Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced the funding would be given to the council from the state government’s Regional Cultural Fund during a visit to Young on Thursday morning.

“I am thrilled to see this significant investment in vitally important cultural and social infrastructure coming to Young,” Ms Cooke said.

“We had an enormous number of applications and this one was successful because of the level of detail that went into it that showed what a great project it is and how it will benefit the community for many years to come.”

Deputy mayor Tony Wallace said he had been an advocate for a new library over many years.

“This funding is very welcome because modern libraries provide not only learning and educational opportunities for people of all ages, but they facilitate community,” he said.

“In an increasingly isolating world, communities are integral for society and libraries deliver this. They are today's temples of culture.”

Council is currently exploring a partnership with School Infrastructure NSW to build a joint-use school and community library facility partially on school land and partly on a small parcel of what was old Currawong Street in Carrington Park.

“Council is working hard to understand the benefits and intricacies of the joint-use arrangement including the ongoing operating costs of the facility. We want to ensure the joint-use facility will have the best outcome for the community and school students,” Cr Wallace said.

“It is clear that by working together we can pool our resources to not only have a brilliant new library but to also provide facilities to our community that currently don’t exist including a well-being hub, art workshop and gallery space and a Wiradjuri learning and cultural centre.”

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the project would boost tourism dollars, create jobs and act as a community focal point.