Annual Report 2018-2019

riverina regional library
annual report

2018-2019

bland
coolamon
cootamundra-gundagai
federation
greater hume

junee
lockhart
snowy valleys
temora
wagga wagga



riverina regional library
annual report

2018-2019

1

About Us

The Riverina Regional Library (RRL) is the largest regional library service in NSW. It provides library services to
approximately 139,466 constituents of 10 local government areas. The service consists of 19 static library branches, 3
deposit stations, and a mobile library that serves 27 communities in 7 Council areas.
Riverina Regional Library
2 Galing Place
PO Box 5186
WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650
T: 02 6926 9771
F: 02 6926 9779
E: [email protected]
W: www.rrl.nsw.gov.au
Acknowledgements
Edited, designed and produced by: Karen Wendt, Business & Communications Coordinator, Riverina Regional Library
Printed by: Active Design and Print, Wagga Wagga

2

Contents

RRL Advisory Committee Chairperson Report 4
RRL Advisory Committee 5
RRL Administration Centre Staff 6
RRL Branch Library Staff 7-9
RRL Executive Director Report 10-11
RRL Divisions 12
RRL Mobile Library 13
RRL 40th Anniversary 14
Jindera Library Branch 15
New Strategic Plan 2018-2022 15
Staff Anniversaries 16
Creative Libraries 17
Libero Hosting Service 17
RRL Branch Libraries: 18-19
Adelong Library 20-21
Batlow Library 22-23
Bland Shire Library 24-25
Coolamon Library 26-27
Cootamundra Library 28-29
Corowa Library 30-31
Culcairn Library 32-33
Gundagai Library 34-35
Henty Library 36-37
Holbrook Library 38-39
Howlong Library 40-41
Junee Library 42-43
Mulwala Library 44-45
Talbingo Library 46-47
Temora Library 48-49
Tumbarumba Library 50-51
Tumut Library 52-53
Wagga Wagga City Library 54-55
RRL Statistics 2018-2019 56-59

3

RRL Advisory Committee
Chairperson Report

The NSW Public We have once again reached the end of a financial year,
Library Funding providing me with the opportunity to report on the
outstanding achievements of Riverina Regional Library (RRL)
Strategy this year.
allocated an The incredible success of the Renew Our Libraries campaign
additional cannot go unrecognised. NSW Public Libraries Association
$407,726 state and Local Government NSW united to address the funding
funding for crisis that NSW public libraries were facing after 40 years of
RRL branch successive state government funding cuts.
libraries in Riverina Regional Library was a major contributor to the
2019/20, which campaign and, just three weeks after the launch, a commitment
will continue to was secured from the NSW Government to provide an extra
increase over $60 million for public libraries over four years. Eight weeks later,
the next three the NSW Labour party promised to beat that commitment,
pledging $60.5 million over four years.
years. Skipping forward to 28 June 2018, the Minister for the Arts
approved the NSW Public Library Funding Strategy for 2019/20
allocating a record $36.5 million for NSW libraries - an overall
increase of 76.5% to RRL member councils, and an additional
$407,726 state funding for next year alone. The increases will
continue over the next three years and are included in the
Library Regulation with forward estimates for 2023/24 to
2026/27.
In this 40th year of providing outstanding library services
to the region, RRL is celebrating its longevity as well as the
acknowledgment of industry peers as a leader and innovator.
I would like to offer my congratulations to RRL staff for their
many achievements over the years brought about by their
hard work and dedication.
The RRL Annual Report details what has been accomplished
during the year and tells the story of services that RRL
Administration Centre and branch library staff have brought
to the people of the region. Happy reading!
Cr Dallas Tout
Chairperson
RRL Advisory Committee

4

RRL Advisory Committee

Ms Adele Casey (Executive Committee) BLAND SHIRE COUNCIL
Cr Jan Wyse (Executive Committee)

Mr Tony Donoghue COOLAMON SHIRE COUNCIL
Cr Kerrilee Logan COOTAMUNDRA-GUNDAGAI REGIONAL COUNCIL
Ms Courtney Armstrong
Ms Miriam Crane FEDERATION COUNCIL
Cr Leigh Bowden GREATER HUME SHIRE COUNCIL
Cr Penny Nicholson
Cr Gail Law
Cr Bronwyn Thomas
Cr Paul Miegel
Mr David Smith
Cr Denise Osborne

Mr James Davis JUNEE SHIRE COUNCIL
Cr Pam Halliburton (Deputy Chairperson) LOCKHART SHIRE COUNCIL
Mr David Koren SNOWY VALLEYS COUNCIL
Mr Peter Veneris
Cr Greg Verdon TEMORA SHIRE COUNCIL
Cr Ian Marston WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
Ms Tracey Wiggins
Cr Cate Cross
Cr Margaret Isselmann
Mr Steve Firth
Cr Dennis Sleigh
Cr Max Oliver
Mr Peter Thompson
Cr Dallas Tout (Chairperson)
Cr Dan Hayes
Cr Rod Kendall
Cr Yvonne Braid (Executive Committee)
Cr Vanessa Keenan

5

RRL Administration Centre

RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY Executive Director
Robert Knight

BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS Business & Communications Coordinator
Karen Wendt Business Support Officer
Wendy Callis Internal Delivery Service Officer
Kim McLaren Internal Delivery Service Officer
Doug Simpson Outreach & Promotions Coordinator
Outreach & Promotions Officer
OUTREACH AND PROMOTIONS Outreach & Promotions Development Officer
Amy Heap Children’s & Youth Services Librarian
Tracey Luhrs
Cynthia Price
Sharon Smith

SUPPORT AND ESERVICES

Brian Plummer Support & eServices Coordinator
Howard Atkinson Mobile Library Operator
Michael Ellis Mobile Library Supervisor
Garry Forde Mobile Library Operator - Casual Relief Staff
Helen Graetz Support & eServices Officer
Lynn Hackett Collection Services Officer
KCalayrleenMeoNreisyb et R IV O ERRGINAANIRSSSAuuEppGTppIIooOOrrttNNS&AAeerLLSveicCLrevHIsiBcOAeRfsRfAiDcTeRervYelopment Officer

July 2017

Executive Director
(35 hours)

Support & eServices Business & Communications Outreach & Promotions
Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator
(35 hours) (35 hours) (35 hours)

Support & eServices Mobile Library Internal Delivery Business Support Children’s & Youth Outreach &
Officer Supervisor Service Officer Officer Services Librarian Promotions
(35 hours) Development Officer
(35 hours) (23 hours) (35 hours) (35 hours) (28 hours)
Mobile Library
Support & eServices Operator Internal Delivery Outreach &
Development Officer (9 hours) Service Officer Promotions Officer

(35 hours) (17 hours) (35 hours)

Collection Services
Officer

(35 hours)

Support Services
Officer

(35 hours)

6

RRL Branch Library Staff

Jessica Campbell Library Assistant ADELONG LIBRARY
Robert Beegling Library Assistant BATLOW LIBRARY
Ros Molineaux Casual Relief Staff BLAND LIBRARY
Shirlee Whiting Casual Relief Staff
Cathy Lange Senior Library Officer COOLAMON LIBRARY
Lisa Thompson Library Assistant COOTAMUNDRA LIBRARY
Tracey Lees Casual Relief Staff
Helen McLoughlin Library Manager
Laura Higgins Casual Relief Staff
Jessica Inch Casual Relief Staff
Penny Howse Library Manager
Lynne Thorburn Library Services Officer
Leanne Jones Library Assistant
Rochelle Nicholls Library Assistant
Kerry Byrne Casual Relief Staff
Anne Condon Casual Relief Staff
Alison Knagge Casual Relief Staff
Louise Parr
Kristy Critelli COROWA LIBRARY
Nicole Raleigh Library Team Leader
Lyn Ashford Library Assistant
Susan Kane Library Assistant
Emily Jones Casual Relief Staff
Andrea Simmons
Tarran Slatter CULCAIRN LIBRARY
Jenny Whitlock Library & Youth Services Development Officer
Customer Service, Library & Youth Trainee
Customer Service/Library Assistant
Customer Service/Library Assistant
Customer Service/Library Assistant

