2022 Highlights – QPLA Central Queensland Regional representative
The Central Queensland region showcased its creativity and ingenuity at the EVOKE QPLA conference with five lightning talks presented from four of the member libraries in the region.
Boutique Library presented by Fran Moroney from Gladstone Regional Council https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hhmUjhYqTs
Keep Warm Community Project by Robyn Chester-Master from Mackay Regional Council https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyRRi1RYovk
Power of Passive programming by Jaala Beauchamp from Bundaberg Regional Council https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb-wGXBCPQg
The Impact of Diversity presented by Gabrielle Byrne from Banana Shire Council https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U03ivPHddVk
The Reading Hunt by Sharon Millett from Bundaberg Regional Council https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pECL0oI6_sM
The fun didn’t stop there, here are a few more highlights from the year that has been:
Bundaberg Regional Council
- Hosted the 2022 QPLA Conference EVOKE
Banana Shire Council
With grant funding, for the month of June at our Biloela Library, we had Multicultural Story Times across the road at the park. Each session featured a special guest from a different country who read a children’s book in their native language and taught the children how to count from one to five in that language. Also available was face painting, resources to play with, and authentic multicultural food to share. The four Story Times were China, South Africa, India, and Philippines.
In August, to coincide with Children’s Book Week, our libraries had a colouring-in competition as well as a special dress up Story Time session. I have included a photo from Theodore’s day.
In December, we had Brick Nic visit our Biloela, Moura, Theodore, and Taroom branches, running a total of six sessions across the week where families could come make an image using a template or their imagination using dot Lego. We also had a Santa visit, arriving in a fire truck outside the library where the children watched from the windows. Once inside, he sang some Christmas songs with accompanying books and instruments, took photos with everyone wanting one, and handed out some lollies.
Central Highlands Regional Council
- As part of our F5F program we launched a storybook interactive walk across the region, focused on being very visual and interactive. We have eight launched across the region so far but the next phase will focus on those areas that do not have a library branch. This is very exciting for us as we were able to make strong connections with other council departments and community groups.
- We introduced interactive film kits; these kits encourage an immersive feeling to the film though the provision of props and sensory objects. These sessions are run in the library and have been incredibly successful with kids and adults alike. There has also been interest in having some take home kits which we will explore.
- We just launched learning kits which include learning opportunities for literacy as well as hobbies for all ages. For example, the yoga kit was borrowed and used by a local aged care facility.
Gladstone Regional Council
- The Precinct Library has benefited from and created multiple partnerships with internal and external organisations. These partnerships have been beneficial to all and created an opportunity to host afterschool sessions such as STEAM Ahead and craft sessions in partnership with the Neighbourhood Centre among other sessions.
- Participated in key community events such as Eco Fest and Luminous, helping promote the library with the community and other council departments.
Livingstone Shire Council
- We just announced the winner of the library app -this has been an important achievement as it involved extensive community consultation and in turn has helped promote our services within our community and within council. We have had over 1200 people download the app already.
- Due to demand, we extended what we are doing with the under 5’s and created an exclusive program for under 1 year old and their parents. This particularly targets new parents and provides a supportive entry opportunity for the new parents. It is so popular we are considering adding another session.
Rockhampton Shire Council
- Introduction of 2 activity booklets each month – one colouring & craft, one puzzles & trivia – with content based on seasonal and themed events in the month. Take-up has increased over 300%, from 139 in January to 576 in December, with 3228 distributed over the 12 months.
- International Children’s Book Day in April coincided with RockyNats, one of Rockhampton’s biggest tourist events. A Saturday library pop-up distributed free transport-themed picture books to 0-5’s, while historic cars and motorcycles from local clubs kept both kids and adults enthralled. One picture book was distributed every minute over the 3-hour event, with 270 people attending overall and 45 new members registrations
- In July, wet weather saw Rocky’s Romp in the Park cancelled with just a half-day’s notice. Libraries pulled together an impromptu ‘mini romp’ for the next morning, featuring storytelling, craft, STEAM & other activities. Advertised just on Facebook, the 3-hour pop-up event in the library meeting room was attended by 267 children and adults
- Grant funding was used to promote F5F with a campaign of 400 radio ads across three local stations, five bus skin designs and fixed signage featuring Errol the frog. During the 2-month promotion, new youth registrations increased over 50% compared to the previous FY and visitor figures rose 17%
Jaala Beauchamp is the Central Regional Rep and will be reaching out to Central region members across 2023 for more highlights from across the region.
