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Public LibraryNEWS Winter 2018 Volume 24 No 1 Mobile and Outreach
Public Library NEWS
Magazine for NSW public libraries
Winter 2018
Introduction
Volume 24 No 1
From the Editors Grouped into three main themes —
mobile, outreach and pop-ups — the
Welcome to the Winter 2018 issue articles in this issue of Public Library
of Public Library News, Mobile and News outline services that share
Contents Outreach. This edition showcases the
vast array of creative and innovative
With the increase in library collections
and services now available digitally,
common aims of supporting literacy,
digital literacy, lifelong learning
Introduction 1 mobile and outreach services that people may think that the need for and social inclusion. Pam Veiss,
Mobiles NSW public libraries deliver beyond mobile and outreach services has Library Manager of Snowy Monaro
physical library buildings to their local decreased. However, the State Library Regional Library, captures this in her
Responding to community needs in creative ways 2
communities. These include versatile of NSW observes that library users description of their mobile library
Snowy Monaro mobile library makeover 4 and digitally enabled mobile libraries, prefer to access library services through service: ‘It is not only a library service
The Rover: Lake Mac’s new mobile service 6 libraries that pop-up in community multiple channels, in person and online. but a social, learning, connecting place’
events and spaces, and outreach It is not a matter of ‘either/or’. (see pages 4–5).
New mobile library supports outreach programs 7 programs to targeted groups such as Mobile and outreach services are
Mobiles: The trend in mobile libraries
Outreach the elderly and housebound, children, still essential, as not everyone can
is towards smaller, highly versatile and
people with disabilities, and people access a physical library branch, and
Kyogle & Casino reach out to schools 8 digitally enabled vehicles that any staff
from Indigenous and multicultural not everyone has digital access to
Ku-ring-gai’s Libraribus 9 member can drive. Most importantly,
communities. library collections or services. People
mobile libraries provide a member of
who are able to visit a library and
Hills Libraries partner with community care 10 These essential library services
reach members of the community who access its services online still benefit
library staff for community members Resources
Big Book Club 11 to interact with, enabling valuable
might not normally visit the library, or from outreach services, encouraging State Library Mobile and
Central West Libraries reach out to childcare centres 12 social connections. Outreach Services report (2015)
cannot visit the library due to physical more regular and convenient library
Outback Letterbox Library 13 or geographical barriers, and support use. Outreach is also a very effective Outreach: The articles featured in this As well as identifying the range
literacy, digital literacy, lifelong promotional activity — a way to attract issue demonstrate how partnerships and scope of NSW public library
Digital inclusion project 14
learning and social inclusion. non-users. with community organisations and mobile and outreach service
Words on Wheels: Bringing books to borrowers and borrowers to books 15 Our next issue, Summer 2018–19, As well as members of the service providers, such as providers models, this report explores
Pop-ups will feature the theme of Inclusion and community who are more vulnerable of childcare and aged care, strengthen different outreach models and
Accessibility. The deadline for articles than others — such as elderly and outreach programs. provides good practice guidelines
Pop ’Round: Design students tackle library outreach 16 housebound people, and people with
is 28 September 2018. Pop-ups: The flexibility of the pop-up for outreach service models
Campbelltown Library: Popping up at Campbelltown Mall 18 disabilities — those who live in remote in NSW public libraries.
EDWINA DUFFY library format means that libraries
Penrith’s pop-up drives membership 19 Senior Project Officer areas of NSW also face major barriers can pop up just about anywhere, from
www.sl.nsw.gov.au/public-library-services/
mobile-and-outreach-services
State Library of NSW to accessing library services, such swimming pools to shopping centres
Taking it to the people 20 and as poor internet connections and The Australasian Mobile
to multicultural fairs. Pop-ups give
Summer Storytime Trail 21 physical distance to the nearest branch. Library and Outreach Services
CATHY HAMMER libraries a presence and visibility Network (AMLOSN)
Communications and Editorial Officer The reach of mobile and outreach in local communities, and reach
State Library of NSW
services across NSW public libraries The first-ever combined mobile
audiences that might not usually
Editors is astounding: Broken Hill’s Letterbox library and outreach services
engage with their local library.
Library serves a region where eight symposium, Reach Out 2018,
library staff cover a geographical Important factors for success in mobile will be held in conjunction
Public Library News is produced Public Library News is distributed free to Edited by Edwina Duffy
Next issue deadline: and outreach services include having
by Public Library Services, NSW public libraries. There are two issues and Cathy Hammer
area of about one-third of NSW, and with the NSW Public Libraries
State Library of NSW, per year in June and December. Layout by Simon Leong 28 September 2018 a great team and well-trained staff, and
Macquarie St Sydney NSW 2000 Printed by Lindsay Yates Group on Goulburn and Snowy Monaro’s mobile Association SWITCH 2018
ISSN 1323–6822 (Print) Spicers Monza Satin Recycled 300 gsm Submit articles online at: being flexible and adaptable to respond
www.sl.nsw.gov.au/plnews ISSN 2205–0671 (Online) (cover) and 130 gsm (text) library membership represents nearly Conference in late November.
E&D–5137–6/2018 plsnsw.wufoo.com/forms/ to community needs.
a quarter of total library membership. amlosn.org.au
public-library-news/
Front cover image: Launch of the Snowy Monaro mobile library’s new wrap at Nimmitabel with the entire Randwick City Council’s pop-up Beach Library at Coogee Beach
primary school celebrating the new look (see story on pages 4–5).
ii Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 1
Responding to community need
in creative ways
Capitalise on what Working with schools
is currently working Keep in mind that schools have set
class times and curriculums. If a
Our Young People’s Services
The Goulburn Mulwaree Mobile storytime is included in our visits, we
Coordinator provides a varied, well-
Library (aka Big Read Bus) has been in ask for advice from the teachers and
established and popular program of
operation for approximately 18 months. use this to inform our story choices.
activities for children and young adults.
