Libraries After Dark launches at Carrum Downs Library

Published on 03 February 2021

Carrum Downs library welcomes you with open (but socially distanced) arms after hours on Thursdays from tomorrow (4 February).

Thanks to the Libraries After Dark program, the Carrum Downs library will be open until 10pm every Thursday night, in a bid to combat social isolation and gambling-related harm.

Frankston City Councillor, David Asker, said Frankston City Libraries was joining a number of it counterparts across Victoria in staying open later to offer an alternative to gaming venues and online gambling.

“Libraries After Dark was initially launched in 2018 and I’m very excited we’re adding Carrum Downs library to the program, providing a safe space for our residents to explore the library, enjoy a cuppa and the activities we’ll have on offer,” Cr Asker said.

“If you’re not sure what to do with yourself on a Thursday night, why not visit Carrum Downs library?”

Between 2018 and 2019, $559 was lost at the poker machines per adult in Frankston City, which is higher than the Victorian average of $538.

“Frankston City residents lost more than $62 million during this period. These losses have far reaching consequences for our community, beyond their financial impacts. Gambling can be detrimental to relationships, mental health and overall wellbeing,” Cr Asker said.

“Can you believe that during the pandemic lockdown, when access to gaming venues was limited, our local community saved around $32 million that would have been spent on gambling?”

Council has taken further steps to reduce gambling harm. These include supporting the Australian Local Government Association in advocating the Federal Government to:

• establish a Royal Commission into the gambling industry and a national ombudsman scheme to process and resolve consumer disputes with online gambling companies,
• further restrict gambling advertising and ban credit card usage with Australian licensed online gambling companies,
• ban federally registered political parties from owning gambling license issued by Australian governments including for the operation of poker machine venues,
• and investigate the gambling industry’s influence on the democratic process.

“We have also resolved not to accept any corporate sponsorship for Council based activities from gambling and gaming entities, without exception,” Cr Asker added.

Amanda Murphy, CEO of Connect Health & Community, who deliver the Gambler’s Help Southern program said, “We know that overcoming a problem with gambling can be one of the most challenging times in a person’s life, but recovery is possible.

“Please reach out to a loved one or to Gambler’s Help Southern for support. If you need somewhere to go, without the temptation of gambling, consider Carrum Downs Library.”

The Libraries After Dark program is an initiative of the Moreland City Council. The program supports libraries across Victoria through funds provided by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.