Draft Cessnock City Library Strategy 2025-35

Project Update

Thank you for participating in the consultation for Council's Draft Cessnock City Library Strategy 2025-35. The public exhibition period has now concluded.

Introduction

As the Cessnock Local Government Area continues to undergo significant growth and transformation, Council will work to ensure our library branches remain a vital community space that is trusted, inclusive and welcoming to all.

With the Draft Cessnock City Library Strategy 2025-35 we aim to continue to expand the vision and framework for building and developing library services that meet the needs of our changing communities across the Local Government Area.

Previous Community Engagement

The development of the draft strategy commenced in 2024 and was in collaboration with Council and Cessnock City Library officers, as well as members of the local community.

During the Community Engagement stage of this project, we received wonderful feedback from our community. We received this feedback in the following ways:

• Focus groups held with community members.
• Together Cessnock (this page) which included an online survey, with hardcopies also available at both library branches with over 380 responses
• Discussion with library users attending library programs.
• Stakeholder meetings
• One on one discussions with library staff.

Draft Plan now on public exhibition

We are excited to present to our community the draft Cessnock City Library Strategy Summary 2025-35, created based on the feedback we received throughout the engagement phase.

The actions listed in the strategy outline a roadmap that honours the library’s proud history while embracing innovation, equity and opportunity. These actions reaffirm a commitment to literacy, digital access, cultural celebrations and lifelong learning.

Also enclosed for ease of reference is the Cessnock City Library Strategy Summary 2025-35.

The next step is to hear what you think about the draft Plan before it can be adopted by Council.

During this stage, you can:

• Read the draft plan online, or view a copy at either our Cessnock or Kurri Kurri branches
• Provide comments through an online submission form

We are grateful for your feedback on this draft Plan. The Plan is now open for your feedback until Wednesday 22 October 2025.

Documents

1. Draft Cessnock City Library Strategy 2025-35
2. Draft Cessnock City Library Strategy Summary 2025-35

How to make a submission

The exhibition period will run from Thursday 25 September until Wednesday 22 October 2025. You can make a submission using the online form located below.

Alternatively, should you intend to make a written submission please quote “Draft Cessnock City Library Strategic Plan”. Written submissions should be addressed to The General Manager and can be submitted via:

• Email to council@cessnock.nsw.gov.au
• Post to PO Box 152, CESSNOCK NSW 2325

Any views expressed in written or digital submissions will be considered by Council before a final decision is made.