Riverina Regional Library Annual Report 2013-2014

riverina regional library annual report 2013-2014

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riverina regional library annual report 2013-2014

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About Us The Riverina Regional Library (RRL) is one of the largest regional library services in NSW. It provides library services to approximately 130,103 constituents of 12 local government areas. The service consists of 18 static library branches and two mobile libraries that serve 60 communities.

Riverina Regional Library Headquarters 99 Peter Street PO Box 5186 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650 T: 02 6926 9771 F: 02 69269779 E: rrl1@wagga.nsw.gov.au W: rrl.nsw.gov.au

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Contents RRL Advisory Committee Chairperson Report

4

RRL Advisory Committee 2013-2014

5

RRL Headquarters Staff 2013-2014

6

RRL Branch Library Staff 2013-2014

7-9

RRL Strategic Objectives, Vision, Mission and Values

10-11

RRL Executive Director Report

12-13

Business and Communications

14

Outreach and Promotions

15

Support and eServices

16

RRL Long Serving Employees

17

RRL Mobile Libraries

18-19

RRL Branch Library Event Statistics

20-21

eVolving Libraries

22-23

RRL Branch Library Reports

Adelong Library

24-25

Ariah Park Library

26-27

Batlow Library

28-29

Coolamon Library

30-31

Cootamundra Library

32-33

Corowa Library

34-35

Culcairn Library

36-37

Gundagai Library

38-39

Henty Library

40-41

Holbrook Library

42-43

Howlong Library

44-45

Junee Library

46-47

Mulwala Library

48-49

Talbingo Library

50-51

Temora Library

52-53

Tumbarumba Library

54-55

Tumut Library

56-57

Wagga Wagga City Library

58-61

RRL Statistics

62-67

RRL Integrated Planning Strategy 2014-2018

68-69

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RRL Advisory Committee Chairperson Report We have once again reached the end of a financial year, providing me with the opportunity of writing some words of introduction to this report.

The profile of RRL has expanded with the admission of four former Upper Murray Regional Library NSW Councils into the fold on 1 July 2013. Since that time, RRL has been providing services to 12 local government areas including 18 stationary libraries and two mobile libraries.

To meet the additional demands of providing centralised library services to the new member Councils, RRL has undertaken strategic reviews with a focus on delivering additional services, programs and collection formats.

There has been marked progress. Statistics presented to each RRL Advisory Committee meeting show continued and increased activity in most areas of RRL’s functions.

Although many congratulations have already been relayed to RRL staff this year for their extra efforts associated with the organisational growth, I would like to extend a special thankyou to RRL staff once again for their hard work during the year.

The RRL Annual Report details what has been accomplished during the year and tells the story of the services that RRL staff have brought to the people of the region.

Cr Yvonne Braid Chairperson Riverina Regional Library Advisory Committee

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RRL Advisory Committee 2013-2014 Coolamon Shire Council

Temora Shire Council

Cr Grant Beard Mr Terrey Kiss (Executive Committee) Mr Tony Donoghue

Cr Rachael Schliebs Mr Gary Lavelle Cr Graham Coates

Cootamundra Shire Council

Tumbarumba Shire Council

Cr Rosalind Wight Mr Ken Trethewey Cr Doug Phillips

Mr John Proctor Cr Tony a’Beckett Cr Sue Fletcher

Corowa Shire Council

Tumut Shire Council

Cr Joan Palmer Ms Kristy Kay Cr Fiona Schirmer

Mr Geoff Pritchard Mr Allan Tonkin Cr Margaret Isselmann

Greater Hume Shire Council

Urana Shire Council

Cr Stuart Heriot Mr David Smith (Executive Committee) Cr Annette Schilg

Cr Barry McFarlane Mr Adrian Butler Cr Margaret Buntin

Gundagai Shire Council

Wagga Wagga City Council

Cr Peter Batey Mr Michael Brady Cr Abb McAlister

Junee Shire Council

Cr Pam Halliburton Mr James Davis Mr John Whitfield

Lockhart Shire Council

Mr Rod Shaw Cr Greg Verdon (Executive Committee) Cr Gail Driscoll

Cr Yvonne Braid (Chairperson) Cr Dallas Tout (Deputy Chairperson) Cr Rod Kendall Mr Phil Pinyon Cr Kevin Poynter Cr Garry Hiscock

Riverina Regional Library

Mr Robert Knight (Executive Director)

Ms Karen Wendt (Committee Secretary)

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RRL Headquarters Staff 2013-2014 Riverina Regional Library

Robert Knight

Executive Director

Business and Communications Division

Karen Wendt Wendy Callis

Business and Communications Officer RRL Business Support Officer

Outreach and Promotions Division

Amy Heap Tracey Luhrs Louise Pearce Cynthia Price Anne Reardon Doug Simpson Sharon Smith

Outreach and Promotions Coordinator Outreach Officer (Delivery Service) (Casual Relief Staff ) Outreach Officer (Delivery Service) Outreach and Promotions Development Officer Outreach and Promotions Officer Outreach Officer (Delivery Service) Children’s and Youth Services Librarian

Support and eServices Division

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Brian Plummer Robert Chapman Helen Graetz Lynn Hackett Ryan Hutton Clare Morey Kaylene Nisbet Carmel Roennfeldt Margaret Ross

Support and eServices Coordinator Mobile Library Operator - Northern Support and eServices Officer Collection Services Officer Mobile Library Operator - Northern Support and eServices Development Officer Support Services Officer Mobile Library Operator - Southern (Casual Relief Staff ) Mobile Library Operator - Southern

RRL Branch Library Staff 2013-2014 Coolamon Library

Helen McLoughlin

Bronwyn Hatty

Sharon Miles

Margaret Payton

Cootamundra Library

Penny Howse

Leanne Jones

Rochelle Nicholls

Lynne Thorburn

Lyn Angus

Officer in Charge Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Library Manager Library Assistant Library Assistant Library Assistant Casual Relief Staff

Corowa Shire Libraries

Corowa Library

Louise Parr

Lisa Raschke

Christine Simmons

Library Team Leader Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant

Howlong Library

Nyree-Anne Terry

Tina Baker

Margaret Clarke

Library/Customer Service Officer Casual Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant

Mulwala Library

Jenny Orr

Anita Dickens

Faye Glover

Library/Customer Service Officer Casual Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant

Greater Hume Shire Libraries

Culcairn Library

Susan Kane

Tarran Essen

Jenny Rogan

Jenny Whitlock

Jeanette Ross

Jill Thiele

Henty Library

Susan Kane

Jill Thiele

Debbie Cotter

Jenny Duncan

Jenny Whitlock

Officer in Charge Library Assistant Library Assistant Library Assistant Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Officer in Charge Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant

