Annual Report 2017-2018

riverina regional library R
annual report

2017-2018

R

bland L
coolamon
cootamundra-gundagai
federation
greater hume

junee
lockhart
snowy valleys
temora
wagga wagga



riverina regional library
annual report

2017-2018

1

About Us

The Riverina Regional Library (RRL) is the largest regional library services in NSW. It provides library services to
approximately 139,508 constituents of 10 local government areas. The service consists of 18 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, RRL
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
Business and Communications 12
Outreach and Promotions 13
Support and eServices 14
RRL Mobile Library 15
Vision 2020: Maintaining Relevant Libraries 16
eSmart Libraries Accreditation 17
Robert Knight OAM 17
Collection Maintenance 18
Mobile Library 19
RRL Branch Libraries: 20-21
Adelong Library 22-23
Batlow Library 24-25
Bland Shire Library 26-27
Coolamon Library 28-29
Cootamundra Library 30-31
Corowa Library 32-33
Culcairn Library 34-35
Gundagai Library 36-37
Henty Library 38-39
Holbrook Library 40-41
Howlong Library 42-43
Junee Library 44-45
Mulwala Library 46-47
Talbingo Library 48-49
Temora Library 50-51
Tumbarumba Library 52-53
Tumut Library 54-55
Wagga Wagga City Library 56-61
RRL Statistics 2017-2018 62-65

3

RRL Advisory Committee
Chairperson Report

RRL has I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide an introduction to
adopted a the Riverina Regional Library (RRL) Annual Report for 2017-2018.
number of As RRL enters its 40th year of service, there have been a number of
strategic strategic revitalisations to take the organisation into the next stages
revitalisations of library service provision.
to take the The current RRL Integrated Planning Strategy was finalised this
organisation year and new strategic priorities (build capacity, shape the future,
into the next and create connections) were developed alongside organisational
stages of objectives that will form the basis of focussed and forward-thinking
library service business activities over the next four years. A comprehensive review
provision. of the RRL Deed of Agreement was undertaken, resulting in a number
of amendments to better reflect and clarify the various operational
4 changes across the organisation, and Wagga Wagga City Council was
re-appointed as Executive Council for a further four years, continuing
an exceedingly successful arrangement that has been in place since
RRL’s inception in 1978.
RRL jumped on the iCloud bandwagon and transitioned to an off-
site Library Management System hosting service which will offer
great advantages in security of information as well as technological
support and maintenance.
RRL staff have responded to the ever-increasing desire for more
programs in RRL branch libraries with a two-pronged approach of
increasing capacity at branch level by providing training in program
delivery, as well as the development of multi-generational programs
(prepared by RRL staff ) that can be easily adapted to suit any age
group.
Congratulations are in order for Robert Knight, who was elected
as 2018 Vice President of the Australian Library and Information
Association (ALIA). Robert will transition to the role of President of the
Association in 2019. Robert was also awarded an OAM in the Queen’s
Birthday Honours List for service to the library and information
sciences sector. A highly merited honour indeed! Robert’s dedication
and passion for library services is supported and shared by the entire
RRL team, branch library staff, and member Councils who, together,
are an exemplar of service collaboration for the benefit of their
communities.
The RRL Annual Report tells the story of the many and varied services
that RRL Administration Centre and branch library staff have brought
to the people of the region and I thoroughly commend it to you.
Cr Dallas Tout
Chairperson, RRL Advisory Committee

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
Ms Courtney Armstrong

Mr Allen Dwyer COOTAMUNDRA-GUNDAGAI REGIONAL COUNCIL
Cr Leigh Bowden
Ms Penny Howse

Ms Kristy Kay (Executive Committee) FEDERATION COUNCIL
Cr Gail Law
Cr Bronwyn Thomas

Mr David Smith GREATER HUME SHIRE COUNCIL
Cr Denise Osborne
Ms Susan Kane

Mr James Davis JUNEE SHIRE COUNCIL
Cr Pam Halliburton (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr David Koren

Mr Peter Veneris LOCKHART SHIRE COUNCIL
Cr Greg Verdon
Cr Ian Marston

Ms Kristin Twomey SNOWY VALLEYS COUNCIL
Cr Cate Cross

Mr Steve Firth TEMORA SHIRE COUNCIL
Cr Dennis Sleigh WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
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
Staff RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY
ORGANISATIONAL CHART
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 RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY
Officer
Executive Director
(35 hours)
BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Robert Knight Business & Communications Coordinator
Business Support Officer
Karen Wendt Internal Delivery Service Officer - Temporary
Wendy Callis Internal Delivery Service Officer
Kim McLaren Internal Delivery Service Officer
Louise Pearce
Doug Simpson OUTREACH AND PROMOTIONS
Outreach & Promotions Coordinator
Amy Heap Outreach & Promotions Officer
Tracey Luhrs Outreach & Promotions Development Officer
Cynthia Price Children’s & Youth Services Librarian
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
Clare Morey Support & eServices Development Officer
Kaylene Nisbet Support Services Officer
6

RRL Branch Library Staff

ADELONG LIBRARY

Jessica Campbell Library Assistant
Robert Beegling
Cathy Lange BATLOW LIBRARY
Lisa Thompson
Tracey Lees Library Assistant
Helen McLoughlin
Laura Higgins BLAND LIBRARY
Jessica Inch
Penny Howse Senior Library Officer
Lynne Thorburn Library Assistant
Leanne Jones Casual Relief Staff
Rochelle Nicholls
Kerry Byrne COOLAMON LIBRARY
Anne Condon
Alison Knagge Library Manager
Paula Shields Casual Relief Staff
Louise Parr Casual Relief Staff
Kristy Critelli
Nicole Raleigh COOTAMUNDRA LIBRARY
Lyn Ashford
Chris Boyd Library Manager
Susan Kane Library Services Officer
Emily Jones Library Assistant
Tarran Slatter Library Assistant
Jenny Whitlock Casual Relief Staff
Deborah Cotter Casual Relief Staff
Alison Herbst Casual Relief Staff
Mitchell O’Keefe Casual Relief Staff
Jeanette Ross
Andrea Simmons COROWA LIBRARY

Library Team Leader
Library Assistant
Library Assistant
Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff

CULCAIRN LIBRARY

Library & Youth Services Development Officer
Customer Service, Library & Youth Trainee
Library Assistant
Library Assistant
Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff

