Published on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 at 3:16:27 PM
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale has launched its new Library Plan 2026–2031, setting a clear direction for how library services will grow and evolve to meet the needs of one of Western Australia’s fastest-growing communities.
The Plan recognises the important role libraries play in supporting learning, connection, creativity and wellbeing, while responding to the changing needs of a Shire that is expected to grow to more than 95,000 residents by 2046.
Since the Shire’s Library Service transitioned from Mundijong to Byford in 2023, community engagement with the service has continued to increase, with more residents visiting the branch and mobile library van, attending programs and accessing collections.
In 2024/25, the SJ Library Service recorded 51,938 library visits, 4,522 active library members, 94,510 borrowed resources, 376 programs and events, 4,503 program attendees and 1,198 venue bookings.
Shire President Rob Coales said the Library Plan would help ensure the service continued to keep pace with community growth.
“As our community grows, so too does the role of our library,” President Coales said.
“Our Library Service is much more than a place to borrow books. It is a welcoming community space where people can learn, connect, access services, participate in programs and feel part of the community.
“The Library Plan gives us a clear roadmap for the next five years, ensuring we continue to provide services that are responsive, inclusive and accessible for residents across the Shire.”
Your feedback shaped the library's next chapter
Community feedback played an important role in shaping the Plan, with residents highlighting the need for more space, greater accessibility, broader collections and more programs for children, young people and adults.
Feedback also identified opportunities to deliver more programs outside traditional weekday hours, activate spaces beyond the library building, strengthen partnerships with community groups and improve access for residents across the Shire’s large geographic area.
What does the new Library Plan include?
The Plan is structured around four key priority areas: Places and Spaces, Community Engagement, Programs and Events, and Collections.
Under the Places and Spaces priority, the Shire will explore how library spaces and services can better meet the needs of a growing population. This includes reviewing the current library layout, improving access to technology, reviewing the Mobile Library Van schedule, exploring satellite library spaces in town centres and under-served areas, and undertaking research and feasibility work for the future Byford Library building.
The Community Engagement priority focuses on strengthening the Library’s connection with schools, kindergartens, playgroups, home education networks, community groups and local organisations. It also includes the development of a Library Marketing Strategy to increase awareness of library services and activities, as well as exploring future options such as volunteer opportunities and a bespoke SJ Library App.
Through the Programs and Events priority, the Shire will continue to expand and diversify library programming across different ages, interests and locations. This includes piloting expanded children’s programs, delivering outreach and interactive learning programs with schools and community groups, reviewing weekend programming, developing targeted adult programs and exploring greater use of technology and Makerspace-style activities.
The Collections priority will support stronger planning and management of the Library’s physical, digital and community history collections. Actions include increasing collection development resources, reviewing collection needs, improving access to the Community History Collection, exploring new object collections such as toys or equipment for loan, and promoting digital resources.
A long-term future for a vital community hub
President Coales said the Plan recognised that libraries are essential community infrastructure.
“Libraries support literacy, lifelong learning, digital inclusion, creativity, employment skills and social connection,” President Coales said.
“For a growing community like ours, it is vital that we continue investing in library services that support families, children, older residents, students, jobseekers, small businesses and community groups.”
The Plan also considers the Shire’s performance against national public library standards, identifying areas where further investment and planning will be required as the community continues to grow.
To support delivery, the Plan identifies the need for continued annual operational funding, a new Librarian position in 2026/27, increased programming and community history budgets, and future growth in Library Technician support.
Progress against the Plan will be reported quarterly through the Shire’s Corporate Business Plan reporting process, ensuring the community can track how actions are being delivered over time.
President Coales said the Plan would help guide future decisions and ensure the Library Service remains a central part of community life.
“This Plan is about making sure our Library Service continues to grow with our community,” he said.
“It will help us plan for future spaces, deliver more programs, strengthen partnerships, support our local history and ensure residents can access the resources and services they need.
“The next chapter for our Library Service is an exciting one, this framework gives us the foundations to keep building a welcoming, connected and lifelong learning community.”
Residents can view the Library Plan 2026–2031 on the Shire’s website.
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