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RRL Branch Library Staff 2013-2014 Holbrook Library

Alison Cowie

Dominique Heriot

Jen Duncan

Library Coordinator Library/CTC Assistant Casual Library Assistant

Gundagai Library

Cindy Smith

Leanne Sheahan

Officer in Charge Casual Relief Staff

Junee Library

Librarian in Charge Library Assistant Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant

Kim Richards Linda Dyer Margaret Kanaley Matthew Glass Melinda McInerney

Riverina Regional Library - Mobile Libraries

Northern Mobile Library

Rob Chapman

Ryan Hutton

Mobile Library Operator Mobile Library Operator

Southern Mobile Library

Margaret Ross

Mobile Library Operator

Temora Shire Libraries

Ariah Park Library

Eileen England

Angela Rees

Librarian in Charge Library Assistant

Temora Library

Eileen England

Ros Floyd

Carmel Porter

Librarian in Charge Library Assistant Library Assistant

Tumbarumba Library

Vicki Hulm Regina Brunsdon Karen Adams Marian Clifton Sarah Rial

Library Coordinator Library Assistant Casusal Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant

Tumut Shire Libraries

Adelong Library

Susan Barnes

Batlow Library

Robert Beegling

Shirlee Straatsma

Marion Jones

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Library Assistant Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant

RRL Branch Library Staff 2013-2014

Talbingo Library

Shirlee Straatsma

Chris Gould

Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant

Tumut Library

Kristin Twomey

Leanne Ballard

Sharon Thatcher

Rhonda Twomey

Wendy Webb

Librarian in Charge Library Assistant Library Assistant Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant

Wagga Wagga City Library

Claire Campbell

Manager Library Services

Information Services/Circulation Team

Margot Lumley Information Services Librarian

Kate Webber Senior Circulation and Facility Officer

Sarah Hofsteede Information Assistant

Nerida Barkley Library Assistant

Deirdre Coggan Library Assistant

Marc Evans Library Assistant

Michelle Lubke Library Assistant

Simon Malloy Library Assistant

Jenny Mansell Library Assistant

Programs, Promotions and Partnerships Team

Christine Bolton Team Leader

Jeannie Hazell Programs Officer

Michael Scutti Programs Officer

Carol Slattery Programs and Promotions Assistant

Kristy Diffey Library Assistant

Andrea Kurta Home Library Officer

Library Casuals

Caroline Canduso

Matthew Griffin

Gemma Hawkins

Tara Maher

Izera Mazambo

Toby Mobbs

Ebony Neal

Belinda Owen

Jackie Sellars

Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff

Volunteers

Home Library 30

Friends of the Library 20

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Connected Communities

Sustainable Organisation

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Our Strategic Objectives

Community Wide Learning

Our Vision

Our Mission

Our Values

Inspiring people Engaging communities Enriching lives

Creatively connecting people, information and knowledge

Respect for people, ideas and knowledge.

Commitment to fostering learning communities.

Integrity, equity and quality of service

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RRL Executive Director Report The Riverina Regional Library (RRL) is the largest regional library service in NSW in terms of participating member Councils, and the second largest in terms of population served.

The reality of organisational expansion was evidenced this year with the admission of three additional Council areas and five additional branch libraries on 1 July 2013. A flurry of strategic, political, operational and financial activity in the lead up to and following the admission of library branches at Corowa, Howlong, Mulwala, Holbrook and Tumbarumba resulted in a very successful transition. A second Mobile Library service for 60 communities in three NSW and two Victorian Council areas was also established.

Thanks to a well planned schedule of activities, the application of all RRL Headquarters staff to the tasks at hand, and the excellent level of collaboration between staff at the incoming Councils, libraries and RRL Headquarters, a successful and relatively seamless transition has been achieved. I would once again like to acknowledge the exceptional work of everyone involved with the transition process. The all-round willingness to discuss and resolve issues as they arose, combined with a strong commitment to a positive outcome, characterised the process and ensured its success.

To meet the additional demands of providing centralised library services, a review of the organisational structure was undertaken. Looking at new ways of achieving objectives with a view to managing change and redirecting the energy of the organisation, the structure was reconfigured into three management areas of Business and Communications, Outreach and Promotions and Support and eServices.

Given the organisational expansion and growing need for workstations, storage capacity and program development areas, the RRL Advisory Committee resolved in October 2013 to endorse a proposal to extend the RRL Headquarters building. The Executive Council provided its support for the extension of the building and funding for the project has been identified. A Library Development Grant to assist with the extension will also be submitted to the 2014-2015 State Library NSW Library Development Grant Program.

As part of the Wagga Wagga City Council Service Quality Strategy, RRL once again undertook a Customer Perceptions Survey in 2014. This is the fourth time since 2009 that RRL’s direct customers, member Councils and branch Libraries, have had the opportunity to rate the services provided by RRL. The 2009 survey returned a 71% approval rating, followed by 83% in 2010 and 95% in 2012. RRL staff have worked hard over this time to rectify identified areas of service deficit and this has resulted in 100% approval rating for 2014 – a fantastic result! However, there is always room for improvement. The RRL Integrated Planning Strategy 2014-2018 priorities of Build Capacity, Innovation and Accountability and Create Connections incorporate an underlying focus on continuous improvement to ensure that high quality service levels continue into the future.

None of the progress and success of RRL would be achieved without the commitment of inspirational staff at RRL Headquarters and each of its 20 branch libraries. Without exception, staff from across the region have demonstrated true professionalism, patience, innovation and quite often sheer brilliance throughout the many and varied changes that have been introduced.

It is largely due to the engagement of its staff that RRL is recognised as a regional and state leader in many of its initiatives and innovations. This reputation has been forged against a backdrop of increasing demand and changing expectations about public library service provision at every branch, so, as always, the contribution of our people is gratefully acknowledged.

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The ongoing support of RRL member Councils and Advisory Committee provide the organisation with a strong vision and a clear mandate to pursue excellence through inspired planning, embracing change, optimising innovation, and always seeking to improve. With these principles clearly in mind, we approach 2014-2015 with confidence, optimism and excitement.

