RRL Annual Report 2019-2020

riverina regional library
annual report

2019-2020

bland
coolamon
cootamundra-gundagai

federation
greater hume
junee

lockhart
snowy valleys
temora

wagga wagga



riverina regional library
annual report

2019-2020

1

About Us

The Riverina Regional Library (RRL) is the largest regional library service in NSW. It provides library services to
approximately 140,313 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
IndyreadsTM 14
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 14
COVID-19 Response 15
RRL Staff Check Out 16
Taking Programs Online 17
RRL Branch Libraries 18
RRL Vision-Mission-Strategy 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
Jindera 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 2019-2020 62-65

3

RRL Advisory Committee
Chairperson Report

I am pleased to, once again, have the opportunity to provide
an introduction to the Riverina Regional Library (RRL) Annual
Report for 2019-2020.

The The 2019-2020 year has been a time of major upheaval in our
discontinuation communities. The Black Summer bushfires, which peaked
of library fines during December-January, saw the destruction of millions of
hectares, thousands of buildings and homes, and heart-breaking
has enabled loss of life. Locally, the Green Valley and Dunns Road bushfires
RRL to more caused devastating destruction. The libraries in the Snowy
truly reflect Valleys Council area (Adelong, Batlow, Talbingo, Tumbarumba
its shared and Tumut) were closed over this period having lost power,
values with the telephone coverage, and library staff being personally affected.
communities it As soon as these libraries were able to re-open, they played a
very important role in the community as a place where residents
serves. could meet, talk and obtain information regarding the recovery
process. It was a very challenging time for all and recovery is
ongoing.
Moving into March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused
the gradual closure of all RRL libraries and considerable re-
adjustment to library service delivery. Various service responses
from individual libraries, as well as a RRL coordinated elevation
of eLibrary services (ranging from eResources to ePrograms),
saw a substantial increase in eLoans and RRL website and social
media traffic overall.
On a more positive note, the discontinuation of overdue fines
at all RRL libraries, scheduled to come into effect from 1 July
2020, was brought forward due to COVID-19 restrictions. This
endorsement followed a review of the RRL overdue fines system
in line with the Australian public library gradual move away from
overdue fines to remove barriers to access. It has also enabled
RRL to redefine its relationship with the communities it serves,
and to more truly reflect its shared values.
I commend the 2019-2020 Annual Report to you as an interesting
and informative compilation of RRL Administration Centre
and branch library accomplishments throughout this very
extraordinary year.

Cr Dallas Tout
Chairperson
RRL Advisory Committee
4

RRL Advisory Committee

Mr Ray Smith BLAND SHIRE COUNCIL
Cr Jan Wyse (Executive Committee) COOLAMON SHIRE COUNCIL
Mr Tony Donoghue COOTAMUNDRA-GUNDAGAI REGIONAL COUNCIL
Cr Kerrilee Logan
Ms Courtney Armstrong FEDERATION COUNCIL
Ms Miriam Crane
Cr Leigh Bowden GREATER HUME COUNCIL
Cr Penny Nicholson JUNEE SHIRE COUNCIL
Ms Jo Shannon (Executive Committee)
Cr Gail Law LOCKHART SHIRE COUNCIL
Mr Gerard Van Emmerik SNOWY VALLEYS COUNCIL
Cr Bronwyn Thomas
Mr David Smith TEMORA SHIRE COUNCIL
Cr Denise Knight WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
Mr James Davis
Cr Pam Halliburton (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Glenn Sheehan
Mr Peter Veneris
Cr Greg Verdon
Cr Ian Marston
Ms Kristin Twomey (Executive Committee)
Cr Cate Cross
Mr Paul Holton
Cr Margaret Isselmann
Ms Elizabeth Smith
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

Karen Wendt Business & Communications Coordinator
Wendy Callis Business Support Officer
Lynn Hackett Collection Services Officer
Kim McLaren Internal Delivery Service & Support Officer
Kaylene Nisbet Support Services Officer
Joel Reid Internal Delivery Service Officer
Doug Simpson Internal Delivery Service Officer
OUTREACH AND PROMOTIONS

Amy Heap Outreach & Promotions Coordinator
Tracey Luhrs Outreach & Promotions Officer
Cynthia Price Outreach & Promotions Development Officer
Sharon Smith Children’s & Youth Services Librarian

SUPPORT AND ESERVICES

Brian Plummer Support & eServices Coordinator
Howard Atkinson Mobile Library Operator
Michael Ellis Mobile Library Supervisor
GHCleaarlrereynMFGoorrardeeeyt z R IVO ERRGINAANIRSJSMSAEuuuopplGTbyppIiIlooOOe2rr0ttNLNi&&1bAA9reeaLLSSreeyCrrLOvvIHiipBccAeeeRssrRaODAtoTefRfrvic-eYelCora psmuaelnRteOlieffficSetraff

Executive Director

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 & Support Officer Services Librarian Promotions
(35 hours) Development Officer
(35 hours) Officer (21 hours) (35 hours) (28 hours)
Mobile Library (35 hours)
Support & eServices Operator Collection Services Outreach &
Development Officer (9 hours) Internal Delivery Officer Promotions Officer
Service Officer
(35 hours) (35 hours) (35 hours)
(15.5 hours)

Internal Delivery Support Services
Service Officer Officer

(8.5 hours) (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
Kathy Wolfenden Library Assistant
Penny Howse Library Manager
Lynne Thorburn Library Assistant
Leanne Jones Library Assistant
Rochelle Nicholls Library Assistant
Kerry Byrne Casual Relief Staff
Anne Condon Casual Relief Staff
Alison Knagge Casual Relief Staff
Paula Shields Casual Relief Staff
Nicole Raleigh
Elizabeth Bennett COROWA LIBRARY
Susan Kane Library Team Leader
Jenny Whitlock Library Trainee
Emily Jones
Andrea Simmons CULCAIRN LIBRARY
Tarran Slatter Library & Youth Services Development Officer
Cindy Smith Customer Service/Library Assistant
Leanne Sheahan Customer Service, Library & Youth Officer
Robin Horst Customer Service/Library Assistant
Ellen Tozer Customer Service/Library Assistant
Linda Woods
GUNDAGAI LIBRARY
Library & Community Services Manager
Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff

7

RRL Branch Library Staff

HENTY LIBRARY Library & Youth Services Development Officer
Susan Kane Customer Service, Library & Youth Trainee
Emily Jones Customer Service/Library Assistant
Deborah Cotter Library Assistant in Charge
Library Assistant
HOLBROOK LIBRARY Library Resource Coordinator
Alison Cowie Casual Relief Staff
Dominique Heriot Casual Relief Staff
Leonie Hibberson Library & Customer Service Officer
Debbie Jones Library & Youth Services Development Officer
Cathy Mann Customer Service/Library Officer
Customer Service, Library & Youth Officer
HOWLONG LIRARY Customer Service/Library Officer
Tanya Bytschkow Casual Relief Staff
Librarian in Charge
JINDERA LIBRARY Library Assistant
Susan Kane Library Assistant
Betty Chaloner Casual Relief Staff
Emily Jones Casual Relief Staff
Eileen Parascos School Based Trainee
Lauren Colvin School Based Trainee
Library & Customer Service Officer
JUNEE LIBRARY Library Assistant
Kim Richards Library Assistant
Matthew Glass Casual Relief Staff
Margaret Kanaley Librarian in Charge
Kylie Heffernan Library Assistant
Susan Preston Casual Relief Staff
Kiara Longmore Casual Relief Staff
Paige Thelan Casual Relief Staff

