The outstanding work of Victoria’s public libraries was recognised in the mainstream media throughout 2021. Here is a selection of highlights.
‘It’s a beautiful scheme’: Seed libraries sprout in suburbs and towns: feature in The Age (10 Jan) about Moonee Valley Libraries’ Seed Library, which also mentions Eastern Regional Libraries, Castlemaine and Woodend libraries, and Darebin Libraries.
Technology Hasn’t Killed Public Libraries – It’s Inspired Them to Transform and Stay Relevant: article on The Good Men website (4 April), which mentions Geelong Regional Libraries and Greater Dandenong Libraries.
Demand for vaccine passport support surges as regions await easing of restrictions: article on the ABC News website (27 Oct) on the vital work provided by public libraries, particularly Ballarat Library, to support proof of vaccination; also mentions Warrnambool and Glenelg.
Hotspot in a cold climate: the Melbourne library that transformed lockdown for struggling families: article in The Guardian (31 Oct) on Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries’ initiative to provide WiFi dongles and data to families struggling with remote learning during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Four years ago, Rabiha’s family fled Afghanistan. This is how she made Melbourne her home: story from the ABC News website (12 Dec) about how Afghan refugee Rabiha found a new home through Dandenong Library.
The Winter 2021 edition of the LGPro magazine Profile showcased inspirational women and included a profile on West Gippsland Regional Libraries CEO (PLV President) Leanne Williams and City of Yarra Libraries Manager Felicity Macchion (PLV Executive Committee member). Read the article, Women Leaders in Victoria’s Public Libraries.
As part of the Victorian Seniors Festival Reimagined 2021, Jenny Mustey, Libraries Services Manager at Campaspe Shire Council (PLV Executive Committee member) joined the Commissioner for Senior Victorians to talk about the importance of local libraries in lifelong learning, resources, technology support and activities for all ages (23 Aug). Listen here.
The School of Information and Communication Studies (SICS) Radio at Charles Sturt University broadcast the second part of a show exploring how public libraries serve the sections of society who are most in need (26 Aug). In the episode, Simon Wakeling spoke with Kylie Carlson, Senior Coordinator of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Yarra Libraries. Kylie explained the types of groups she considers underserved, the ways that Yarra Libraries have developed their programs and services to support them, and the impact COVID has had on the community and their libraries. A quote from Simon was used in the PLV Annual Report 2020-21: “The commitment, drive and ingenuity of Australia’s public librarians is truly inspiring.” Listen here.
A special edition of VLGA Connect was recorded in early October with Libraries After Dark Project Officer Rose O’Leary and PLV CEO Angela Savage in the lead up to Gambling Harm Awareness Week, celebrating the Libraries After Dark program and how it supports communities with few recreation alternatives to local pokies venues. View on YouTube.