We are still fine-tuning and exploring
In January of this year she and other
ways of promoting its services and
staff members took the mobile library Be adaptable
attempting to reach those in the
to Belmore Park in the main street Despite our best efforts, some
community who, for various reasons,
and held a special teddy bears’ picnic destinations don’t work. Rather than
do not participate in, or are oblivious
storytime, that coincided with the seeing these efforts as unsuccessful,
to the library’s services. Increasing
second instalment of the Paddington they are better viewed in the light of
availability of technology in what were
Bear movie. The ACT Storytellers establishing a presence and raising our
once isolated communities and the use
Guild were invited to come and add to profile in sections of the community
of the internet as a ‘one-stop shop’ for
the storytelling and entertainment. who don’t traditionally seek out our
information provide easy alternatives
The day’s events were especially well services. At some point in the future
to some of the traditional functions of
received and added to establishing this destination may be the perfect
the library. These have an impact on
the ‘visibility’ of the Big Read Bus and venue for a one-off event.
the number of community members
library services in the community.
seeking our services. So, does this
mean we should retreat from outreach
Keep your ear to the ground Promotion, promotion,
services as provided by our mobile
libraries? Are we becoming redundant
promotion
A chance remark to the mobile library
in an increasingly technological society operator revealed that one of the local We use social media, the library’s
that allows people to remain in the primary schools was temporarily home page, radio interviews and even
comfort of their homes as they access without full use of its library. After the occasional letter drop to keep the
all the information they require? consultation with the school, the Big mobile library and its destinations
I think the answer is a resounding ‘No!’ Read Bus has included this destination in the public eye. Many of the rural
Our real value lies in our ability to in its regular schedule. This has resulted groups and villages that are part of our
know our community and to recognise in over 100 children attending the regular destinations produce monthly
and respond to its changing needs and mobile library on each of its visits so far. newsletters. These are effective ways
of reaching that part of the community
trends in creative ways. Following are
that doesn’t engage with social media There’s always another Our real value lies in our ability to know
some examples, ideas and approaches
we use when facing the challenge
Added value and we are currently working towards destination
of getting our message out and During a recent visit to one of our rural contributing a library news segment our community and to recognise and
Just when we think we’ve exhausted all
highlighting how library services are communities, the mobile library staff
provided a basic tutorial on exploring
on a regular basis to each of the
newsletters in our area.
likely destinations, another possibility respond to its changing needs and trends
evolving in response to our community. presents itself — maybe storytime for
the library’s home page and searching
children at the local hospital would in creative ways.
the library’s catalogue. Listen to what
work…
your regular clients have to say — they
often hold the key to enriching the MARIA DALY
Mobile Library Operator
services we supply. Goulburn Mulwaree Library
Launch of Goulburn Mulwaree’s Big Read Bus Mobile service in October 2016
2 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 3
Snowy Monaro mobile library
makeover
vision of our Mobile Library Operator,
Anthony Coxon, and was a year in
the making. He wanted the trailer
to reflect the vistas and breadth of
The mobile library has been serving the all the areas he drives through; from
Snowy Monaro region since 1962. In the snow-covered mountains, to the
those days, it travelled to Cabramurra, rivers, rocks and plains. A partnership
the highest town in Australia, to visit with staff and local professional
a thriving community where Snowy photographer, Charles Davis, saw the
Hydro workers lived. Back then, it was a merging of five photos to reflect the
small truck — often challenged by snow expansive landscape and fauna, with
and sleet as it delivered a selection the highlight being a beautiful echidna
of books to the school, township and in the snow. It also includes Slaven’s
other hamlets in the region. In 1990 Hut in Kybeyan and the Dalgety Bridge
a new van was purchased which took crossing the Snowy River. The kerbside
in the wider areas of the then Cooma- panels show all the services offered by
Monaro, Snowy River and Bombala the library in a fun bookshelf, amidst
local government areas. the grassy plains of the Monaro, while
As the service flourished a bigger the back has a bright and legible map
and better mobile library was required, of all the townships visited. The mobile
which saw a semitrailer purchased was off the road for a full month while
second-hand from Riverina in 2000. the work was carried out, but the
Some modifications were made at continued support and the wonderful
that time, but with funding from a appreciation of its users has never
Public Library Infrastructure Grant dwindled.
in 2015, a complete refurbishment The new-look mobile was launched
was made possible. And what a at Nimmitabel in June 2017. The 40
makeover it was! New carpet squares, children from the primary school were
LED lighting, blinds, fresh paintwork treated to a special chat by Charles
to the shelves and circulation desk, on the details of his photos, and the
The mobile library visits 17 locations It is not only a library service but a
a complete overhaul of the internet local preschool visited for a special
and public access PC space with new storytime. Over 70 residents turned out
across the region and drives 800 km social, learning, connecting place with There are approximately 6000 items on the
per week. There are approximately a sense of ownership and pride for
PCs and printer, additional shelving,
a new generator and air conditioning
in very cold weather to welcome and
6000 items on the truck, and with the community, providing fantastic truck, and with 1600 members representing
be delighted by the new wrap and to
1600 members representing 22% of customer service and a wide range
unit. Our patrons and school children show their incredible support for this
the total library membership, over of resources. Long may mobile 22% of the total library membership,
were delighted. One user wrote in our regular service offered to their little
visitor’s book: ‘Fresh, bright, clean and township. One patron wrote: ‘The bus
15,000 items were borrowed last year libraries live! over 15,000 items were borrowed last year
by the mobile users. They are very
welcoming — great job in brightening
our favourite book store’.
looks amazing! I love how one side tells
a story of the district while the other
proud of their new-look truck and the
PAM VEISS
Library Manager by the mobile users.
valuable and reliable service it provides Snowy Monaro Regional Library
Last year we went a step further and is like a peek inside the library’. ‘The
to the outlying townships in the region.
put a new wrap on the outside of ‘the colours are great too. Great to see the
They love their ‘book bus’ and Anthony,
bus’, as it is affectionately referred to bus we care about getting some TLC.’
and would be totally lost without it.
by all the users. The concept was the
Snowy Monaro’s new-look mobile library — the driver’s side depicts the vast areas the mobile travels to,
delivering the library services to the region
4 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 5
The Rover New mobile library supports
Lake Mac’s new mobile service
outreach programs
provide extra support services to
family daycare educators in the region.