7

RRL Branch Library Staff

GUNDAGAI LIBRARY

Cindy Smith Library & Community Services Manager
Robin Horst Casual Relief Staff
Leanne Sheahan Casual Relief Staff
Linda Wood Casual Relief Staff
Susan Kane
Emily Jones HENTY LIBRARY
Deborah Cotter
Alison Herbst Library & Youth Services Development Officer
Mitchell O’Keefe Customer Service, Library & Youth Trainee
Jeanette Ross Casual Relief Staff
Andrea Simmons Casual Relief Staff
Jill Thiele Casual Relief Staff
Alison Cowie Casual Relief Staff
Dominique Heriot Casual Relief Staff
Nyree-Anne Wiggins Casual Relief Staff
Kristy Critelli
Kim Richards HOLBROOK LIBRARY
Matthew Glass
Margaret Kanaley Library Assistant in Charge
Linda Dyer Library Assistant
Robyn Futcher
Sue Preston HOWLONG LIRARY
Kiara Longmore
Jenny Orr Library & Customer Service Officer
Faye Glover Casual Relief Staff
Nicole Raleigh
Kristy Critelli JUNEE LIBRARY
Shirlee Whiting
Christina Gould Librarian in Charge
Eileen England Library Assistant
Ros Langford Library Assistant
Karin Walker Casual Relief Staff
Sharee Steward Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff
School Based Trainee

MULWALA LIBRARY

Library & Customer Service Officer
Library Assistant
Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff

TALBINGO LIBRARY

Library Assistant
Casual Relief Staff

TEMORA LIBRARY

Librarian in Charge
Library Assistant
Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff

8

RRL Branch Library Staff

TUMBARUMBA LIBRARY

Vicki Hulm Library Team Leader
Kathy Stewart Library Assistant
Jacinda Arnold Casual Relief Staff
Sarah Rial Casual Relief Staff

TUMUT LIBRARY

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

WAGGA WAGGA CITY LIBRARY
Claire Campbell Manager Library Services
Circulation & Facilities Team
Vacant Information Services Librarian
Mahsa Nikzad Team Leader - Information, Literacy & Learning
Kate Webber Senior Circulation and Facility Officer
Sarah Hofsteede Information Assistant
Marc Evans Library Assistant
Michelle Lubke Library Assistant
Simon Malloy Library Assistant
Jenny Mansell Library Assistant
Diane New Library Assistant (Language Cafe)
Mahsa Nikzad Library Assistant (Language Cafe)
Saturday Circulation Team
Monique Shephard Team Leader
Matt Dombrovski Library Assistant
Cassandra Ward Library Assistant
Programs, Promotions and Partnerships Team
Christine Bolton Team Leader - Programs, Promotions & Partnerships
Peter Casey Programs Officer
Jeannie Hazell Programs Officer
Michael Scutti Programs Officer
Wendy Harper Programs Officer
Library Casuals
Sam Bannister Casual Relief Staff
Matthew Griffin Casual Relief Staff
Kristin Molloy Casual Relief Staff
Diane New Casual Relief Staff
Volunteers
Friends of the Library - 20
Home Library - 15
Language Cafe - 40
Work for the Dole Placements - 2
Work Experience & Duke of Edinburgh Students - 6

9

RRL Executive Director
Report

Our As another financial year comes to a close, the largest regional library
communities in NSW enters a new phase of service delivery that focuses on building
capacity, creating connections and shaping the future. These strategic
rely on so objectives form the basis of activities throughout the current year and
much more the Riverina Regional Library (RRL) Integrated Planning Strategy over
than access to the next four years.
information To support these objectives, RRL once again engaged The Customer
and leisure Connection to conduct a Voice of Our Customers survey during early
reading; as February 2018. The survey gauged the performance of RRL in various
important as areas of service provision and returned an overall satisfaction rating
those things of 100% (ratings of very good or excellent). An important quality
assurance tool, the survey also uncovered a desire for more programs
are. and visits to branch libraries. These opportunities have been included
in an action plan for 2018-2019.
The RRL Administration Centre has been giving increasingly closer
attention to succession planning over the past 12 months. With an
ageing workforce that has an average age of 54 years for permanent
staff, it is critical to the future prosperity of the organisation that a
plan is in place to ensure that the organisation’s corporate knowledge,
skills and experience are captured and retained insofar as possible,
and that processes and procedures are shared and documented.
The establishment of an effective Staff Succession Plan and the
ongoing capacity for organisation-wide adaptability will be critical
success factors in ensuring that RRL is well positioned to manage the
organisational change associated with the turnover of more than one-
third of its staff members over the next five years.
After spending a number of years surveying staff and customers,
adapting policies and procedures, training staff, and providing
cybersafety programs for customers, the final pieces of evidence were
submitted, and RRL attained eSmart status. This status (a framework
supported by Telstra and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation)
acknowledges that RRL is equipped to support its customers to use
technology in a smart, safe and responsible way.
RRL was pleased to host library design guru, Kevin Hennah, who
delivered a presentation at the RRL branch library meeting in April
2018. This was a wonderful opportunity for branch library staff to
gain from Kevin’s wealth of knowledge and receive advice on how to
maximise productivity of space, improve presentation and maintain
relevance for libraries. Kevin also visited five RRL library branches
during his time in the region.

10

A number of branches across the region, as well as the RRL Administration Centre, were awarded activation
grants from the Australian Government initiative, Be Connected, to promote digital inclusion for older
Australians. These grants were used to purchase new hardware, such as desk top computers, tablets and
Virtual Reality equipment, for branch and RRL staff to deliver digital literacy programs to Australians over
the age of 50.
The importance and popularity of programs for all ages in public libraries continues to grow. Literacy and
learning, science, reading related, technology classes and maker style programs are all being provided in
our branch libraries. Communities rely on public libraries for so much more than access to information and
leisure reading, as important as those things are. The RRL Outreach and Promotions team developed a
number of programs this year that are targeted for specific age groups as well as programs that are adaptable
for presentation to multiple age groups. Highlights include the group of older men in Cootamundra who
learned how to design 3D objects for printing use Tinkercad, as well as the Snowy Mountains people who
prepared for Christmas by rolling beeswax candles, marbling paper to wrap them, and decorating jars as
gifts.
RRL made the transition from an in-house/on premise installation of the Libero Library Management
System (LMS), to a cloud based ‘hosted’ environment in June 2018. RRL has been the principal Australian
beta-test site for the Libero LMS since 1996 and during this period has played a very active role in shaping
the on-going development of the product. As Information Technology becomes more technical and more
specific and as new products are adopted and integrated into others, it become less and less viable for RRL
to manage these products in-house. The hosted environment provides great advantages from a security
perspective and for RRL’s succession planning and future proofing strategy.
The RRL Support & eServices team continued its focus on the Collection Maintenance Strategy during 2017-
2018. The main objectives of the strategy are to ensure that the RRL regional collection remains up-to-date,
relevant, presented in good condition, and accessible to library members through consistent and judicious
application of collection maintenance principles in all libraries across the RRL network. Ongoing attention
to this important aspect of library operations is integral to ensuring that members are receiving the highest
quality items. Targeted, evidence-based weeding of collections throughout the year has ensured that the
objectives for contemporary library collections (as stated above) were applied.
It was my great honour to be elected unopposed as 2018 Vice President of the Australian Library and
Information Association (ALIA) which will transition into the role of President of the Association in 2019.
ALIA is the national professional organisation for the Australian library and information sector and has
been representing the interests of members and the community since 1937. The Association continues to
foster a vibrant professional culture while providing expert advice to decision-makers on the profession’s
behalf.
Looking ahead, RRL is gearing up to celebrate its 40th Anniversary in July 2018. Preparations are underway
for a fun-filled, nostalgic event, with staff busy gathering some interesting memorabilia from around the
time that RRL was launched in 1978 for inclusion in associated promotional material.
As always, I acknowledge the enthusiasm and dedication of the RRL Administration Centre staff who
continuously go beyond expectations in their roles to deliver outstanding library services for our region.
Similarly, the achievements of staff at the 18 libraries across the region are remarkable for the provision of
high quality library services to their communities and the broader regional library network.
Finally, I wish to acknowledge the commitment of the 10 member Councils and the RRL Advisory Committee
whose support and shared focus for the provision of high quality library services is unwavering.
Robert Knight OAM
Executive Director
Riverina Regional Library

