Ararat Rural City Library and Lake Bolac Library are a part of the Central highlands Libraries group. You can join the library, search the catalogue and access online services at www.centralhighlandslibraries.org.au
The library also runs an Outreach service to Elmhurst, Pomonal, Moyston, Streatham and Willaura. See more information below.
Ararat Rural City Library’s free home delivery service is available for anyone who cannot get to the library through illness or incapacitation. All deliveries are once a fortnight and provided by our library volunteers. We also deliver to the Gorrinn Village, the local retirement village. For more information about the service contact the Library on 5352 1722 or email [email protected].
Ararat Rural City Library service provides a variety of services to the community including:
Borrowing Items
There is a large range of items to borrow from the library including books, audiobooks, magazines and DVD's. Books are loaned out for four weeks, while audio visual materials for two weeks. You can also access items from other library branches and have them to sent to our library to pick up.
Items can be renewed two times for the same loan period (2 weeks or 4 weeks), except if the item is reserved by another borrower, or if it has hit is renewal limits. Items will automatically renew if possible or can be manually renewed by contacting the Ararat Library.
Computers & Free Wifi
Computer access is available for short term use or bookable sessions of an hour each, all computers include access to the internet as well as Microsoft Office.
Free Wi-Fi is also available to patrons and visitors with a simple login.
Printing, Faxing & Scanning
Ararat Library is equipped with a photocopier which can be used to print and photocopy on sizes A4 and A3 in both black and white or colour for a cost. We accept both Cash and Card payments (excluding American Express). You can also have documents scanned and emailed or saved to a USB. This service is free.
Printing and Photocopying costs are:
A4 B&W: 30c per page per side
A4 Colour: $1 per page per side
A3 B&W: 60c per page per side
A3 Colour: $1 per page per side
Computer/Technology Help
Need help getting started with a new tablet or phone? Want to know how to use Microsoft Word? One on One Assistance is available to the public free of charge. Bookings are required and subject to staff availability. The Digital Literacy officer also runs services to our Outreach locations.
Please click here for further information.
Family History
The Ararat Genealogy and History Group archive is housed at the library. Appointments can be made with the group for research assistance or research can be done on your behalf.
The Library houses the Banfield Collection which comprises editions of The Ararat Advertiser from 1857 to present day and a photographic collection.
Help Develop your child’s early literacy skills through rhyme, rhythm, and song with our dedicated children’s programs.
Baby Rhyme Time
It's a fun and an interactive program designed for babies and little ones up to two years of age. The session combines rhymes, singing and stories. Baby Rhyme Time inspires joyous interaction between you and your baby.
Baby Rhyme time is run at the Ararat Library every Tuesday at 10.30am during the school terms.
Families invited to stay and enjoy free play in the children's area following the session.
Preschool Storytime
Storytime is an opportunity for preschool children aged three to five and their parents or carers to share the joy of books, rhythm and song. The fun and interactive 30-minute session consists of stories, songs and activities which aim to encourage literacy and a love of reading in children. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. It is also valuable preparation for starting school, as it gives children a chance to participate in a group and introduces them to books and reading.
Each session has a theme and a craft activity to help your child’s reading readiness.
Preschool Storytime is run at the Ararat Library every Thursday at 10.30am during the school terms.
Families invited to stay and enjoy free play in the children's area following the session.
School Holiday Program
The library offers a fun and enriching school holiday program. Contact the library to find out what’s on these holidays. Find out more at our Facebook page, or through printer promotional material in library.
Other Programs
Ararat Rural City Library presents exciting public programs for adults, too! These include visits by authors, educational sessions and craft group meetings. The library facilitates several active book clubs in town. If you have any suggestions for new activities, contact the library. We would love to hear your ideas.
Exhibitions
Ararat Regional Library is also a hub for the region’s visual artists. Exhibitions are held throughout the year that reflect our community’s character and diversity. To find out more about exhibiting in the library space, email: [email protected]
For those who live outside of Ararat or Lake Bolac, you can still access library services!
Every week our Outreach Service visits most main townships in Ararat Rural City. You can browse a selection of reading and listening materials, have your requested items delivered and learn about upcoming events. For further information, please contact the Library on 5352 1722 or email [email protected].
We currently visit the following locations:
Elmhurst
Monday: 10:30am - 12:15pm
Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre - 36 Green Street, Elmhurst
Pomonal
Tuesday: 10:30am - 11:30am
Pomonal Community Hall - Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Pomonal
Moyston
Tuesday: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Moyston Hall - 12 Brooke St, Moyston
Streatham
Thursday: 10:30am - 11:30am
Streatham Hall - Glenelg Hwy, Streatham
Willaura
Thursday: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Willaura Memorial Hall - Main Street, Willaura