7

RRL Branch Library Staff

GUNDAGAI LIBRARY Library & Community Services Manager
Cindy Smith Library Assistant
Leanne Sheahan Casual Relief Staff
Robin Horst Casual Relief Staff
Ellen Tozer Casual Relief Staff
Linda Wood Library & Youth Services Development Officer
Customer Service, Library & Youth Trainee
HENTY LIBRARY Customer Service/Library Assistant
Susan Kane Library Assistant in Charge
Emily Jones Library Assistant
Deborah Cotter Library Resource Coordinator
Library & Customer Service Officer
HOLBROOK LIBRARY Library & Youth Services Development Officer
Alison Cowie Customer Service/Library Officer
Dominique Heriot Customer Service/Library Officer
Leonie Hibberson Librarian in Charge
Library Assistant
HOWLONG LIRARY Library Assistant
Kristy Critelli Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff
JINDERA LIBRARY Casual Relief Staff
Susan Kane Library & Customer Service Officer
Betty Chaloner Library Assistant
Eileen Parasco Library Assistant
Casual Relief Staff
JUNEE LIBRARY Librarian in Charge
Kim Richards Library Assistant
Matthew Glass Casual Relief Staff
Margaret Kanaley Casual Relief Staff
Robyn Futcher
Kylie Heffernan
Susan Preston

MULWALA LIBRARY
Chris Boyd
Faye Glover

TALBINGO LIBRARY
Shirlee Whiting
Vicki Meikle

TEMORA LIBRARY
Wendy Manning
Ros Langford
Karin Walker
Sharee Stewart

8

RRL Branch Library Staff

TUMBARUMBA LIBRARY

Vicki Hulm Library Team Leader
Kathy Stewart Library Assistant
Jacinda Arnold Casual Relief Staff
Jane Arragon Casual Relief Staff
Phillippa Heinecke Casual Relief Staff
Sarah Rial Casual Relief Staff

TUMUT LIBRARY

Rhonda Twomey Coordinator Library Services
Leanne Ballard Library Assistant
Sharon Thatcher Library Assistant
Wendy Webb Library Assistant
Shirlee Whiting Library Assistant

WAGGA WAGGA CITY LIBRARY

Claire Campbell Manager Library Services

Circulation & Facilities Team Team Leader Information, Literacy & Learning
Michael Scutti Senior Circulation and Facility Officer
Kate Webber Library Assistant
Marc Evans Library Assistant
Sarah Hofsteede Library Assistant
Michelle Lubke Library Assistant
Simon Malloy Library Assistant
Jenny Mansell Contract Library Assistant (Language Cafe)
Mahsa Nikzad

Saturday Circulation Team Team Leader
Gemma Hawkins Library Assistant
Matt Dombrovski Library Assistant
Cassandra Ward

Programs, Promotions and Partnerships Team
Christine Bolton Team Leader Programs, Promotions & Partnerships
Peter Casey Programs Officer
Jeannie Hazell Programs Officer
Wendy Harper Programs Officer

Library Casuals Casual Library Assistant
Jason Gadsby Casual Library Assistant
Kristin Molloy Casual Library Assistant
Diane New

Volunteers
Friends of the Library - 20
Home Library - 15
Language Cafe - 72
Work Experience & Duke of Edinburgh Students - 7

9

RRL Executive Director
Report

A strong focus The 2018-2019 year for Riverina Regional Library (RRL) has been full
on succession of activity, particularly in the areas of organisational and succession
presents both planning. A new strategic focus on shaping the future has presented
challenges and opportunities to optimise our evolving technologies to support
opportunities and enhance our program and collection services to members.
as RRL prepares After a number of years providing Tech Savvy Seniors classes for
older people within our community, along with responding to
to manage technology related enquiries from any library visitors, RRL branch
anticipated libraries joined many other community organisations in the Be
Connected program. Be Connected is an initiative of the Australian
changes, Government and the GoodThings Foundation that aims to empower
and meet the all Australians to thrive in a digital world, with a particular focus
unidentified on ‘older Australians’ - those aged over fifty. As well as supporting
demands we technology related activities in branches, RRL purchased Virtual
Reality equipment with two purposes in mind. This equipment is
know are available for youth programming, but is also being used with older
coming. community members. Exposure to newer technologies, in a safe
space, and with no pressure, is a great way for older community
10 members to gain confidence and see the value of technology in
their lives.
The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of reading for all
ages are well documented. Lifelong readers are lifelong learners,
who are also more relaxed, empathetic, and live longer! Promoting
reading for leisure is a great part of what libraries do, and Library
Bingo was an extra way that RRL promoted its collections in 2018-
19. Each quarter a Library Bingo board was printed with every
square containing a reading suggestion. These included different
genres, formats, or things like reading a book with a dislikeable
cover. Entries were sent in at the end of each quarter, and winners
were drawn for the bookish prizes, provided by RRL and Australian
library supplier Bolinda.
RRL made the transition to external hosting of its automated
library management system, Libero, in July 2018. The library
management system is an integral part of the organisation’s
technical infrastructure, and operates critical functional areas
such as the regional catalogue, collection management and
loans administration. No down-time to normal library operations
was experienced at any of RRL’s 20 service points during the
transition, and the move to external hosting has provided many
benefits for both RRL and our end-users. These include a high
level of contemporary functionality, externally managed product
upgrades, and long term IT infrastructure cost-savings due to a
reduced requirement for onsite IT infrastructure.

This is a further example of how the organisation seizes every available opportunity for innovation and
continuous improvement, which has historically been one of RRL’s critical success factors.
Greater Hume Shire opened its fourth branch library (and RRL’s 19th) at Jindera in May 2019. A space was
made available in the Jindera Community Hub building which houses a number of other Council facilities
and also an agency of the Hume Bank. Greater Hume Shire allocated an additional $8,000 for stock and
processing for the new library and an RFID self-loan station and front counter PC were installed by RRL staff.
After the retirement in July 2018 of long-serving Library Manager at the Temora Library, Eileen England,
Wendy Manning was appointed to the role. Wendy held previous positions with the Temora Shire Council
including Customer Service Officer for RMS/Service NSW. Prior to her employment at Temora Shire, Wendy
undertook a Library Traineeship at Bland Shire Council. She is already putting her stamp on the Temora
Library through the introduction of positive and well considered changes.
RRL celebrated its 40th Anniversary on Friday 13 July 2018 with a morning tea event at the RRL Administration
Centre. Around 50 guests gathered in the meeting room to view a photographic slideshow of library
images from the 1970s to now. A collection of library memorabilia was also on display, taking guests on a
trip down memory lane. Following a welcome from the Mayor of Wagga Wagga, Cr Greg Conkey, and an
introduction from the RRL Executive Director, Robert Knight, the RRL Advisory Committee Chairperson, Cr
Dallas Tout, and former Wagga Wagga City Councillor, Mary Kidson, took to the podium to acknowledge
the milestone event and the many people who have contributed to regional library service over the years.
A commemorative booklet highlighting significant library advances over the past 40 years was available
for guests to take and an amazing celebratory cake, fashioned as a stack of books by our very own staff
member, Kim McLaren, was cut by attending dignitaries.
Speaking of organisational longevity, with a workforce that has a current average age of 55 years and a
number of imminent retirements on the horizon, RRL is compelled to have a strong focus on succession.
Staff movements aren’t the only factor that is triggering organisational change. Ongoing technological
developments, outsourcing opportunities for tasks previously undertaken in-house (for example collections
procurement), the ever increasing demand for more and different library programs, and ever-developing
digital landscape means that library policies, practices and structures need to respond with commensurate
agility. This presents RRL with both challenges and opportunities as it prepares to manage the changes that
can readily be anticipated, and adapt to meet the demands that haven’t yet been identified but which we
know are coming.
Of course, none of the past successes or the future planning of RRL would be achieved without the
dedication and commitment of the RRL Administration Centre and mobile library staff, whose contribution
is gratefully acknowledged. Similarly, the achievements and enthusiasm of staff at RRL’s 19 branch libraries
across the network is also recognised.
The ongoing support and commitment of the 10 member Councils and the RRL Advisory Committee is also
appreciated. Together, we continue to provide outstanding library services across the region.
Robert Knight OAM
Executive Director
Riverina Regional Library

