Welcome

Bowerbird Blues author Aura Parker with City of Sydney Library Team members at Green Square Library

National Simultaneous Storytime goes live across Australia from Green Square 

The City of Sydney Libraries team was excited to welcome award-winning author and illustrator Aura Parker to Green Square Library to read her book Bowerbird Blues for the official National Simultaneous Storytime reading.

Eager young readers enjoyed the live reading from Green Square Library with more than 2 million other participants joining in through livestreams from libraries, schools, preschools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country.

Now in its 24th successful year, this well-loved event aims to promote the value of reading and literacy as well as encourage everyone to visit their local library.

Bowerbird Blues stars a bowerbird on the search for blue that ends up finding more than they planned. It’s a moving story of longing and connection that unfolds as the bowerbird’s search sends him soaring across the sea, sky and city.

Kathryn Joss, City of Sydney Library

The Shoalhaven Community Choir with bestselling author Sandie Docker and Claudine Tinellis 

Tears of joy at Nowra Library as Sandie Docker’s new book launches 

Recently, Nowra Library hosted a captivating in-conversation event featuring bestselling author Sandie Docker and author/podcaster Claudine Tinellis, discussing Sandie’s latest book, The Lyrebird Lakes Ladies Choir.

The Shoalhaven Community Choir set the tone for the evening with a captivating performance, drawing library visitors towards the music and creating a palpable sense of community. Notably, the choir’s no-audition policy, mirroring the choir in Sandie’s novel, added a special touch to the event.

After the performance, several choir members stayed to enjoy the conversation, many leaving with a copy of the novel in hand. The atmosphere was filled with excited chatter, tears, and hugs, making the library feel truly alive. In an exciting development, the choir has expressed interest in recording the lullaby featured in Sandie’s novel, to which Sandie has enthusiastically agreed. We eagerly anticipate this collaboration.

Lisa Beverstock, Shoalhaven Libraries

Junior picture books from the First Nations collection

Developing a First Nations collection at Albury

AlburyCity Libraries is collaborating with our Wiradjuri community to develop a First Nations collection. This initiative follows consultation indicating that accessing First Nations material in our libraries’ lending and local studies collections has been challenging. 

Through engaging and working with the local Wiradjuri Elders, we have begun establishing a First Nations collection at Albury LibraryMuseum. We are currently in the process of creating a special care notice to put in all our First Nations non-fiction and local history books.

The team is also creating designated spaces in our local history, junior and adult areas to house parts of the First Nations collection.

The next phase of this project involves updating our catalogue records to ensure that they contain the correct tags and terminology to enhance the searchability and accessibility of the First Nations collection.

Shaye Malsem, AlburyCity Libraries

Some happy readers

Loving our LOTE at Clarence Regional

Our patrons love our collections! But do they know we can supply books in their own, or other, languages? Despite promoting with Facebook, newsletters, and conversation, many don’t. 

We requested a mixed language bulk loan from the State Library of NSW and rotated it monthly between our locations. The books were display only, encouraging patrons to talk with our team members about submitting requests. 

The response has been a 300% increase in multicultural bulk loan requests, especially for junior easy books. Whether wanting to teach children their native language, or a new one, or wanting to stay connected to their roots, the display generated delight and conversation. This inspires us to think about spaces (even a single shelf), LOTE signage and potential events, and aligns with our strategic plan to further develop and promote CALD resources. A visual and tactile multicultural display captures interest and imagination!

Jolana Voeks, Clarence Regional Library

Our tent at Hawkesbury Fest, Photo: Arts & Culture.

Hawkesbury busy popping up

Hawkesbury Library has been busy!

Hawkesbury Fest was held Sunday 4 August at Governor Phillip Park, Windsor. This event celebrates Local Government Week and highlights what Council is achieving. Community stalls, activities, market stalls, emergency services displays and the usual food trucks attended. We partnered with the Gallery and Museum providing information and interactive experiences with the library focusing on a new member’s drive with a lucky draw to win a tablet.

It was a fun day, particularly for families, with lots of free activities. We launched a Culture Pass with the Museum and Gallery, designed to increase visitation. Participants return the pass stamped from the sites for a lucky draw to win one of three gift vouchers.

With our Museum and Gallery colleagues, we attended the popular NAIDOC Concert in Richmond Park on Sunday 18 August. There were live performances, activities and stalls, with plenty of opportunity for community interaction.

