Library visitors are expected to experience minor disruptions over the next two to three weeks; however, library services will remain open throughout.
Visitors should be aware that temporary safety fencing will be in place around the work area during the project, and some of the upper car parks will be unavailable while works are under way.
During this time, the upper car park will be reserved for disabled parking and customers with prams, with signage being installed this week.
The project is 95 per cent funded by the Victorian Government through its 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program (Round 2), with Benalla Rural City Council contributing the remaining 5 per cent.
The project is part of the broader Powering Resilience in the Regions initiative, led by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance on behalf of 10 regional councils.
Indigo Power is the project contractor, with the installation to be carried out by contractor KDEC.
The 59kW/224kWh battery will connect to the library's existing solar panels, providing up to two days of backup power to critical parts of the building during a grid outage, and longer if the battery can recharge from solar.
The library will serve as a community hub where residents can access an air-conditioned space with Wi-Fi connection and power to recharge small devices if the electricity grid goes down.
As well as providing emergency backup, the battery is expected to reduce energy costs at the library, with savings directed back into community programs and services.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn said the project would deliver real benefits for local residents.
"When a storm or an extreme heatwave knocks out power, our library will be somewhere locals can go to charge a phone, get information, and stay connected," Cr Hearn said.
"It will also help cut the library's power bills, so we can put that money back into services.
“There'll be a bit of disruption for a few weeks, but the long-term benefit for our community makes it well worth it."
For more information, visit www.benalla.vic.gov.au/council/current-projects/poweringresilience-in-the-regions or call 5760 2600.
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