By Mikayla van Loon
Librarians are the hidden gems in the community, readily available to help with research, answer a computer question or just be a friendly face when needing a quiet space.
This week, from 25 to 31 July, marks Library and Information Week, dedicated to the staff who make learning, reading and activities enjoyable at local libraries.
Mooroolbark Library team leader Angus Cooke said this year’s theme Rewrite, Renew, Reimagine is not only a focus on looking at the resources libraries offer but at re-engaging people in its services.
“That’s what we are almost trying to do, we’re almost starting from scratch in a way of bringing back events, bringing back the community and making everyone aware of what we do offer because unfortunately, that all came to a halt over the last two years,” he said.
“A lot of it is about renewing the relationships that we have with the community and also from our point of view, reimagining how we deliver our service to the wider community to reach more people and get more people engaged with the library.”
Although not doing anything special for the week, Angus said that’s probably better because anyone who decides to connect or re-engage with the library will get an authentic experience.
“We’re going about business as usual. We’ve got all of our regular storytime sessions running, along with some of our local community groups that are coming in and visiting, our gardening group will be meeting as well,” he said.
“We don’t have any special events other than just showcasing the collection and the space and what goes on on a regular basis for anyone coming in for what might be their first visit or re-discovering the space.”
Angus said in his view, libraries have become even more important since the pandemic lockdowns were lifted not just in the traditional services of digital access, book collections and printing but in human connection.
“Coming out of the last two years, being a safe space and a space that people maybe didn’t realise existed, it’s almost a bit of a club once you’re in because you’re in the know of what is around.
“Everything being free, there’s very little barrier to entry, so everyone is welcome to come in and use the space and the resources.”
Since the pandemic, Angus said the library has also enabled some welfare checks and general chit chat by building relationships with regular visitors who use the library for social engagement.
“[That’s something] I think a lot of people really value when they do come in because they can come and have a chat and feel like they belong somewhere.”
Angus said this has been particularly nice to see with young families and mother’s groups using the space for catch ups and playdates.
“There’s young children and babies who hadn’t visited a library in their first two years of life who are now coming in.
“Whereas normally we’d have those babies and children in within two weeks of when they were born for storytime and other things.
“So there was a big gap in when people could access our resources and facilities as per normal, so that’s really good to see the young families coming out and utilising the space.”
Mooroolbark Library, like the rest of the libraries across the Yarra Ranges, are equipped to help with digital literacy, research projects, book recommendations and much more but it’s the personalised service that makes the difference .
“It’s great to have a week for the sector as a whole and to be recognised for that. The staff contribute in many different ways, just with the various skill sets they have
“Some staff members are interested in gardening, so generally will have people coming in asking them questions about gardening.
“We’ve got an expert in house and also the same goes for technology, we’ve got an expert in house in that area. So we’re a one stop shop for all of that knowledge, which the community can come in and access in a trustworthy environment.”