MULWALA LIBRARY
Chris Boyd
Faye Glover

TALBINGO LIBRARY
Shirlee Whiting
Vicki Meikle

TEMORA LIBRARY
Wendy Manning
Ros Langford
Carmel Porter
Sharee Stewart
Karin Walker

8

RRL Branch Library Staff

TUMBARUMBA LIBRARY

Vicki Hulm Library Team Leader
Kathy Stewart Library Assistant
Phillippa Heinecke Casual Relief Staff
Sarah Kynaston Casual Relief Staff
Sarah Rial Casual Relief Staff
Rhonda Twomey
Leanne Ballard TUMUT LIBRARY
Sharon Thatcher
Wendy Webb Coordinator Library Services
Shirlee Whiting Library Assistant
Sue Hall Library Assistant
Vicki Meikle Library Assistant
Library Assistant
Casual Relief Staff
Casual Relief Staff

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 Multicultural Services Officer
Mahsa Nikzad

Saturday Circulation Team Team Leader
Nerida Barkley 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
Kristin Molloy Casual Library Assistant
Diane New

Volunteers
Friends of the Library - 20
Home Library - 15
Language Cafe - 50
Work Experience & Duke of Edinburgh Students - 4

9

RRL Executive Director
Report

The effects The 2019-2020 year for Riverina Regional Library (RRL) has been
of the Black one for the books! A roller-coaster ride of open and closed
libraries during what has been an unprecedented time for library
Summer services.
bushfires and The year began on a positive note when I was honoured to
represent the Australian Library and Information Association
COVID-19 (ALIA) at the International Federation of Library Associations
pandemic will (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress in Athens from
linger in the 24-29 August 2019. I made a brief presentation about ALIA’s
collaboration with its Oceania neighbours and presented a
community paper on the matter titled: Library Love Stories - Australian Style.
psyche for ALIA has taken the lead in demonstrating how Australian libraries
many years deliver on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
to come. and has chosen the 10 goals which best relate to the Australian
experience and where we have the strongest examples of library
contributions nationally and in each of our states and territories.
RRL incorporated all 10 of the goals in its Integrated Planning
Strategy 2018-2022.
Following a highly successful campaign, the NSW State Budget
handed down on 19 June 2019 delivered an increase in Grants
and Subsidies funding of $12.95 million for NSW libraries, the
largest single increase in funding since the introduction of the
Library Act in 1939. RRL member councils/libraries received
an additional $407,726 in 2019-2020. The Library Regulation
was also amended to increase the per capita amount from
$1.85 to $2.45 for 2019-2020 and this will increase annually
to reach $2.85 in 2022/23. Phase 2 of the Renew Our Libraries
funding campaign was launched at a Parliamentary Briefing at
NSW Parliament House on 12 November 2019 focusing on a
sustainable state funding model for NSW libraries. It is critical
that funding is assured well beyond the current 4-year window
and Renew Our Libraries will call on the Government to index
library funding to CPI increases and protect the funding through
inclusion of the funding model in legislation.
The NSW Public Libraries Association SWITCH 2019 Conference
was held at the Penrith Panthers Leagues Club on 19-21 November
2019 and was well represented by RRL member Council
delegates. Themed Smart, Engaged, Resilient, the conference
was an especially important development opportunity for RRL
Administration Centre and branch library staff.

10

The RRL collection services function was transferred from Support & eServices to the Business
& Communications division this year. The division has taken the opportunity to review strategic
priorities, particularly in relation to selection, cataloguing and processing of collection items, and
region-wide collection maintenance.
2020 shaped up to be the best year for the RRL Book Club, with a record 92 clubs across the region.
This opportunity to have social connection while discovering new authors is clearly meeting
community needs. Likewise, the demand for programs in public libraries is not abating, with
more and more people of all ages looking to the library for opportunities to learn new things and
connect with others. In order to build capacity at branches, RRL staff developed a range of flexible
programs for delivery at branches by RRL staff, library staff and volunteers.
The South West Zone Digital Library continues its outstanding success. The collection has grown
considerably in size, scope and uptake. In the last 12 months, loans have increased across all
platforms – eAudio by 29.9%, eBook by 9.5% and eMagazines by 73.9%.
The RRL Advisory Committee endorsed the removal of overdue fines at its meeting held on 30
October 2019. This was scheduled to come into effect from 1 July 2020, however, due to restrictions
caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and library closures, implementation was brought forward to
March 2020. A complementary strategy to ensure the protection and security of library collections
was endorsed in conjunction with the removal of overdue fines which included a ‘support to
comply’ process that uses restrictions on membership as a lever rather than overdue fines. For
example, when items become overdue, borrowing and other privileges (such as the use of public
access library computers) are removed until overdue items are returned.
Like the majority of businesses and services across Australia, RRL was not anticipating nor
fully prepared to deal with the service interruption that the COVID-19 pandemic so effectively
delivered. Closure of RRL libraries to the public, combined with the constraints of a number of RRL
staff working from home, required a swift response by reimagining how library services could be
delivered without libraries being open. There was a significant increase in demand for eResources
during this time, and statistics for the period showed the highest monthly figures for eResource
loans that RRL has ever recorded. The eCollection was further enhanced through the NSWPLA
COVID-19 eResources Fund initiative delivering a total of $4,221 to RRL councils/libraries for the
purchase of additional eResources. In true innovative style, RRL’s first Online Book Clubs were
enthusiastically taken up, and our Online Storytime Sessions received rave reviews.
The effect of the 2019-2020 bushfires was felt across the RRL region, especially in the Snowy
Valleys Council area where there was significant loss and destruction. RRL extended support and
sympathy to the Snowy Valleys community during this harrowing time which, together with the
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, will linger in the community psyche for many years to come.
I wish to take this opportunity to recognise the dedication of the RRL Administration Centre staff
and the commitment of staff at RRL’s 19 branch libraries, whose enthusiasm and hard work during
this remarkable year is gratefully acknowledged. The unwavering support of the 10 member
Councils and the RRL Advisory Committee, whose shared focus for provision of exceptional library
services, is also appreciated.
Robert Knight OAM
Executive Director
Riverina Regional Library

11

RRL Divisions

BUSINESS AND
COMMUNICATIONS

- Administration and Finance
- Collection Services
- Strategic Reporting
- Internal Delivery Service

OUTREACH AND
PROMOTIONS

- Outreach Services
- Product and Service Promotion
- Children’s and Youth Services
- Program Development

SUPPORT AND
ESERVICES

- Information Technology
- eResources and eServices
- Digital Engagement
- Mobile Library Operations

12

RRL Mobile Library

The Mobile Library trailer underwent major maintenance and repairs at the original manufacturer’s
workshop in Ballarat from 15 May to the end of June 2020. The trailer is now in its seventh year of
operation and has been remarkably reliable and resilient during that time. Major items attended
to were replacement or re-attachment of the internal ceiling; securing of external panels; re-
programming the trailer’s central processing unit which controls trailer levelling; capsule extension
and safety systems; replacement of capsule roller bearings; re-securing of service counter; and
fitting of additional shelving.
During this maintenance period the Mobile Library service was discontinued and the stock moved

We have ato the RRL Administration Centre for weeding. All collection items were reviewed for turnover,
COVID-19 Safety Planrelevance and condition and a number of new items were added to the collection.