QPRC recognised that there are some
educators with several children in their
Queanbeyan-Palerang Libraries took care who are not always able to access
delivery of a fitted-out Mercedes the library, so we decided to take the
Sprinter van thanks to generous grant library to them. Both educators and the
funding from Queanbeyan-Palerang children had the joy of selecting books
Regional Council (QPRC) and a Public of their choice and then having a library
Library Infrastructure Grant. It staff member provide a fun storytime
has been stocked with a selection of for them in a relaxed setting.
library materials to cater for all ages, Queanbeyan-Palerang Libraries
and we endeavour to deliver a range has recently commenced Tech Time
of library services to our regional classes at a local community hall in /01
communities, with 11 stops currently conjunction with our mobile library We will continue to attend events
on the fortnightly schedule. The visit to improve digital literacy for in our region to promote our library
introduction of the mobile library seniors. This is an extension of the services (including the mobile library),
service has allowed us to be a visible Tech Time classes we currently run in to new and existing audiences as
community presence in a new and the branches, based on the Tech Savvy socially inclusive, community spaces
Lake Mac Libraries reviewed its visual presence — the Rover. The tailored to specific user groups. exciting way. We are collaborating Seniors program, with a PowerPoint for lifelong learning and knowledge
mobile library service and looked at Rover’s exterior, designed by Australian The Rover has also been used to deliver with other sectors of our council and presentation, iPads and Android tablets expansion.
options for a new type of delivery in illustrator, Tim Meakins, represents traditional literacy and technology community associations to bring available for use and staff members on
2017. Lake Macquarie City Council the unique value of a modern library. programming with storytimes and library services to the community. hand to answer the tricky questions.
AINSLEE AUSTIN
Resources Librarian
is the seventh largest regional city The illustration expresses the themes e-collection education. Technology The Queanbeyan-Palerang Libraries Queanbeyan-Palerang Libraries
in NSW, distributed around the lake of exploration, creation, connection, services aboard the mobile library had an active role in the Queanbeyan
in 95 communities, including nine transformation and growth — core focus on improving digital literacy Multicultural Festival for the first
town centres. We found what existing ideas of Lake Mac Libraries. and engaging the community with time this year. This was an excellent
customers valued about the service With improved manoeuvrability and new technology — the Rover regularly opportunity to engage members of the
was access to collections through greater flexibility, the mobile service does 3D printer demonstrations at its community who were not familiar with
reservations and browsing, social expanded to include local events and weekend pop-ups. all the services the library offers. The
connections in their neighbourhood festivals. The Rover has a full festival Instrumental to the success of the mobile library was open throughout
and the ability to engage with library set up with furniture providing a Rover is a great team. Rover operators the festival and visitors were welcomed
programs and services. We also wanted chill-out zone. The Rover has attended have knowledge of the whole library onto the bus, where they could join
to access residential villages and new major festivals, markets, local history service and what it can offer to each the library, browse and borrow from
estates in the area. This new-look events, community gatherings, kids’ person and their community. Customer the collection and discuss library
mobile service also had to be suitable weekend sport and pop-ups at local service, tech skills, readers’ advisory, events and programs. One of our staff
for promotional activities and outreach retailers, shopping centres and and connecting people to the right members provided a special storytime
with a vehicle that all library staff and beachside parks. The Rover is available services and programs have made the session for families in the park, which
departments could drive and use. on request for community groups, Rover a great addition to Lake Mac was well received. Joining us on the
We opted for a long-wheel base high preschools and schools, and residential Libraries. day was LiBEARy, our trusty library
top Mercedes Benz sprinter, fitted with facilities and villages, broadening mascot.
FIONA WATSON
adaptable shelving and technology, the library’s reach in the community. Librarian Aged Services Queanbeyan-Palerang Libraries
awning, inviting furniture and a great Programming, technology and stock is Lake Macquarie City Library
has also used its mobile library to
/02
Lake Mac Libraries staff with their new mobile library service, the Rover 01 Queanbeyan-Palerang uses its mobile library to support daycare educators in the region
with storytime sessions
02 The new Queanbeyan-Palerang Mobile Library
6 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 7
Kyogle & Casino reach out Ku-ring-gai’s
to schools Libraribus
a simple bookmark craft, free lucky
dip, and Halloween sweets. A felt board
advertised all children’s and adults’
programs and events for October to
November and promoted membership
and library services. The pop-up
library was visited by 30 adults with
39 children on the day, with 84 junior
titles given away. It was a successful
and fun activity for Kyogle Library
which will definitely be done again!
Casino Library provides outreach
services to preschools and primary
schools that are unable to visit the
library due to distance or operational
guidelines. Up to 10 outreach
programs are delivered each week.
