If you haven’t been to a library lately, you might not know they’ve changed. Big time. And Goulburn Valley Libraries is a terrific example of what they can do for a community. GV Libraries Project Coordinator Bronwyn Cole has a regular spot on the radio to update listeners on what’s happening. And it’s actually a lot.
For a start, we have 10 local libraries, plus a mobile library (these cover Greater Shepparton, Moira and Strathbogie local government areas). That means if a particular library doesn’t have what you’re after in stock, chances are pretty good it can be transferred from another branch. You can also order these items online and click and collect.
Libraries were once all about books. Today they’re about multimedia, reading lounges, events and a safe space. If I’d wandered into my local library as teenager and loitered, I would have been moved along. Now loitering is encouraged. Come read a magazine. Sit at a computer and surf the internet (do we still say that?). Read to the little ones in the children’s area and you don’t even have to shush them. In fact, there’s a special baby rhyme time, and reading activities for pre-schoolers too. How great to reinforce in our youth that libraries are fun, welcoming places for all to enjoy and use.
Author talks are a fantastic way to connect people with writing. There are always talks planned at GV Libraries, such as Roland Breckwoldt, author of The New Ringer, who is coming to Tatura Library on September 27 from his home in Queensland, because he was born in there while his German parents were interned during World War II. There was nothing of this kind when I was growing up. Authors lived in some far away literary-type place — probably England, I thought. Perhaps if they had been more accessible, I might have grown up to become a writer (wink).
Upcoming events locally, just to name a few off a long list, include an after-school games club at Yarrawonga, beginner French lessons at Nathalia, a craft and coffee morning at Tatura, Scrabble after dark at Shepparton, story time at Cobram and a book sale at Numurkah. And did I mention all this is free?!
If you’re still thinking this all sounds a bit … library-ish … how about a no-cost movie streaming service available with your membership called Kanopy (goodbye Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Binge, Amazon etc etc — I don’t even know what I have anymore). Or a cutting-edge poetry slam workshop and competition for young people to express themselves like a rapper but without the swear words?
It’s all happening: go to gvlibraries.com.au or ring 1300 374 765. Oh, and you can borrow books.
Terri Cowley is the breakfast presenter on One FM 98.5