Robert Knight Executive Director Riverina Regional Library

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Business and Communications The Business and Communications Division provides administrative support and coordinates procedures to achieve RRL strategic goals and objectives

Administration and Finance Work Health & Safety Strategic Reporting Policy Development

Karen Wendt Business and Communications Officer Wendy Callis RRL Business Support Officer

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Outreach and Promotions The Outreach and Promotions Division is responsible for the development and implementation of programs and services to RRL branch libraries

Outreach Services Promotions Children’s and Youth Services Internal Delivery Service Amy Heap Outreach and Promotions Coordinator Tracey Luhrs Outreach Officer (Delivery Service) (Casual Relief Staff ) Louise Pearce Outreach Officer (Delivery Service) Cynthia Price Outreach and Promotions Development Officer Anne Reardon Outreach and Promotions Officer Doug Simpson Outreach Officer (Delivery Service) Sharon Smith Children’s and Youth Services Librarian 15

Support and eServices The Support and eServices Division provides information technology, collections and eServices support to RRL branch libraries and the mobile libraries

Information Technology Services Collection Services eResources and eServices Mobile Library Operations Brian Plummer Support and eServices Coordinator Robert Chapman Mobile Library Operator - Northern Helen Graetz Support and eServices Officer Lynn Hackett Collection Services Officer Ryan Hutton Mobile Library Operator - Northern Clare Morey Support and eServices Development Officer Kaylene Nisbet Support Services Officer Carmel Roennfeldt Mobile Library Operator - Southern (Casual Relief Staff ) Margaret Ross Mobile Library Operator - Southern 16

RRL Long Serving Employees Three RRL staff celebrated a total of 110 years of service to Riverina Regional Library at a Long Serving Employee Awards Dinner hosted by Wagga Wagga City Council in August 2013. The Mayor of Wagga Wagga, Cr Rod Kendall, presented staff with a certificate of recognition for long service and a gift voucher.

Lynn Hackett, Collection Services Officer, celebrated 35 years of service. Lynn commenced her employment on 8 March 1978 as a temporary Library Assistant and was appointed to that position on a permanent basis later the same year. Lynn has seen huge technological change in an expanding service operation over the years. Lynn is so dedicated to her customer service role that is not unusual for her to troll bookshops in her own time for special requests from branch libraries and to work well beyond her required hours.

Brian Plummer, Support and eServices Coordinator, celebrated 35 years of service. Brian commenced employment on 26 April 1978 as a temporary Librarian. Brian ‘s position title has changed a number of times over the years. Brian is highly respected across RRL as a can-do person who is always willing to fix things, move things, drive things and generally assist wherever he can. Brian is a keen and talented trivia buff and dedicated St Kilda supporter.

Wendy Callis, RRL Business Support Officer, celebrated 40 years of service. Wendy commenced her employment on 4 October 1973 as a Junior Library Assistant at the tender age of 16. As longest serving employee, Wendy has held a variety of positions in the organisation over the years and experienced a number of organisational relocations.

Wendy is well known for her amazing memory for staff birthdays and bakes a mean cake for morning tea treats.

Lynn Hackett 35 years of service

Wendy Callis 40 years of service

Brian Plummer 35 years of service

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RRL Mobile Libraries RRL’s mobile libraries play an important role in library service provision to people in many different geographic and demographic areas.

RRL is the largest regional library in NSW, providing services to 12 member councils through a network for 18 static branches and two branches-on-wheels - the mobile libraries. The regional network spans a geographic area of 39,000km with a population of 130,000 residents. The mobile libraries cover a reasonable stretch of this big patch, as well as providing services to two Victorian council areas on a service contract basis.

The characteristics of the communities on the scheduled mobile library routes vary considerably, from service points in suburban Wagga Wagga (total population 62,000) to small and remote villages such as Beckom, located 110km from Wagga Wagga with a population of 170 people. The mobile library operators develop close professional relationships with many of their customers, a number of whom have depended on the northern RRL mobile library service since it began in 1979.

The three mobile library operators, Margaret Ross on the Southern Mobile Library, along with Rob Chapman and Ryan Hutton on the Northern Mobile Library, drive long distances to deliver their unique brand of library service, spend a lot of time working alone, and have a unique set of skills that are often difficult to find in the right combination.

The first and most obvious requirement is the ability to drive a large truck (either pantechnicon or articulated configuration) combined with mechanical knowledge, customer service skills and an aptitude to handle the everchanging technology developments in the library environment.

RRL Mobile Library operators travel long distances to deliver their unique branch of library services

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Ardlethan Ariah Park Ashmont Barnawartha Beckom Bellbridge Bethanga Boree Creek Brocklesby Burrumbuttock Collingullie Currawarna Dartmouth Eskdale Estella Forest Hill Ganmain Gerogery Glenfield Park RRL Mobile Granya Humula Jindera Jingellic Kapooka Library ServiceLake Albert Khancoban Kooringal Ladysmith PointsMatong Middle Lockhart Mangoplah Marrar Indigo Milbrulong Mitta Mitta Mullengandra Oaklands Osbornes Flat Pleasant Hills Rand Rosewood St Francis Talgarno Tallangatta Valley Tangambalanga Tarcutta The Rock Tintaldra Tolland Tooma Urana Uranquinty Wahgunyah Walbundrie Walla Walla Walwa Woomargama Wooragee Yackandandah Yerong Creek Ardlethan Ariah Park Ashmont Barnawartha Beckom Bellbridge Bethanga Boree Creek Brocklesby Burrumbuttock Collingullie Currawarna Dartmouth Eskdale Estella Forest Hill Ganmain Gerogery Glenfield Park Granya Humula Jindera Jingellic Kapooka Khancoban Kooringal Ladysmith Lake Albert Lockhart Mangoplah Marrar Matong Middle Indigo Milbrulong Mitta Mitta Mullengandra Oaklands Osbornes Flat Pleasant Hills Rand Rosewood 19

890 Babies and carers attended Baby Bounce sessions

438

20192

340

Preschool children toured our libraries

Children attended Storytime

Children at National Simultaneous Storytime

270

2777

Children participated in Summer Reading Club

Children attended school holiday programs

36,523 people attended events 20

2373 School children toured our libraries

101 Students attended HSC Lock-In

46 Authors and community presentations

118 Knitters attended Knit-In events

297 Adults particpated in Technology Learning

146 Seniors enjoyed Seniors Week events

held across 18 RRL branch libraries 21

eVolving Libraries Change is something we can count on; very little remains the same and everyone needs to adapt in order to survive.

Libraries have always been changing institutions, meeting the changing needs of their communities, and we continue to adapt to the environment. Public libraries are community hubs, not only in the physical buildings, but online as well; providing a place for people to meet, to engage with each other as well as with books, information, programs and events.

As more and more people want to access books and information from home, or on the go, library collections are changing. You will still find plenty of books, magazines and DVDs on the shelves, but you can also access those items electronically, whether it is from your computer at home, or from your tablet or smart phone. eBooks, eAudio books, magazines, music and films are available through the Riverina Regional Library’s eLibrary.

Library users can watch documentaries or independent feature films on their smart televisions or tablets through Beamafilm, download music and magazines to keep via Freegal and Zinio, and download eBooks and eAudio books through Bolinda and Wheelers. Carter’s Price Guide to Antiques is now online, as is Good Reading magazine and National Geographic. Dedicated eReaders are great for eBooks, and magazines read on tablets are interactive.