This includes twice-weekly storytime
visits to Jumbunna Early Childhood
Intervention Centre for children
with disabilities or delays in their
development, from birth to school The Libraribus, offering free door-to- people who are unable to travel on
When the small community schools in all in different directions from Kyogle. primary school-aged kids in years
age. Twice-weekly visits to the Baptist door transport for needy residents their own or find it difficult to use
our LGA (local government area) were The library outreach visits were tailored 3–6. But the highlight of each of the
Community Preschool support the in the Ku-ring-gai Council area, is a public transport. It not only provides
unable to be serviced by the mobile to support each school’s curriculum, visits was always the browsing and
programmed topic of learning for unique service that the Council offers transport to the library, but also gives
library because of unsuitable road staff needs, classroom needs and student borrowing of books. Two to four crates
the week, as do the fortnightly visits to its community, and one of its kind a sense of support and confidence
conditions, an email was sent, asking if homework as well as personal interests. of materials were provided for the
to Bentley Community Preschool. in Sydney. This service has operated and helps the social wellbeing of the
they would like to receive regular visits Library staff used their own car and were staff and students to choose from. The
Once a month, storytime is also held for nearly 30 years, beginning in community. Some people use the
to their schools from Kyogle Library. reimbursed for travel costs. The visits program also prompted schools to add
onboard the mobile library for Bentley 1989. According to ABS data, 23.3% Libraribus on a short-term basis,
The aim was to have Kyogle Library’s began with an introductory Welcome extra visits to Kyogle Library when
Preschool. Fortnightly storytime visits of Ku-ring-gai’s population is above perhaps while recovering from illness
service not limited to the library to Kyogle Library talk, which discussed they came to town for swimming or
to the rural public school at Stratheden the age of 60, with that number set to or surgery; but some people have used
building, but to take the library on membership and services. With the other small school get-togethers. The
engage students from K–6. All our grow. Our Libraribus, a comfortable the service regularly for many years.
the road and reach out to the outlying school’s support all children were visits continue in 2018 with more small
outreach programs include stories, eight-seater, was recently upgraded Library members can be picked up
small schools and preschools located encouraged to become library members schools showing interest in the service.
songs, action rhymes and puppets. to include a wheelchair lift. We have from home and driven to their local
in old village areas. Most of these small so that they could borrow books. In 2017, when Kyogle Library was
The program is designed to appeal to clients using wheelchairs and a client library on scheduled days where they
schools and preschools have between After the introductory visit, asked to run a storytime at a local
the various sensory and participatory with a visual impairment among our can spend 30 minutes choosing items
nine and 30 students each. From year a schedule was set up for each school monthly market — the Kyogle Bazaar
needs of individual children. Educators regular 60 members. This service is to borrow and consulting library staff
to year these schools struggle to survive or preschool to have an hour-long — we decided to set up a full pop-up
often ask for copies of the songs and greatly valued by the community, with before returning home.
and because their numbers fluctuate, visit on a fortnightly or monthly basis. children’s library instead. We set
rhymes used on the day for future use one of our clients commenting that: ‘…
their school libraries are often under- With input from each school, the visits up a children’s area with mats and a
in the classroom. it’s reassuring to hear how Ku-ring-gai
GAYATRI KRISNAMURTHY
funded and poorly resourced. were tailored to include a themed book stand; we ran our October kids’ Information Services Team Leader
The response was instant, with replies storytime, a simple craft session for activities, which were themed around GARY ELLEM Council respects its elderly people…’ Ku-ring-gai Library
from three schools and three preschools, the pre-primary K–2 classes, and a Halloween, with a Lego kit, calm- Manager Regional Library The service particularly caters
Richmond-Upper Clarence Regional Library
each a 30- to 45-minute drive away and book club discussion group with the colouring-ins for a variety of ages, for frail and elderly residents, and
Casino’s mobile library visits Bentley Preschool for storytime Ku-ring-gai’s recently refurbished Libraribus
8 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 9
Hills Libraries partner with Big Book Club
community care
this, another partnership was
developed with the Friends of The Hills
Library volunteers to assist staff with
set-up and lending. Client surveys also
A partnership between The Hills Shire helped to shape ideas of what types of The Big Book Club is a wonderful
Libraries and Hills Community Care items should be included in the library example of how reading can bring
(HCC) to bring library services to less- each time, and helped to promote the people together to share what they
mobile members of the community new service. know of life and to learn some of what
has gained in strength since it was Transporting items was a challenge they don’t. It grew from our desire
developed in 2016. A significant part in terms of providing enough variety to unite our community through
of The Hills Shire Council, Hills for groups with up to 30 members. A reading. It is proven that reading for
Community Care provides services mix of items are stored onsite and then pleasure reduces stress, heightens
for the frail-aged, people with a set up each visit by the volunteers. The empathy, slows the onset of dementia,
disability, and their carers. They offer library’s courier service, already used and makes us more active and aware
assistance so that people can maintain to transfer items between libraries, they could borrow books in their own citizens. Book clubs and community
an independent and quality lifestyle. was engaged so that library staff can language, and are very appreciative reading programs extend these benefits
A part of this service is the social day refresh the HCC Library collection every visit. One of the Maltese group by creating opportunities to explore
program that arranges transport to the every two months. Volunteers take together the issues that are relevant Local History collection. Thirty hard • Sue and Melissa travelled to Raymond
members found a book she hadn’t read
centre for many people to socialise and requests for items on specific subjects. to our lives. The partnership between copies of The Birdman’s Wife were Terrace, Newcastle and Tomaree
since she was 17. She was so excited,
participate in activities, groups and One customer had requested books Newcastle and Port Stephens on One made available, as well as a book club Libraries to talk about Elizabeth Gould
she took it home and showed her sister.
hobbies. on making looms, and then went City One Book for the Library Lovers’ kit consisting of 10 copies, audio books, and the Gould collection.
One of the outcomes in The Hills Shire
The first library visits to the centre on to make a loom, proudly sharing Day Big Book Club in 2017–18 is the multiple ebooks, and e-audio books.
