21 May 2012

Libraries - something for everyone

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Library and Information Week 2012 gets underway this week across Australia asking patrons to Think Outside the Book.

Chosen to promote and showcase the varied resources, facilities, events, contacts, and services provided by the library and information sector, Think Outside the Book gives organisations the opportunity to demonstrate their immense value to the community as more than just a place to put bookshelves.

The list of benefits and services that libraries offer is long. They are community resources offering computer courses; genealogy resources; toys; assistance researching a new career; music and movie lending; storytelling sessions for children and book clubs for adults. Our libraries also offer a community hub - a safe place for everyone in the community to network, to relax, to be entertained and stay connected with the community and the wider world.

Library and Information Week runs from 20 to 26 May. Launching the week’s festivities, Vanessa Little, President of the Australian Library and Information Association, said that this year’s theme is an opportunity to think about the role which libraries play in our local community, work and personal life.

"The National Year of Reading is shining the spotlight on the role libraries play in promoting literacy, reading and a love of books. Many people think of libraries as being all about borrowing books but there is so much more that libraries can offer. Libraries are dynamic forces at the heart of their communities. They can offer ideas, education, services and connections well beyond lending books".

2012 is the sixteenth year of Library and Information Week. Events will be taking place at libraries and information services across Australia.