Not only have collections adapted, but the way libraries communicate is changing too. A conversation in the library is a lovely thing, and library staff are keen to chat with library users when they are looking for books or attending a program, but we are also able to engage with a broader range of the community through social media.

The Riverina Regional Library has eleven Facebook pages and two Twitter accounts that allow us to let our communities know what is happening at their local branch, to give them reading and technology tips and to answer their questions.

Our social media presence allows us to let the mobile library users know when the vehicles are off the road and point them to resources they can access remotely. We also have Pinterest boards and a Goodreads account that promote our collections and events.

Not everyone in the community adapts easily to these changes. There are many people who cannot afford access to newer technologies, along with many who struggle to use them. Public libraries have always been the equalisers in society, providing access to resources for the whole community and we now provide help for those who want to engage with new technology.

As well as providing free wi-fi and public access computers, we hold classes to enable people to confidently use their tablets, smart phones and eReaders to access our online resources.

As the world changes, you can look to your library to help you navigate the new environment. The library buildings and friendly, helpful staff are still there and the library is a place where you know you are welcome and you can find resources and events to suit you, but when you can’t get into the library and you need resources on the go, the library is wherever you are via the Internet.

The eVolving library is not about swapping one good thing for another, but about building on the good things and making them available in more ways, more of the time.

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Tumut Shire Network of Libraries

Adelong

Adelong Batlow Talbingo Tumut

Programs and Events Adelong Library hosted two school visits; one preschool Storytime visit, one music group Storytime visit and a Stroke Safe Talk. The library also participated in Summer Reading Club. Community response to these sessions has been very positive .

Services The library is co-located with the Health and Community Centre and provides a number of services including lending of books, CDs and DVDs; ADSL internet access; photocopying and faxing service; community noticeboard; booking of street stalls for Adelong; rates payments; and home deliveries are made to housebound patrons.

The library arranged an audio book bulk loan from the NSW State Library which was well utilised and a magazine display from Tumut Library was set up. A newsletter was produced which provided highlights of new books and details of upcoming programs and events. A viewing of local history was arranged for a seniors group and new spine labels were introduced for old stock making it easier to locate items.

Collection and Resources Two new bays of shelving on wheels were acquired which required reorganisation of stock. The library also acquired two new picture book stands and two new computer desks.

Susan Barnes Library Assistant Adelong Library

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Adelong Library Tumut Street ADELONG NSW 2729 02 6946 2270 adelong@tumut.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Tuesday 1:00pm - 5:00pm Wednesday 8:30am - 11:30am Friday 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Adelong Library is co-located with the Adelong Health and Community Centre and provides a range of community and library services

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Temora Shire Network of Libraries

Ariah Park

Ariah Park Temora

Services The Ariah Park Library continues to provide free internet access. The Temora Librarian visits the library on a monthly basis with transferred and new material. Technical and professional support is also provided by the Temora Librarian.

The Ariah Park Library will close from July 2014. Library services will be replaced by the RRL Northern Mobile Library which currently visits the town each fortnight on Friday afternoon at the Coolamon Street service point opposite the Post Office.

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Ariah Park Library 44-46 Coolamon Street ARIAH PARK NSW 2665 02 6974 1099 ariahparkpost@bigpond.com

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Saturday & Sunday 9:00am - 12:00pm

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Tumut Shire Network of Libraries

Batlow

Adelong Batlow Talbingo Tumut

Programs and Events Storytime continues to be very successful and holiday programs have been well attended. Crocodile Encounters had a wonderful attendance by children and parents and Bubbly Science was well attended by enthusiastic children and and their grandparents. The Feltmaking Workshop had a very interested and enthusiastic group of attendees who were delighted with the samples they took home. Cartoonist, Andrew Hore enthralled attendees with his skills and insight into the cartoonist’s mind.

Partnerships The library provides a variety of resources to the Batlow/Adelong Multi Purpose Service, including reading and talking books, and to the Literary Institute of Batlow, including themed author evenings, taking bookings and advertising presentations.

The library provides information and advertising, stall bookings and organises a volunteer roster for Ciderfest and Apple Blossom Festival. The library acts as a rural transaction centre providing an access point for customers to conduct their Centrelink and Medicare business for the Department of Human Services.

The library also functions as a branch of the Tumut Shire Council providing information, disseminating Council documentation, money receipting and collection services.

Services The community continues to utilise the library as a focal point for socialising on such occasions as the Wrap With Love sessions held at the library and to access Government social services.

Seasonal workers continue to visit the library to access the wi-fi and to sit in the surrounding spaces of the library reading newspapers. The library continues to receive visitor information enquiries.

Collection and Resources A major weed of all sections of the collection is planned for 2014-2015. Following a customer survey held this year, a review of our magazine subscription was undertaken and new titles were added in place of those less frequently borrowed. The community has responded in a very positive way to these changes. The library has enhanced its DVD collection which is heavily utilised, and new items for the book collection are regularly received. Resource donations still flow in steadily and these have been added to the collection.

Robert Beegling Library Assistant Batlow Library

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Batlow Library Pioneer Street BATLOW NSW 2730 02 6949 1315 batlow@tumut.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm)

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Coolamon

Programs and Events National Simultaneous Storytime was held at Coolamon Library in May with the book, Too Many Elephants in this House. The library celebrates this event over the week with the local preschool and daycare centres and local schools.

Children enjoyed the book whilst making their elephant craft. They were given the opportunity to borrow some books which then made a significant increase in membership and loan statistics.

The library hosted two author visits during the year. The most recent was Mr John Sheridan with his debut book, The Bracelet and Sandy Bröcking, Think Smart and Lose Weight. Both were well attended with book sales proving to be very popular.

Regular Storytime sessions are held on a fortnightly basis with good numbers in attendance. Book Week and a number of school holiday program activities were also very popular. The Food for Fines campaign continued in the months of November and December and the baskets of food were donated to St Vincent de Paul Society in Coolamon.

Partnerships One of the library’s major partnerships is with North East Riverina Rural Counselling Service (NERRCS). Yvonne Hitchenor, Project Manager from NERRCS, has supported several programs, events and workshops. Some of these include the Heart and Soul gathering, Men’s Health Week and International Women’s Day. Throughout the year, the library has continued building strong partnerships with local schools, preschools and the daycare centre. The library has also continued partnership activities with the Coolamon Men’s Shed, Allawah Lodge, St Vincent de Paul, Canola Adventures and ABC Radio.

Services The library has been involved in many different services throughout the year for the community to attend and enjoy.

One of the highlights was International Women’s Day which was celebrated on 26 March with over 80 attendees. The night was described by those who attended as an uplifting and inspiring evening.

Other services provided by the library to community members include three public computers, printing, faxing and laminating services as well as wireless internet access.

