ALIA Public Libraries Summit

ALIA Public Library Ambassador program

Ambassadors Live!

We launched the national Public Library Ambassadors campaign at the Public Libraries Summit on Thursday 16 July, with four high profile individuals already signed up:

	For Kiama, NSW, award-winning journalist, author and broadcaster Bruce Elder. He commented, "In a very real sense, public libraries are the cultural lifeblood of smaller towns, where it's sadly too commonplace for some houses to have no books whatsoever in them. But it's not just about books. There's a rich diversity, with CDs, DVDs and access to the internet. I think libraries have been very good at evolving alongside the technological revolution. Now, school children who use public libraries aren't just borrowing books, they are using computers and there are whole areas set aside for them to study and carry out research."
	Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan, who agreed to be Public Library Ambassador for Western Australia, said, ""Public Libraries are fantastic places to visit for the whole family. Where else can you get access to books, DVDs, music, information, storytelling for all ages and get the internet absolutely free? Don't forget that libraries are also great for the environment because when you are finished with your loan you simply hand it back and someone else gets to share your experience."
	Barry Heard, the author of Well Done, Those Men; The View from Connor's Hill, and Tag, has been chosen to be the public face of East Gippsland Shire Library.  He says his favourite place to visit in Bairnsdale is the library.   'I browse, I borrow, I smile at the children enjoying a story and during my travels as an author, where possible I contact the local library and am happy to give a talk and attract locals.'
	Councillor Bruce Miller, who has served on the Cowra Shire Council for nearly 20 years, 14 of them as mayor, is also the president of the Shires Association of New South Wales.  A keen advocate of libraries, he was delighted to accept the invitation to become Cowra Library's ambassador.  He explains, 'It's hard to over-state the importance of public libraries on so many levels.  They are places where everyone is welcome, supporting our desire for a fair and equitable society.  They are places that are full of exciting ideas, inspirational words and pictures, and they act as a gateway to new worlds of knowledge and information.  They are also places where local government meets the people, on neutral territory.  For all these reasons, they are simply indispensable.'

Watch this space for more quotes from Public Library Ambassadors.

Around Australia

• ACT Library and Information Service is sending invitations to two well known authors and two local dignitaries.
• LocLib is coordinating the Library Ambassador program for Western Australia.
• Randwick City Library NSW is looking for a celebrity who will appeal to all ages, with a special connection to young adults.
• Upper Murray Regional Library Service, on the VIC/NSW border, is approaching a local sports personality, as is Campaspe Regional Library VIC.

Pilots

ALIA has appointed a Project Officer to help get the Library Ambassador program up and running. For practical assistance and advice, call or email ALIA National Office enquiry@alia.org.au, 02 6215 8222.

Extra publicity for your library service

Have you already lined up a Library Ambassador? We’d love to hear about it and to feature your Ambassador on these pages. Send their name, photo, a short biography and quote to sue.mckerracher@alia.org.au.