11

Business and Communications

Administration and Finance The Business and
Policy Development Communications Division
Strategic Reporting provides administrative
support and coordinates
Internal Delivery Service organisational procedures
to achieve RRL strategic

goals and objectives.

RRL Internal Delivery Service Van

12

Outreach and Promotions

Outreach Services

The Outreach and Promotions Youth Services
Promotions Division Children’s &
is responsible for the Program Development
development and
implementation of
programs and services to
RRL branch libraries.

Leaf Art Program - Tumut Library

13

Support and eServices

Information Technology The Support and eServices
MeRoebsioleuCLrcoibellrseacarytniodOnpeSSeeerarrtvviiioccneesss Division provides

information technology,
collection and eServices
support to RRL branch
libraries and the Mobile

Library.

14

RRL Mobile Library

The Mobile Library
is a unique and high
performing unit in the RRL
branch library network.
The library visits 27
communities in 7 Council
areas, and due to limited
storage capacity and
frequency of visits, has the
highest turnover of stock.

29,301Loans 18,043 1,591

Library Visits Library Members

48,840 27 The RRL Mobile
Library stops
kilometres travelled Service here
points
6,818

Collection Items

15

Vision 2020: Maintaining
Relevant Libraries

We were very excited to be able to bring library design Kevin Hennah
superstar, Kevin Hennah, to the Riverina for our annual
branch meeting in April. Kevin’s mantra is “Change is
inevitable. Maintaining relevance is a matter of choice.”
Kevin wraps his hard truths about tired libraries and
library practices in humour, showing us where we
need to change, and how we can achieve great results
on a tight budget.

Change is inevitable;
maintaining relevance is

a matter of choice.

As well as inspiring staff with news and images of the
very best in library design and branding, Kevin was
able to provide consultations to five branches, to help
them maximise their space, and make their libraries as
appealing as possible. This is not about looking good
for the sake of it, but about making our collections
more attractive so they are always being borrowed,
and our spaces more user friendly, and therefore full
of people.

Our libraries are places for everyone in the community; places for books and information, but also for social
connection. The increasing demand for programs for all age groups, and spaces for community groups to
get together, as well as the continued popularity of reading for information, enjoyment and wellbeing,
means that libraries need to keep changing to meet these demands. Maintaining relevance is vital, and
Kevin Hennah’s presentations and consultations have inspired us all to make RRL libraries all they can be.

16

eSmart Libraries
Accreditation

eSmart Libraries, an initiative of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and the Telstra Foundation, is a
cybersafety framework designed to equip libraries and connect library users with the skills they need for
smart, safe and responsible use of technology. The Riverina Regional Library has been on a journey towards
becoming eSmart, and in February 2018, we were accredited as an eSmart Library service.
The journey involved training staff and library users in cyber safety, adapting policies to include cyber
safety elements, marketing, and community connections. The Riverina Regional Library has worked hard to
integrate cyber safety in our daily operations, staff development and organisational culture. Being eSmart
means knowing how to guard against security and privacy risks online, download content in a legal and
ethical way, research and reference information, and manage reputation and relationships in cyberspace.
The next step after accreditation is eSmart Membership, which supports libraries to keep up the great
work in promoting cyber safety awareness and educating online users in digital literacy across the whole
community. By making the online library experience safer for everyone, eSmart Libraries will give more
Australians the opportunity to experience the social and economic benefits of new digital technologies.

Robert Knight OAM

Robert Knight OAM RRL Executive Director, Robert Knight, was elected
unopposed as 2018 Vice President of the Australian
Library and Information Association (ALIA). He will
transition into the role of President of the Association
in 2019. ALIA is the national professional organisation
for the Australian library and information sector. The
Association seeks to empower the profession in the
development, promotion, and delivery of quality
library and information services to the nation through
leadership, advocacy, and mutual support. ALIA has
been representing the interests of members and
the community since 1937 and continues to foster a
vibrant professional culture while providing expert
advice to decision-makers on the profession’s behalf.
Robert was also awarded a Medal (OAM) of the Order
of Australia in the General Division, for service to the
library and information sciences sector, in the 2018
Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Robert’s contribution
to library services over the past 37 years has been
extensive and this well-deserved honour follows the
conferring of a NSW Public Libraries Association Life
Membership Award in 2012 and a State Library of NSW
Honorary Fellow Award in 2014.

17

Collection Maintenance

The RRL regional collection remains up-to-date, relevant, presented in good condition, and accessible to
library members, through the consistent and judicious application of collection maintenance principles
in all libraries across the RRL network. Ongoing attention to this important aspect of library operations
is integral to ensuring that members are receiving the highest quality items that can be easily located on
uncrowded, clean and aesthetically pleasing shelves.
During 2017-2018, RRL Administration Centre staff undertook 11 collection maintenance visits to 9 of
the region’s 19 branch libraries (including the Mobile Library). These visits included targeted evidence-
based weeding of collections to ensure that the objectives for contemporary library collections (as stated
above) were applied. Every one of the branch libraries from which identified items were removed from
the collection had a lower ‘% for weeding’ (ie, collection items not borrowed for more than 3 years) in
January 2018, whilst every branch library that did not have identified items removed from the collection,
experienced an increase in ‘% for weeding’ (except Wagga Wagga where library staff undertake an ongoing
weeding program). The associated increase in un-borrowed items means that the percentage of shelf space
taken up by redundant items continues to grow for every year that collections are not properly maintained.