Collection and Resources There were many new introductions to the digital collection throughout the year. The online eLibrary collection has grown and is becoming very popular. The RRL website is full of practical information and helpful tips for our members to follow when downloading their books, music and magazines.

Audio books are provided from the NSW State Library which are then enjoyed by residents of the local nursing home, Allawah Lodge. The library now has three Book Clubs running in Coolamon and members are finding pleasure in the variety of books, fiction and non-fiction available through RRL Book Club.

Helen McLoughlin Officer in Charge Coolamon Library

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Coolamon Library 129 Cowabbie Street COOLAMON NSW 2701 02 6927 2492 coolamon_library@westnet.com.au

Opening Hours Monday - closed Tuesday to Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 12:00pm

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Cootamundra

Programs and Events To celebrate Grandparents Day at Cootamundra Library, grandparents were invited to a special Storytime. There was a wonderful response from families and, afterwards, participants went outside to the nearby pond for a sausage sizzle and a chat. Storytime was well received when Sharon Smith from RRL presented it at the Southern Cross Retirement Village. The residents loved being surrounded by the children and a fun morning was had by all.

The biggest hit of the year was the travelling National Dinosaur Museum which came to the library in August from Canberra. The library opened on a Sunday and was inundated with families who made the most of the opportunity to view this amazing exhibition.

There were a number of school holiday programs and author talks held throughout the year. Celebrity readers were a feature of Book Week 2013. The local firemen enjoyed reading some ‘fire tales’ to children. The best part, of course, was being able to hop on board the fire truck.

Partnerships Little Wattle preschool have recently begun to visit the library on a different day each month. The children enjoy stories and rhymes and the RRL balloons on sticks were a big highlight of their last visit. The library has a strong partnership with Elouera Special School who enjoy their own Storytime each Tuesday and Thursday. On Wednesday morning a senior class student from Elouera participates in a work experience program.

The Stephen Ward Rooms are the meeting place for the University of the Third Age. They have over 200 members, the majority being library members. Rochelle Nicholls gave an outstanding presentation about Ancestry.com in June.

As a result of this seminar, a group of local ladies have started a family history group that meet every fortnight in the library.

Services This year the library was lucky enough to receive grant funding in the amount of $2360 through the Government’s Broadband for Seniors program. This funding has enabled the library to provide weekly iPad for Beginners sessions.

The library has recently purchased 12 new computers that are available for public use. These have been heavily used since their installation and are very popular with children after school. The library also provides photocopying, faxing, scanning, laminating and Justice of the Peace services.

Collection and Resources After long hours of weeding out books in the non–fiction and adult fiction section, a giant book sale was held in November. Hundreds of dollars were raised and put towards purchasing new DVDs for the library and an X-Box for the children. The Cootamundra community continues to support generously with quality donations of adult fiction.

These items are then processed at RRL Headquarters and given a new life. Library staff have made it a priority to educate members on the various eResources available and plans are underway to establish a writers’ group and a monthly library newsletter.

Penny Howse Library Manager Cootamundra Library

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Cootamundra Library Wallendoon Street COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590 02 6940 2200 library@cootamundra.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 9:30am - 12:00pm

The Cootamundra Library was nominated this year as Australia’s Favourite Library with the Australian Library and Information Association

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Corowa Shire Network of Libraries

Corowa

Corowa Howlong Mulwala

Programs and Events Corowa Shire Libraries hosted narrator Stig Wemyss during Book Week. Over 470 children from primary schools in the Corowa Shire were jumping in their seats as Stig performed. Stig involved the children in his performance and Bolinda Digital provided audio books as prizes which were handed out during the performance. Library and Information Week was celebrated with children’s book illustrator, Craig Smith. Ten sessions were held over three days with over 540 children from all schools in the Corowa Shire attending.

Corowa Library joined in the National Simultaneous Storytime with Craig Smith reading Too Many Elephants to 92 children from St Mary’s Primary School. Other school holiday activities such as The Scientwists, Feltmaking, the Summer Reading Club and Cartooning were all well received by children, encouraging their lifelong enjoyment of reading.

Partnerships It was a year of big changes at Corowa Library with the closure of Upper Murray Regional Library after 63 years. Corowa Shire Libraries joined Riverina Regional Library and a new library was set up at Howlong. Corowa Shire Libraries would like to thank the RRL management and staff for their ongoing support with the new partnership. It was a great team effort and a smooth transition.

The library has reintroduced a number of new school holiday programs and continued with programs such as preschool Storytime, school visits to the library, Book Club and other adult programs.

Throughout the year Corowa Friends of the Library have been in the background helping to achieve the friendly, excellent, reliable service within the library and externally. The Home Library Service and the recording of The Free Press (local newspaper) enable patrons to continue their love of reading and the connection with their community.

Collection and Resources Since joining RRL, the library collection has been weeded and RFID tagging has been completed. The library has received a lot of new stock throughout the year. RRL staff are to be commended on the brighter, more interesting library collection.

The RRL Storytime kits have revitalised our weekly preschool storytime events. The kits have been a timesaving resource, adding new ideas and stimulating staff with the presentation of these programs.

Borrowers are feeling more confident with accessing the eResources, which have been an addition to the library collection for Corowa Shire Libraries.

Louise Parr Library Team Leader Corowa Library

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Corowa Library Civic Centre 100 Edward Street, Ball Park COROWA NSW 2646 02 6033 8941 corowalibrary@corowa.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Tuesday to Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm Saturday 9:30am - 12:00pm

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Greater Hume Shire Network of Libraries

Culcairn

Culcairn Henty Holbrook

Programs and Events The Culcairn Library held Storytime on the first Friday of each month with members of the public, the local preschool and primary school children. National Simultaneous Storytime was held as an outreach visit to the Culcairn Preschool.

Holiday programs included The Scientwists, BubbleMania, Kites, and Let’s Make Puppets - all of which were thoroughly enjoyed by the children attending.

Author and running expert Marie Bean visited the Culcairn Library in November 2013 and provided an enthusiastic audience with information on the importance of healthy eating and exercise. In August, Stig Wemyss toured the Greater Hume Shire travelling to venues at Culcairn, Henty, Holbrook, Jindera, and Walla Walla with all primary schools in the shire invited to attend the shows. The shows were wildly compelling, cleverly irreverent and full of fun.

Further programs throughout the year included the fortnightly Knit In, Library Lovers’ Day and the celebration of Seniors Week.

Partnerships The ongoing partnership with Billabong High School students undertaking the NSW Premier’s Volunteer program is now in its fifth year. Students are now not only providing computer lessons for free to members of the community but also assisting in the library with shelving collection items and tidying shelves. During Youth Week, the library arranged a promotional stand at Billabong High School. The promotion highlighted the wonderful programs, collections and services the library provides for the diverse needs of the student community. By working together the school can provide the educational needs of the students and the library their recreational needs.