11

RRL Divisions

Business and Communications
Outreach and Promotions
Support and eServices

Administration Outreach Information
and Finance Services Technology
Policy Promotions Collection
Development Children’s and
Strategic Youth Services Services
Reporting Program eResources
Internal Development and eServices
Delivery Mobile Library
Service Operations

12

RRL Mobile Library

Given the unique layout and available space on the mobile library, the aim of promoting the
collection more effectively presented some creative challenges. According to library guru, Kevin
Hennah, who visited the mobile library in April 2018, one of the simplest things that can be done
to allow more effective and engaging display of items is front-facing. During the year, after quite
a good rotation of the collection, space was made available to dedicate one shelf to front-facing
titles. This allowed for the promotion and rotation of titles that may not have previously piqued
the interest of borrowers due to their less visible location. New titles in the collection were also
displayed in this more visibly appealing way.
Increased collection funding for the mobile library that came into effect from July 2017 has
provided a great selection of new items to choose from again this year. A number of borrowers
have become aware of new titles arriving on a weekly basis and look forward to perusing what has
arrived at each visit. The mobile library is a high performing unit in the RRL branch library network
and has maintained comparatively high loans statistics and turnover of stock.
The Kids Lucky Dip program held throughout the school holidays this year was a success, with
prizes going out the door quite quickly. This has been a great incentive for children visiting the
mobile library during school holidays to browse and leave laden with books, DVDs and great prizes!
The Mobile Library prime mover experienced a major mechanical breakdown during the year.
The unit, which by then had done 320,000kms had to be towed back to the Wagga Wagga City
Council (WWCC) workshop from Boree Creek. On investigation, it was found that all six pistons
were cracked. After assessment by fleet and workshop staff it was decided to replace, rather than
repair, the motor. WWCC fleet staff arranged for hire of a prime mover to keep the service running
until motor replacement was completed in April 2019.

28,817Loans 17,528 1,742

Library Visits Library Members

48,840 27 The RRL Mobile
Library stops
kilometres travelled Service here
points
6,618

Collection Items

13

RRL 40th Anniversary

RRL celebrated its 40th Anniversary on Friday 13 July 2018 with a morning tea event at the RRL
Administration Centre. Around 50 guests gathered in the meeting room to view a photographic
slideshow of library images from the 1970s to now. A collection of library memorabilia was also on
display, taking guests on a trip down memory lane.
Following a welcome from the Mayor of Wagga Wagga, Cr Greg Conkey, and an introduction from
the RRL Executive Director, Robert Knight, the RRL Advisory Committee Chairperson, Cr Dallas
Tout, and former Wagga Wagga City Councillor, Mary Kidson, took to the podium to acknowledge
the milestone event and the many people who have contributed to RRL’s success over the years.
A commemorative booklet highlighting significant library advances over the past 40 years was
available for guests to take and an amazing celebratory cake, fashioned as a stack of books by our
very own staff member, Kim McLaren, also marked the event.
1978: Signing the
first Riverina Regional
Library Deed of
Agreement

2018: (L-R) Cr Yvonne
Braid, Mary Kidson,

Bob Osborne, Robert
Knight OAM and Cr
Dallas Tout.

14

Jindera Library Branch

Greater Hume Shire opened its fourth branch library (and RRL’s 19th) at Jindera in May 2019. A
space was made available in the Jindera Community Hub building which houses a number of
other Council facilities and also an agency of the Hume Bank.
Greater Hume Shire Council allocated an additional $8,000 for stock and processing for the new
library. Additional stock was also sourced from good quality donations from the RRL network
and Greater Hume Shire branch libraries. Jindera is also serviced by the Mobile library which will
continue to visit fortnightly on Saturday mornings for at least the next two years.

New Strategic Plan 2018-2022

The Riverina Regional Library Integrated Planning Strategy 2018-2022 was activated on 1
July 2018 and builds on three key objectives of Build Capacity, Shape the Future, and Create
Connections. The RRL management team convened a workshop during January 2018 to form a
new organisational strategy that focuses on future proofing and optimises existing and emerging
organisational aims. New activities were developed with a more innovative approach to business
following the streamlining of many operational procedures within the organisation that came
with significant growth in recent years. Activities outlined in the new strategy are more robust to
enable comprehensive and interesting biannual reporting.

Build capacity
shape the future
CREATE CONNECTIONS

15

Staff Anniversaries

Four staff celebrated a total of 150 years of service to Riverina Regional Library:
Cynthia Price Outreach and Promotions
Development Officer, celebrated 25 years of

service. Cynthia commenced employment on
26 April 1994 as a Cataloguing Librarian when
RRL was located in the Gurwood Street library
building. Cynthia’s role has changed over the
years. Her current role is a vital and diverse one
which draws on her versatility, creativity and
vast knowledge across many areas.

Lynn Hackett Collection Services Officer,
celebrated 40 years of service. Lynn

commenced her employment on 8 March
1978 as a temporary Library Assistant and was
appointed to that position on a permanent
basis later the same year. Lynn has seen huge
technological changes in an expanding service
operation over the years. Lynn is dedicated to
her role and the libraries it serves.

Brian Plummer Support and eServices
Coordinator, celebrated 40 years of service.

Brian commenced employment on 26 April
1978 as a temporary Librarian. Brian ‘s position
title has changed a number of times over the
years. Brian is highly respected across RRL as a
can-do person who is always willing to fix things
generally assist wherever he can. Brian is a
talented trivia buff and keen St Kilda supporter.

Wendy Callis Business Support Officer,
celebrated 45 years of service. Wendy

commenced her employment on 4 October
1973 as a Junior Library Assistant at the tender
age of 16. As the longest serving employee,
Wendy has held the same position and
enjoyed a variety of duties in the organisation
over the years and experienced a number
of organisational relocations. Wendy is well
known for her amazing attention to detail.

16

Creative Libraries

A Creative Libraries
training day was held
at RRL Administration
Centre in June 2019
and was well attended
by branch library staff.
Participants got ‘hands-
on’ with a number of
flexible age group
programs coordinated
by RRL staff including
soap making, beeswax
skincare, silk paper and
macrame.