Ongoing collection maintenance is integral
to ensuring that members are receiving
the highest quality items that can be
easily located on uncrowded, clean and
aesthetically pleasing shelves.

The Mobile Library is a good example of a well-considered and highly utilised collection. With a collection of
only 5,000 items that is required to meet the needs of the full demographic range of 27 communities, there
is simply no room for redundant items. Targeted, ongoing, collection maintenance by the Mobile Library
Operator, supported by the RRL Administration Centre staff, has resulted in 0% of items not borrowed in the
last 3 years. In addition, the Mobile Library has the highest rotation of collection items of all RRL branches.
Every item was borrowed 4.9 times against an average of 2.9 across all RRL libraries, or 41% higher than the
region-wide average.
Collection Maintenance visits to branch libraries do not just consist of removing inactive and damaged
stock from the collection. Other tasks that are undertaken include:
• Advising and assisting branch staff with improvements to library layout.
• Collection re-arrangement to optimise collection use and access.
• Identification of stock in poor physical condition caused by heavy usage so that replacement copies are

purchased.
• Giving a ‘second life’ to stock that is still in good physical condition but not being used at one branch by

transferring it to another location.
Whilst there has been, at times, adverse reactions from a minority of library borrowers to the removal of
collection items from branch libraries, the fact remains that our libraries are not museums. And from a
purely logical perspective, given that the annual RRL collections budget is around $450,000 per year, and
the shelves at some branch libraries are at (or close to) capacity, at least one item needs to be withdrawn
for every new item that is added.
18

RRL Reading Buddy Program

Mobile Library

The mobile library rewarded its loyal members with a free coffee voucher from participating local outlets on
the mobile library route. Participating service points included Ardlethan, Jindera, Khancoban and Lockhart.
The purpose of this initative was to show appreciation to regular borrowers for their patronage.
Travelling around the Riverina, the Mobile Library Operator is fortunate to view some of the beautiful
rural landscapes during the changing seasons and often takes the opportunity to compile a collection of
photographs that have been used for RRL promotional material and the RRL Annual Report.
The Reading Buddy program has been a great success with the mobile library and, on many occasions, all the
toys have been out on loan. When returned, they are re-loaned to other school aged children to encourage
reading. Similarly, the Library Bingo initiative has also been a success, with most of the competition entries
coming from mobile library members. Entrants are required to complete a number of library activities, eg
borrow an eBook, as outlined on a bingo card.

19

RRL Branch Libraries
Adelong

Batlow
Bland

Coolamon
Cootamundra

Corowa
Culcairn

Gundagai
Henty

20

RRL Branch Libraries
Holbrook
Howlong
Junee
Mulwala
Talbingo
Temora
Tumbarumba
Tumut
Wagga Wagga

21

Adelong

School Borrowing Scheme
The Group Borrowing Scheme has continued with St Joseph’s Catholic School. Each month the school
bulk borrows picture and chapter books, which remain in classrooms, as a means of supplementing their
own library. The service has resulted in an increase in children visiting the library and has created positive
talk about Adelong Library within the school community. Each term, students from the two local primary
schools, along with the preschool, attend the library for a special Storytime/author visit/health promotion
session. These activities have not only been fun but have also resulted in greater patronage by the younger
borrowers. Collaborating with local nutritionists who read books and deliver healthy food talks during
these sessions, has been a positive addition to the school program.
School Holiday Programs
School holiday programs continue to be popular with local kids. The Bubble Muffin program was a new
one for 2018 and was an interesting take on the healthy eating message. The LEGO school holiday program
has proven very popular with local kids. The SVC LEGO kit and LEGO colouring-in sheets formed the basis
of the program and are again a fantastic example of what wonderful, engaging and continuously evolving
places libraries are in today’s society.
Storytime
A fabulous Storytime session was
facilitated by Riverina Regional
Library’s, Sharon Smith. Sharon
presented a fantastic Storytime
sessions with interactive and
fun content which engaged
the children. It was fantastic to
provide this session to our local
families and Pre School.
Jessica Campbell
Library Assistant
Adelong Library

Storytime

22

Bubble Muffin Program

813 142

Library Visits Library
Members

1,978 2,349
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
Tumbarumba 23
Tumut

Batlow

New Batlow Library
Member for Wagga Wagga, Daryl Maguire, announced during February 2018 that Snowy Valleys Council
would receive one million dollars for the New Batlow Library project from the $200 million Stronger Country
Communities Fund. Commencing on 9 April 2018, Snowy Valleys Council staff undertook an extensive
community consultation program connecting with key library user groups to gain their feedback on the
concept plans, as well as holding a public meeting and a pop-up at the current Batlow Library. With the
finalisation of consultation on the new Batlow Library, feedback from the community unearthed a number
of key changes that needed to be made to the original concept plans to ensure it works cohesively with the
Literary Institute Building and for the future of the Batlow community. The new Batlow Library is set to be
open to the community in February 2020.
Storytime
Storytime at Batlow Library continues to go from strength to strength. Regular Storytime sessions are held
once a month on Wednesdays, drawing a consistent crowd of enthusiastic families. Individual Storytime
sessions are also held during school term for specific school groups as an opportunity to engage with the
library environment.

Community Involvement
Community involvement is a
huge part of the Batlow Library’s
day to day activities, which
includes the very active Knit
With Love group - 8 blankets so
far this year! Links to the schools,
Apple Tree Early Learning Centre
and the Batlow Multi-Purpose
Service/Hospital, enable the
provision of materials for some
of our sight impaired members.
The library provides information
to a the large number of seasonal
workers as well as access to
Department of Human Services,
Medicare, Centrelink and visitor
information services. The library
also functions as a branch office
of the Snowy Valleys Council.
Robert Beegling
Library Assistant
Batlow Library
24

Christmas Storytime 14,805 482

6,345 Library Visits Library
Loans Members
5,432

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)
Talbingo
Tumbarumba 25
Tumut

