Report prepared by Krystal Stevens, Library Officer, Goondiwindi Regional Council
After 5.5 years of working in public libraries, I could not have been more excited to be offered the opportunity to attend the QPLA LEaD conference. When I applied for my travel bursary through QPLA, I did not know I was going to be the first of my kind – the lucky delegate to receive sponsorship through Peter Pal!
For my report, I will work in chronological order to tell you what I loved about this wonderful week.
Day 1 – Tuesday. On Monday night after arriving in the wet and humid town of Townsville, I reached out to QPLA President Nicole to ask for guidance. Nicole was so kind and passionate about her role, and I felt safe with her from day 1. Nicole let me know that I could tag along on Tuesday morning for some extra library tours – and I jumped at the opportunity! Coming from a rural library it was so special to see how larger libraries operate and what keeps their customers coming back. We visited the Flinders Street library and the Aitkenvale library, both of which are a library lover’s dream. With rows upon rows of items for loan, vibrant maker spaces, and an abundance of friendly staff – they were everything I believe a library should be.
Following this, we started pre-conference activities, where we worked together in teams to discuss what we thought libraries should look like in 2035. Different people had different ideas and priorities, but one thing was clear – we all wanted to improve our services for our customers and grow the library space.
Day 2 – Wednesday. On day 2 we continued with our pre-conference activities. This time, we did anonymous surveys to show customer interactions in libraries. It was interesting to see the interactions of other library staff from all over Queensland with their patrons.
Following this, we went on more library tours, this time to James Cook University library in Townsville, and Citylibraries Riverway. The libraries were huge and there were so many amazing resources available. It was so different to what I was used to, and yet something I hope all libraries can one day become. Riverway showed just how important it is to be more than just a place of books, with their programs, rooms, technology, and tremendous maker space.
One of my biggest highlights from day 2 was the lightening talks. While all of them were very interesting, I was particularly intrigued in the one by Western Downs Regional Council on Words Out West. This is a program that is located not too far from my home in Goondiwindi, and it was fascinating to see how another small region were able to create and grow something as well-known as Words Out West from the beginning to now.
And let’s not forget the Trade Exhibition launch!
Aside from networking with other rural libraries, the trade exhibition was one of the most beneficial parts of the conference for me. From companies to assist with site upgrades, to testing out the online version of the Library Management System used in my service, (and of course the abundance of promotional materials), there was something for everyone. As a bonus, I won an ottoman for my library (thanks BFX!), along with a cooler bag full of mini-M&M’s (thanks to The Book House!) just by chatting to the vendors and entering their competitions.
Day 3 – Thursday. The official first day of the conference. By day 3 I was buzzing with an invigorated passion for libraries, and the lineup on this day did not disappoint. From Beth Wahler and Tui Raven in the morning, who were both full of passion and kindness, to the chaotic but captivating Matin Heppell from The Resilience Project in the afternoon, there were so many great speakers on day 3 that it may have been my favourite day of the entire conference. It was definitely the day that had me going home with a head full of ideas to improve not only my local library, but my life.
Day 4 – Friday. Despite the rain, we persisted! Day 4 was the day that made me cry. Pauline Nguyen, Jane Garner, Tracey Spicer. They tore me apart and put me back together again. These strong ladies had seen more than many do in their lifetimes, whether that was through their own eyes, or the stories of others. They spoke of strength and adversity, and ways in which we, as library staff members, help those in our community grow.
By the time I arrived back at my hotel on Friday night my heart was as full as my head had been the day before. I called my husband and told him how much I love libraries, and the impact this conference had on me. Did I think my time in Townsville would be life changing when I booked my flights? No. But I love being pleasantly surprised.
QPLA acknowledges the support of Peter Pal in provision of delegate sponsorship.