A welcoming place to connect, participate and spend time after hours
Libraries After Dark (LAD) is a statewide initiative coordinated by Public Libraries Victoria (PLV) and supported by the Victorian Government. The program supports participating libraries to offer free evening activities and extended opening hours, creating welcoming spaces where people can connect, participate and spend time together after hours.
Libraries After Dark reimagines public libraries as vibrant evening destinations, offering opportunities for people to discover something new, meet others and engage with their local community. Through creative programming and community-led activities, libraries become places where connection, participation and belonging can flourish.
Discover something new
Public libraries are trusted community spaces that bring people together. Libraries After Dark builds on this role by supporting libraries to remain open later and provide opportunities for people to engage in free, accessible activities in a safe and inclusive environment.
Programs are developed locally, ensuring activities reflect the interests, cultures and aspirations of each community. Whether people attend to learn a new skill, meet others, explore a creative interest or simply spend time in a welcoming space, Libraries After Dark offers opportunities to participate in community life after hours.
Strengthening communities through connection
Public libraries play an important role in fostering social connection and community wellbeing. Through Victorian Government funding, Libraries After Dark supports participating libraries to extend opening hours and deliver free evening programs that respond to local interests and community needs.
By creating more opportunities for people to connect, participate and spend time together after hours, the program helps strengthen community connections and reinforces the role of libraries as welcoming and inclusive places for everyone.
Program Partners
Libraries After Dark is coordinated by Public Libraries Victoria and supported by the Victorian Government. The program is delivered through participating Victorian public libraries in partnership with local organisations, community services and councils.
Participating libraries work closely with local partners to develop and deliver activities that respond to community interests and needs. These partnerships help strengthen community connections, broaden participation and create welcoming opportunities for people to engage with their local community after hours.
For information about local support services and community partners involved in Libraries After Dark activities, please contact your participating library.
Free and Confidential Support
Gambler’s Help provides free, confidential and professional support for people affected by their own gambling or someone else’s gambling.
www.gamblershelp.com.au
1800 858 858 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Online counselling and support available
What happens after dark?
Participating libraries deliver a diverse range of free evening activities, which may include:
- Creative workshops
- Arts and craft activities
- Games and social groups
- Cultural events
- Learning opportunities
- Community gatherings
- Health and wellbeing activities
Each library develops programming that reflects the interests of its local community while contributing to a recognisable statewide Libraries After Dark experience.
2026-2028 Participating Libraries
Program Evaluation
Public Libraries Victoria is committed to building an evidence base for innovative library programs that strengthen community wellbeing. Libraries After Dark is supported by ongoing evaluation and research, helping participating libraries understand community impact, identify emerging opportunities and share learnings across the sector.
2024 Final Report: Libraries After Dark: Final Report and Recommendations for the Future
2025-2026 Evaluation: Sector Report LAD 2.0
Contact Us
For general enquiries about Libraries After Dark, partnerships or participating libraries, please contact Public Libraries Victoria.
Email: admin@plv.org.au
Media enquiries: Please contact Public Libraries Victoria via the details above.
For local program information, event bookings and activity schedules, please contact your participating library directly.