Services The library is a multifunctional centre coexisting with the local Council office and the Government Access Centre. Six public access computers are provided for members of the public to access eGovernment information, general search information, Library Ancestry Edition plus an extensive range of online resources and social media sites. Faxing, photocopying, laminating and scanning are also available for members or non-members of the library for a fee.

The Culcairn Library provides home library services to library members who live in their own home and, due to mobility issues, are not able to physically visit the library. Staff at the Culcairn Library visit Kiltearn House on a monthly basis. This is a valued service which is well received by the community.

Collection and Resources To maintain a fresh collection the Greater Hume Shire Libraries have arranged a regular rotation of adult fiction and DVDs between the Culcairn, Henty, and Holbrook Libraries as well as other branch libraries.

This year has been extremely rewarding with an increased number of members of the community, travelling backpackers and holiday makers visiting the Culcairn Library to use the free wi-fi, read the newspaper or simply have a seat in a friendly, climate controlled environment.

Susan Kane Officer in Charge Culcairn Library

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Culcairn Library 40 Balfour Street CULCAIRN NSW 2660 02 6029 8588

culcairn.library@greaterhume.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 12:30pm

37

Gundagai

Programs and Events It has been a very busy year at Gundagai Library with 7 Book Clubs, 21 Music Funs, 22 Storytimes, 5 Special Storytimes, 1 six week Book Extravaganza, 1 two day Reading Tent and Book Sale at Riverfest, 1 six week Knit In program, 5 big school holiday programs (including PrintIT), 2 exciting Youth Week workshops, 3 Food for Fine collections, 4 different competitions, 1 fun National Simultaneous Storytime and 1 Life Story Writing workshop - and these are just the program and event highlights!

Partnerships So many people to play with! The Gundagai Cultural Group for NAIDOC Week resulting in a library full of boomerang throwing, kangaroo-steak eating; the Community and Technology Centre for TechnoSenior delivery of eBook, iPad and digital photo lessons; Campbell Page Youth Connections for the amazing photography makeover workshop; the passionate Gundagai District History Group and volunteers in developing the Lost Gundagai Facebook page that now has over 1300 followers; Gundagai Children’s Services for our fabulous Fun In The Park day that attracts over 200 people in just a few hours as it showcases all the available children’s events, activities and services in Gundagai; Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre remains a constant partner as we strive to improve on the high quality of events and activities at Mirrabooka and work to maintain our fruitful symbiotic relationship.

Services This year tough love, patience and perseverance saw our Self Loan Station usage go from 30% in the July-September period to 80% in the October-December quarter. Benefits for both staff and customers have been dramatic with more independent and confident usage of the library facilities by patrons together with more activities, programs and actual customer support on the floor from staff.

Free wi-fI! Thanks to the generous NSW.net program from NSW State Library, the free wi-fi has brought a whole new flock of customers to our door. It is important to also mention the services that the library has provided as a meeting venue. These have grown considerably over the last few years and include general gatherings, exam venue, counselling venue, study den, tutoring venue, Book Club meeting place, History Group home, youth meeting place, tourist/traveller refuge and of course, recreational reading spot.

Collection and Resources This year, as well as moulding our main fiction collections into the book shop model with face-out shelving and a friendlier approach to signage and labelling, there has been an endeavour to build a collection of local audio visual files. With the help of the Gundagai District History Group and other volunteers, the library has been collecting, preserving and storing video, images and audio of local interest. The collection is not available for loan outside the library at this stage, but as things progress, it will become a valuable source of history that future generations will have access to.

Cindy Smith Officer in Charge Gundagai Library

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Gundagai Library 245 Sheridan Street GUNDAGAI NSW 2722 02 6944 0270 library@gundagai.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch 12:30pm - 1:30pm)

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Greater Hume Shire Network of Libraries

Henty

Culcairn Henty Holbrook

Programs and Events Storytime was held on a fortnightly basis with regular visits by the Henty preschool. The Henty Library also made outreach visits to the preschool to ensure all children were given the opportunity to listen to a selection of stories and take part in themed craft activities. Book Week was celebrated at the library with schools and students invited to be part of a Space Junk competition. The response from the schools was excellent with lots of entries on display in the library.

Author visits throughout the year included a presentation by Sandy Brocking who spoke passionately about healthy eating, diabetes and glaucoma.

Further ongoing programs at the Henty Library include The Henty Writers group which meets on a monthly basis in the library, Computers for Seniors and a visit by the Cancer Council to promote healthy eating to young mothers.

Partnerships Throughout the year the library has continued to build partnerships with key organisations in the township which have included the Henty preschool, local primary schools, Myoora Hostel and the Henty Show Society. Library staff realise the importance of forming partnerships with these organisations in promoting the collections, programs and services and for the long term sustainability of the library.

The Henty Show Society and the Henty Library are in an ongoing partnership whereby the show society promotes the library in the annual show schedule and the library provides a range of craft activities.

Services The Henty Library coexists with the Council Office providing a range of services which include free wi-fi, public access computers, photocopying and faxing services. The library also provides home delivery services to members of the library who are unable to physically visit the library due to lack of mobility or lack of transport.

Library staff provided outreach visits to a number of schools during the year to promote the selection of eResources available to the students.

Collection and Resources The Henty Library received a grant from the NSW Library Development Grants program in the amount of $200,000 to effectively double the size of the library. The extensions will change the library into a dynamic community space, technological hub and recreational place for all members of the community.

The Henty Library has continued to maintain a collection that is weeded on a regular basis to ensure the collection remains current. Borrowers have also embraced the eLibrary collection.

Susan Kane Officer in Charge Henty Library

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Henty Library 30 Sladen Street HENTY NSW 2658 02 6929 3770

henty.library@greaterhume.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Monday 1:00pm - 5:30pm Tuesday 10:00am - 2:30pm Wednesday, Friday 10:00am - 5:30pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm) Saturday 10:00am - 12:30pm

Henty Library received a NSW Library Development Grant in the amount of $200,000 for their building extension project

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Greater Hume Shire Network of Libraries

Holbrook

Culcairn Henty Holbrook

Programs and Events Storytime has been very successful with parents and children. It is so good to see the children grow and learn as we share stories, sing, move, count, dance and have fun doing a variety of craft activities. One of the highlights was a visit

by Dr Noella Mackenzie, an early years educator and lecturer at Charles Sturt University.

The Scientwists visited the library in July with their Science of Slime workshop. It was great fun for those attending and a really worthwhile holiday program that had the children talking for weeks afterwards.

