This Kaurna acknowledgement was prepared in consultation with traditional custodians.
Acknowledgement of Country
The City of Marion acknowledges we are situated on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people and recognises the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land.
Gavin Malone, Sherry Rankin, and Margaret Worth, ‘Tjilbruke Gateway’
Our Purpose
To provide opportunities to foster meaningful connections, inspire discovery and exploration, improve literacy outcomes and foster lifelong learning.
Executive Summary
Welcome to the City of Marion Libraries Three Year Plan 2025/26–2027/28.
Since 1959, our libraries have been a much loved and well utilised resource for the community, built on equity of access and freedom of information.
In addition to our business as usual, this plan outlines the strategic priorities of Marion Libraries in response to the evolving needs of our community. As a recognised leader within the South Australian Public Library Network, Marion Libraries are committed to advancing service excellence and strengthening partnerships to enrich the lives of the community.
Guided by our purpose, our three-year plan focuses on four key areas:
• Fostering Meaningful Connections
• Inspiring Discovery and Exploration
• Improving Literacy Outcomes
• Encouraging Lifelong Learning
For generations, Marion Libraries have been a place of connection, inspiration, and belonging. Our three-year plan continues this legacy, embracing change with heart and purpose to empower every member of our community to learn, grow, and thrive.
The Marion Libraries Three Year Plan aligns with the strategic priorities outlined in the City of Marion Strategic Plan 2020–2034, ensuring that all actions and initiatives directly support the long-term vision and goals of the organisation.
Liveable
We will create and maintain safe, attractive and accessible public places and facilities.
Sustainable
We protect, restore and connect to the natural environment, building resilience to climate change.
Community
We are a friendly, inclusive and connected community, where everyone belongs. Our Organisation We listen to our community and partner for the benefit of our community. We deliver high quality, cost-effective services, reliably and innovatively.
1.3% INDIGENOUS POPULATION 16.1% RESIDENTS
5.1% UNEMPLOYMENT
PERRY BARR RD
We are...
A vibrant and innovative public library service comprised of the Cultural Centre Library, Park Holme Library, Marion Heritage Research Centre and Cove Civic Centre. With a collection of over 91,000 items and a wide range of digital resources, we provide access to information and deliver inclusive services that foster learning, creativity, and community connection.
We do this by...
Sourcing expertly curated collections that foster a love of reading and supports lifelong learning.
Providing safe, welcoming and comfortable spaces that inspire discovery and creativity and offer opportunities for collaboration.
Offering meaningful customer focussed engagement initiatives that optimise both in-library and digital interactions to elevate user experience and strengthen community connections.
Empowering the community to safely, confidently and critically use technology and access digital resources to encourage lifelong learning.
Designing and delivering high quality lifelong learning experiences that ignite a love of learning and reading.
Delivering high quality and creative marketing and promotions that increase the awareness of our diverse services, collections, events and programs.
We measure our success...
Through a variety of ways, including Key Performance Indicators, and the successful completion of projects and actions.
Guided by our plan, we continuously improve and align our efforts to achieve meaningful outcomes for the community. We use a combination of broad operational KPIs to track both our day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives, combined with the successful delivery of a range of dedicated projects, to track this success.
In 2024/25 our Library Service achieved the following results, and has set KPI growth targets for 2025/26.
TOTAL LOANS
The total number of items loaned from City of Marion Library branches including renewals and eLoans.
VISITATIONS
The number of people who physically visited a City of Marion Library branch.
871,977
Total loans during the 2024/25 financial year
PROGRAM ATTENDEES
The number of people who attended a City of Marion program or event.
NEW MEMBERS
The number of people who have joined the City of Marion Library Service.
ENGAGEMENT
365,459
Visitors during the 2024/25 financial year
24,561
Program attendees during the 2024/25 financial year
4,255
New members during the 2024/25 financial year
9,788
Members engaged on average per month during the 2024/25 financial year
375,000 385,000
25,000
27,000
The number of City of Marion Library members who used their library card at least once in the last month at a City of Marion Library branch. 905,000 920,000
4,400 4,600
10,000 10,500
What Our Customers Say About Us
“
Thank you for spending so much time with me, this will change my life.
“
I love coming in here, you all go above and beyond.
“
I had no idea all this was available, thank you for helping me connect through the library.
“
Marion Library events are always a brilliant evening. Thanks for making it all possible, for making us feel so welcome.
“
It’s a real pleasure to come in here, you are all so friendly and helpful.
“
A lovely library… I feel very privileged to have the space.
“
Your staff are amazing. Nothing is too hard for them. They go the extra mile to solve any problems you might have.
Context
The Marion Library Service operates as part of a state-wide network which links all South Australian Public Libraries through an innovative “OneCard” system. This gives borrowers the ability to access items from any South Australian library with a single card. The South Australian Public Library Network (SAPLN) brings together 68 local councils and over 130 library sites to give all South Australians access to resources that would otherwise be unavailable. The “Tomorrow’s Libraries” report provides a framework for SAPLN to deliver a shared view of the future direction for public libraries in South Australia.
Public libraries in Australia are supported at a national level through the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). ALIA provides a number of critical services to the library industry, including the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services through leadership and mutual professional
support. It also plays a key role in nationwide advocacy for the value of public libraries, professional development opportunities and policy development.
At an international level, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) represents the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice for the library and information profession. A key role of IFLA is to represent libraries on the world stage and to strengthen the ability of their member associations, institutions and individuals to advocate for and deliver library and information services that improve lives.