Bland

Adult Programs
Over the past 12 months, Bland Shire Library has continued to promote, coordinate and actively support
a variety of adult programs including its Day Book Club, Knit and Knatter knitting group, Needle and
Thread needlework group and Pals of the Pen writers group. The library also hosted a variety of events
including a number of author visits, touring exhibitions, technology-based information workshops and
community fund-raisers. Bland Shire Library prides itself on forming cohesive partnerships within the local
community. Hence, staff were thrilled to receive from Evolution Mining a donation of books on grief, which
were gratefully accepted. As testimony to the great programs Bland Shire Library provides for its seniors,
Bland Shire Council was announced at the NSW Public Libraries Association annual conference (held at
Penrith in November), the MAPLs 2017 Winner of the Category: Population Under 10,000 for its project
Our Community Our People. However, perhaps the greatest highlight of 2017-18 was the announcement
that Bland Shire Council would receive a Government funded grant totalling $200,000 for the purpose of
refurbishing the library - promising a bright and fresh future for library staff and library users.
Children’s & Youth Programs
Bland Shire Library continually endeavours to deliver fun educational programs to its younger members.
However, in 2017-18 the library’s school holiday programs had a science based focus. Using a variety
of recycled material, common household goods and chemicals (under strict supervision), the children
participated in a variety of simple experiments including making elephant toothpaste, lava lamps, slime,
hovercrafts, and much more. The library held a successful Children’s Book Week program with some 500
children visiting the library to participate in a variety of activities including the much anticipated Amazing
Race; annual author visit by John Heffernan; after-school Christmas craft session and Summer Reading Club
program. The library also relaunched its monthly kids draw. While Bland Shire Library continually engages
with the community through the delivery of programs for children including Baby Bounce; Storytime;
additional Storytime sessions for various preschool and day care groups; as well as regular school group
visits, the library also supports the local high school’s volunteer work placement program with year 10, 11
and 12 students volunteering their time at the library. Bland Shire Library also received a Cowal Partnering
grant to assist with next year’s author visit and Summer Reading Club program.
Legal Studies Students
A group of Year 11 students, currently completing Legal Studies at the West Wyalong High School, visited
Bland Shire Library in May 2018. The aim of the visit was to highlight the library’s onsite legal information
collection and online law resources. Local police officer, Katherine Carey, was a guest speaker on the day.
Ms Carey discussed a variety of topics relating to young people and the law. In particular, she spoke about
drink driving and staying safe on our roads. Ms Carey spoke candidly about some of her experiences as a
police officer, specifically those while attending motor vehicle accidents. She also provided some staggering
statistics, which clearly affected some students. Ms Carey also spoke about law enforcement as a career. As
part of the program, the students participated in a variety of practical exercises including a ‘Know Your
Standards’ activity (kit provided by RRL).
Cathy Lange
Senior Library Officer
Bland Shire Library
26

Evolution Mining Book Donation 1,601
Library
46,643 Members

Library Visits

27,639 17,787
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
27

Coolamon

Coolamon Library Celebrates
Coolamon Library celebrated 10 years of library service!The library opened its doors to the public for the very
first time on 19 December 2007 with over 700 residents visiting and discovering what a great community
asset they have in the library. To celebrate this milestone, the library held several special events. A special
Storytime was held with General Manager, Tony Donoghue, reading the book, Pete the Cat and his Four
Groovy Buttons, written by Eric Litwin. It was agreed that Tony did a fantastic job with audience involvement
in the book. The morning was finished off with everyone enjoying morning tea and a celebratory cake.
Throughout the week, there were visits from two different schools with children displaying ‘What we love
about our library’ signs. It was great to see community members supporting their library and the impact it
has had. Here’s to another 10 years!
Lego Club
Lego Club began in October 2017 and it has proven to be very popular. The program was offered on
Wednesday afternoons, and following a request for more, it was held on Saturday mornings also. The aim
of the Lego Club program is for children to have fun, learn to communicate with others and to develop
problem-solving skills. Library membership is a requirement of participation and Lego Club is FREE. It is
offered to children aged from 5 to 15 years of age and parents are most welcome to join in too! Lego
challenges are also held throughout the term as an incentive to build creativity and self-esteem. The library
purchased the lego following a very generous donation provided by Intereach Services in Wagga Wagga.
Community Garden Storytime
The library held a Storytime session at the
Community Garden in Coolamon which was
established in 2015 and is maintained by volunteers.
Holding a Storytime session in the Community
Garden was a wonderful opportunity for children
to connect with the garden. The session was held
in October 2017 to coincide with Children’s Week.
A series of books were read and a variety of songs
were sung. To finish up, the children were able to
plant some flowers in the garden beds and walk
around the garden exploring and discovering the
fruit and vegetables. The Coolamon Pre School and
the Coolamon Daycare Centre were involved in the
day. It was a great experience and very educational
for the children.
Helen McLoughlin
Library Manager
Coolamon Library

Lego Club

28

Celebrating 10 Years of Service 1,280
Library
25,367 Members

Library Visits

18,511 7,544
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

29

Cootamundra

Book Club and Adult Programs
Cootamundra Library currently has eight Book Clubs. To celebrate ten years of Book Club, Tracey Luhrs and
Amy Heap hosted the movie, A Walk in the Woods while members enjoyed finger food, literary mocktails
and some lively discussion about Bill Bryson’s book, A Walk in the Woods. Hilda and Laurie, first generation
Italians from the Yarra Valley, have written a book, Wow! It’s Italian. They shared their pasta making skills
and family recipes with a group of would-be chefs in September. Local craft enthusiasts enjoyed the RRL
Sustainability Programs that have been designed by the Outreach and Promotions team. Following the
training day at Temora, library staff and volunteers have run Book Art and Beeswax Wraps sessions, both
of which were well patronised. The Friday craft group have also participated in Japanese Marbling and
Sashiko Stars. A very practical 3D Printing workshop for adults was held in January where participants had
the opportunity to both create and print their 3D designs. The 3D printer was loaned to the library for the
duration of the school holidays for all patrons to utilise under staff supervision.
Stig Rocks Cootamundra Readers
Stig Wemyss, the self-described “rockstar of kids’ literature”, was enthusiastically welcomed in November
2017. Stig had Cootamundra’s youth rolling in the aisles with his outrageous literary humour as he brought
his Stig in the Library tour to town. The man who launched Just Disgusting and What Bumosaur is That? onto
Australian stereos played host to more than 300 students from EA Southee Public School, Cootamundra
Public School , Wallendbeen Public School, Elouera School and members of the Elouera Day Centre at the
Town Hall. The ensuing hour of story-telling and silliness reminded kids how fantastically fun books can be.
The reaction to Stig’s visit was unprecedented. The enthusiasm and energy he brought to the community
was such a positive, and he made books and reading so exciting for the children. At this event, the Elouera
School were congratulated for their 100% record of library membership of all their students. It was hoped
that the visit would inspire young people (and their families) to join the library and experience the great
programs and services on offer.
Playing @ the Pond
With its tranquil surrounds, soft green lawns, and a pair of doors opening into the main library, the
Cootamundra Library fishpond hosted a new initiative in 2018 to attract library members and raise money
for charity. Playing @ The Pond is an ongoing series of free fortnightly concerts featuring local musical talent.
From rock, soul, folk and country music to concert band, Playing @ The Pond is a showcase for both up-and-
coming and established artists in the Cootamundra-Gundagai region. The soothing environment of the
fishpond is also an idyllic location for a midday picnic, attracting corporate lunch-goers, families and music
lovers to sprawl on the lawns, nibble sushi and sandwiches, and enjoy the entertainment. At the conclusion
of each concert, a collection is taken and the proceeds donated to a charity of the performer’s choice.
Charities receiving donations in 2018 include the Red Cross, CanAssist, and Multiple Sclerosis research.
These events have attracted many new library members to the Cootamundra branch, and the initiative will
continue in the warmer weather.
Penny Howse
Library Manager
Cootamundra Library
30