Other highlights have been our annual Biggest Morning Tea where guest speaker, Jo Bartels from Murray Arts, spoke about Holbrook’s Yellow Submarine project. The Elyne Mitchell display, A Writing Life, came to Holbrook in June and was enjoyed by many. Friends of the Library held a big book sale as part of the Holbrook Town Garage Sale in September raising funds to supplement the book budget.

Partnerships Holbrook Library Storytime has benefited greatly through partnership with the Rotary Club of Holbrook. Rotary International makes literacy a priority throughout the world and so the Holbrook Rotary Club invited Dom Heriot (Storytime presenter) to be guest speaker at one of their meetings. Members were impressed with the work that Dom is doing towards assisting the youngest members of our community with their early literacy skills and so made the decision to contribute towards the funding of Storytme in partnership with Greater Hume Shire Council.

Another partnership has been with the Year 6 children from St. Patrick’s Primary School who have helped with Storytime and with National Simultaneous Storytime. The children have also visited the community garden at the school where the Year 6 students have helped them plant seedlings.

Services Delivering books to housebound borrowers is a service which is very valuable to the Holbrook community. The library takes great pride in selecting and delivering appropriate titles to the individuals and is rewarded by the continuing demand for this service.

During the year Holbrook Community Technology Centre and Library presented a number of workshops to the community. An introduction to eReaders, iPad Basics and an Introduction to Ancestry.com were delivered during Seniors Week.

Collection and Resources The addition and expansion of eBooks and eAudio books to the RRL catalogue has been very well received by community members. Since joining RRL, Holbrook Library has enjoyed a marked improvement in the supply of new stock which has improved and refreshed our collection.

Alison Cowie Library Coordinator Holbrook Library

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Holbrook Library Holbrook Library Complex Library Court, Bowler Street HOLBROOK NSW 2644 02 6036 3262 holbrook.library@greaterhume.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Monday - closed Tuesday to Friday 11:00am - 5:30pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm) Saturday 9:30am - 12:30pm

The Holbrook Library was delighted to receive a visit from Dr Noella Mackenzie to Storytime this year. Dr Mackenzie is an early years educator and lecturer at Charles Sturt University who spoke about her research into the importance of children drawing and talking before they learn to write

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Corowa Shire Network of Libraries

Howlong

Corowa Howlong Mulwala

Programs and Events Howlong Library and Resource Centre was officially opened on 30 October 2013. Prior to the library opening, mobile library services were provided to the community of Howlong.

Children continue to enjoy Storytime which occurs fortnightly at the Howling Library on each alternate Friday morning.

A history volunteer attends the library on a fortnightly basis to assist library visitors to access their family history enquiries. The Howlong History and Archives Group meet at the library on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Howlong Library has two registered Book Clubs.

Services The library offers free access to public computers, assistance with Howlong history records and archives, as well as Cemetery records and family searches.

Collection and Resources Howlong town history information is very popular. The library maintains a town history and family collection including a town map (dated 1877) which is of great interest to descendants of Howlong pioneer families. Visitors access this information for family trees, family reunions and other historical purposes.

Nyree-Anne Terry Customer and Library Services Officer Howlong Library

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Howlong Library & Resource Centre 59 Hawkins Street HOWLONG NSW 2643 02 6026 5055 howlonglibrary@corowa.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Monday - closed Tuesday, Wednesday 10:00am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm) Thursday, Friday 10:00am - 1:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 11:30pm

Howlong Library held an Official Opening celebration on 30 October 2013

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Junee

Programs and Events Event highlights for the year include the Read Around the World Book Club. Participants were invited to the Junee Library for a Book Club meeting in November. The books selected for Read Around the World were from the general library collection and some books had triple the rate of normal borrowing during the year. Having an open Book Club such as this allows people to challenge themselves and extend their reading without any commitments, cost or hassles.

Partnerships Junee Library partners with GEO Group Australia and the Junee Men’s Shed. The Men’s Shed and the library have pulled together an art project resulting in four large paintings being installed in the library. The works have been completed by the inmates of the Junee Correctional Centre.

Sponsorship from LGL Logistics provided the funds for the library to create a new program dubbed Prep4Ps. Eight learner drivers were provided with a free 45 minute lesson and a free information kit.

Collection and Resources The library has received a boost to the non-fiction collection with the purchase of $2000 worth of new titles. The large print collection has been arranged into genres making it much easier for customers to find the books they wish to read. A new Youth Space with lounge area, study space and games centre has also been installed in the library.

Kim Richards Librarian in Charge Junee Library

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Junee Library 92 Lorne Street JUNEE NSW 2663 02 6924 2111 library@junee.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm Wednesday - 9:30am - 6:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 12:00pm

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Corowa Shire Network of Libraries

Mulwala

Corowa Howlong Mulwala

Programs and Events Mulwala Library was very pleased to become part of RRL in July 2013. With this new membership came many opportunities for both staff and members.

A range of new programs together with regular training and updates offered by RRL have been appreciated by staff.

RRL has provided constant support and have made the transition very easy.

The library has been well supported with children and youth programs and excellent organisation and delivery of Storytime packs.

Holiday programs included Summer Reading Club, science presentations, Cartooning with Andrew Hore, National Simultaneous Storytime, Book Week and Baby Bounce materials. These programs have been well attended and have more people talking about the library and what can be found here.

The RRL staff portal has been highly useful for branch staff to catch up on the latest information from RRL including DIY programs for databases and other general information.

Of particular interest to the Mulwala community has been the Smart Phones, Tablets and Your Library presentation.

Many new library members have been established as a result of this program and many older patrons have joined in order to access eBooks, eMagazines and music. The provision of bright, eye-catching advertisments has also helped to bring new people into the library.

Partnerships A partnership has developed with the local Country Women’s Association branch who have been assisting youngsters to develop skills through knitting. This has also been supported by the local Agricultural Show Society who will showcase entries in their CWA pavillion in October for beginner knitting.

Jenny Orr Library/Customer Service Officer Mulwala Library

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Mulwala Library 71 Melbourne Street MULWALA NSW 2647 03 5744 3439 mulwalalibrary@corowa.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Tuesday to Thursday 10:00am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm) Saturday 10:00am - 12:00pm

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Tumut Shire Network of Libraries

Talbingo

Adelong Batlow Talbingo Tumut

Programs and Events The Talbingo Library continues to support Wrap with Love Knit In. Three ladies and one gentleman come to knit squares and enjoy morning/afternoon tea and a chat. In all, three rugs were donated.

Storytime is held once every term and children participated in a range of other programs including Book Week Read Across the Universe and National Simultaneous Storytime which was very well received and enjoyed by the children.

The library hosted a Daffodil Day fund-raising event, Talbingo Public School presentation night and Christmas events.