Libero Hosting Service

RRL made the transition to Libero cloud hosting in July 2018. The migration of data from RRL’s
on-site servers to Libero’s cloud-based hosting service took place after close of business and
was completed by 6:00am the following morning. Libero support staff were meticulous in the
planning, project management and implementation of the transition and no down-time was
experienced to normal library operations at any of RRL’s 20 service points.
Libero cloud hosting has many benefits for
both RRL and our end-users. It was becoming
increasingly difficult in an on-premise solution
to achieve the level of functionality that can
be provided by adopting the newest, most
contemporary functionality available in the
cloud. Immediate software upgrades now take
place overnight in smaller incremental releases
and staff learn new functionality in easily
manageable amounts rather than being faced
with pages and pages of changes every few
months.
This continuous deployment is very beneficial to customers - new features are available sooner
and are quickly adopted by staff to benefit library members. RRL staff no longer have to schedule
and perform ‘out of hours’ software upgrades and the Library Management System is no longer
impacted by local network or infrastructure issues.
Significant long term infrastructure cost-savings are anticipated with on-site server numbers now
being reduced by two and there are product benefits in the form of new functionality that can
only be offered in a hosted environment. The most significant of these so far is‘relevance searching’
which is seen as the most significant development in library catalogue searching in years.

17

RRL Branch Libraries

ADELONG BATLOW
BLAND

COOLAMON

COOTAMUNDRA

CULCAIRGNUNCDOARGOAWI A
HENTY HOLBROOK

18

RRL Branch Libraries

HOWLONG
JINDERA JUNEE

MULWALA

TALBINGO TEMORA
TUMBARUMBA

Tumut
WAGGA WAGGA

19

Adelong

Programs and Events
Adelong Library hosted many activities this year, mostly for the younger audience. The library
also endeavoured to assist some of the older members with their computer skills and internet
literacy.School holiday activities have been popular again this year with fabulous performances
from The Vegetable Plot. Children were amazed by the weird and wonderful Crocodile Encounters
and dabbled in a variety of craft activities such as Nature Weaving and Tree Beading. Each school
holidays, participants get down on the floor with a Lego session, while creating and learning from
each other. Storytime has become a regular activity with the Adelong Pre-School, who love to visit
the library, however, the library also makes its way up to the Pre-School! Many different stories have
been enjoyed this year as well as the themed craft sessions. The library is also becoming a popular
after-school venue, with many families calling in before heading home. There are a number of toys
and craft activities to engage with, as well as a great number of popular junior fiction books.
Adelong Show Display
This year the theme for the local display at the Adelong Show was ‘libraries’. Library staff were
able to contribute significantly to the display with an abundance of promotional material, and
demonstrate what it is that makes the Adelong Library an important part of the community. The
display looked amazing and was a genuine celebration of libraries.
Jessica Campbell
Library Assistant
Adelong Library

1,160 196

Library Visits Library
Members
2,581
1,589
Loans Collection Items

Adelong Library Snowy Valleys Council Opening Hours:
Tumut Street Network of Libraries Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

ADELONG NSW 2729 Adelong (closed for lunch
02 6946 2270 Batlow 12:00pm - 1:00pm)
Talbingo
20 Tumbarumba
Tumut

Storytime with Jessica Campbell

Adelong Show Display
21

Batlow

Storytime
Storytime is one of the Library’s main community programs. Storytime sessions run on the second
Wednesday of each month from 10.00am to 11.15am and is a fabulous way of linking the Library with
community groups. Themed stories are read dramatically to excite and inspire creativity for the story based
craft activities. These sessions are always very well attended by children from the Early Learning Centre,
Kindergarten and junior classes from the nearby primary school children as well as individual family groups
who do not have children attending these groups. They are very excited to be taking away their craft work
home with them and are always eager for the next session.
Storytime is one way to connect with these groups’ literacy development and also to enrich the children’s
exposure to their literary heritage. It is also a valuable modelling exercise of the techniques to use for the
effective reading of stories to children, and the appreciation of those stories. In addition, the children are
able to observe the myriad of ways people come to and use the library and the services that they may find
there.
Knit with Love
Knit With Love is another of our programs which we provide to the community. It occurs during the winter
months of June-August. Knit With Love is a volunteer group which organises people to become involved in
knitting and crafting wraps/blankets. Every year thousands of wraps are given to people who are suffering
cold and trauma. Knitters come together to socialise whilst knitting the squares to be crafted into warm
blankets. Valuable knitting skills are learned by new knitters and new friendships are developed over a
morning tea. Each year the knitting group manages to knit sufficient squares for many blankets. It is also
a great opportunity for new residents to meet residents who have been living in the community for much
longer periods of time.

15,347 513

Library Visits Library
Members
5,164
7,123
Loans Collection Items

Batlow Library Snowy Valleys Council Opening Hours:
Pioneer Street Network of Libraries Monday - Friday
BATLOW NSW 2730 10:00am - 5:00pm
02 6949 1315 Adelong (closed for lunch
Batlow 1:00pm - 2:00pm)
22 Talbingo
Tumbarumba
Tumut

Crocodile Encounters

Holiday Programs
Throughout the year Batlow Library offered a number of School Holiday programs. These included:
The amazing Crocodile Encounters - where children were able to see and often handle many of the reptiles
presented, while learning amazing facts about the exhibits, as well as valuable approaches to conservation
and the role of the animals within the animal hierarchy.
Board Games and Lego Days with afternoon tea - where children had great fun using their imagination to
construct amazing pieces from Lego. They also enjoyed playing a variety of traditional board games, often
with parents or grandparents while sharing an afternoon tea.
Art Workshop – this was very successful for many children who learnt a variety of valuable art skills and
thoroughly enjoyed creating their art works.
The Vegetable Plot performance - was a great hit with the community. As the wonderfully animated tunes
were staged, the children all sang along, congo danced and laughed at the jokes and ditties performed. All
while the children learnt about the myriad of vegetables. It was great fun and all those who attended are
looking forward to the groups return.
Robert Beegling
Library Assistant
Batlow Library

23

Bland

Library Refurbishment
The 2018-19 year proved an extremely busy but exciting time for Bland Shire Library as it undertook a major
refurbishment thanks to a $200,000 development grant from the State Library. The refurbishment included
all shelving being placed on castors – making for a more flexible space; repainting the main library area;
retinting existing windows; restoring the ceiling, including light fixtures; new flooring in the form of carpet
tiles; a large wet area (located in the children’s area); new cabinetry; resurfacing of the existing circulation
desk, as well as all new furniture, display fixtures and signage.

A new reading area housing the library’s newspapers and magazines was created. A new kitchenette
installed, as well as additional power-points and network cabling throughout the library creating a more
flexible technological space.

Apart from the annual Christmas shutdown, which allowed the library to be painted, the library was only
closed to the public for one week in March to allow the flooring to be laid – a testament to the commitment
of library staff. These changes have created a fresh, bright, modern and flexible space for library staff and
the community to enjoy. In addition to the refurbishment, the library also implemented an upgrade of
its RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) System receiving a new self-loan kiosk, security gates and sort
assistant.

Baby Bounce Leads to a Healthier Community
Bland Shire Library undertook a review of its Baby Bounce Program – an early literacy program targeting
babies 12 months and younger. Based on feedback from the community, the library extended the age limit
to include babies and toddlers 24 months and younger and revamped the content of the program to be
more inclusive. As a result, there was an overwhelming increase in attendance numbers.

