From the gambling lounge to the community lounge
Libraries After Dark gives communities a free, safe and friendly alternative to spending the evening at the pokies: once a week, participating libraries extend their evening opening hours to become community lounges – an alternative to the gambling lounge. Libraries After Dark offers special events, activities, refreshments, and a warm friendly welcome at libraries across Victoria.
Well-established risk factors for gambling harm include loneliness and social isolation. Libraries After Dark aims to prevent and reduce harm from gambling by supporting at-risk communities with opportunities for social connection through fun and free evening activities.
The statewide program was managed by the Merri-bek City Council in association with the Victorian Local Governance Association and was funded until 2023 by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. It operates now with advice and support from Public Libraries Victoria and funding from local councils.
Participating libraries:
- Glenroy Library
- Preston Library
- Mill Park Library*
- Broadmeadows, Craigieburn and Sunbury Libraries (Hume Libraries)*
- Sebastopol Library*
- Dandenong Library
- Springvale Library & Community Hub
- Bairnsdale Library
- Portland Library*
- Shepparton Library*
- Wyndham Plaza
- Pakenham Library*
- Watsonia Library
- Carrum Downs Library*
- Hoppers Crossing Library
* These libraries continue to offer extended opening hours weekly.
For further information email the PLV team @ [email protected]
Posters
Media
The Age – The libraries opening late as a pokies alternative
The Courier – Libraries After Dark program at Sebastopol designed to prevent harm from gambling
Studio 10 – Studio 10 chatting about how awesome Libraries After Dark is
Videos
View more Libraries After Dark videos via Youtube
Final Report and Recommendations for the Future of Libraries After Dark
The Libraries After Dark (LAD) program aimed to reduce social isolation in communities at risk from gambling harm, especially those close to high-loss pokies venues. Selected libraries were resourced to extend staffed opening hours one evening a week and offer creative programs designed to reduce loneliness and foster social connection. LAD was funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation and implemented in 23 libraries across Victoria between 2019 and 2023. Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests LAD succeeded in reaching those at risk of gambling harm, as well as people experiencing isolation and loneliness more broadly, which are well-documented risk factors associated with harmful gambling. The program also benefitted other vulnerable groups, including people experiencing homelessness, low income families, and students seeking safe places to study. In addition to their traditional offerings of books, literacy and lifelong learning, public libraries have evolved into civic spaces that support social connection, personal wellbeing and creativity. LAD is part of this evolution, improving understanding among library staff of the risks associated with loneliness and the role that libraries can play in building social connection. The Public Accounts and Estimates Committee of Parliament has recommended that the Victorian government consider extending its support for LAD or similar programs. Public Libraries Victoria joins this call for renewed investment in LAD. Though a handful of local councils have continued the program since the cessation of Foundation funding, the majority require additional resources to ensure outcomes are sustained. Read the Final Report Here