Also during this time, a Covid-19 Safety Plan was prepared for patrons returning to the Mobile

and are committed toLibrary service. The plan took into consideration the dimensions of the Mobile Library space to

ensure physical distancing requirements could be met. A maximum capacity of seven patrons

keeping you safe.plus two staff for a maximum time limit of ten minutes was applied, together with hand santiser

stations and visitor record keeping to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers.

1.5m

Physical Hygiene and Record Wellbeing of staff
cleaning keeping and customers
36,630distancing
Kilometres Travelled

6,236

Collection Items

Provide feedback on this business 1,767

22,402 13,449at nsw.gov.au/cLoovaidn-sfeedbaLcikbrary Visits Library Members

13

IndyreadsTM

Developed by the State Library of NSW, RRL subscribed to the Indyreads digital content
management platform in May 2020. The platform was launched with a statewide consortia
collection of 9000 titles and enabled NSW libraries to aggregate local digital content and
commercial digital content that is not generally available through mainstream library suppliers.

The collection contains eBook and eAudio
titles sourced from independent Australian
publishers, a selection of titles in languages
other than English as well as international
content including reference, modern literacy,
classic fiction and non-fiction titles. Indyreads
aims to ensure that content, which is not
necessarily distributed through traditional
library suppliers, is available to readers via their
local public library.
The RRL Book Club program joined forces with
Indyreads during the COVID-19 shutdown by
providing simultaneous downloads to Book
Club members who wished to continue reading
and to meet via Zoom.

United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals

RRL adopted ten of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into the RRL Integrated
Planning Strategy 2018-2022. The ten goals were chosen by the Australian Library and Information
Association as being most relevant to the Australian library experience. The goals align with RRL
organisational objectives and demonstrate our commitment to supporting freedom of access to
information outcomes.

14

COVID-19 Response

There is little doubt the COVID-19 shutdown of libraries from late March to early June 2020
impacted communities, especially those who remained socially isolated. But it wasn’t all doom
and gloom for library patrons. While physical branches may have closed, libraries were still able
to offer of wealth of digital content for those who had internet access. While online resources
and programs have been growing for many years, they have in the main, complemented physical
resources and in-house presentations. For the first time in living memory, online resources and
programs took centre stage as the dominant library offerings in the absence of physical access to
library services.

Like their colleagues in libraries Australia wide, the 19 libraries across the RRL region were quick to
respond to the needs of their community members with a variety of different service arrangements.
While all libraries were closed as a requirement of the NSW Public Health Orders, some libraries
were offering ‘Click & Collect’ or ‘Click & Deliver’ loans to members, while others used the closed
time for collection maintenance and other tasks.

Staff at the RRL Administration Centre were intent on continuing to optimise library service
provision to the best of their ability throughout this period of major disruption, and immediately
instigated weekly Zoom meetings with staff at branch libraries to ascertain how best to provide
support.

With suspended copyright
arrangements in place,
libraries were able to
livestream Storytimes and
make videos for posting on
social media platforms.

RRL staff wasted no time in Storytime
producing online Storytime with
sessions and online programs,
which have been so successful Sharon
that negotiations are currently
underway for a more
permanent arrangement.

A number of the region’s 92 Book Clubs continued to operate in the online environment using
multiple access titles (which RRL purchased specifically for Book Clubs) and Zoom meetings to
discuss the books they had read.

Whilst not all libraries had the resources to make these services available, almost every library
service had a range of ‘virtual’ collections and services that members could access online. These
included eBooks, eAudio books and eMagazines. Some libraries also had Story Box Library (which
offers children’s stories read aloud by Australian authors), as well as music and movie streaming.
Technology became our best friend and confirmed that we can effectively entertain, communicate
with, and present to our communities and at the same time, substantially expand the reach of
libraries to their constituents.

15

RRL Staff Check Out

Two long standing and highly esteemed members of the RRL Administration Centre team
submitted their intention to retire in July 2020. Lynn Hackett, who has been employed at RRL since
1978, undertook a number of roles during her 42 years of employment. In her most recent position
of Collection Services Officer, Lynn headed up the collection services section administering the
shelf ready collections procurement program for the 20 libraries across the RRL region, as well as
managing collection development and maintenance at each library.
Brian Plummer, who has also been employed at RRL since 1978, has also held a number of positions
in the organisation. In his most recent position of Support & eServices Coordinator, Brian was
responsible for the library management system, associated IT matters, RFID, eResources and the
Mobile Library.
Lynn and Brian have both provided long and meritorious service to RRL, and are highly regarded
by their colleagues across the region.
They both commenced work during the year that
RRL commenced operating, at that time known as
the Riverina Community Library Service, and have
been part of significant change in the evolution
of library service provision during the intervening
years. Their contribution to the organisation was
both acknowledged and greatly appreciated.

Brian Plummer

Lynn Hackett

Lynn and Brian (early 1980s)

16

Taking Programs Online

There is nothing like a crisis to encourage innovation and growth. When branch libraries had
to close, and RRL Administration Centre staff began working from home, new ways of meeting
the needs of our communities had to be found. Thankfully, the technology to facilitate moving
programs and services online already existed, and staff were able to adapt processes and programs
in order to take them online, and provide access for library members at home.
The restrictions significantly affected the RRL Book Club’s 92 clubs. Not only were they unable to
meet in person, but with the Internal Delivery Service unable to run, and the libraries closed to the
public, they were not able to receive new kits. In order to support the clubs to meet online, RRL
offered detailed instructions and support for holding their meetings via Zoom. Once they were
able to meet, electronic books were needed for them to read. Licencing restrictions meant that
eBooks in the BorrowBox collection were only able to be downloaded by one borrower at a time.
Book Clubs have ten members, so ‘campaign titles’ were purchased from Bolinda, which were
available for simultaneous download by multiple borrowers. In April, Indyreads became available
to RRL members, which provided many titles for simultaneous download. While it is certainly the
case that some Book Club members struggled with technology, and were happy to wait until
restrictions were eased, for many, the ability to keep reading and having the social connection
that Book Club provides, was a great enhancement to their lockdown experience.

RRL members were used to seeing reviews of books, DVDs, and magazines on Facebook and
Instagram. Once the physical collection was no longer available, all reviews were of the expanded
eResources collection. A podcast (called What’s Next) was started in order to provide audio
content for members, and more reading suggestions for those who suddenly had more time on
their hands. The podcast was made available on the RRL website, as well as iTunes, and Spotify.
With children home from school and pre-school, families were really missing the library’s children’s
programs. The school holidays fell just as restrictions were taking hold, so RRL provided daily links
to suggested activities and reading that could be accessed from home. With permission to read
picture books online until the end of the pandemic, the RRL Children’s & Youth Services Librarian
soon took the plunge into recording her own content for pre-schoolers, with online Storytimes,
reading stories, singing songs, and suggesting simple crafts using common supplies. For school-
aged children, STEAM-based (Science Technology Engineering Art and Mathematics) programs
were also created, filmed, and made available online, with YouTube videos, and lists of supplies.
It is hard to know what the ongoing appetite for online programming will be in a post-pandemic
world, but it is good to know that the library can be counted on to adapt to the changing
environment, and meet the community’s needs in exciting new ways.

