ALIA names Australia’s first public library ambassadors

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has announced the appointment of the nation's first two Public Library Ambassadors: Barry Heard, the award-winning Australian author, and Bruce Miller, one of New South Wales' most active local government leaders.

It is a strong beginning for ALIA's national Public Library Ambassadors campaign, which is similar in concept to UNESCO's goodwill ambassadors. By seeking out high profile champions for the role of libraries in the community, ALIA aims to influence public opinion about this vital service and keep libraries at the forefront of discussions about community, resources, education, services and funding.

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 said that his favourite place to visit in Bairnsdale was 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 explained, "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."

Jan Richards, Vice-president of ALIA, commented, "Our first two Public Library Ambassadors come from very different backgrounds, but both are passionate about libraries. Over the coming months, we will be inviting other well-known, well-respected personalities, including writers, thinkers, sports people and media celebrities to participate in our Library Ambassador campaign."

The Library Ambassador campaign will be officially launched at the ALIA Public Libraries Summit to be held in Canberra on 16 July 2009.

ENDS

INFORMATION FOR EDITORS:

Australian Library and Information Association:
Sue Hutley, Executive Director 0412 764 922
Sue McKerracher, ALIA Library Ambassadors Project Officer 0404 456 749

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional association for the Australian library and information services sector. It seeks to empower the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services to the nation, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support. ALIA represents the interest of 6,000 members, the profession and Australia's 12 million library users.

ALIA http://www.alia.org.au

ALIA Public Libraries Summit http://www.alia.org.au/summit09

Issued on behalf of
Australian Library and Information Association
ALIA House, 9-11 Napier Close, Deakin ACT 2604

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