A key principle for all libraries is for people to have “freedom of access to information and knowledge”. For many generations, the local library has been a constant, reliable and valued piece of social infrastructure in an ever-changing society.
Fostering Meaningful Connections
We foster meaningful connections through inclusive, welcoming library spaces that inspire learning, create opportunities for connection, and build a sense of community.
Our vision is that
The library is a vibrant community hub, having an environment that is warm, inviting, and comfortable, resulting in an increase in utilisation.
Visitors consistently report feeling welcomed and comfortable upon arrival, as reflected in feedback surveys and anecdotal community input.
Visitors are staying engaged and are regularly using library services.
Complete the internal refurbishment of the Cultural Centre Library.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: O1.2 | C2.1
Create welcoming and impactful first impressions through targeted outdoor improvements in partnership with the Open Spaces team.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: L2.2 | S2.1
Improve library indoor physical environment by optimising sensory and spatial elements.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: L2.2
Install a community kitchen for Park Holme Library.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: L2.2
Implement a marketing plan for libraries to maximize the effectiveness of Campaign Monitor for targeted and impactful communications with our community.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C4.2
Review library opening hours and make recommendations based on outcome.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C1.1
Review Library@Home model and implement proposed changes
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: O3.1 | C3.3
Expand outreach to promote Marion Libraries to new and diverse audiences beyond current customer base
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C1.2
Enhance Cove Civic Centre forecourt in partnership with the Economic Development team.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: L2.2 | S2.1
Provide opportunities for the community to access the library after hours
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C1.1
Engage with our users via targeted surveys to gather insights and improve services.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C4.1
Operational improvements to Library@home supports a sustainable model.
An expanded library outreach service is delivered into the community.
Regular survey cycles are established, creating an ongoing feedback loop that helps the library stay responsive and adapt to changing community needs.
Property Strategy and Delivery Team Leader Customer Experience
Unit Manager Libraries Open Spaces
Team Leader Customer Experience Branch Operations
Team Leader Collections Unit Manager Libraries
MarComms Coordinator Library ICT Coordinator
Team Leader Customer Experience Wider Leadership Group
Team Leader Collections Programs Coordinator & Collections Coordinator
Team Leader Collections Programs Coordinator & Collections Coordinator
Team Leader Programs Economic Development
Team Leader Customer Experience Wider Leadership Group
Team Leader Customer Experience MarComms Coordinator
Inspiring Discovery and Exploration
We inspire discovery and exploration by providing access to expertly curated collections and enriching experiences which spark curiosity, empower discovery and support lifelong learning
Our vision is that
Library collections are reflective of the community’s diverse needs and interests at a branch level and are displayed to encourage browsability and lifelong learning.
Visitors are empowered to explore the library independently and problem solve common IT issues as needed.
Strategic Action
Complete genrification of collection at Cultural Centre Library and Cove Civic Centre.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C2.1
Enhance collection selection process using demographic data and borrower insights.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C3.1
Develop an access guide for Marion Libraries covering services, wayfinding, and IT support, to improve user experience.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C4.2
Implement AI solutions for book recommendations.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: O5.1
Quick, personalised recommendations are provided at check out to support individual interests and engagement.
Collections Coordinator Team Leader Customer Experience & Team Leader Programs
We improve literacy outcomes by providing access to resources, and opportunities to develop the reading, writing, and digital skills needed to participate in community life.
Our vision is that
There is a strong uptake of the reading reward program and increased enthusiasm for reading across multiple age groups, with participants actively completing reading milestones and returning for more.
Caregivers and children are empowered with curated reading lists and pre-reading strategies.
Action
Celebrate and promote a love of reading through the implementation of a library reading reward program.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C1.1
Implement a birth to five years reading program to support early years literacy.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C3.2
Pilot the implementation of a holds collection machine, supported by collection and program offerings.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C1.1 | O5.1
Partnerships are developed and nurtured with external stakeholders e.g. Community Centres, early learning centres, Raising Literacy Australia, CAFHS, FE Tech.
Young people have access to current and popular titles across three branches.
Encouraging Lifelong Learning
We inspire discovery and exploration by providing access to expertly curated collections and enriching experiences which empower our community to learn, imagine, and grow at every stage of life.
Our vision is that
The library is a connector between the community and council.
Visitors are provided options for studying, gaming and working in the library.
Free music streaming services are available.
Preserve our rich and diverse local history with the addition of a storage facility at the Marion Heritage and Research Centre.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: O1.1 | O1.2
Expand specialised library collections to meet diverse community interests and needs.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C1.1 | S1.5
Collaborate with teams across Marion to deliver strategic outcomes that enhance the lives of our community.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C3.1 | O6.1
Conduct a review of library programs and events.
CoM Strategic Plan 2024–2034 Reference: C1.1 | C2.2 | O3.1
A wide range of items is accessible to support lifelong learning and skill development.
Marion Libraries participate in a circular economy, minimising waste.
Propery Strategy and Delivery Unit Manager Libraries
Team Leader Collections Customer Experience Coordinator
Team Leader Programs Unit Manager Libraries
Team Leader Programs Unit Manager Libraries
1. The Libraries Board of South Australia and the Local Government Association of SA (2019), Tomorrow’s Libraries: Future Directions of the South Australian public library network
2. ALIA (2016), Guidelines, standards and outcome measures for Australian public libraries
3. IFLA/UNESCO (1994), Public Library Manifesto
4. Hudson Howells (2020), The Value of Libraries Study
5. South Australian Public Library Network (2021), Performance Framework
6. APLA – ALIA (2021), Standards and Guidelines for Australian Public
