The Open Access Libraries initiative allows inducted library members to access our library spaces in non-staffed hours. A trial is currently underway of this at Daylesford Library. This project will be extended to library spaces at Creswick, Clunes and Trentham.

Under Open Access, libraries will be accessible to inducted library members from 8 am to 8 pm daily including regular staffed hours (please note, sites will close to all library members and members of the public over lunch).

Open Access means inducted library members can borrow, return and pick up reserved library items, use WiFi and public PCs, study in quiet spaces and use the print, scan and copy services outside of staffed hours.

The project is possible thanks to a $185,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.

All four library and community hub venues (Daylesford Library, The Warehouse – Clunes, Creswick Hub and The Mechanics Trentham) will become open access libraries.

Daylesford Library is our trial site, with other locations planned to open 2026.

Community members can drop in and talk to staff about open access at Daylesford Library. Patrons need to be an existing Hepburn Library member, and must apply for an Open Access inducted membership.

Once approved, members must participate in a site induction, which takes around 40 minutes. Library cards will be updated to grant additional access.

We will provide regular updates through this page, our website, community newsletters and social media about the progress of this project

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