Michelle Nichols, Hawkesbury Library Service

Our information stall

Kyogle Library back to school

Kyogle Library was invited to a remote central school’s careers market late last term. As part of our junior/youth services outreach program I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to take our Find Legal Answers and Drug Info kits on the road to the kids in a combination Law and Library & Information Week display.  

The school careers teacher was stellar, preparing 253 students for visits to 24 market stalls. I was most impressed with the kids’ genuine interest in the Find Legal Answers and Drug Info information. The younger children chose legal pamphlets for discussions in class and at home.

Older students commented on Drug Info, saying that the anti-vaping postcard really worked, and listing the dangers of vaping they had discussed at school.  

I took 150 pamphlets and 300 sparkly, RURCL butterfly stickers. By pack-up, I had a handful of pamphlets and no stickers. It was such a buzz seeing kids take our information and hearing their understanding!

Corinne Hughes, Richmond-Upper Clarence Regional Library

Dancers from Torres Strait Islands entertaining and educating the audience

NATSI Children’s Day at Forster

MidCoast Libraries were honoured to host the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day celebrations at the Forster Civic Centre and Library on Friday 2 August in association with the Tobwabba Medical Service. 

Around 300 people were entertained by local dancers and a dance troupe from the Torres Strait Islands. Children learned about, and petted, live reptiles and baby farm animals and also got to see several taxidermied native animals. They participated in craft activities and a special storytime, with some new members signing up and borrowing books.

Babies through to Elders enjoyed a yarn and a big feed featuring kangaroo kebabs and kangaroo coconut curry.
Organisers were thrilled with how the day unfolded and very pleased with the Forster Civic Centre and Library as a venue. 
 

Nathan Jeffs, Midcoast Libraries

Kerryn Jones (middle) pictured with Daniel King and Irene Ridgeway at Parkes Library 

Moving NAIDOC film screening at Parkes Shire Library

To celebrate NAIDOC week, Parkes Shire Library hosted a special screening of Her Name is Nanny Nellie, a documentary starring local First Nations woman Irene Ridgeway. The film was directed by Irene’s son Daniel King and explores Irene’s journey to retrace her great-grandmother Nellie’s past.

Cultural, Education and Library Services Manager Kerryn Jones led a Q&A discussion with Irene and Daniel after the film’s screening, allowing audience members a chance to hear firsthand Irene and Daniel’s personal reflections on making the film.

It was an emotional and thought-provoking evening that ended with a well-deserved standing ovation from at least 50 people in attendance.

It was a pleasure hosting Irene and Daniel at Parkes Shire Library. The event highlighted the power of truth-telling and the role libraries can play in progressing reconciliation. 

Rachael Westcott, Parkes Shire Library

Rob Waters performing in the new Harry Bailey Memorial Library Story Space

Story Space slam night at Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour Libraries has proudly hosted an Australian Poetry Slam heat for many years but this year was doubly special. The new Harry Bailey Memorial Library opened in September 2023 so this was the first opportunity to host the Australian Poetry Slam heat in the new Story Space.

The tiered, cushion filled Story Space was full for the regional heat on Tuesday 13 August, highlighting the diversity of our community through the 70 attendees and participants, and the finger-clicking enthusiasm in the room was palpable. As one attendee wrote: Everyone did an amazing job. The poets were incredible, the host was so raw and powerful with his observations. The event was a 10/10.

With competitors ranging in age from 13 to 73 and from across the culturally diverse Coffs Harbour community, this year’s heat brought the Story Space and the poets’ words to life!

Jane Kreis, Coffs Harbour Libraries

It's great to see children back at our playgroup

Playgroup back at Singleton Library

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many community services were forced to close. In the Singleton area this included local playgroups, with most groups not managing to recover post-pandemic. To fill this community need and partnering with Playgroup NSW, Singleton Library has launched Playgroup at the Library.

We held our first session on Friday 2 August and were overjoyed to see so many parents, carers and children attend. There were lots of fun activities, toys and games to entertain, and the library was filled with the sounds of children having a fun time.

One staff member jokingly described our children’s area as ‘carnage’, however it was worth it to see so many families enjoying our wonderful library.

Our playgroup is held every Friday, and we look forward to seeing our junior space filled with children loving their library.

Laurelle Griffiths, Singleton Public LIbrary

Rockdale Library Level 2 redesign

Rockdale Library redesigns study and relaxation spaces

Bayside Libraries has transformed the Rockdale Library’s Level 2 into a modern and versatile space tailored to the community’s needs. The renovation repurposes an old public computer area into a new study space and refreshes the adjacent balcony area with a native garden and outdoor seating.