Playing @ the Pond 79,767 3,043
Library
47,755 Library Visits Members
Loans
15,112

Collection Items

Cootamundra Library Cootamundra- Opening Hours:
Wallendoon Street Gundagai Regional Monday - Friday
COOTAMUNDRA Council Network of 9:30am - 5:30pm
NSW 2590 (winter close at 5:00pm)
02 6940 2200 Libraries
Cootamundra Saturday
9:30am - 12:00pm
Gundagai
31

Corowa

Library and Information Week
The Library and Information Week theme this year was Find Yourself in a Library, and it was a successful week
traveling across the Federation Council area with Oliver Phommavanh, a children’s author, comedian and
teacher. A mix of author talks and writing workshops was held over four days which was an opportunity to
discover the pleasures of creating exciting stories, becoming a better writer and having fun with words. All
schools in Federation Council area were invited to attend, with over 600 children meeting Oliver, who was
engaging, humorous and had the kids in hysterics. There was loads of positive feedback from the children,
parents and teachers.
Love Your Library
The Federation Council marketing campaign to promote our three branch libraries and mobile library was
launched on Library Lovers Day. This was made possbile with funding from the Merger Implementation
Fund. The launch included a library video, bookmarks, banners, flags, library bags and chocolates. Publicity
was provided through the Council web site, newspapers, Facebook, community newsletters and branch
libraries. Members and visitors went into a draw for a chance to win one of four hampers and were invited
to write a love letter to their library. Many beautiful letters from young and not so young were received
containing positive affirmations in appreciation of the libraries and staff members.

Tech Savvy Seniors Popular Adult and Children’s Programs
Tech Savvy Seniors classes and Looking Into Trove were
32 two popular programs that enhanced on-line learning
and provided computing skills to embrace socialising,
accessing important services and conducting personal
business. The Book Club movie and discussion night,
celebrating the RRL Book Club 10th Anniversary was
attended by 45 people for the screening of the movie
Light Between Oceans. Tears flowed at the end of movie
but it was a great night with finger foods and mocktails.
Schools and Preschools visited throughout the year
for library orientation and for special events such
as National Simultaneous Storytime and Children’s
Book Week. Sharon Smith, RRL Children’s and Youth
Services Librarian, presented a 3D design and printing
basics session at Oaklands School during Children’s
Book Week and visited the Corowa and Howlong
Pre Schools for a special Storytime. Popular school
holiday program activities included Chinese Dragons,
Dreamcatchers and Bubble Muffin.
Louise Parr
Library Team Leader
Corowa Library

National Simultaneous Storytime 1,706
Library
20,648 Members

Library Visits

30,027 10,453
Loans
Collection Items

Corowa Library Federation Council Opening Hours:
Civic Centre Network of Libraries Tuesday - Friday
10:00am - 5:00pm
100 Edward Street Corowa
Ball Park Howlong Saturday
Mulwala 9:30am - 12:00pm
COROWA NSW 2646
02 6033 8941 33

Culcairn

Stig Wemyss - Live @ Culcairn
Greater Hume Libraries were invited by RRL to host a visit by the extremely entertaining, Stig Wemyss.
Stig is one of Australia’s most loved narrators of audio books for children and young adults. The event was
to be held at the Culcairn Library however, due to high demand, the venue was relocated to the Culcairn
Memorial Hall. In total, over 150 students attended with schools including Henty Public, Culcairn Public and
St Josephs Primary. Stig was his usual charismatic self enthralling students and teachers from beginning to
end of the hour long presentation. Students were squealing loudly in excitement as Stig undertook a range
of fast moving games with both students and teaching staff included. This event provided the children
living in our rural communities with a rare cultural experience.
Adrian Beck Author Visit
For the past ten years, Greater Hume Libraries have been provided with funding to host popular author
visits. These visits provide an opportunity for young people living in our rural communities to have the
experience of interacting with an author and, at the same time, learn a little about the writing process.
This year’s author was Adrian Beck, who is the co-author (with AFL Hall of Fame Inductee, Shane Crawford)
of the best-selling kids series, Kick It To Nick. Part-time TV producer and part-time writer, Adrian uses both
skill sets to entertain with lively, humorous and interactive sessions on writing, working in television and
footy. Adrian was a fantastic presenter and a great role model for young people providing them with the
belief that anything you want to do in life is possible if you are willing to work for it.
Cup Cakes
October at Culcairn Library was all about who could decorate the most dazzling, scrumptious, edible cup
cake. The cup cakes were supplied by the Culcairn Red Cross and tasted quite delicious, however, the
children felt that a little colour was needed - so sprinkles, choc buds, lollies and other assorted sweets were
added to a mixture of coloured icing. The finished products were outstanding and a credit to all the little
pastry chefs. When everyone had completed their masterpieces at the end of the program, the children sat
down for a picnic in the library. The program highlighted the wonderful places libraries have become by
transforming into lively spaces for information sharing, learning and creativity.
Susan Kane
Library & Youth Services Development Officer
Culcairn Library

34

Adrian Beck Author Visit

20,605 584

Library Visits Library
Members

7,944 3,742
Loans
Collection Items

Culcairn Library Greater Hume Shire Opening Hours:
40 Balfour Street Council Network of Monday - Friday
CULCAIRN NSW 2660 8:30am - 5:00pm
Libraries
02 6029 8588 Culcairn Saturday
Henty 10:00am-12:30pm
Holbrook
35

