CQ Regional Rep, Peta Browne shares some of the end of year news from across the Central Qld region..
Libraries in the Central Queensland region continue to support their communities and provide innovative programs and events to stimulate various literacies, inclusion, and social connection.
Recently, Rockhampton Regional Libraries had a great response to their Facebook post about their new First 5 Forever staff polo shirts. There were lots of likes, loves, shares and comments about the shirts which staff wear on days when a Play | Read | Sing session is scheduled. These sessions occur at all branches on different days and the shirts help to ensure a greater promotion of the F5F messaging.
In November Bundaberg Regional Libraries received an award from a local disability services provider, Access Recreation, in their annual business awards. The library was named Most Disability Friendly Community Venue. Many disability groups utilise the library and enjoy the space, resources, and welcoming atmosphere. The Ability Diverse program of crafts and outings for all abilities also contributed to this award.
Bundaberg Regional Libraries is also undertaking a First 5 Forever giveaway promotion in which a different book and toy is provided to children aged five and under who attend the library with their adult. Each month from December to March the book and gift align with one of F5F’s key themes – talk, read, sing, play. It encourages adults to bring their children to the library spaces, check out all the wonderful resources and programs on offer, and to return multiple times to collect all the books and toys and enjoy the library. So far there has been great feedback like:
“I’m impressed with the quality of the book/gift”
“I’ve never been to the library before and had to Google where it is”
It has resulted in some new memberships, and it has enabled staff to upsell all the great programs and resources we offer to new and existing customers.
Throughout the year, Central Queensland libraries have also done some other amazing things. Banana Shire Council ran a successful school holiday program which included making LEGO fidget cubes and bracelets, the Moving Moments seniors group making string craft, and lots of excited kids watching Santa arrive on a fire truck for the special Christmas story time.
Mackay Regional Libraries launched their MyLibrary promotional campaign which ran on their digital platforms. It focused on showcasing to the community the wide array of amazing programs, services, collections, and technology available in Mackay libraries and included Mackay’s new Library of Things collection.
In August, QPLA’s Treasurer Sharon Uthmann, visited Yeppoon Library whilst on holiday. Kasey, Kristen, and the staff were incredibly welcoming, showed Sharon around the library, and discussed all things library and community, along with challenges and successes.
In November we heard from Bundaberg Library about the Paint Gin Gin REaD Book Week program. This is a whole of community program in Gin Gin where local business, the library, and other Council departments get together to help promote and support early childhood literacy. Bundaberg Library also held a successful Wind in the Willows morning tea event with the help of Get Online Week funding from Good Things Australia.
Livingstone Shire Library launched their inaugural Livingstone Health and Wellness Expo which served to also launch their brand-new collection of wellness equipment such as weights, resistance bands, pilates balls, jump ropes, etc.
Mackay Region Libraries hosted library staff from Whitsunday Libraries in the second phase of the Words for Wellbeing Collection project which serves the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions. This is a curated collection of evidence-based shelf-help resources which involves collaboration between the three library services, the North Queensland Primary Network, and Mackay Base Hospital.
Finally, Whitsunday Libraries were successful in securing $475,000 funding over 5 years from the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services. This will enable Whitsunday Libraries to implement a Seniors Social Isolation Program – Intergenerational Storytelling for Seniors.
2024 was a busy and successful year for Central Queensland libraries! We look forward to offering even more joy and connection to our communities in 2025.
