MEDIA RELEASE
Date: 15 September 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Riverton Library Funding
Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council has confirmed it will cease its funding support for the Riverton School & Community Library from 30 June 2026.
Mayor Allan Aughey OAM emphasised that Council’s decision is grounded in the need to ensure equity and value across the district.
Riverton residents will not lose access to library services after June 2026. While Council’s funding contribution will end, they will continue to benefit from the One Card network and Council’s programs, with services delivered through Clare and Saddleworth libraries and the Home Library Service
“The Riverton Library is not a Council-run service but operates as a school and community library, one of only six of its kind in South Australia that has received additional local government funding in addition to what is provided by the Department of Education and the State Library,” Mayor Aughey said.
“Recent statewide reviews have highlighted challenges with the governance and operational costs of this unique model that creates an inequitable burden for Council, compared to the services we already deliver across our district.
“The joint-use model places an increasing financial burden on local government, while also creating governance and student safety issues best overseen by the education system. These concerns make it difficult for Council to justify ongoing involvement,” the Mayor said.
“What Council is doing is ensuring that our resources are directed fairly across the entire district, supporting the delivery of services to all residents. By focusing our investment in Council’s own libraries and expanding outreach programs, we can meet community needs in a balanced and sustainable way.”
Our key focus is the community and seek to work closely with the school and library staff, we are committed to ensuring a positive transition.
Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council operates two public libraries, at Clare and Saddleworth, providing access to print and online collections, programs and resources as part of the State Library’s One Card network of more than 130 libraries across South Australia.
Additional services provided to our community include:
- Home Library Service: delivering library materials to all residents of the CGVC area who are unable to travel or have difficulty accessing library services either temporarily or for a longer period, including visits to hospitals, aged care facilities and private homes.
- Children’s Literacy, Social Interaction and Inclusion Programs: such as Baby Bounce, Toddler Tales, school holiday sessions, after school activities and Book Week events
- Support for Home Schooling and Social Groups: providing resources and tailored assistance to ensure equitable access.
- Community Services: including access to PCs, printing and photocopying, IT training and assistance, and Justice of the Peace services
The Riverton School Community Library will remain open under its joint-use school and community arrangements through to June 30, 2026. Beyond that date, Riverton residents will continue to have access to the resources and services of the CGVC Library Service, including via the nearby Saddleworth Library, and home delivery library service, ensuring existing needs are met.
Media contact:
Contact: David Stobbe, Chief Executive Officer
Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council
4 Gleeson St, Clare, 5453
Email: admin@cgvc.sa.gov.au
Phone: 08 88426400