35,834 1,835
Library
Library Visits Members

23,347 15,028
Loans
Collection Items

Bland Shire Library Deposit Stations: Opening Hours:
6 Shire Street Barmedman Monday - Friday
Ungarie 10:00am - 5:00pm
WEST WYALONG Weethalle
NSW 2671 Saturday
9:30am - 12:00pm
02 6979 0272

24

Baby Bounce - Infant First Aid

With attendance numbers at an all-time high, Bland Shire Library took the opportunity to host a special
education session – conducted by Shannon Evans, Nurse Educator from West Wyalong Health Services
and local paramedic Mal Croucher – as staff felt there was a need within the community to educate new
mothers about what to do if their child is choking and how to perform basic life support until help arrives
Due to an overwhelming response from the community, numerous sessions were held in the library with
all sessions fully booked. The library continues working with Mrs Evans and other health professionals to
deliver education sessions for the local community on a range of health-related topics.
Engaging with the Community
The past twelve months has been jam packed full of programs catering to all ages across the Bland Shire.
Some highlights include a talk by author Kim Hodges with a focus on mental health; the launch of local
historian Wally Bell’s book, Looking Back; Book Week, which saw some 500 students visit the library; a
week-long visit by author, illustrator, storyteller and performer Bernard Caleo; a collaborative workshop
with children’s author and artist Megan Forward; Summer Reading Club; the launch of local author Nadia
Worland’s children’s book, POWman: Unleash the Hero Within; Seniors Week, with a focus on new experiences
using technology; Tech Savvy Seniors; writing workshops supporting mental health conducted by
journalist and author Stephanie Dale; National Simultaneous Storytime; Dementia Friendly Communities
presentation; and First Aid for Babies and Toddlers. The library continues to run a regular Book Club group,
knitting group and writers’group. It also continues to support special needs and volunteer work placement
students through a joint program with the local high school.
Cathy Lange
Senior Library Officer
Bland Shire Library

25

Coolamon

Writing Workshop
A workshop called Creative Journaling was facilitated by journalist and author Stephanie Dale from The
Write Road. The workshop offered tips, tools and techniques for using writing as a pathway to good health
and wellbeing. Held in March 2019 with 30 people attending, it was funded by Murrumbidgee Primary
Health Network and Murrumbidgee Community Grants - which made it a free event.

On that same day, Stephanie presented another workshop in the afternoon called Building Online
Communities. It was to learn how to leverage existing networks and maximise your promotional efforts.
This was also well supported with 15 people attending. Both of these workshops were very successful and
proved to be very popular.
Beckom Public School – Wellness Day
The library was invited to attend a Wellness Day hosted by Beckom Public School on behalf of the North-
West Small Schools. The schools involved in the network are Beckom, Binya, Naradhan, Euabalong West,
Tallimba and Rankin Springs. The focus of the day was teaching the students resilience and wellbeing
strategies.

The library offered Storytime sessions throughout the day which the students enjoyed immensely. These
students were from very small schools and may not have attended a Storytime session previously, so to be
able to offer a session to them was a great privilege. The library gave out stickers, tattoos, pencils, balloons
and library bags.

The children followed up with a thankyou letter to the library, in which they quoted: “I enjoyed the craft I
did today for the book: There’s Broccoli in my Ice Cream; and “The day was really fun”.

25,144 1,359
Library
Library Visits Members

18,573 7,278
Loans
Collection Items

Coolamon Library Opening Hours:
129 Cowabbie Street Tuesday - Friday
10:00am - 5:00pm
COOLAMON
NSW 2701 Saturday
02 6927 2492 9:00am - 12:00pm

26

Refurbished Coolamon Library
Library Refurbishment
The Coolamon Library underwent a refurbishment to make the library more inviting and serviceable to
the community. After hearing Kevin Hennah speak at an RRL meeting about keeping libraries relevant and
engaging, he definitely got library staff inspired. A telephone conference was held with Kevin a couple of
months later and he provided some great ideas regarding changing the signage, layout and general library
design.
The project started off small with moving the Adult Non-Fiction to fit along one wall using front facing
shelving. Then the Children’s Area was moved to the back of the library. This clever new layout gave the
Children’s Area a whole new look and a significant increase in loans. Several other improvements included
new carpet, new signage, shelving on wheels, new front facing shelving and display book holders. The
new-look library has received some very positive feedback from the community. The improvements have
definitely made the library look more spacious, organised and welcoming.
Helen McLoughlin
Library Manager
Coolamon Library

27

Cootamundra

Author Talks
Inspiring author Noel Braun spoke at the library in June about his spiritual quest of self-discovery after
the suicide of his wife. This event was a Men’s Health Week promotion. Also in June, author Bernadette
Sutherland spoke about the death of her mother and her book, Dear Mum in Heaven. Bernadette’s mother
was a local lady. Kim Hodges spoke about her memoir, Girl Over the Edge. The audiences were extremely
moved as Kim spoke from the heart about her lived experience of mental illness. Forty adults joined local
identity, Ted O’Connor, for his book launch in July. Ted’s book is titled, My Unique and Charmed Life. Ted was
also interviewed for ABC radio as part of his author talk promotion.
The library ran a competition in the hope of enticing patrons to attend more author talks. Each time a patron
attended an author talk in June/July they were entered into a prize draw. The prize was a $50 voucher at
a local gift shop. In November, Gabrielle Chan, visited the library to promote her book, Rusted Off: Why
Country Australia is Fed Up. An audience of 30 people listened intently as Gabrielle drew conclusions about
the current state of our rural political representation.
Holiday and Children’s Programs
Cootamundra toddlers had a great time with The Vegetable Plot in the July school holidays. The Vegetable
Plot are award winning musicians on a radical mission to get kids to fall in love with vegetables (through
music and dance). The Knit-In ladies joined school kids for two knitting sessions during the holidays.
Each child was fortunate enough to have a Nanna to teach them the basics of knitting. Sharon Smith
from Riverina Regoinal Library also presented a Wobble Bot Workshop. Children used a motor, a switch, a
recycled lid and CD to create their own robot. A number of activities were undertaken during Book Week
to take advantage of the focus on reading. Storytime children, grandparents and parents dressed as their
favourite book character and joined library staff to march in the town’s annual Book Week Parade.

79,609 3,489
Library
Library Visits Members

46,375 15,567
Loans
Collection Items

Cootamundra Library Cootamundra- Opening Hours:
Wallendoon Street Gundagai Regional Monday - Friday
COOTAMUNDRA 9:00am - 5:00pm
NSW 2590 Council
02 6940 2200 Network of Libraries Saturday
9:30am - 12:00pm
28 Cootamundra
Gundagai

Author Talk with Gabrielle Chan
Over 25 children attended Cootamundra Library for a Storytime Sleep-Over, leaving their favourite toy at
the library overnight. When the toys were collected by the children the next day, they received a card with
a photo of the toy’s overnight antics. In the lead up to Christmas, children and their families made beeswax
candles and decorated them, in readiness to give as Christmas gifts.
Community Education
Cootamundra Library hosted the May Gibbs’ Exhibition in September. The exhibition was a panel display
travelling around the region from the State Library of NSW. The display explored May Gibbs’ early work,
the characters of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, Ragged Blossom and Little Obelia as well as her process and
examples of how war influenced her work. Many members of the community enjoyed the exhibition. The
library hosted Life Writing Workshops in August with Dr Rae Luckie. A total of 23 people attended the
workshop that helped them make a start on writing their own life story. Cootamundra secured funding
from the NSW State Library to run the Tech Savvy Seniors Program in 2019, which is designed to increase
digital literacy in the older population. As part of this initiative, 10 seniors completed an iPad For Beginners
course during February, under the tuition of Kerry Byrne. During February, the library hosted another
banner exhibition developed by the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Australian Maritime
Museums Council called Submerged. It told the stories of shipwrecks around Australia focusing on the
impact on the local communities.
Penny Howse
Library Manager
Cootamundra Library

