Canberra, 15 September 2020: Library patrons have loved all the events and resources which libraries have provided during the ongoing pandemic, from online events, click and collect book delivery, virtual storytimes and much more.
For Library Lovers’ Day 2021, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is encouraging library workers to ‘make a date’ with their community and encourage their patrons to engage with your library’s services, whether that be virtual or in-person - with safe physical distancing measures where needed.
This is an opportunity to highlight both what your library has accomplished online during the pandemic, and what it has to offer in the real world.
ALIA CEO Sue McKerracher said, ‘Library teams have adapted so well to this new environment that there’s a risk some people won’t come back into libraries – they will have everything they need via their device. But we know that part of the value of libraries is in the way we connect our communities, so physical visits are an important part of the mix. Our Library Lovers’ Day 2021 campaign provides the prompt for library users to rediscover what they’ve been missing during lockdown.’
Next year, Library Lovers’ Day, will fall on a Sunday. As many libraries may be closed or have limited opening hours on this day, ALIA is encouraging participants to celebrate on a day which suits their library opening hours. To help libraries celebrate, ALIA has created free downloadable resources including, bookmarks, calendars (both for library staff and public facing), posters, social media collateral and a PowerPoint dating profile for your library.
Before the day you can put the date in your calendar, 14 February 2021, you can have a look at our website for some suggested activities, and download the free resources. On the day make sure to use the hashtag #LibraryLoversDay on social media or send any photos and/or feedback to [email protected].
About the Australian Library and Information Association
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector.
With 5,000 members across Australia, we provide the national voice of the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support. www.alia.org.au