The updated study area now includes a mix of group and individual seating options with laptop tables, catering to diverse study and work preferences. This space has been designed to be flexible, capable of converting into a venue for programs and customer training as needed.

The refurbished outdoor area boasts plantings designed to support local stingless bees, fostering a tranquil environment for library visitors. The integration of a new native garden and seating aims to create a serene atmosphere, enhancing the library experience for both current and future users.

Mellissa Zimmerman, Bayside Libraries

We deliver library materials far and wide!

Broken Hill is getting a new library 

At Broken Hill City Library, we believe everyone deserves access to library services, no matter where they live! We are currently in temporary accommodation while our brand-new library facility is under construction, with completion expected by the end of July 2025. Sections of the old library have been demolished, and groundwork is underway. Exciting times ahead!

Our Outback Letterbox Library is a unique service that operates out of Broken Hill City Library, covering a vast area that spans to the edges of the South Australian, Victorian, and Queensland borders. We deliver library materials by plane, train and automobile to the farthest corners of these states.

Requested items are packed into sturdy green delivery bags and sent to remote locations for up to six weeks. We remain flexible with returns, especially when wet weather makes roads impassable.

Deirdre Bryson, Broken Hill City Library

High school students with senior library patrons

Intergenerational tech program at Randwick Library

Randwick Library launched the Young Mentor’s Technology Support Program in December 2023, pairing 10 South Sydney High School students with 10 senior library patrons for a four-week intergenerational pilot. The enthusiastic response from both students and seniors highlighted the value of these connections and the knowledge exchanged.

Each term, Year 9 students selected by their school staff undergo training, supported by the eSafety Commission. Partnered with the same senior patron each week, students offer personalised tech assistance, while seniors eagerly embrace the learning opportunities.
As this wonderful initiative progresses, the program not only enhances technological skills for the seniors in our community but also fosters ongoing learning and intergenerational friendship.

Sandy Lange, Randwick City Library

Knitting races were part of the fun!

Annual knit-in at Hornsby Library 

Hornsby Shire Libraries has three knitting groups that meet weekly across our branches, and on Friday 14 June they united to celebrate our 2024 Knit-In, the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak. Everyone was very excited to resume this annual tradition.

The knit-in featured a morning of games, trivia and learn-to-knit sessions for anyone wanting to join the groups, and a fabulous morning tea. The groups also displayed many of the beautiful blankets they had created over the year around the entire library.

The day was a way for us to encourage new members, unite the community and thank our knitters for creating over 623 wraps to donate to the Wrap with Love charity. The 79 attendees all gave really positive feedback about the event.

Kirsty Plumridge, Hornsby Shire Libraries

Using VR at Ryde

Ryde to the stars

The City of Ryde Libraries delivered an out of this world program for National Science Week, offering a diverse range of activities that took audiences on a journey to space. The week kicked off with a talk by astrophysicist and proud Wiradjuri woman, Dr Kirsten Banks, who shared her illuminating insights into the universe while paying tribute to the deep astronomical knowledge of her First Nations ancestors.

Macquarie University Association for Astronomy provided hands-on telescope demonstrations, giving attendees a closer look at the stars, while Australian Immersive Education Academy took participants on a virtual journey, allowing them to experience the Apollo moon landing using VR technology.

The program wrapped up with a visit from Skyworks, whose mobile planetarium offered an immersive exploration of the cosmos. With around 200 attendees participating, the week sparked inspiration and curiosity for budding science stars of all ages. 

Gabrielle Wyllie, City of Ryde Libraries

Using the solar telescope at Bermagui Library 

Science Week fun days at Bega

Science Week featured ‘fun days’ of combined activities, talks and information stands held over two consecutive Saturdays at Bermagui and Eden libraries.   

Students from the Australian National University Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics gave a popular talk about the history of the Mt Stromlo Observatory and the work done there, the telescopes they have and how the bushfires affected them. 

The NSW Koala Strategy talk focused on South Coast koalas and proved very topical. 

Activities included observations using the ANU’s solar telescope, VR gaming and multiple STEM sessions. Information stands included touch and feel marine curiosities, Council’s biodiversity team and the Far South Coast Landcare.

Our community turnout proves there is high interest in learning more about science. 

Linda Albertson, Bega Valley Shire Library