29

Corowa

Bernard Caleo Roadshow and Workshop
Federation Council Libraries celebrated Library and Information Week with a travelling roadshow visiting
local schools around the council area. Bernard Caleo, a performer, comic book maker and comic book
communicator, demonstrated the art of Kamishibai (Japanese paper theatre - popular in the 1930’s) which
is a traditional art of Japanese folktales. Bernard explained this form of storytelling and its influence on
modern comics including manga and anime. A total of ten sessions were held across the council area with
650 children and 40 adults experiencing this form of street theatre and storytelling.
Corowa Library also held a free cartooning workshop where adults and children were encouraged to
create their very own Zine (through drawing a story is born). Library and Information Week provides an
opportunity to promote the important role that libraries and information services play in research and
education.
Digital Inclusion
Libraries continue to change in supporting people’s learning opportunities in community spaces. New
areas include creative and digital programs. Adults had the experience of Virtual Reality taking them places
such as travelling through space with Apollo 11, deep sea diving with sharks attacking, zooming fast on
luge carts, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and taken on safari in Africa. This activity provided a space
for people to talk about and share their favourite virtual experiences connecting both physical and virtual
worlds. Tech Savvy Senior classes have also been well supported. The ability to use technology makes a
big difference in people’s lives, ensuring they stay connected and active. Tech Savvy Seniors gives older
people, particularly those in regional areas, the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence to use
technology for socialising, accessing important services or conducting personal business. Tech Savvy
Seniors are encouraged to use and become familiar with their own devices.

20,234 1,854
Library
Library Visits Members

28,809 10,519
Loans
Collection Items

Corowa Library Federation Council Opening Hours:
100 Edward Street Network of Libraries Tuesday - Friday
COROWA NSW 2646 10:00am - 5:00pm
Corowa
02 6033 8941 Howlong Saturday
Mulwala 9:30am - 12:00pm

30

Parliament of Owls
Children’s Programs
Apart from the regular pre-school Storytime and school visits to the library, the library team coordinated
many fantastic school holiday programs to entertain the children during the school holidays. Children
had the opportunity to explore their creativity and learning experience with activities such as Crocodile
Encounters, Tweet Treats, Pom Pom Pocket Pals, Parliament of Owls and Pop Up Cards.
Library bags were handed out to 121 kindergarten students across the council area to start their library
experience. The library bags contained a book, bookmarks, colouring sheets and information to get them
started with their lifelong library experience.
Louise Parr
Library Team Leader
Corowa Library

31

Culcairn

New Self Loan Station and Sound Proofing
Culcairn Library installed a new FE Technology Self Loan Station in February 2019 with neon flashing lights
indicating when customers required assistance. The Self Loan Station is a great asset to have in the library
providing staff with the opportunity to assist customers in other ways, including accessing information on
the public access computers, technology support or delivering holiday programs or Storytime sessions.
In addition, with assistance from Local Priority Funding and a recommendation from the State Library of
New South Wales, the library installed Waved Sound Proofing in all areas that may be subject to noise.
The areas involved were above the public access computers as well as the children’s area in the library.
Further grant funding allowed the library to purchase a laptop and two iPads for both customer use and
technology training purposes in the library.
Culcairn Schools Reaping the Benefits of the Culcairn Library
The Culcairn Library has become a space for schools to visit on a regular basis providing an opportunity for
staff to share with students the benefits of having a library in their community. Storytime was held on the
first Thursday of each month with St Joseph Primary School students attending and borrowing from the
library. Culcairn Public School borrowed from the library and attended separate Storytime sessions on the
first Tuesday of every month. Culcairn Childcare also continued to attend their own separate Storytime and
borrowing sessions.
It has been great to see young happy faces in the library borrowing books and using the Self Loan Station.
The children are learning from a young age that libraries are constantly evolving and that they are now
much more than just spaces for books. The community now has access to iPads, laptops, free wi-fi with
unlimited downloads, technology assistance, holiday programs and much more.

20,326 602

Library Visits Library
Members
3,635
7,359
Loans Collection Items

Culcairn Library Greater Hume Shire Opening Hours:
40 Balfour Street Council Monday - Friday
CULCAIRN NSW 2660 8:30am - 5:00pm
Network of Libraries
02 6036 0100 Culcairn Saturday
Henty 10:00am - 12:30pm
32 Holbrook
Jindera

Book Week School Visit
Movie Club at the Culcairn Library
The Culcairn Library staff, with the assistance of Kanopy (an on-demand streaming video platform for
public libraries), commenced a Movie Club. The Movie Club has been held every two months and provides
members of the community with the opportunity to come together to watch a movie, eat a choc top, and
enjoy a cup of tea or coffee - all in the comfort of their own town. The Movie Club is not only promoting the
library as an informative, inclusive and engaging space but also providing an opportunity for members of
the community to have contact with other people helping them feel more positive and avoid loneliness.
Susan Kane
Library & Youth Services Development Officer
Culcairn Library

33

Gundagai

Robotechtronics
Gundagai Library trialled an after-school STEAM program aimed at getting more kids into the library.
Sessions ran on Mondays from 4pm to 5pm and targeted children aged 8-12 years old. The trial started with
four children and quickly expanded to 10-12 children per session. Staff worked hard to get funding from
different sources to purchase equipment such as Sphero balls, little-bits and radio circuit boards. The great
thing about this program was that if staff have a little bit of training and knowledge and a lot of passion,
the kids will quickly pick it up and run with it. As it is not a competitive program, children participating were
found to share ideas easily and to encourage and help others to research, invent and create.
Problem solving, imaginative invention, cooperation, research, coding and experimentation all contribute
to developing the critical thinking skills that our future will demand of the next generation and beyond.
The fact that these children are lining up because they enjoy this program so much, shows this type of
program in libraries is a definite winner both for the future of our children and the future of our libraries.
Creative Communities
After the success of the Beeswax Wraps activity for Grandparents Day in October 2018, the library decided
to extend the ongoing community craft program. The library began holding a Creative Communities event
every second Friday of the month in the library using the fantastic craft resource kits from Riverina Regional
Library. During the year the library has delivered Beeswax Cosmetics, Recycled Paper Art, Paper Making,
Bath bombs and Suminagashi (the ancient art of Japanese marbling). The response from attendees was
excellent and an added bonus was the opportunity to run these as intergenerational events during the
school holidays promoting the library as a family-friendly creative and recreational space that everyone
can share.

