The funding will go towards the purchase of new learning materials as part of the expansion of the Hopkins Correctional Centre.

The companies behind the prison expansion have committed to supporting the library by contributing to the purchase of learning resources that will be available for use by prisoners and the community.

John Gowdie from Aegis and Geoff Kellock, Regional Director, Brookfield Multiplex presented the $5,000 cheque to Ararat Rural City Mayor Paul Hooper.

This is the second contribution since the project began, adding to the $2,500 donated to the library in 2011.

Mr Gowdie said Aegis was proud to be associated with the important partnership along with the library and the community.

"It is important to our people that we help to make a difference in the towns we work in, so this donation is from all of us at Brookfield Multiplex," Mr Kellock said.

Chairman of the Hopkins project Community Advisory Group Bill Jones welcomed the new contribution.

"It is pleasing to see Aegis and Brookfield Multiplex continuing their commitment to the community," he said.

Mayor Cr Paul Hooper said the new funds would boost the regular monthly loan of items the library provides to Hopkins Correctional Centre.

"The library will use these new resources to support and expand this service that develops the literacy skills of prisoners and people across the community," he said.

The expansion of the Hopkins Correctional Centre includes a new library and learning centre at the prison to support literacy programs, job readiness skills and continued learning opportunities for prisoners.