17

RRL Branch Libraries

Adelong
Batlow
Bland

CooCtoamoClouarmnodowrnaa
Culcairn

Gundagai
Henty

Holbrook
Howlong

Jindera
Junee

Mulwala
Talbingo

Temora
TumbarTuummbuat
Wagga Wagga

18

RRL Vision-Mission-Strategy

A strategic approach to organisation wide planning is key to the success of RRL. With a focus on
collaborative planning, transparent reporting and quality service provision, all supported by a
strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, RRL has set clear guidelines and
direction.
The three focus areas of Build Capacity, Shape the Future and Create Connections, head up
a strategy map that devolves into an organisational action plan. The RRL Integrated Planning
Strategy 2018-2022 articulates the strategic objectives of the organisation and demonstrates how
these aspirations will be achieved through specific actions with measurable outcomes.
The plan has been developed with a greater focus on the capacity and sustainability of the
regional library service as a whole and the optimisation of existing and emerging technology. It
also incorporates the UN Sustainable Development Goals chosen by ALIA as being most relevant
to the Australian library experience.
In accord with the RRL vision, mission, and organisation values: respectforpeopleandknowledge;
commitment to fostering learning communities; integrity, equity and quality of service, RRL
is committed to providing an inspiring range of library programs, collections and services for the
branch libraries and their communities.

Strategy

Mission

Vision

19

Adelong|

Adelong Library

Snowy Valleys Council Network of Libraries

Contact Us

Address: Tumut Street, Adelong NSW 2729
Telephone: 02 6946 2270

Open Hours

Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed for lunch 12:00pm - 1:00pm)

Programs and Events

Adelong Library had a strong first six months during the 2019 - 2020 reporting period, but was
in recovery mode after the Christmas break. First from fires and second from COVID-19. Some
fantastic Storytime presentations were provided at the Adelong Pre School and staff loved having
the children visit the library each month. Children made I Spy magnifying glasses, fruit baskets and
lots of dress-up glasses. The Christmas Storytime was a highlight, creating fabulous clay reindeer
heads. Craft activities were held regularly particularly for the after school children. The Maker Craft
Cart contained lots of goodies for the children and they enjoyed creating cards, book marks and
general pictures from the items that were available in the cart.

Services

Staff were available to assist community members with their computer enquiries and utilising
their devices. Accessing grants and expanding their skills was also imparted. The last 3 months
of the 2019 - 2020 year was a slow move back into the library due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It
was great that people were able to return to the library once again with the easing of COVID-19
restrictions.
Jessica Campbell | Library Assistant | Adelong Library

1,023 195

Library Visits Library
Members
2,792
1,785
Loans Collection Items

20

Storytime

Storytime

21

Batlow|

Batlow Library

Snowy Valleys Council Network of Libraries

Contact Us

Address: Pioneer Street, Batlow NSW 2730
Telephone: 02 6949 1315

Open Hours

Monday to Friday 10:00am - 4:30pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm)

Knit With Love

An important program at the Batlow Library is Knit With Love, an annual activity organised by a
volunteer group for the winter months. The program aims for community members to become
involved in knitting and crafting wraps and blankets for distribution to the many thousands of
people who are suffering the cold or experiencing trauma.
This year with COVID-19 restrictions, the library had to limit participant numbers, however the
crafty knitters produced around 15 blankets in total. The group knits throughout July and August.
It is an opportunity to safely socialise whilst knitting the blanket squares and to pass on traditional
knitting skills to the new members who join the group and who may not have the knitting skills.
This year will be the final year in the current library. The knitters will greatly enjoy the warmth and
new facilities afforded in the new library next winter.

Storytime

Storytime is one of the library’s favourite programs. Every second Wednesday of the month, a
dramatised reading of themed books are read to the children and these are followed up with a
craft activity that the children are able to take home with them. It is always great to see their smiling
faces as they leave with their valuable pieces of art work. Storytime is a great opportunity to link
with nearby primary schools and the Early Learning Centre, to introduce children to libraries, their
functions and processes, and to the joy of reading.

11,970 519

Library Visits Library
Members
5,320
5,529
Loans Collection Items

22

Knit With Love

This is also a way to support the literacy programs in these schools and centres. It is great to see
the children selecting books to look at, read and to take home.
Our Storytime reader provides a valuable model to parents for effectively reading stories to their
children. Storytime is also an opportunity for parents to connect with one another, especially new
parents or newly arrived families.
The library looks forward to continuing Storytime sessions in the expanded space of the new
library and to be able to cater for more attendees.
Robert Beegling | Library Assistant | Batlow Library

23

Bland|

Bland Shire Library

Contact Us

Address: 6 Shire Street, West Wyalong NSW 2671
Telephone: 02 6979 0272

Open Hours

Monday to Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 9:30am - 12:00pm

LEGO Legends Program

Bland Shire Library was just about to launch its new face-to-face LEGO Legends program when
the library was unexpectedly shutdown for ten weeks due to COVID-19. Rather than postpone
the program, the library took the initiative and moved it online. The move proved a phenomenal
success as the library’s LEGO Legends Facebook page was overwhelmed with LEGO creations,
positive feedback and support from the Bland Shire and wider community.

Illustrator Ben Wood

Bland Shire Library engaged illustrator Ben Wood for a five-day residency in September 2019.
Mr Wood, who had illustrated over 25 children’s books including the very successful series Real
Pigeons by Andrew McDonald, toured the Bland Shire visiting with over 700 students and staff
from nine schools. Mr Wood’s passion for teaching visual narrative was inspirational. He was totally
engaging as he talked about his early life and how he became a self-taught illustrator. He also
demonstrated that drawing characters is as easy as starting with a shape. Students, Kinder to Year
10, enjoyed the workshop approach with some amazing results. From all accounts, it was another
very successful visit which was partially funded by Cowal Gold Operations.

Library Highlights

The library purchased a Storypod for its children’s area. The Storypod, which has a touchscreen,
provided digital storytelling and learning activities in English and LOTE (Languages other than
English) for children aged 2 – 8+ years.

