Helen Garner says State Library of Victoria turned into ‘party central’ with planned job cuts to ‘bring disgrace’ on Melbourne

Acclaimed author sick about' 171-year-old institution's proposed restructure as hundreds of writers sign open letter in protest

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Helen Garner says the State Library of Victoria has been turned into party central" and a plan to cut jobs and focus on digital projects will bring disgrace on the name of our city", as hundreds of writers express alarm.

Garner has joined more than 220 writers, scholars and researchers in signing an open letter to the library's board and executive calling for more public accountability, after plans to cut staff and refocus the 171-year-old institution on tourist-oriented digital experiences came to light.