Gundagai

Newspaper Fundraiser
In 2015 Gundagai’s long standing newspaper editor, Patrick‘Scoop’Sullivan, the last in a long line of Sullivans
to print the Gundagai Independent newspaper, passed away. In 2017, Patrick’s wife donated his collection
of newspapers to the library for the community. The newspapers varied in condition and the CSU Regional
Archives & University Art Collection Team were called to assess the collection. The team came and spent a
morning going through the newspapers, with many being marked for disposal. The remaining newspapers
ranged in date from 1914 to 2008 and were in reasonable condition, but as they were already on microfilm
it was decided that the best way they could serve the community was to be sold. After discussions with the
Sullivan family, it was agreed that this was indeed what would happen and that the money raised would
go towards digitising the editions of the Gundagai Independent that were not yet available on Trove. The
project launched late in 2017 and is continuing with not only the hopes of raising more funds for digitising,
but also giving the public the opportunity to purchase newspapers as keepsakes for weddings, births and
other auspicious occasions.
Core Customers
Often overlooked in an effort to woo a wider range of library users, it was felt that services to our core
customers, the very young and the very old, needed highlighting. This year, the library focused efforts
on strengthening and growing both of these. For the young, the library introduced Baby Massage, held
on Thursday mornings for six weeks as an introduction to the library for new babies and mums. The idea
was to foster a comfortable relationship between new mums and the library - helping to grow one of
our strongest library user groups, the under fives, and a favourite service, Storytime! Mums learnt basic
baby massage techniques and then enjoyed a story with their babies. Another favourite was Music Fun,
especially popular with the 0-3 years age group, who enjoyed the freedom of moving around to songs and
music. While our older patrons would probably enjoy this as well, this year the library chose to concentrate
on making sure that those who wished to take on technology had the support and access necessary to
make it as easy as possible with Techno-seniors and the Be Connected program, which allowed a more
individualised, self paced and problem specific solution.
Community Causes
Libraries are the big heart of small communities in rural and regional towns, and Gundagai Library is no
exception. Being part of these communities means not only providing access to a wide range of services
for an even wider range of patrons but also participating in and providing for the many community causes
throughout the year. This year, as well as Wrap With Love, the library also continued to support Handbags
for the Homeless. The Gundagai community collected over 65 bags filled with items for those women
living rough. This year the library also supported the Greatest Shave with one of our brave Storytime mums
shaving her locks for this cause at a special ‘hair’ Storytime that her children will never forget! A lot of the
support is small, such as staff dashing out to buy cakes and slices for the Biggest Morning Tea or selling
Lions Club mints, however it is the little things combined, which might not seem like much, but in a small
community make a big difference.
Cindy Smith
Library & Community Services Manager
Gundagai Library
36

Handbags for the Homeless 761

11,556 Library
Members
Library Visits

8,990 9,695
Loans
Collection Items

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

Saturday
9:00am - 12:30pm

37

Henty

Little Book Nooks
In today’s society, libraries play a key role in creating literate environments and promoting literacy by
offering relevant and attractive reading material for all ages. They embrace the social responsibility to
offer services that bridge social and economic barriers, and traditionally make a special effort to extend
their services to everyone in the community. Greater Hume Shire Libraries’ aim is to encourage literacy in
young children and of course encourage more residents to become members of the libraries. One of the
programs launched in Henty is the placing of ‘Book Nooks’ in local businesses. The Book Nook program
is a partnership between Greater Hume Shire Libraries and local businesses to increase literacy in the
community. The program consists of a shelf of library books placed in a business such as a hairdresser or
café where children can access them while their parents or carers are conducting business. The books are
loaned to the business and used by customers of the business on the premises. Families are encouraged to
read the titles and make a valuable connection with the library services provided. Each business promotes
the program partnership with the library by way of flyers and the distribution of bookmarks.
Book Borrowing Extravaganza
Henty Library invited all schools and pre schools in Henty to participate in the Book Borrowing Extravaganza.
Charts were hung on the library walls and school class groups made regular excursions to the Henty Library
to borrow books or DVD’s. Every time a student borrowed, they were provided with a star to place on
their respective school charts. The program was not limited to school visits, but extended to families who
attended the library. The program was extremely successful with over four hundred stars placed on the
charts.
Grandparents Day - Connect Across the Generations
A successful Greater Hume Shire Council grant enabled the Henty Library staff to travel to Jindera Community
Hub for an outreach visit. The Grandparents Day was an exciting intergenerational event organised by
the Greater Hume Shire Council. The event included a themed Grandparents Storytime session facilitated
by RRL Children’s & Youth Services Librarian, Sharon Smith. Following the Storytime session, everyone
had access to a photo booth which captured the morning forever as a wonderful memory. The morning
concluded with a scrumptious morning tea and a small gift for all of the grandparents. NSW Grandparents
Day celebrates the contributions grandparents and older people make to their families and communities.
It was a day to celebrate all the great things our seniors have done, and continue to do. It was also a special
day to spend with loved ones and connect across generations.
Susan Kane
Library & Youth Services Development Officer
Henty Library

38

Library Lovers Day Competition Winner 634

16,627 Library
Members
Library Visits

9,310 4,211
Loans
Collection Items

Henty Library Greater Hume Shire Opening Hours:
30 Sladen Street Council Network of Monday 1:00pm - 5:30pm
HENTY NSW 2658 Tuesday 10:00am - 2:30pm
Libraries
02 6929 3770 Culcairn Wednesday & Friday
Henty 10:00am - 5:30pm
Holbrook (closed for lunch
1:00pm -2:00pm)

Saturday
10:00am-12:30pm

39

Holbrook

Storytime
Storytime continued to grow with more and more parents and babies attending. This was due to a lot of
babies being born in Holbrook this year and news spreading amongst these young families about the fun
and value of the Storytime program. It has become a much-loved event due to the program’s inclusiveness.
The main focus is to make each family feel very welcome and involved in the sessions. Whilst Storytime has
been well attended, many families would leave without borrowing. To encourage families to borrow before
or after Storytime, the library developed Star Boards. Each time the family borrowed five items, the children
would put a star sticker in one of the boxes. The children enjoyed this simple idea and book borrowing has
very much increased. It has been really satisfying to see the children leave with a big pile of books and a
lot of fun watching their determination and fine motor skills as little fingers manage to stick the stars into
the boxes.
Children’s Book Week
For the last few years, Holbrook Library has put a lot of effort into the Book Week display and this year was
no exception. The ‘Escape to Everywhere’ themed display was borrowed from Where the Wild Things Are by
Maurice Sendak. The library was fortunate to borrow a small rowboat which was placed in a ‘forest’ where
the children could sit and read. Max and one of the wild things were very skilfully painted on some large
voting booths and used in a competition for children to have their picture taken as one of the characters.
Lots of children enjoyed the fun of the photo booth! Children’s Book Week is a great opportunity to create
another world in the library. The displays fully engaged the children in the children’s area and the result
was a busier library.
Outreach and Promotions
An outreach highlight this year was a partnership with the local Aged Care Hostel and Holbrook Hospital
where the Storytime children visited for Music Fun. This program was well received by residents and
families alike. Percussion instruments were brought along for the residents and children to play along
to recorded music. Songs were sung and stories told. A local indigenous elder with a didgeridoo and a
talented Storytime dad playing the violin, have also taken part in these sessions.
Library staff have also started a regular book review column in our local free newsletter, The Holbrook
Happenings. This newsletter is delivered to all households in the post code area and it is hoped, that by
putting the library in the public eye and sharing a love of reading, more residents will be encouraged to
give the library and borrowing a try. Reviews were also posted on the library and RRL facebook pages
where they are enjoyed by a wide audience.
Alison Cowie
Library Assistant in Charge
Holbrook Library

