokesperson for the Victorian government affirmed that the Library Board of Victoria and its leadership are responsible for organizational and staffing matters. This statement indicates a division of responsibility, emphasizing the board’s authority in making decisions that impact the library’s future.
As discussions continue, the literary community remains vigilant, insisting that the State Library of Victoria must uphold its mission as a vital resource for knowledge and information. The collective effort by writers and researchers serves as a reminder of the library’s longstanding role in fostering literary culture and public discourse in Melbourne and beyond.
The outcome of this situation may significantly shape the library’s direction, raising questions about the balance between modernization and the preservation of core services that have historically defined this cherished institution.
