The Mechanics Trentham celebrates a successful first year

Since its official opening on 21 June 2024, The Mechanics Trentham has become a vibrant hub of activity and connection for the Trentham and broader Hepburn Shire communities. 

Bradley Thomas, CEO, said that the newly redeveloped library and community facility has been embraced by locals and visitors, thanks to a better floorplan, expanded library collection, and light-filled, welcoming spaces.  

“The modern, flexible design has allowed existing programs to flourish while enabling the introduction of new digital literacy initiatives,” said Mr Thomas. 

In its first year, The Mechanics Trentham has delivered the following results: 

• Library visitation has grown by 170 per cent, with average quarterly visits rising from 943 to 1,611. 

• Library membership is up by 8 per cent, increasing from 554 to 687 members. 

• Library borrowings have increased by 20 per cent, with 3,574 items loaned since reopening. 

• Library program attendance has increased by 31 per cent. 

Council is also looking forward to the upcoming rollout of Open Access Libraries at The Trentham Mechanics later this year, which will allow inducted members to use library spaces outside of staffed hours. Open Access will also be introduced at The Warehouse – Clunes this year, and next year at Creswick Hub and Daylesford Library.  

Further highlights from the past 12 months at the Mechanics Trentham include: 

• A 410 per cent increase in social and community group bookings, totalling 2,103 hours of use. 

• 490 bookings were recorded in the past year, with 338 future bookings already confirmed. 

• The Loddon River Room emerged as the most popular space, with 153 bookings. 

• Events hosted have included digital literacy sessions, emergency services talks, table tennis, karate classes, trivia nights, dance fitness, Mahjong games, old-time dances, and more. 

The delivery of The Mechanics Trentham was made possible by grants of $3.5 million from the Victorian Government provided through its Regional Infrastructure Fund and $500,000 through the Living Libraries Program, and an additional $1.1 million from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure grant. Council contributed $2.35 million to this important project. 

Bookings at the facility can be made at The Mechanics Trentham.