27,413 1,910
Library
Library Visits Members

20,461 15,007
Loans
Collection Items

24

Illustrator Ben Wood

It was a busy year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Library Services Coordinator, Cathy Lange,
celebrated 30 years of service with Bland Shire Library. Other highlights included: receiving a
portable scanning kit from the State Library of NSW to undertake a Local History Digitalisation
Project; an increase in attendance at School Holiday Programs including cake and biscuit
decorating, Vegetable Plot, Crocodile Encounters, Travel Bugs, Virtual Reality gaming, Circuit
Bugs, Grass Heads, Minute-To-Win-It and Spook-tacular Games Day; a session on Emergency
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for babies and toddlers as part of its Baby Bounce program;
Science Week (August) where the library participated in a live stream astronomy event hosted
by OzGrav (ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery) and Swinburne University
with a small but enthusiastic group of both adults and children attending; Adult Learners’ Week
(September), a Creative Libraries program for Kurrajong; a talk on dementia (October) with over
30 people attending the Dementia Friends event; a free two-hour technology session for seniors
in November with training focusing on the use of smartphones at an introductory level; and the
annual Summer Reading Club 40-day challenge program.
Cathy Lange | Senior Library Officer | Bland Shire Library

25

Coolamon|

Coolamon Library
Contact Us

Address: 129 Cowabbie Street, Coolamon NSW 2701
Telephone: 02 6927 2492

Open Hours

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 12:00pm

Plastic Free July

The Coolamon Library participated in Plastic Free July. Holding a variety of events throughout
the month including the school holiday program. Hosting three major events which included
Eco Living and Lifestyle workshop, DIY Bees Wax Wrap workshop and a Toy Swap. The Eco Living
Lifestyle workshop involved several guest speakers, all giving their own experiences in managing
to recycle more and to eliminate plastic use in their homes. A demonstration was provided by
a local Coolamon business on Low Tox Living + Essential Oils. A demonstration was provided
on some practical tips on making healthy swaps and changes to help our environment. A very
popular Toy Swap was held with many parents taking advantage of the swap. The school holiday
program was based around the Plastic Free July promotion. Children enjoyed making a leaf
lantern, decorating calico bags and making recycled art.

COVID-19

What a start to 2020, COVID-19 struck and the doors were closed to the Coolamon Library on
Wednesday 25th March, to comply with the NSW Government restrictions on opening of libraries.
It meant having to adapt to a new way of doing things and offering innovative ways to provide
library services.
With council approval a home delivery service was provided to the towns in Coolamon Shire.
This service proved very popular with deliveries being made to Ganmain, Ardlethan, Beckom and
Coolamon. The community really appreciated the service being available in such uncertain times.

21,691 1,423
Library
Library Visits Members

20,010 7,396
Loans
Collection Items

26

Sign-Up September

Many “thank you“ phone calls were received, several Easter Eggs were left out on front door
steps, knitted coat hangers from a gorgeous elderly lady and many comments were left on social
media. During the lockdown online programs were offered such as Storytime sessions, which
Helen McLoughlin thought she would never do. Easter, Mother’s Day and National Simultaneous
Storytime were celebrated online. Staff participated in many Zoom meetings which were provided
by Riverina Regional Library. Thanks to Riverina Regional Library staff for the amazing work they
provided on social media during the lockdown.

Sign-Up September – Membership Drive

The Coolamon Library was involved in a membership drive with the support of Riverina Regional
Library. This was a great advertising campaign which significantly enhanced the promotion of the
library. Membership forms were delivered to schools, pre-schools/day care centres, community
centres, council offices and the local medical centre. During the month of September, 41 new
members signed up and 15 members were re-registered. The online membership registration was
welcomed – it made it easy for parents to join and their families too. Anyone joining the library
as a new member was put into a draw to win two gift vouchers from two local businesses. Also
held was a colouring-in competition for the younger borrowers to encourage them to join - prizes
were also given. The membership drive also endorsed the benefits of being a library member. This
included more access to online services, workshops and programs.
Helen McLoughlin | Library Manager | Coolamon Library

27

Cootamundra|

Cootamundra Library

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Network of Libraries

Contact Us

Address: Wallendoon Street, Cootamundra NSW 2590
Telephone: 1300 459 689

Open Hours

Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 9:30am - 12:00pm

COVID-19

The Cootamundra Library stepped up! The COVID-19 pandemic saw Cootamundra staff initiate
changes to the delivery of services and these changes saw a big increase in the patronage of
the library. The introduction of home delivery services was embraced by the community and
the promotion of online facilities introduced a range of new capabilities for library patrons.
Cootamundra Library reported borrowings during April reaching 4973 items with 246 deliveries
undertaken within the Cootamundra township boundaries. The library staff embraced the
challenges of cleaning, sanitising and quarantining of returned books to make sure they were safe
for future circulation. Like other libraries, staff found this job very labour intensive. Co-ordination
and delivery of items to customers was also time consuming and at times put a strain on resources.
Young families were also big borrowers, with reading material being popular with those home
schooling. The most popular items borrowed were adult fiction and DVDs. The situation was very
healthy for the Gundagai and Cootamundra library relations with their own internal delivery
service and the swapping of resources for patrons between the two libraries on a regular basis.

Adult Programs

The library was lucky enough to host the Tech Savvy Roadshow in November. The roadshow
provided seniors with the opportunity to learn how to use Smartphones. The Regional Roadshow
was a NSW Government initiative in partnership with Telstra. Amy Heap from Riverina Regional
Library ran two sessions, with a total of 22 seniors gaining valuable skills to help them navigate
their Smartphone.

50,828 3,585
Library
Library Visits Members

50,015 14,925
Loans
Collection Items

28

Digital Detox

More than 20 people were lucky enough to enjoy an author talk from up and coming author –
Sophie Hardcastle in March. Sophie shared her very personal story of assault and read an extract
from her debut novel Below Deck. She also answered questions from the audience regarding the
writing process. A big thank you to Louise Pearce from Collins Booksellers for suggesting Sophie
to include Cootamundra Library as the first stop on her book tour.

Digital Detox

Rochelle Nicholls developed a Digital Detox program for Saturday mornings. The aim of the
program was to provide a space for peace, calm and creativity as well as improve attendance
figures on Saturday mornings.The sessions commenced in February and patrons were encouraged
to turn off their phone and enjoy some uninterrupted creative or reading time. Digital Detox was
a free program and was open to both children and adults without the need to book. Patrons were
able to try a different activity each week from puzzles, to art, LEGO, writing or drawing. Staff also
timetabled in Riverina Regional Library program kits, such as Mirror Messages, Scissor Skills and a
Letter Writing kit. Also observed were many grandparents bringing grandkids in for these activities.
Penny Howse | Library Manager | Cootamundra Library

29

Corowa|

Corowa Library

Federation Council Network of Libraries

Contact Us

Address: 100 Edward Street, Corowa NSW 2646
Telephone: 02 6033 8941

Open Hours

Tuesday to Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm)
Saturday 9:30am - 12:00pm

The Vegetable Plot

The Vegetable Plot children’s group provided a very entertaining session for the children at the
Corowa Library. In their own words they were on a mission to bring love and peas to the world.
While vegetables are not the favourite food for most children, they certainly enjoyed the music
and possibly the bad puns that Vegetable Plot provided. A great time was had by all.

Be Connected

This year in addition to Tech Savvy Seniors the Corowa Library ran Be Connected sessions. This
was very popular, as there were many older members of the community who were starting to
become a little tech savvy, but found they encountered various issues with technology. A one-on-
one session was ideal to sort out their own particular problems and was booked out.

