15/2 Update on Library efforts - Victoria
The ALIA Board and National Office have received many and varied emails and enquiries regarding the Victorian Bushfire disaster, which continued throughout last week as more communities experienced fires. Again, our thoughts of support and condolence are with all of our Victorian colleagues, their families and those all around the country affected by these tragic events.
We know that ALIA members and library staff around the country have shown their support - by donating to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal Fund. We know how generous ‘library people’ are, and at this time, it will be no exception. We have on an individual level - contributed cash, are giving blood, donated goods that have made their way in containers, and our volunteer time already. Much more will be needed though over the coming months. I am sure that most libraries are already organising fundraising morning teas and other events.
It was great to see the librarian and the library mentioned in the 7.30 Report on 12/2/08, and don’t forget to add the Widget where you can.
One week on, I have put together below a very brief synopsis of some of the known library-related initiatives starting to occur :-
Public Libraries Network Victoria (VicLink) will be a main contact for future support requirements and will be a part of co-ordinating specific donations etc. (see John Murrell and Christine Mackenzie’s email)
ALIA’s Victorian Local Liaison Officer, Margie Anderson (as the local contact) and President Derek Whitehead will be in touch with key Victorian stakeholders and supporters to arrange more collaborative efforts, and to determine most urgent needs, over the coming weeks. Keep up-to-date via the aliaVIC e-list as well as this blog.
A number of publishers, the Australian Publishers Association and vendors have been in contact with me and more news on supporting donations of new books is currently being arranged and these details will be announced soon.
ALIA is one of the pilar bodies of Blue Shield Australia. Working with other pillar body volunteers, information through the AICCM is available on salvaging and preservation of damaged cultural and other family heirlooms and personal items. Blue Shield pillar representatives will meet on Monday 23rd February at ALIA House to discuss further collaboration.
The Australian Law Librarians’ Association has made a donation to the Red Cross Fund.
The Oz-TL (Teacher Librarians) e-list has had messages advising of a Teddy Bear Drive. Donations of new teddies has started and you can contact the following people for more information. Kate Hole khole@tpg.com.au or Jeananne Brown
BROWJEA1@lavalla.sale.catholic.edu.au are the co-ordinators. Teddies can be POSTED to : Mt. Lilydale Mercy College, 120 Anderson Street, Lilydale 3140
or
Kildare Campus, Lavalla Catholic College, PO Box 1080, Traralgon 3844
or DELIVERED to Werribee Primary School, Deutgam Street, Werribee
and Kildare Campus, Lavalla Catholic College, Kosciusko Street, Traralgon 3844
Other school updates also at SLAV Blog & aliaSchools e-list
I encourage all ALIA members to continue to show generosity of spirit and your support. Please also let us know at ALIA National Office of your stories, and contributions to donations, by emailing me at sue.hutley@alia.org.au
Sue Hutley, ALIA Executive Director