Library Service 2016–20 Strategic Plan The Big Book Club was the perfect
started as a promotional tool for his pictures with others. An iPad second major collaboration between One City One Book was launched
is ‘a connected inclusive community way to celebrate Library Lovers’ Day,
eresources, with staff delivering makes issuing items to the library the two library services funded by a in early December with a reading of
engaged in lifelong learning and the success of the event was evident
information sessions on how to access management system easy and means State Library collaboration grant. the letters of Elizabeth Gould from
creativity’. Providing this service to in the buzz of conversation as the
ebooks and audiobooks. From these customers can take them home that In 2017, our first One City One Book Newcastle’s rare book collection,
some of the most isolated members of audience gathered before and after
initial sessions staff realised that day. We have learnt some lessons: and Big Book Club, featured the well- broadcast live on Facebook. On
the community has helped us reach the event, with complete strangers
people who met at the centre may be known and loved Jasper Jones by Craig 14 February, Library Lovers’ Day,
• it’s easier to keep library cards that outcome. With over 80 members stopping to chat about the book and
unable to get to their local library, Silvey. The choice was enhanced by the 170 keen book-clubbers, including two
onsite rather than asking customers and almost 2000 loans between them, the issues raised by it. The Big Book
yet they were still mobile and didn’t serendipitous arrival of a film and play bus-loads from Port Stephens, flocked
to remember them many have renewed their connection Club is now a permanent fixture on the
require a home library delivery. The in time for our book club. Our challenge to the Newcastle Conservatorium
to the library and discovered a love of Newcastle and Port Stephens cultural
idea of providing a library service • bring some books around on trolleys for this year was to find a book that Theatre, which was the venue for the
reading and learning again. calendar and can only become bigger
was discussed and Hills Community to help less-mobile customers would tick enough boxes and attract Big Book Club. There they enjoyed
and better in the future. The challenge
Care staff were very keen to offer ERICA MELLAN enough readers to justify the title Big wine, cheese and a panel discussion
• enable Hills Community Care staff Development Officer for us now is to choose the perfect
this to their customers. From initial Book Club. One of our staff picked up with the author, Melissa Ashley, and
Projects and Promotions
book for next year’s even bigger
discussions staff knew that a bulk drop to accept returns on any day. The Hills Shire Library Services
The Birdman’s Wife by Melissa Ashley Anne Llewellyn, Lecturer of Natural
Big Book Club.
off onto shelves, with no interaction A key development of the partnership early last year and immediately knew History Illustration at the University
from staff, was not going to be optimal. has been providing a library to that this was the book we needed. It is of Newcastle, moderated by Sue Ryan, PATRICIA ANNETTS
Cluster Coordinator
Based on survey results, we decided Mandarin and Maltese speaking beautifully written and tells the story Local History Coordinator. Other Newcastle Region Library
to provide a lending library, realising, groups. Utilising the State Library’s of a truly inspiring woman — natural events were developed around the
and
however, that Hills Community Care multicultural collection, this service history artist Elizabeth Gould. It has a Big Book Club, such as:
staff couldn’t be expected to maintain has had a great impact on the members local connection and last, but not least, • a display of Newcastle Library’s SUE HEENAN
Branch Librarian Tomaree Library
this over a long period. To overcome of these groups, who were unaware we have Gould books in the Newcastle 30 Gould volumes & Community Centre
Port Stephens Library
Members selecting items to borrow from The Hills Community Care Library collection The Gould books draw an audience at Raymond Terrace Library
10 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 11
Central West Libraries Outback Letterbox
reach out to childcare centres Library
in the process of registering their
children for the service.
The collection is supplied by CWL
and is catalogued and processed by
Central West Libraries (CWL) their staff. Library staff also supply Broken Hill is a small library, but our
continues to experiment with pop- training in the library management reach is huge. We serve about 17,800
ups and outreach services whenever system and provide refresher training people who live in this outback city,
possible to showcase services, address on web circulation at the childcare but with only eight staff, we also cover
identified needs and maximise centres. Collections are rotated about a third of NSW. Our catchment
exposure. CWL introduced an between the childcare centres and area runs from the Queensland border
outreach service to Orange City Orange branch library and books can south to Victoria, west to South
Council childcare centres with the be returned to the childcare centre Australia and as far east as Brewarrina,
aim of promoting library membership, or any CWL branch. The library taking in about 238 square kilometres.
services and programs and encourage books are kept separate from the The Outback Letterbox Library was
literacy among preschoolers. This was childcare centres’ own collections. established in 1977 and offers a free
introduced in the Public Library News The centres continue to use their service (funded by the Library Council
Winter 2017 edition on Partnerships, manual borrowing system for their own of NSW) to people who live too
pages 16-17. Courallie Park Child collections. CWL Technical Services remotely to access a physical library.
Development Centre is the flagship Library Technician, Lyn Bugden, said Many of our members live on grazing
centre that has joined the program the project is thriving. ‘It has been well properties, or in towns too small to
to offer membership and lending received. Staff in childcare centres support their own library. To a city-
services to children enrolled at the /01
dweller, it may seem that technology can identify what has been borrowed
are enthusiastic and children enjoy
centre. Their enthusiasm has been a constantly refreshed collection of age- has made this service redundant, but previously. One of our customers has
having different books to choose from’,
important to the success of the specific resources. Children enrolled this is far from true. In Far West NSW, commented that ‘having a bag of books
Lyn said. ‘Often children leaving the
program and a key element in winning at the centre were registered as library internet services are often unreliable is like getting Christmas every six
childcare centre to go to school leave
a NSW Public Libraries Association members and became eligible to borrow and patchy, meaning resources sent weeks’.