Big Art for Small Hands

This school holiday activity was really enjoyed by the children who participated. They had great
fun imitating Paul Klee’s style, and all ages were able to have fun and explore different styles of art.
There was quite a bit of talking and laughing, so the working to music aspect was drowned out,
but they all produced a work of art of which they were very proud.
Nicky Raleigh | Library Team Leader | Corowa Library

16,231 1,888
Library
Library Visits Members

27,372 9,864
Loans
Collection Items
30

Big Art for Small Hands

The Vegetable Plot

31

Culcairn|

Culcairn Library

Greater Hume Council Network of Libraries

Contact Us

Address: 40 Balfour Street, Culcairn NSW 2660
Telephone: 02 6036 0100

Open Hours

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 12:30pm

Creating Connections - NSW Seniors Festival

NSW Seniors Festival was the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere, providing
hundreds of activities and events each year. NSW Seniors Festival 2020 was held at all Greater
Hume Council Libraries in February 2020 and was well attended by community members. Events
organised were intergenerational and were held at the Culcairn, Henty, Jindera Libraries and Walla
Walla Children Services in partnership with the Greater Hume Council’s Children Services. The
Culcairn Library held a special day for students from both schools. The day was celebrated with
members from the Men’s Shed, Garden Club, Knitters and Red Cross who were invited to attend
and take part in activities. In total over 40 participants took part in the Seniors Festival. Each
club put a lot of effort into ensuring the young people enjoyed the morning. The Gardening Club
members and the children danced to The Wiggles music. The very patient Knitters Group provided
some great examples of items to knit. The Men’s Shed Group painted flower pots and airplanes.
At the completion of the morning everyone enjoyed a scrumptious morning tea supplied by the
Culcairn Red Cross.

Knitters at the Culcairn Library

Every second Tuesday a group of knitters get together at the Culcairn Library to knit for the Wrap
with Love organisation. The knitters have been getting together for a knit and chat for over 10
years, sharing stories about their families and what is happening in the lovely township of Culcairn.
Many times grandchildren come along to enjoy the morning, or the knitters enjoy programs held
in the library or during Book Week while they knit away.

16,273 632

Library Visits Library
Members
3,561
5,363
Loans Collection Items

32

Seniors Festival

Over the years the knitters have created many rugs which can be seen on display in the library
from early March until July when they are picked up by Riverina Regional Library and distributed
to those in need of warmth in Australia and across the world. The Wrap with Love organisation
began with the idea to help as many people as possible by providing warm wraps to ward off
hypothermia and in the past 23 years, wraps have been sent to more than 400,000 people in over
75 countries, including Australia, with the help of our hardworking and generous volunteers like
the Culcairn Knitters.

Building Capacity - Social Isolation Grant

Greater Hume Council was one of 24 organisations to receive funding to deliver innovative
programs to help older people connect with each other, through online engagement or other
methods that maintain social distancing. Grants were available for organisations to create
programs that foster social inclusion for seniors. Greater Hume Council used the $22,860 funding
to purchase 30 iPads to loan across the Shire to seniors who are aged 65 years and over, or 55
years and over for Aboriginal people. The program commenced in June 2020, using the iPads
and communication technologies with the support of trained facilitators to encourage online
interaction for people who are lonely or isolated living at home or in aged care facilities. The NSW
Government awarded more than $700,000 in funding for projects that reduce social isolation for
seniors during COVID-19. This includes $100,000 from the Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing
(MACA) for projects that support their work plan.
Susan Kane | Library & Youth Services Development Officer | Culcairn Library

33

Gundagai|

Gundagai Library

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Network of Libraries

Contact Us

Address: 245 Sheridan Street, Gundagai NSW 2722
Telephone: 02 6944 0270

Open Hours

Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Grandmaker Open Day

In September the library held an open day to officially open the new outdoor area and also
celebrate Grandparents day. Over 500 people visited throughout the day and staff from both
Gundagai and Riverina Regional Library made sure there was plenty to do and learn. The day
included interactive workshops and presentations such as, encaustic painting, creating photo
books, traditional Chinese brush painting, Mahjong, Suminagashi and candle rolling and even an
air fryer cooking demonstration, the results of which provided a tasty treat around lunch time for
those lucky enough to be present. Other stalls and entertainment included a big book sale, virtual
reality experience, 3D printing display, try an iPad out and folk art painting. Needless to say it was
full on with the Mayor attending the event to cut the official ribbon while also enjoying some of
the fine air fryer dining on offer.

Coping with COVID-19 - Click and Collect

With the closing of libraries in March many customers were caught out. The vast majority were
elderly or isolated and for many, the library provided their main source of entertainment and
enjoyment in books, magazines and other media, as well as a friendly chat and some human
contact. To suddenly no longer have access to the library was extremely distressing for borrowers
and also for staff. Staff had to find a way for borrowers to still have access to books and DVDs safely
and securely. Staff quickly developed a safe strategy for getting books quarantined, sanitised
and packaged ready for delivery or collection whichever was appropriate for the customer’s
circumstance and safe for staff to implement.

14,544 863

Library Visits Library
Members
7,363
8,747
Loans Collection Items

34

Grandmaker Open Day

The library’s new outdoor area provided an outdoor contactless point of pickup, complete with
shelving, weather protection, lighting and security cameras meaning a COVID-19 safe and secure
point of transaction. Almost immediately upon advertising staff received responses. So much so
that library borrowing during the period barely dropped. This was attributed to the fact that the
library had some new members joining and some older members returning to the library to use
the click and collect or delivery system.

Coping with COVID-19 - Door Drop-off Delivery

Similar to the click and collect, the door to door delivery came about as staff found that many
of the customers were self-isolating and unable or unwilling to venture out. Unlike the click and
collect it was found that most requests for the delivery service were coming from the adult children
or concerned neighbours and friends of older people. It seemed that most elderly thought they
were burdening us by requesting books when they had nothing at home. Staff explained to them
that this was certainly not the case and staff were there for them. Staff also phoned some of the
more vulnerable people who had not made contact, as many were known to staff. Staff wanted to
make sure they were ok and to see if they needed anything. All were thankful for the call and did
not like to bother staff about books when everything in the world seemed in such ‘dire straits’ as
one gentleman put it. Staff assured people it was no trouble and that it was times like these that
they could rely on the library staff.
Cindy Smith | Library & Community Services Manager | Gundagai Library

35

Henty|

Henty Library

Greater Hume Council Network of Libraries

Contact Us

Address: 30 Sladen Street, Henty NSW 2658
Telephone: 02 6036 0100

Open Hours

Tuesday to Friday 11:00m - 5:30pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Saturday 10:00am - 12:30pm

Engaging our Communities - Representative of the Community Soul

Commencing on 14 October 2019, “Representative of the Community Soul”, a program funded
by the Country Arts Support Program (CASP) was held at the Henty Library. Eleven members of
the community were provided with training on how to create a successful portrait. The project
ran over a number of weeks with attendees provided with tutorials on creating a portrait using
charcoal. Each participant chose someone in the community who was special to them or a person
who had made a remarkable achievement. The finished self-portraits were framed and displayed
in the library to create an exhibition for the benefit of the participants and community members.
The program highlighted the capacity of libraries to encourage increased participation and
demonstrate its diversity to the broader community.