11,545 829

Library Visits Library
Members
9,619
8,645
Loans Collection Items

Gundagai Library Cootamundra- Opening Hours:
245 Sheridan Street Gundagai Regional Monday - Friday
GUNDAGAI NSW 2722 9:00am - 5:00pm
Council (closed for lunch
02 6944 0270 Network of Libraries 12:30pm - 1:30pm)

Cootamundra
Gundagai

34

Creative Communities
The opportunity afforded by Riverina Regional Library (RRL) to train staff in these activities during training
days held at the RRL Administration Centre has meant that the delivery at our library level is professional
yet familiar and informal which is perfect for local communities. Supported by the team at RRL who are
developing new activities all the time, and confident willing staff, this program has become a favourite at
the library.
Flix n Pix
At the beginning of 2019, the library kicked off Gundagai’s first regular film night since our grand old
Gundagai Theatre closed in the early 80’s. Titled Flix n Pix, the movies were screened the first Tuesday
evening of the month and held in the children’s section of the library which seats up to 30 people. It is
hoped that a planned extension will provide more seating capacity as the film nights are filling up quickly.
Popcorn during the movie followed by good discussion about the film with a glass of wine and nibbles
brought the evenings to a lovely end. Features shown included a varying array of films selected from the
Kanopy collection provided by Riverina Regional Library. Access to Kanopy enables us to show quality films
to the public at the library legally.
Cindy Smith
Library & Community Services Manager
Gundagai Library

35

Henty

Henty Library partnering with the Local Health Advisory Committee
Henty Library commenced a partnership with the Henty Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) in March
2019. The role of LHAC is to connect with local communities about health priorities as well as promoting
health literacy and wellbeing in their local communities, which is a great fit for the library. The LHAC has
a permanent space in the Henty Library which includes an information stand, desk and notice board.
On a regular basis the information providers and speakers attend the library to provide presentations to
community members on health and wellbeing. Part of this partnership has also meant that library staff
were provided with training on My Health Records. The training provided staff with background knowledge
about the site and also the ability to assist members of the community in uploading information to their
My Health Records. Partnerships such as this really strengthen the idea that libraries are the heart and soul
of the community.
PlayStation 4 and Virtual Reality
In partnership with Culcairn and Holbrook Libraries, Henty Library purchased a PlayStation 4 with Virtual
Reality (VR) for use by members of the community. Since purchasing the equipment, the PlayStation has
been well used by the young people in Henty as well as staff at both Culcairn and Jindera for team building
purposes! In May 2019, the Henty Library and Myoora Homestead management team held a discussion
about VR not just being for teens anymore and how it could benefit some of the residents with dementia.
At the first visit to the hostel, library staff were amazed at the reaction from the residents taking part in
using the VR with loads of laughter and happiness at being able to experience the beach, the Great Wall
of China, the bottom of the ocean and also being in the middle of an orchestra. The library makes monthly
visits to the hostel with plans for the creation of a Living Library, demonstrations on the 3D Printer and
Sphero Balls coming in the near future. The VR will also be travelling to other libraries and outreach venues
in the Greater Hume Shire Council area.

14,124 693

Library Visits Library
Members
4,455
8,895
Loans Collection Items

Henty Library Greater Hume Shire Opening Hours:
30 Sladen Street Council Tuesday - Friday
HENTY NSW 2658 11:00pm - 5:30pm
Network of Libraries (closed for lunch
02 6036 0100 Culairn 1:00pm - 1:45pm)
Henty
36 Holbrook Saturday
10:00am - 12:30pm

Commins Hendriks Legal Matters Talk
Work Experience and Volunteers at the Henty Library
Over the last twelve months the Henty Library has had a number of young people and adults wanting
to do work experience or volunteering at the Henty Library as part of TAFE training requirements or just
having a love of books and wanting to help the community. Hayden, a student from Billabong High School
with disabilities, has being doing a remarkable job in both the Culcairn and Henty Libraries. He helped
library staff consider different programs that meet the needs and wants of young people. The first project
was a LEGO program at Culcairn, where he volunteered for a year after completing two weeks of work
experience. He is now at Henty and is in the process of starting a VR program for people of all ages. Staff at
Henty Library look forward to continuing to work with Hayden and appreciate his assistance in the library.
Susan Kane
Library & Youth Services Development Officer
Henty Library

37

Holbrook

Holiday Programs
What a big year for holiday programs! Some highlights of the year were:
A visit from Crocodile Encounters from the Central Coast, who toured the region. This was a great program
for all ages and was funny, educational and hands-on with live snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles for the
children to handle.
Circuit Bugs was another really successful holiday program. A team of 12 children participated in this activity
which proved to be highly challenging. The children were given the task of creating an electrical circuit
with a battery, copper wires and two small light globes. The kids were fantastic and all successfully made
their circuits - and then used the lights as eyes. Using a peg and pipe cleaners, they created interesting,
colourful and very clever bugs.
Library Promotion
At the beginning of the year, library staff started paying a monthly visit to the Greater Hume radio studio
in Holbrook. This is a community radio station that broadcasts out of Holbrook to all of the Greater Hume
Shire and beyond. This slot, just after the 10:00am news on a Wednesday morning, is where the Greater
Hume Shire Council library activities are promoted. Greg, the host of the show Theme Train, is an avid
reader so there is also a book discussion and recommendations on what is new on the shelves. Holiday
programs and special events, as well as regular services in all of the council’s four libraries are discussed.
This is a great idea for library promotion for those able to get to a radio studio. Once over the initial nerves,
it’s a bit like having a chat with another book loving friend. The bonus in this case is that the guest gets to
choose a song at the end of the interview.

9,788 723

Library Visits Library
Members
5,267
10,678
Loans Collection Items

Holbrook Library Greater Hume Shire Opening Hours:
Bowler Street Council Tuesday - Friday
11:00pm - 5:30pm
HOLBROOK NSW 2644 Network of Libraries (closed for lunch
02 6036 3262 Culairn 1:00pm - 2:00pm)
Henty
Holbrook Saturday
9:30am - 12:30pm

38

Tilly and Poppy - Alpacas With Maracas
National Simultaneous Storytime
Alpacas With Maracas by Matt Cosgrove was the chosen book this year and it certainly was a great hit. This
yearly event is a great opportunity to invite the local Pre-School to the library for a visit. Usually it is just
the four year old group who come to visit, but this year we also had a visit from the infants students at St
Patrick’s School who really engaged with the themes of Matt Cosgrove’s book. The stars of the morning
however, were two cute little alpacas, Pedro and Poppy, who belong to the family of one of the Pre-School
students. Poppy made a grand entrance into the library but Pedro was a little more hesitant and decided
to stay outdoors! The children loved the story and had lots of fun cuddling both alpacas and asking very
clever questions about them before making some maracas to take back to the children’s centre.
Alison Cowie
Library Assisant in Charge
Holbrook Library

39

Howlong

Crocodile Encounters
Children and parents enjoyed the reptilian wonders of the Crocodile Encounters event held at the library
in October 2018. Shrieks of excitement and fright were abundant as turtles, lizards, snakes and baby
crocodiles were brought out for the children to touch and hold, all while learning more about Australia’s
reptile and amphibian population and how to interact safely with them.
Pompom Pocket Pals
The January school holidays saw children creating masterpieces with pompoms! Fantastic for all ages,
the pompom pocket pals activity was a hit with the kids. They enjoyed making all sorts of creations from
cuddly animals to terrifying monsters and even characters from their favourite cartoons.
Tech Savvy Seniors
An eager bunch of Howlong’s senior residents came out for the 2019 classes of Tech Savvy Seniors in March.
Armed with their tablets, smartphones and laptops, they showed their eagerness to delve into the digital
age by learning new skills and knowledge through the program courses. The classes offered information
on surfing the internet, operating smartphones and tablets, using social media and being cyber-safe.
Kristy Critelli
Library & Customer Service Officer
Howlong Library

4,702 512

Library Visits Library
Members
4,085
7,412
Loans Collection Items

Howlong Library Federation Council Opening Hours:
59 Hawkins Street Network of Libraries Tuesday & Wednesday
HOWLONG NSW 2643
Corowa 10:00pm - 5:00pm
02 6026 5055 Howlong (closed for lunch
Mulwala 1:00pm - 2:00pm)
Thursday & Friday
10:00am - 1:00pm