behind their library bag for the next
Marketing Award in 2016. The Award from the centre’s collection, as well lot of children — so everyone gets a by mail are still an important part of JACQUI SMITH
recognises initiatives that respond to as from all CWL branches. The centre library bag. They also love their special life. Loans are sent out in sturdy, green Library Assistant
the library’s community and which may holds special library days for borrowing library days. Library cards are given to vinyl bags: books, magazines, DVDs
Broken Hill City Library
be applicable in other library services from the collection. the children when they graduate from and talking books. If we have it for loan,
in NSW and elsewhere. In addition to Early Childhood Teacher, Belinda preschool so they can continue their we can send it. We even do interlibrary
the prestige associated with the Award, Bennetts, explains the benefits of the public library experience. The project loans for our outback members. Each
CWL received $1000 which has been outreach program. ‘It’s an opportunity is an ongoing outreach program to bag includes selection sheets, which
used to purchase more resources for for those families who don’t get a /02
other council-run childcare centres allow customers to request items.
chance to get down to the library to cent of the enrolment has joined which
the childcare centre’s collection. in Orange’, she said. Sometimes these will be specific titles,
borrow books. It all helps with books brings a previously untapped target
The pilot childcare centres initiative but often just a general request
and reading and develops their literacy group to the library. The childcare staff JASMINE VIDLER
with Courallie Park Child Development Reading and Writing Coordinator (eg gardening books, picture books).
skills.’ According to Belinda, it also also use the collection of age-specific
Centre in Orange gained momentum Central West Libraries A staff member selects and packs the
‘helps to teach them to take care of books for two- to five-year-olds in
during the year. Under this program the items, which are then delivered by
something that doesn’t belong to them the classroom and for literacy-based
centre became a special branch of CWL post, courier or plane, depending on
and it gives them the skills to borrow activities. Most recently, CWL has
with centre staff using a version of the the location. Members of the service
books when they get to kindergarten or added Yarrawong Children’s Centre,
Spydus library management system have a six-week borrowing period and
go down to the library’. Seventy-six per Orange, to the program and they are
to issue and return items from their record includes a history, so staff
01 Lachlan, Cooper, Frankie and Jax choose books from the Central West Libraries collection at Flynn unpacks his library bag at Kalabity Station, care of Broken Hill’s Outback Letterbox Library
Courallie Park Child Development Centre, Orange
02 Lining up to get Central West Libraries books scanned at Courallie Child Development Centre
12 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 13
Digital inclusion project Words on Wheels
Bringing books to borrowers and borrowers to books
City of Parramatta Library has recently ‘The bus takes me where I need to be
worked with the council’s Community — the books take me on an adventure
Care Services to run a digital inclusion along the way…’ Edith, 87.
project. The purpose of the project is to For most of us, commuting from
train volunteers from Community Care point A to point B is a necessary, if
in delivering digital skills to people who somewhat boring, part of our daily
are housebound and not able to come lives. But for housebound seniors
to a centre or the library to learn. It is and disabled individuals it may be
a project initiated by the library as we their only chance to leave their home
have previously run digital programs each week. Woollahra Libraries’
to support community learning, and Home Library Service has created
have a history of partnership programs a program to ensure that those who
with the Seniors Centre. For our library use Holdsworth Community Centre reading material to their passengers. The Holdsworth Community Centre
members who are unable to visit, we transport for weekly excursions or These books can then be returned and its transport department support
offer a Library Home Service which daily transport have access to books to the bus for another passenger to a wide range of people, including
/01
also provides some digital learning. and magazines as part of the Words borrow, kept by the individual or older people and those living with
The sessions use mobile devices passed on to their family or friends. disabilities. Their purpose is
The traditional role of Community on Wheels program.
(smartphones and tablets) and are For both the library and the ‘to build a community where all people
Care is to deliver Meals on Wheels to The newly formed partnership
focused on social media channels such community centre, a key goal is easing have the support and services they
its customers in the community, and between Woollahra Libraries’ Home
as Facebook and Instagram, apps like social isolation. The initiative aims to need’. They offer community transport,
through this service, the working party Library Service and Holdsworth
NSW transport, MyGov and YouTube, connect individuals with the library excursions, discussion groups, and
hoped to engage with non-library Community Centre has seen the
as well as cybersafety and internet and to encourage Home Library other activities. With Woollahra
users. The volunteers recruited by introduction of a number of new
costs. Service membership and the pursuit Libraries’ emphasis on the lifelong
Community Care are good assets for outreach programs designed to bring
As a second stage, Community Care of lifelong learning. The label placed learning needs of the community and
both the library and Community Care books to borrowers and borrowers
will identify a few of their customers inside the book provides contact details a vision of connecting people and ideas
to extend their services to a new area to books. Words on Wheels is one of
who already have a device, data /02
for the Home Library Service. Those it is a natural partnership that benefits
and they are enthusiastic about the and the other for their customers. these new initiatives and its benefits
connection and who are willing to who are keen to continue reading are all who are involved.
project. The evaluation will focus on the length are already evident — not only do
learn. The trained volunteers will help made aware of this service and can Bringing books to borrowers, and
As a first stage, volunteers have their of the sessions, content, trainers and the passengers enjoy reading, but
customers join the library and teach contact the library, thus providing a borrowers to books is the Home
digital skills pre-assessed and their learning process. The results will awareness and membership of the
basic skills such as email, browsing the free source of marketing and a way to Library Service’s goal. The new
training needs identified. A weekly provide evidence for the library to Home Library Service has increased
internet, reading a newspaper, access increase community awareness of the partnership between the Holdsworth
two-hour session with library trainers develop further outreach learning as well.
to online government services such as Home Library Service and Woollahra Community Centre and the Words
was set up over four to eight weeks. programs, particularly in targeting The program also provides an
MyGov and ATO, and how to connect Libraries in general. Home Library on Wheels program brings benefits to
Each participant will have the chance, group needs by working in partnership environmentally sustainable use for
with their loved ones. The team has Service members are kept informed both the organisations involved and
regardless of their skill levels, to learn with others. discarded books in good condition.
also applied for funding through Be about services offered by Holdsworth to the individuals who use them, and
training skills, and mobile digital Titles that are left over from our
Connected to look at issues such as Community Centre and are connected increases reach into the community.
skills. So far the training manuals the YAN ZHANG quarterly book sale are selected,
home internet connectivity, volunteers’ Info Access Librarian
with the appropriate people when
library uses are mostly from previous City of Parramatta Library labelled and donated to Holdsworth
contributions and long-term needs. necessary.
