glass sliding doors with 'welcome' in white writing in multiple languages

The outstanding work of Victoria’s public libraries was recognised in the mainstream media throughout 2022. Here is a selection of highlights.

There were significant articles on the value of libraries, notably in relation to health and wellbeing. SBS Online ran an article as part of the Mind Your Health series called ‘Free, non-judgemental, accessible’: How you local library is a sanctuary of wellness, in which they interviewed PLV CEO Angela Savage, showcased stories from the Libraries Change Lives website, and cited data from the library users’ survey and census reports produced by State Library Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria. ABC Radio Nightlife hosted a discussion, Rethinking Libraries, with guests including ALIA CEO Cathie Warburton. And in The Verdict column in The Age, editor Robert Moran wrote an impassioned article, The world gets better but public libraries are forever, in praise of libraries and librarians.

Warm Winter Read, our inaugural adult reading campaign, garnered media interest. Angela was interviewed by Jacinta Parsons on ABC Radio Melbourne in June; and by Oslo Davis on RR FM Radio in July. The Warm Winter Read also featured in local press coverage, for example, in Brimbank and Gannawarra.

The abolition of library fines always generates positive media coverage. Melton Libraries’ announcement in April of an end to library fines was covered in the local press; likewise, when the High Country Library Network elected to abolish fines. Angela joined The Conversation Hour on ABC Radio Melbourne to discuss Do fines cause more harm than good? (Angela’s interview from 46:34). Angela was also interviewed about library fines on Mornings with Jonathon Kendall for ABC Radio Gippsland.

PLV President Leanne Williams was interviewed for the VLGAConnect Podcast about libraries for health and wellbeing of communities, while Angela participated in Gale In Conversation.

There is always media excitement about new library developments. The Mirage News featured stories about plans for Kerang Library and the opening of a new library in Dunolly, while the Ranges Trader featured the opening of the upgraded Emerald Library.

And toward the end of the year, we started seeing media promotion of the Big Summer Read, for example, in Greater Dandenong’s The Star.

If your public library received positive media coverage in 2022, feel free to add links in the comments.

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