The Central Goldfields Shire is under attack after it announced changes to the mobile library service at a public meeting on Monday. A concerned citizen’s group will hold a protest at 3pm on Thursday at the Dunolly Town Hall.

The current two-year-old bus travels to Dunolly Town Hall from Bendigo every Thursday.

Central Goldfields Shire propose to replace the bus with a “guerilla library” run out of a smaller van.

Go Goldfields general manager Sharon Fraser said the new system would provide more flexibility. 

“What’s important to know is that the guerrilla library approach is not about removing the mobile library service, but enhancing access to library services in Dunolly and across the shire,” she said.

But residents say they were not adequately consulted about the changes. “It’s a very popular and well-used service. It’s the hub of community activity when the bus turns up,” Dunolly resident Judy Meldrum said.

“There has been no consultation with us on this. We just don’t think it’s appropriate.”

The council retreated due to public pressure yesterday and said a decision on the proposal will be reviewed at the end of the year.

Central Goldfields Shire mayor Barry Rinaldi said council would advertise opportunities for concerned community members to provide their input on the planned changes.

“The community wants the opportunity to have its say, and so council will conduct a review at the end of the year, following a series of community engagement activities.”

Ms Meldrum said the group would continue to oppose the changes.

“It’s not over until we have a solid undertaking from the shire that they won’t remove the bus.”