RACHEL VASSALLO
training notes and Tech Savvy Seniors, Community Centre to be placed on Community Engagement Officer - Home Library
Two evaluations will be carried out, Service
Be Connected and Leep’s websites. their buses and in their cars to offer Woollahra Libraries
one for the trainers after the first stage
01 Participants in Parramatta’s digital inclusion project ery happy travellers — a group visits Woollahra Library at Double Bay as part of the Words on Wheels
V
02 Learning how to use a device as part of Parramatta’s digital inclusion project program
14 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 15
Pop ’Round
Design students tackle library outreach
outcomes collaborating with students Objectives • offer iPads for use through a wi-fi The document also included the
on joint projects in the past, we felt that hotspot (demonstrating our ebook State Library’s Mobile and Outreach
perhaps this was an opportunity for a • the pop-up library should reflect the and emagazine providers) Services report, Jenny Mustey’s Pop
mutually beneficial design project. strong design principles featured in Up Libraries report, and the City of
The need for a mobile outreach After positive experiences on our physical library buildings, with an • allow visitors to relax and read Sydney’s Glebe Point Road Parklet
program at Bayside Library was previous collaborations with university eye-catching model that will engage • join new members to the library Trial Program.
identified in the 2016 Library Service and TAFE students on broad-ranging The students were not tasked with
passers-by
Review, as a response to explosive projects from technology to social • host a range of other activities. designing bookcases or seating for
population growth in several regions work, Bayside Libraries approached • finding the right fit for Bayside is not the pop-up as this requires industrial
of the Bayside Local Government Western Sydney University’s Rabbit so much a question of investing funds, Deliverables design skills. They worked on creating
Area, where community facilities are Hole studio. which would be modest, but one of a conceptual sense of ‘place’ that could
planned but not yet built. Bayside imaginatively applied research and • mobile unit for the storage and be replicated in the real world. We
Library already owned a small number The Rabbit Hole design exploration of technologies, activities recognised early on that seat and table
of lightweight, portable pieces of and library materials elements could be purchased off the
The Rabbit Hole is the fourth-year • expanding the pop-up library program
cardboard furniture that had been shelf at minimal cost and that what
design studio for students undertaking will allow Bayside Library service to • marketing and promotion of library
used at events and festivals. However, was most needed was a strong visual
the Bachelor of Design (Visual promote our physical library facilities, offerings through signage, banners etc their favourite character and peek
this set-up lacked the ability to message to catch the interest of the
Communication) degree at Western better understand and serve our their face through the hole for a selfie.
transform a ‘space’ into a ‘place’ and • portable shade structure passer-by.
Sydney University. A small group of A magnetic whiteboard panel allows
we felt that passers-by were not being residents, and promote our suite Following submission of the client
students works on a brief and delivers • lightweight seating staff to advertise the activities of
spontaneously engaged. Through a of digital library resources brief, library representatives met
their design concepts at the end of the day and other brightly coloured
Public Library Infrastructure Grant, we • advertising/promotion for social media with participating students to discuss
began to look at options for expanding
the semester for a client, ranging • flexibility is key — the pop-up library panels advertise our resources. Made
and digital screens their interpretations of the concept.
from small private businesses to large can visit a variety of locations such as from post-consumer recycled HDPE
the pop-up. The students split into two competing
entities such as Sydney Water. Students disused shopfronts, parks and reserves, • promotion of the pop-up library plastic, as used in children’s playground
We liaised with several public library groups to develop two alternative
conceptualise and create potential train stations, busy shopping strips, program through traditional equipment, the panels are lightweight,
services that had been featured in the branding concepts. Throughout the
visuals which are workshopped shopping centres, festivals, media such as posters, flyers, strong and durable. Instead of looking
2015 NSWPLA Switch Conference competition phase, students took
throughout the semester by the client. at furniture designs, we looked to
Pop Up Libraries: Beyond the Four Sydney Airport, events, housing local newspapers, newsletters, etc on feedback and brought new and
The students work pro-bono and sign painting our existing cardboard
Walls. Through our discussions, developments etc improved designs back to us, each
a waiver at the end, handing over their • a catchy name furniture in brand colours.
potential pitfalls emerged: problems time refining their ideas and taking
with storing and transporting heavy
artwork to the participating institution. • through the pop-up library program, The students designed a range
• the use of images rather than text on suggestions. In September 2017,
furniture, expensive rebranding we aim to target both traditional of posters, bookmarks and flyers,
to convey meaning. the Pop ’Round was acknowledged
of mobile library equipment due The design brief library users and non-traditional users as the winner of the brief and those
featuring clever puns and fun graphics.
to council amalgamations, and the such as adults aged 19 to 50 and adults The participating students signed
Our first step was to create a design Limitations students went on to design a number
discontinuation of mobile services without children. an artwork release upon handover,
brief for the students, outlining of deliverables.
