17 May 2000

Libraries: here for the long run

The Federal Government is committed to supporting libraries as part of its priority to ensure access to information for all Australians, the Minister for the Arts and the Centenary of Federation, Peter McGauran said today.

'Librarians and library technicians have kept abreast of the technological age admirably and libraries remain as relevant today as they were hundreds of years ago'.

Mr McGauran was speaking in support of Australian Library Week. 'Like good wine, our libraries keep getting better', he added.

Australian Library Week is a special project of the Australian Library and Information Association and aims to promote the tremendous contribution libraries make to educate, inform and entertain all Australians.

Libraries around Australia will be hosting an enormous variety of activities which highlight their services to the public, including:

• Statewide storytime: thousands of pre-school children across Victoria will gather in their local library at 2:15pm on Thursday 18 May for Storytime.
• Ask an expert - computers: local IT business representatives will be available for all your questions at the City of West Torrens Library Service on Wednesday 17 May and Friday 19 May.
• Library e-Learn centres: Southbank Campus library, Brisbane will bowl you over with exhibitions, demonstrations and free internet access for students all week.
• Launch of the Family History web page: by Alison Alexander at 11:00am on Thursday 18 May at the State Library of Tasmania.
• Family fun day: Coolbellup Public library and Cockburn Family Support Service will join forces on Saturday 20 May for day of family activities.
• Harbour Bridge Walk: in celebration of libraries, library staff will walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday 21 May.

Australian Library Week will run from 15 May to 21 May. Contact your local library or ALIA representative to find out what is happening in your area:

• Australian Capital Territory: Libby Coates, 02 6246 1177
• New South Wales: Joanne Fuller, 02 9906 5987
• Queensland: Tom Condric, 07 3407 0571
• South Australia: Marion Fielke, 08 8384 0772
• Tasmania: Jane Jeppson, 03 6231 9511
• Victoria: Kerri Pleydell, 03 9376 7320
• Western Australia: Denise Barker, 08 9477 7150