July 2024

PLS eNews

Welcome to the monthly newsletter from the Public Library Services team at the State Library of NSW — bringing you the latest news about upcoming events, promotions and professional development opportunities.

Banner image: Max Webber Library, Blacktown City Libraries

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Multicultural bulk loan service on 9News

On Saturday 8 June, 9News featured a story about the 50th anniversary of the State Library’s multicultural bulk loan service. The story captured the importance of people having access to reading material in their first language, and highlighted what is available.

Thank you to Randwick City Library and their volunteer Lindsay for being part of the story.

Watch it here.

Catch up on the wider local studies seminar recordings

On 11 and 12 June, the wider local studies seminar was held, with local studies staff from across Australia presenting about local studies in their states and libraries. Sessions included collecting local studies material from CALD communities, oral histories and using the new First Nations collection description guidelines and much more.

You can catch up on the recordings from the seminar here.

First Nations Classics series available now on indyreads

The First Nations Classics series from University of Queensland Press is available on indyreads. The series is inspired by the richness and cultural importance of First Nations writing, and features a range of works that have shaped Australia’s literary culture.

All titles from UQP are available on unlimited simultaneous use licenses, which means they can be read immediately with no holds or waitlists.

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Community legal information

Law Week is over for another year, but you can plan community legal education talks in your library at any time of the year.

Community legal education helps build knowledge about people’s legal rights and responsibilities and lets them know where they can get help if they have a legal problem.

There are a range of government and legal agencies with an interest in providing community legal education. Developing partnerships with these agencies can be mutually beneficial.

Legal Aid NSW run free workshops, presentations, webinars and information stalls. You can request a talk using their online form.

Many community legal centres offer community legal education talks and are interested in working with libraries. Find your local CLC. You can contact your local CLC directly, or contact us and we will approach them for you.

ID Support NSW and Anti-Discrimination NSW also deliver information sessions to the community.

Find out more on our Community legal education and Partnerships pages.

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Drug Info on the PLS website

Planning an event, setting up a library display or just looking for how to find quality information about alcohol and other drugs for your community? The Drug Info section of the new PLS website has the answer, with all the resources, collection material and inspirational ideas you need to deliver a Drug Info service in your library.

The Drug Info section includes information on the three Drug Info programs available for public libraries to run: the Drug & Alcohol Info Pop-Up, Know Your Standards and Know Your Drug Facts. You will also find information on the ever-popular Literary Mocktails, and a page to help incorporate Drug Info into your library’s social media activity.

The Delivering Drug Info at Your Library page is a great starting point for learning more about the Drug Info service and how it fits into the information services and programming public libraries provide their communities. On this page you will find resources for displays and interactive activities as well as ideas for events and activities.

Contact the Drug Info team for any questions about the service or suggestions for new activities and resources.

Four new exhibitions at the State Library

There are four new exhibitions, so it’s a great time to start planning your next visit to the Library.

Sydney Morning Herald Photos 1440 is an intimate look at key events and moments captured by Australian photojournalists.

The Country Cries for Truth is the powerful and personal exhibition by distinguished Bundjalung artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft.

The World Press Photo Exhibition is back for another year of the best and most important photojournalism and documentary photography from around the world. Get in quickly — this exhibition closes on 7 July!

Peter Kingston is a tribute to the unique creative talent of this Sydney artist.