𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Inverell Shire Council has welcomed a positive assessment report from the State Library of NSW, highlighting the strong performance of Inverell Library across a range of key service areas.

At its April Ordinary Meeting, Council received and noted the assessment report, which forms part of a regular review program conducted across public libraries in New South Wales.

The assessment, undertaken in late 2025, evaluated Inverell Library against established NSW Public Library standards, including service delivery, collections, facilities and community engagement.

The report commended Inverell Library for exceeding or meeting several key benchmarks, including:

• opening hours above the minimum standard

• strong investment in library materials

• a diverse and well-developed collection

• high circulation levels

• a well-maintained and appropriately sized facility

• active participation in statewide data collection and staff training

Mayor Cr. Kate Dight said the results reflect Council’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality library services to the community.

“This is a very positive report that recognises the dedication of our library staff and the strong support Council provides to the service. Our library continues to perform well across many important areas and remains a valuable resource for the Inverell Shire community.”

The report also identified opportunities for improvement, including increasing library membership, visitation rates and program attendance. Council noted that these measures are influenced by a range of factors and that Inverell’s performance remains comparable with similar regional councils.

Findings from the assessment will directly inform the current Library Service Review being undertaken by Council. This review will identify strategies to enhance services, increase community participation and ensure alignment with state standards and local priorities.

The State Library also acknowledged recent improvements to the library facility, including upgraded shelving and new meeting room pods, as well as the library’s strong focus on customer engagement, staff development and program delivery.

Council will continue to work through the Service Review process to build on these strengths and address identified opportunities for growth.

Media Release: Inverell Shire Counci