An Enabled workforce – NSW Regional Trainee of the Year

Staff member Emily Jones was honoured to be named a finalist for the NSW Regional Trainee of the
Year. Emily commenced her Customer Service, Library Service andYouth Development Traineeship
in 2017. Throughout her traineeship, Emily demonstrated a high level of commitment to her role,
undertaking many different tasks including planning, promoting and facilitating a number of
successful programs across the Shire. These have included Storytime, holiday programs and the
extremely popular Heywire Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) Step Up Program,
which attracted an attendance of over 250 young people and their families from across Greater
Hume Council and Lockhart Shire Council.

11,973 706

Library Visits Library
Members
4,738
7,215
Loans Collection Items

36

Representative of the Community Soul

Emily successfully applied for a number of grants for both Library and Youth Programs including
the CASP “Representative of the Community Soul” program. Since completing her traineeship in
2019 Emily has transitioned to the role of Youth Officer, working across Youth and Library Services.
Finalists for the NSW Regional Trainee of the Year were announced via Zoom. Emily won the
category and moved onto the NSW State Trainee of the Year finalist section.

Shape the Future - Blended Services

The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way that libraries in the Greater Hume Council operate.
Programs and services for all ages are now being delivered online via social media platforms such
as Facebook and Instagram, whilst the creation of Click and Collect and Home Delivery Services
ensured that library members who preferred physical library items could continue reading. The
libraries’ move to a blended service model during the COVID-19 shutdown not only ensured
continuity of library service provision, but also highlighted the potential of online services for
ongoing integration into library offerings. Henty Library and all other libraries in the Greater
Hume Council, with the support of Riverina Regional Library, commenced online Storytime
which successfully gained a reach of over 2,000 viewers with increased engagement and page
followers. Library staff have presented Storytime in the great outdoors with a few friends along
the way including ducks, horses, and Henty Library’s regular guest Reuben the Whippet. Holiday
programs were successfully delivered online with members purchasing packs from the library
and following instructions from Riverina Regional Library’s very own Sharon Smith. Thank you to
Riverina Regional Library staff for their continued support during the ever changing environment.

Susan Kane | Library & Youth Services Development Officer | Henty Library

37

Holbrook|

Holbrook Library

Greater Hume Council Network of Libraries

Contact Us

Address: Bowler Street, Holbrook NSW 2644
Telephone: 02 6036 3262

Open Hours

Tuesday to Friday 11:00am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 12:30pm

Sanctuary

The beginning of the year was very difficult for Greater Hume Council with the Green Valley
Bushfire impacting the eastern edge of the shire. Holbrook Library initially was a point of contact
and sanctuary for residents fleeing both the Green Valley and Dunn’s Road Fires. Eventually centres
were set up elsewhere, but this event showed that people do think of libraries first as a safe haven
and as a place to get help and information. The impact of the fires was also apparent on the first
holiday activity of the year which was to be a morning of LEGO building. A few children attended
but as they were leaving, a mother enquired if this would be available for a longer period as they
were no longer going on holiday to the coast and the children needed to get out. As a result the
LEGO stayed in our meeting room for over a week and many children came in on consecutive days
to work on a collaborative project. It was a scene of calm and quiet while elsewhere fires were still
burning across the country.

Innovation

COVID-19 severely impacted services in libraries across the state. Greater Hume Council libraries
endeavoured to meet the needs of isolated customers by upping the social media ante with regular
online Storytimes and book reviews as well as click and collect borrowing. Online Storytime was
a success with staff member Dominique reading favourite books to children online at home. To
engage the children she sometimes asked for feedback and received some lovely photographs of
children interacting with the Storytime.

11,586 749

Library Visits Library
Members
5,051
8,715
Loans Collection Items

38

LEGO Building

There was no way of gauging the impact of book reviews while the library was closed, but all
books reviewed on Facebook during closure were available on Borrow Box or Indyreads and the
uptake of those services did rise in the period of closure. Holbrook’s local newsletter, The Holbrook
Happenings produced at the Library also became a platform to inform the public of changed
library services. Library staff continued to review books which were reserved and borrowed,
indicating that local residents were following the library on social media or reading the newsletter.

Creative Kids

There were so many great craft and holiday activities to report on, but one stood out as so very
successful but not in the usual way. Coral Reef was a simple 3D collage type craft where lots of
interesting shapes and materials resembling coral were put together to make a display mounted
on a polystyrene hemi-sphere. What was inspiring about this craft event was that a lot of middle
primary aged boys took part, or perhaps their parents booked them in. Usually this type of craft
activity is attended more by girls but all of the children had a great session showing lots of creativity
and would have continued and used up all of the supplies had staff not said, “time is up”. Perhaps
the children were missing out on creative pursuits at home in favour of electronics, so as well as
books and reading, libraries are an important source of creativity.
Alison Cowie | Library Assistant in Charge | Holbrook Library

39

Howlong|

Howlong Library

Federation Council Network of Libraries

Contact Us

Address: 59 Hawkins Street, Howlong NSW 2643
Telephone: 02 6026 5055

Open Hours

Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm)
Thursday & Friday 10:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday 9:30am - 12:00pm

Vegetable Plot

During the September school holidays the Vegetable Plot visited the Library and entertained the
children (and accompanying adults!) of Howlong. With their wild and wacky tunes about all things
green and edible, they provided a great session of entertainment. Although some children are not
so keen on eating vegetables, they certainly enjoyed vegetable songs and jokes.

VR Science

Another activity aimed at the younger Howlong Library members was a Virtual Reality Science
program called OzGrav (ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery) with Lisa
Horsley. Lisa presented a great program that demonstrated different aspects of science, with a
focus on astronomy. The highlight of the presentation was the Virtual Reality headsets, where the
children were able to enjoy an amazing experience close up to the stars and planets.

Author Talk with Sophie Green

The Howlong Library had a very busy October, including hosting author Sophie Green. Sophie
had just published her second book, Shelley Bay Ladies Swimming Circle, a story full of wonderful
characters and lots of heart. Set in 1982 in Australia, when The Man From Snowy River is a box
office hit and Paul Hogan is on TV, housewife Theresa takes up swimming. She wants to get fit and
have a few precious minutes to herself.

3,916 540

Library Visits Library
Members
4,100
5,787
Loans Collection Items

40

OzGrav

The warmth in her novels came across in her entertaining presentation. An eclectic group of
locals, listened keenly to her story of how she came to be a published author after working in the
publishing industry for all her life. There were lots of lively discussion and questions and everyone
enjoyed the afternoon.
Tanya Bytschkow | Library & Customer Service Officer | Howlong Library

41

Jindera|

Jindera Library

Greater Hume Council Network of Libraries

Contact Us

Address: 83 Urana Street, Jindera NSW 2642
Telephone: 02 6036 0100

Open Hours

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 1:45pm)

Increasing Library Participation - VR Experience and Crocodile Encounters

Lisa Horsley from Swinburne University in Melbourne provided a Virtual Reality session at the
Jindera Library during July 2019. Over thirty children and parents/guardians enjoyed the session
of virtual reality fun. Feedback from one participant, “Really cool! Loved the hands on experience
with the VR equipment.” Due to the success of the VR Experience program in previous years, all
libraries in the Greater Hume Council area were to take part in the program in 2020 however, due
to COVID-19 and social distancing the program was live streamed. All participants were supplied
with free VR headsets to live stream the event at home. In October 2019, the program Crocodile
Encounters was held at the Jindera Library. Over 50 young people took part in this exciting
program with an extensive waiting list. While crocodiles were the main focus, the program also
included other reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Promoting Existing Programs to the Community - Book Week

Book Week August 2019 was celebrated at the Jindera Library with four class groups visiting the
library. The theme for Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Week 2019 was Reading
is My Secret Power and reading does indeed give readers secret powers: the power to walk in the
shoes of others through their stories; the power to escape into other worlds; the power to improve
vocabulary. Therefore, library staff took this opportunity to dress up as super heroes and to also
encourage staff in the Information Technology Department to join them in the fun, resulting in
Superman, Batgirl and Super Girl.