40

Children’s Book Week

9,608 620

Library Visits Library
Members

9,759 5,370
Loans
Collection Items

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

41

Howlong

Library Volunteer Training
Howlong Library and Council Office delivers a dual service to both library patrons and shire residents,
which makes for a very busy facility. This year Howlong Library has focused on providing volunteers with
formal professional training in relation to their library volunteer duties, covering areas such as work health
and safety, customer interaction, and library work processes. It is important that volunteers feel respected,
supported and able to fulfil a greatly needed role through their dedicated volunteer duties, which also
adds value to the library service.
Library Progams
The Bubble Muffin activity held in April catered for the school holiday period and participants thoroughly
enjoyed themselves. ANZAC Day lead up proved to be popular once again, with many people calling in
to the library to view and photograph the historic collection of ANZAC themed biscuit tins. It seems that
people, near and far, have heard about this collection. The Library and Information Week visit in May by
Oliver Phommavanh was a huge success with Oliver visiting the Howlong Public School and entertaining
80 children for the session. Storytime now has a permanent story teller who has committed to the long
term running of a monthly session. These sessions include stories, song and dance, and movement. The
library is very fortunate to have a professional early childhood expert volunteer for this activity.
Nyree-Anne Wiggins
Library & Customer Service Officer
Howlong Library

Student using public access computer

42

Bubble Muffin Program

6,050 483

Library Visits Library
Members

10,017 4,313
Loans
Collection Items

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

Saturday
9:00am - 11:30am

43

Junee

Junee Special Collection
A new and wonderful collection of ‘things’ is now available at the Junee Library and the items have proven
to be popular with borrowers. The collection includes tennis racquets, a hole punch, a set of binoculars,
a sewing machine, a food dehydrator, indoor and outdoor games, craft and cooking tools, and children’s
soft toys. Local Priority Grant funding was used to purchase the items which were carefully selected based
on their durability, usefulness, ease of packaging and traceability. In total there are 39 new kit items in the
Junee Special Collection.
Young Diggers
During the April school holidays, Junee Library presented an activity that combined a children’s holiday
activity with a community group of knitters, called Young Diggers. The group of knitters have been
regular visitors to the library coming together each fortnight to knit for the 2018 Australian War Memorial
Remembrance Day 62,000 Poppies. After the children had finished baking ANZAC biscuits and playing
some ANZAC games, the group of knitters taught the children how to make poppies for the local ANZAC
Day celebrations. Together the two groups enjoyed eating the ANZAC biscuits for morning tea, and worked
hand in hand to make the memory of the ANZACs live on.
Movie of the Month
Having struggled throughout 2017 to attract a regular crowd, the Movie of the Month now draws a steady
group of keen adults and seniors. Once each month, a group of between six to ten adults come together
on Thursday afternoon to watch and discuss a movie together. During a short intermission the group are
treated to a free afternoon tea with time to talk about the first half of the film. The movies are played on
a large screen television using a DVD player and in accordance with the Roadshow Public Performance
Licence. The Movie of the Month has been a wonderful means of drawing together members of the
community from varying ages and backgrounds who would not normally come together in other social
channels.
Kim Richards
Librarian in Charge
Junee Library

Junee Special Collection

44

Young Diggers 27,727 1,464
Library
22,024 Library Visits Members
Loans
12,887

Collection Items

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

Wednesday
9:30am-6:00pm

Saturday
9:00am-12:00pm

45

Mulwala

Tech Savvy Seniors
Tech Savvy Seniors continued to be well attended by those wanting to become more informed about
the internet and other things digital. Coordinator, Rhonda Wheeler, continued to present a high quality
engaging program suited to the needs of our seniors within the locality. An information session on Trove,
presented by Amy Heap, was also enjoyed by our local history group and other visitors from across the river.
Library Programs
Snowflake Ballerinas and Suminagashi (Japanese paper marbling) were successful programs to kick off
2018. Children and carers alike had lots of fun creating glamorous, sparkling, feathery ballerinas. The
Japanese Marbling was also quite creative and the production of tiny notepads was a real winner out of
the hot summer sun.
Oliver Phommavanh
A visit during Library and Information Week from Oliver Phommavanh was enormous fun for the children of
Mulwala Public School. Squeals of laughter and tears of true joy in the childrens’ area floated over to those
adults who just could not help joining in to this wonderful treat. An excellent and engaging performance
left everyone exhausted and primed to go and write their own amazing stories to share.
Jenny Orr
Library & Customer Service Officer
Mulwala Library

Oliver Phommavanh

46

Suminagashi (japanse paper marbling)

4,249 580

Library Visits Library
Members

5,307 4,023
Loans
Collection Items

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

Saturday
10:00am-12:00pm

47

Talbingo

Daffodil Day
Talbingo Library has been supporting Daffodil Day for the last seven years by holding a morning tea for
members and guests. It is well received and raises much needed funding for Cancer Council. This year’s
event hosted 15 guests and raised $92.00, which made it a lovely morning. For such a small library, this was
a very pleasing result.
Lego Fun
Lego Fun was held this year as a school holiday program. Four children and one adult attended for the
activity. The children had a great time making different things, ranging from a radio, a stork, a star to a
space station and a space craft. The children had a wonderful time and stayed on long after the session
ended.
Card Craft
This lovely group of 4-6 ladies attended the library every Tuesday morning for ten weeks to make cards for
our servicemen and women serving overseas. Cards were made for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays,
and baby celebrations. These were then sent to Sydney where they were despatched to our service
personnel. They could then send back to their loved ones at home. This was a very enjoyable morning for
the ladies and for the library.
Shirlee Whiting
Library Assistant
Talbingo Library

Spiders Storytime

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