under amalgamated councils. allowing the library full use of the files
our intentions, explaining some • budget may not exceed $10,000 The sense of place is created
and, importantly, permission to make
Equipped with this information, challenges faced by public libraries Pop-up library activities • the pop-up library must be lightweight
through simple, portable means
minor edits as required. The project is
locally sourced pop-up furniture and and highlighting the importance of our including branded flag bunting to
equipment looked to be expensive • host simple children’s craft activities and compact enough to be moved by now in its final phase with completion
digital services. be strung around the pop-up and
and also somewhat unimpressive. one to two staff members with a station expected in April 2018.
a large three-panel screen as the
• increase membership base
Dynamic, exciting designs could be wagon or similar vehicle. centrepiece. Each panel in the screen ELISSA JAMES
purchased from the USA and Europe • experiment with virtual reality has something different to offer – one Special Projects Librarian
Bayside Library
but exceeded our $10,000 budget. technology is a blackboard with a hole cut in the
Since we had experienced positive centre. Visitors are invited to draw
Bayside Library’s new Pop ’Round in action
16 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 17Campbelltown Library Penrith’s pop-up
Popping up at Campbelltown Mall
drives membership
On the evening of 29 November 2017, Penrith City Library’s pop-up
as removalists and library staff began library program evolved from our
dismantling the HJ Daley Library in 2016 campaign to increase library
preparation for a major refurbishment, membership. It aimed to visit a variety
other library staff were busy setting of suburbs and events throughout
up a pop-up library at Campbelltown the LGA to capture different target
Mall, this time located outside Woolies audiences. A pop-up library kit was
and adjacent to a children’s play area. developed, including portable devices
With an initial stock of approximately (laptops, tablets and a wi-fi dongle) so
1200 popular books, DVDs, magazines that new members could join on-the- Festival, local schools and community 2017 — a pleasing and encouraging
and picture books, the library was spot. The kit also contains a range of festivals and expos. We have also been result. Loans from our e-collections
an instant hit! The HJ Daley Library branded library merchandise including fortunate to piggyback on to various (ebooks, e-audio and e-magazines) have
closed from 30 November to 15 library bags, pull-up banners and council events such as the Seniors also seen substantial growth with a
December and during that time the giveaways such as pens, bounce balls, Festival, the Talking Rubbish Comedy 19.4% increase in the 2016–17 financial
pop-up library opened at 9.30 am each rechargeable torches and coloured Festival, NAIDOC Family Fun Day year compared to the previous year.
day and operated on Thursday nights pencil sets. and the REAL festival. Not only have Our pop-ups also promoted workshops
and weekends. It made 1095 loans, At our pop-up libraries we are able to new partnerships arisen but existing and talks for adults, which along with
had 1918 visits, answered 648 enquiries increase the awareness of the breadth partnerships have been strengthened in-house promotion, resulted in
/01
and joined up 54 new members. of our services and events including and the pop-up libraries have helped 433 attending programs from July to
picket fence and artificial turf supplied us to raise our profile within our own December 2017. In terms of staffing,
It was also a fabulous promotional by Campbelltown Mall. Feedback from Digital Help Desk, Tech Savvy Seniors
opportunity and enabled us to connect training, our home library service and council departments, local shopping our pop-up library program has seen
the community was extremely positive centres, community organisations and enthusiastic and keen full-time, part-
with people who might not make it to and included enquiries about whether JP services. Our staff wear event shirts
one of our libraries. It reminded our when they are out and about so they schools. Our largest pop-up library was time and casual library staff getting out
we could set up there more frequently! in November 2017 at the REAL festival, and about at shopping centres, festivals
community of the great services and Renovations to the HJ Daley Library can be easily identified. They promote
resources offered by the local library. upcoming and regular events including which was attended by approximately and shows. Staff have developed their
progressed extremely well and it was 22,000 people (see In the Libraries, outreach and marketing skills while
Many parents and children took the ready for full opening on 2 January. local studies and author events and
opportunity to enjoy stories and the ever-popular children’s activities, Issue No 8, Autumn 2018 for details). building teamwork and community
The fresh, vibrant and flexible spaces engagement. In 2017 at our pop-up
reading on the bean bags after playing including Babytime, Storytime, after
in the nearby play space, or joined
now include smart screens in our youth
area and a new Connect, Create, Learn school programs, teen activities and What do the statistics show? libraries we met and spoke with over
our Summer Reading club. Visits from school holiday activities. We highlight 700 new and existing residents, joined
space. Great outcomes for both the A snapshot of library membership over 100 new members to the library
Peppa Pig, Bob the Builder and of temporary and permanent spaces! online collections, such as Zinio digital shows that as of June 2016, our
course Santa Claus, also delighted magazines, and Libby, our ebook and and caught up with many lapsed
membership stood at 45,458 and members who weren’t aware of some
our little customers. JULIE LEVELL audio book service. we had started to arrest declining
With attractive shelving, banners,
Library Assistant
The pop-up library fixtures and dates of our newer collections and services.
Campbelltown City Library
membership. By June 2017 our We look forward to popping up in 2018
displays, comfy furnishings and great and
have been scheduled by library staff membership had grown to 45,609,
collections, the pop-up library was set through seeking new venues and by and beyond.
/02 and February 2018 statistics show that
up in a space of approximately 10 x 5 JENNIFER ROSEVEAR invitation from our partners. We have membership has jumped ahead with CAROLYN YOUNG
Branch and Customer Services Coordinator
metres, and the Summer Reading Club Campbelltown City Library visited shopping centres, the annual 49,721 members. That’s a 9% increase
Librarian
Penrith City Library
theme was enhanced by a little white Penrith Show, the St Marys Spring in membership since the middle of
01 Reading with Dad at Campbelltown City Library’s pop-up at Campbelltown Mall Penrith’s pop-up library on the Mondo Australian Library and Information Week
02 Happy reader enjoying the pop-up at Campbelltown Mall
18 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 Public Library NEWS Winter 2018 19You can also read