Saturday
9:30am - 11:30am

40

Crocodile Encounters
41

Junee

Reaching Out In The Junee Community
Visiting senior residents at the Junee Hospital has become a particular highlight for Junee Library staff.
Though it can be a challenge to create activities which are appropriate, captivating and enriching, our
library staff have been able to provide workshop experiences that are both meaningful and productive.
This year the residents have made bath bombs, bird feeders, yummy cupcakes and sock bunnies at Easter.
The sock bunnies were created using a sock, rice, ribbons and a felt-tip pen. They were an enormous hit with
the long term residents, who had a joyous time making this Easter ornament either for someone special
or to keep for themselves. The activity was made even more special with some visiting grandchildren who
also shared in making a sock bunny with their grandparents.
Henna Tattooing, Face Painting, Games and Maker-station
This activity left its mark on our participants in more ways than one, with face paint and henna tattoos
lasting for up to a week. Tanya from Dragontales Face Painting was engaged during the October 2018
school holidays to transform kids and teens of all ages into whatever animal, mythical creature or super
hero they desired. The henna tattoos were for the teens only and allowed those participants the chance to
wear a beautiful temporary henna design on their hand or forearm.
To keep everyone entertained, games and maker-station craft materials were provided. Unlike other holiday
activities that typically have a set time, participants were able to drop in during a two-hour session time
for either the face painting or the henna tattooing. Tanya was active for the entire session and managed to
perform 18 face painting designs and 10 henna tattoos.

29,349 1,651
Library
Library Visits Members

21,676 13,454
Loans
Collection Items

Junee Library Opening Hours:
92 Lorne Street Monday, Tuesday,
JUNEE NSW 2663 Thursday & Friday
02 6924 2111 9:30am - 5:30pm

42 Wednesday
9:30am - 6:00pm

Saturday
9:00am - 12:00pm

Dragontales Face Painting
Author - Megan Forward and Saint Joseph’s Primary School
Megan’s visit to the Junee Library in November 2018 combined storytelling, plants and art. The workshop
she presented to a group of students in Year 2 from Saint Joseph’s Primary School was inspired by her book
A Patch From Scratch, published in 2016. Using her book, Megan took the children through a step by step
journey involving story, writing and observation. With an assortment of vegetables and fruits, the students
used charcoal and watercolours to make a collection of amazing artwork that was then put on display at
the Junee Library until the end of 2018. The children also made newspaper pots and planted a seed that
they were able to take home. This was a wonderful morning of learning, creating and sharing the pleasures
of storytelling.
Kim Richards
Librarian in Charge
Junee Library

43

Mulwala

Mulwala Library Changes
Mulwala Library services a community that is growing exponentially. Mulwala was once considered an
ageing community with a summer influx of tourists, however, more recently newcomers are young families
and they are actively seeking out the library as a source of community information and engagement. This
provides an exciting opportunity for our new library officer, Chris Boyd, who has taken over the reigns from
Jenny Orr. Jenny retired after almost nine years’service at the Mulwala Library. The ethos remains the same,
to provide a safe environment for all community to engage by providing opportunities to connect, learn
and grow.

Touring Art Display
The library was privileged to be able to offer a chance to view the 100-year celebration of May Gibbs
Exhibition. The display was well received by the community with many people commenting that the
display transported them back to their childhood.

Library Programs
Mulwala Library has welcomed numerous visitors from Mulwala Public School and Mulwala Pre-School
taking part in various programs. Some of the highlights were: Library and Information Week - Celebrating
Truth, Integrity and Knowledge. The National Simultaneous Storytime was a reading of Alpacas With
Maracas which the children thoroughly enjoyed. The library hosted an afternoon visit from Bernard Caleo
who presented an art form called Kamishibai, a centuries old Japanese storytelling tradition. Bernard is a
gifted artist who had the children mesmerised from the start.

Christina Boyd
Library & Customer Service Officer
Mulwala Library

5,588 642

Library Visits Library
Members
4,159
5,431
Loans Collection Items

Mulwala Library Federation Council Opening Hours:
71 Melbourne Street Network of Libraries Tuesday - Wednesday
MULWALA NSW 2647
Corowa 10:00am - 5:00pm
03 5744 3439 Howlong (closed for lunch
Mulwala 1:00pm - 2:00pm)
Thursday - Friday
10:00am - 1:00pm

Saturday
9:30am - 12:00pm

44

Bernard Caleo - Kamishibai

Pre-School Visit

45

Talbingo

Author Talk – Rochelle Nicholls
Rochelle Nicholls gave a fascinating Author Talk on her wonderful new book, Hell and High Water about
Cecil Healy, an Olympic champion whose life was cut short by war. A small group of people come to hear
Rochelle’s most interesting chat about the golden boy of Australian swimming and captain of the lifeguards
on Manly Beach. Cecil Healy was the poster-boy for all that was decent in Australia before WWI. Rochelle
was Talbingo’s Library Assistant from 2008 to early 2011.
Library Lover’s Day
The library set up a display with a variety of books for this special day. There were Blind Date Reads which
involved books covered in brown paper with only a title, author and a short blurb to entice the reader.
These proved to be quite popular and as a result, several members found a new author to read.
Book Week
Talbingo Library and Talbingo Public School combined to celebrate Book Week. With the theme, Find Your
Treasure as the focus of this year’s celebration, the students, teachers and pre-schoolers came dressed
as pirates for the day’s festivities. Taking over the library space, the children listened to pirate inspired
stories and then conducted a full-scale treasure hunt. They let their artistic flair show by drawing their most
treasured book characters. It was a great morning and again showed the spirit of the small school.
Shirlee Whiting
Library Assistant
Talbingo Library

884 100

Library Visits Library
Members
2,499
2,755
Loans Collection Items

Talbingo Library Snowy Valleys Council Opening Hours:
Lampe Street Network of Libraries Tuesday 9:00am - 5:00pm

TALBINGO NSW 2720 Adelong (closed for lunch
02 6949 5344 Batlow 12:30pm - 1:30pm)
Talbingo
46 Tumbarumba
Tumut

Book Week

Book Week
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Temora

Adults Programs
Over the past 12 months, Temora Library has endeavoured to enhance the adult and children’s programs
to promote the library services to the community. The Wrapped With Love Knitting Group still attends the
library twice each month to meet and continue the good cause. This year they have made over 70 blankets.
An array of new programs has also been added into the mix including Tech4Seniors, Crafternoon, and a
Housebound Delivery Program to keep staff busy. Tech4Seniors is run every Monday and with support/
funding from Be Connected, the library has been able to purchase new technology and equipment. It is
great to see some of our senior community members now confident taking and texting pictures, joining
Facebook and even selling caravans! The Crafternoon Group meet once per month to come in for some
upcycling and a cuppa. The last few sessions have been focused around paper wreath making. The
Housebound Delivery Program began in November 2018 with a total of 17 members signed up. Library
staff make deliveries every fortnight to residents around town and aged care facilities.
Christmas Programs
In December, Temora Shire Library planned an array of Christmas activities and craft sessions for young
and old. The sessions, which proved popular, ran for the month leading into the holidays. The library ran
weekly after-school activities, Christmas Capers Storytime, adult craft sessions and the Christmas Elf on the
Shelf, Peppermint, made an appearance each day. School aged children enjoyed making and decorating
gingerbread and crafted some Christmas tree decorations and paper trees. The adult craft programs
included origami stars and mesh angel making. Santa Claus made a visit to the Christmas Capers session
which was thorougly enjoyed by the children.

21,111 1,574
Library
Library Visits Members

21,929 11,038
Loans
Collection Items

Temora Library Opening Hours:
294 Hoskins Street Monday - Friday
TEMORA NSW 2666 10:00am - 5:30pm

02 6977 1781 Saturday
10:00am - 12:00pm
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