Library Visits 108

(no available data) Library
Members
1,251
2,219
Loans Collection Items

42

Book Week

Students and teachers from St John’s Primary and Jindera Public School were invited to enjoy
some theatrics with the Council superheroes, listen to shortlisted books, and undertake a
selection of crafts, and lastly to learn about the benefits of joining the Jindera Library. Book Week
was celebrated at all Greater Hume Council Libraries throughout the week with over 350 students
visiting to listen to stories, to learn important information about the library and take part in lots
of fun activities.

Outreach Visits - Local Government Week and Storytime

Local Government Week was celebrated on the Riverina Regional Library Mobile Library in July
2019. The theme was Your Council and was a great opportunity to showcase all of the ways that
Council is a part of the community and to share the importance of councils to residents, ratepayers,
businesses – the whole community. Jindera Library staff invited special guest Cr Heather Wilton,
Mayor of the Greater Hume Council to take part in Storytime. The Storytime session was presented
on the Riverina Regional Library Mobile Library, outside the school, with students from Walla
Walla Public School. The Mayor read the story Daisy Eat Your Peas to 15 eager students who didn’t
seem to like peas! A discussion then followed on the importance of eating and exercising for a
healthy life. Students then proceeded with their normal routine of borrowing lots of items from
the Mobile Library. Staff at Jindera Library continued outreach visits and established partnerships
with other Community Service teams by commencing delivering books each month to the newly
built Children Services facility in Walla Walla.
Betty Chaloner | Library Assistant in Charge | Jindera Library

43

Junee|

Junee Library
Contact Us

Address: 92 Lorne Street, Junee NSW 2663
Telephone: 02 6924 2111

Open Hours

Monday to Friday 10:00am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 12:00pm

CALD Cooking and Conversation

The Conversation English program that has been provided at the Junee Library for the past
three years was extended in 2019 to include cooking and baking with people from Culturally
And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Held each week in 2019 from July through to
December a regular group of adults and sometimes children gathered around a shared table to
cook and learn about Australian products and food. Using food as a theme allowed participants
to practice their conversational English and help them learn about Australian food, culture and
traditions. The free program also aimed to build friendships, improve English reading and writing
through recipes, develop an understanding of Australian etiquette and above all teach English
while having fun.

Summer Reading Program Success

The 2019 Junee Library Summer Reading program was designed to encourage children to get
back to the basics of using a reading record to help them track their reading success. Children who
joined the program were given a reading folder with a lolly, an activity book, and a record sheet
challenging them to read 15 books over the summer. Similar to home readers used at school, the
program was intended to encourage reading each night during the holidays with the incentive of
a certificate and award ceremony at the completion. Twenty eight children took up the challenge
and just over half managed to return their completed reading record. The children who completed
the challenge proudly returned to the library to collect their certificates and enjoyed some well-
earned party treats.

21,222 1,733
Library
Library Visits Members

22,736 12,001
Loans
Collection Items

44

Storypod
Storypod Popularity

In December 2019 the Junee Library purchased a fun and interactive Storypod, stationed in the
children’s area. The Storypod provided many and varied fun stories, activities and music clips to
watch. The Storypod proved extremely popular. Children from the ages of two to eight years
equally enjoyed the Storypod, as have parents who were able to comb the shelves for junior and
picture books while their children were busy and amused. An added benefit was the language
options which allowed children who speak a language other than English to also enjoy listening
to stories, to play games and to watch musical clips.
Kim Richards | Librarian in Charge | Junee Library

45

Mulwala|

Mulwala Library

Federation Council Network of Libraries

Contact Us

Address: 71 Melbourne Street, Mulwala NSW 2647
Telephone: 03 5744 3439

Open Hours

Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm)
Thursday & Friday 10:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday 9:30am - 12:00pm

Programs

The new financial year started well with great promise for 2020. Kicking off the new year Mulwala
Library again hosted a week of celebrations for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance
Committee (NAIDOC). The week included a range of activities and cultural experiences and
loads of fun for all who attended. The children had the opportunity to make indigenous musical
instruments and painted them in traditional colours and styles. Later the children put their
instruments to use, shaking and clacking their sticks, danced to indigenous themed music and
listened to stories of the dreamtime. There were lots of tired rainbow serpents and little kangaroos
at the end of the session. The library was also able to run two of the three scheduled Tech Savvy
Senior Classes, which were again well attended.

COVID-19

Mulwala Library is a beautiful little library and a hub for the local community to come together,
a friendly, sharing, learning space; that was before COVID-19. Unfortunately COVID-19 disrupted
planned activities, but staff learnt a great deal about doing things differently, and as a result many
members looked to their various devices and uploaded eBooks and were surprised by the wide
choice of magazines available via RB Digital. The library also provided a home delivery service
which was very well received.
Christina Boyd | Library & Customer Service Officer | Mulwala Library

6,243 638

Library Visits Library
Members
4,492
4,777
Loans Collection Items

46

After School

Big Art for Small Hands

47

Talbingo|

Talbingo Library

Snowy Valleys Council Network of Libraries

Contact Us

Address: Lampe Street, Talbingo NSW 2720
Telephone: 02 6949 5344

Open Hours

Tuesday 9:00am - 4:30pm (closed for lunch 12:30pm - 1:30pm)

Dunns Road Bushfire and COVID-19

January to 30 June 2020 was a very trying time in Talbingo and for all of the Snowy Valleys Council
libraries. January saw Talbingo in the path of the Dunn’s Road Bush fire. Talbingo was surrounded
by fire but with a colossal effort of the locals, volunteer fire fighters and the Rural Fire Service,
Talbingo faired very well with only a few houses destroyed. The school and library were saved with
only the school maze going up in flames. The school and library were closed until the beginning of
the school year. The Library was only getting its head around the fires when COVID-19 struck and
resulted in the library being closed until the end of May 2020. Staff worked behind closed doors,
doing a clean of the library and a weed of the junior non fiction and picture books, including
Talbingo Public School stock. The library offered a click and collect service for members which was
used by frequent borrowers. Talbingo library re-opened at the end of May 2020 with restrictions
due to COVID-19.

Programs

LEGO Creations was held in the July School holidays. Although not many children in attendance
to create, those who did had a great time making fantastic designs. Book Week wasn’t celebrated
until 17 September 2019. As previously, this was celebrated with the school children. The theme
was Reading is My Secret Power. Parents and friends came to see the children doing their work
and reading with them. The students came dressed as their favourite character from one of their
favourite books.

Shirlee Whiting | Library Assistant | Talbingo Library 107

714 Library
Members
Library Visits

1,716 3,805
Loans
Collection Items

48