Partnerships Judy Reid from Murrumbidgee Medicare Local presented a number of morning tea information sessions on the topics of Women’s Wellness, Stroke Awareness and Men’s Health Awareness. These events were well attended. The library also enjoys partnerships with Talbingo Public School, Snowy Hydro, Talbingo Supermarket, Sounds of the Mountains 96.3 FM Radio, Tumut Community Health and Talbingo Community Transport.

Services The library provides access to public computers as well as photocopying, scanning and faxing services. Tea and coffee is also available! The Tumut and Adelong Times, and Daily Telegraph newspapers are available and information is posted onto the library community and school notice boards.

Collection and Resources Talbingo Library has a small collection of local history books relevant to Talbingo and the high country. There is a good collection of books by Miles Franklin as well as three large photo albums of Miles Franklin.

The library now has a small but good selection of large print books which are rotated regularly with other libraries. This has been well received. The DVD collection is growing and is being well used. The library added to the CD collection from Tumut Library and this collection is well utilised by the school children.

Shirlee Straatsma Library Assistant Talbingo Library

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Talbingo Library Lampe Street TALBINGO NSW 2720 02 6949 5344 talbingo@tumut.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Tuesday 9:00am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch 12:30pm - 1:30pm)

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Temora Shire Network of Libraries

Temora

Ariah Park Temora

Programs and Events Temora Library has held a number of displays during the year including Fred Hollows, Miles Franklin, Blue Suitcase and Museum in a Box. There was an author visit by Brendan Shanahan and a performance of The Loaded Dog. The Wrap with Love knitting group was popular again this year and holiday activites included Space Junk, Body Works, Bubbly Science, Feltmaking and Soft Toy Sleepover.

Partnerships The library has a remote resourcing agreement with Temora TAFE which is in its 19th year. The library provides library services to students and teachers at the local campus. In return, the library has access to the resources of the TAFE NSW network.

Services The library has public access computers with free internet and wi-fi access. The library is also a collection point for Wrap with Love knitted rugs.

Eileen England Librarian in Charge Temora Library

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Temora Library 294 Hoskins Street TEMORA NSW 2666 02 6977 1781 library@temora.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 10:00am - 5:30pm Saturday 10:00am - 12:00pm

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Tumbarumba

Programs and Events Book Week was enjoyed with local schools attending the What’s the Joke performance by author Andy Jones. Amy from RRL gave a talk on Ancestry.com which was keenly attended by the local Historical Society members. Children enjoyed the Feltmaking Workshop where they learnt how to blend wool fibres and the process to turn them into felt.

Each child was able to take home their unique artwork.

Community Reading Day is an annual event held at Tumbarumba Library. All schools in the shire were invited to attend and students from Tumbarumba High School came to help with the activities. With around 400 children and carers, the children moved through the activities in a 20 minute cycle.

This year for National Simultaneous Storytime, Kindergarten students were invited together with preschool Storytime attendees. Ursula Dubosarsky’s Too Many Elephants in This House was a hit with the children who made party blower elephants and decorated elephants for a library display.

Partnerships Tumbarumba Library has built a strong partnership with the local Historical Society since the completion of the archive facility now located in the library. The facility was officially opened in September by Dr Alex Byrne (State Librarian and Chief Executive) with more than 100 members of the community attending. Since then the library and Historical Society volunteers have been busy cataloguing and preserving a vast array of local materials. The facility received a Highly Commended Award in the collection management category from Museums and Galleries of NSW IMAGinE Awards late last year.

Friends of the Library have continued to support the library with fund-raising through street stalls, raffles and book sales. Money raised from these activities has helped to fund the archives and library extension as well as resource materials for children’s activities, new books and DVDs. Services The transition from UMRL to RRL was extremely smooth with RRL staff and other libraries in the service being helpful and supportive throughout the year. Our borrowers have made use of the eResources now available to them through the RRL website and have enjoyed visiting other libraries in the service.

Five public access computers are available for use and the wi-fi is a popular service with locals and visitors.

Photocopying, scanning, faxing and laminating facilities are available. The library meeting room is available for hire and the facility is used by a large range of community groups throughout the year.

Collection and Resources The remodelling of the library space with the new library addition and archive room has provided a more open and welcoming space. Bringing the children’s area from the corner to a more central location has encouraged more families not only to borrow but to stay and use the library facilities. The library collection was weeded and in early November, RFID gates were installed at the entrance of the library.

Vicki Hulm Library Coordinator Tumbarumba Library

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Tumbarumba Library Prince Street TUMBARUMBA NSW 2653 02 6948 2725 tumbalibrary@tumbashire.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours - Summer Monday 4:00pm - 7:00pm Tuesday 3:00pm - 7:00pm Wednesday to Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm) Saturday 10:00am - 12:00pm Opening Hours - Winter Monday - closed Tuesday 1:00pm - 5:00pm Wednesday to Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm) Saturday 10:00am - 12:00pm

Tumbarumba Library’s new Archive Facility received a Highly Commended Award in the Collection Management Category of the IMAGinE Awards

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Tumut Shire Network of Libraries

Tumut

Adelong Batlow Talbingo Tumut

Programs and Events Kristin Twomey, Librarian in Charge of the Tumut Shire Libraries, was announced as the 2013 Kath Knowles Young Leaders’ Award recipient at the NSW Public Library Association SWITCH Conference dinner on 25 November. Kristin has been awarded an amount of $5,000 to undertake a research project on her chosen topic of Delivering the Library of the 21st Century Through Technology for Senior Users. Kristin will present her research findings at the 2014 NSW Public Library Association Conference at Mudgee in November.

Tumut Library hosted a Stroke Awareness Session as part of National Stroke Week. The Stroke Awareness Foundation provided a speaker who went through the signs and symptoms of stroke. The session was an outstanding success and was extremely informative. The speaker made contact with several community groups in the area as a result of the session to organise further information sessions in the community.

School holiday programs for the library have continued to be popular and well supported. Over the past 12 months Tumut Library hosted Croc Encounters with Mark Richmond, The Scientwists and an Easter Holiday Extravaganza.

A Life Writing workshop was hosted with Graeme Gibson. Graeme is an experienced writer and used the workshop to assist people in developing their writing techniques.

Partnerships In partnership with the Tumut Family History Group the library hosted a Family History Open Day as part of Family History Week. The resources of the library’s Family History section were also featured as part of the Swedish version of the television program, Find My Family. The crew set up in the library for two hours and spoke with local researcher Phyllis Dowling.

In conjuction with the Tumut Shire Council Youth Officer, the library hosted a Community Garden Learning Experience in the Library Garden as part of Youth Week. The aim of the program was to provide youth with a hands-on experience in gardening. The Library Garden is now growing abundantly with a number of people taking advantage of the winter crop.

Tumut Library is participating in the Public Libraries Australia pilot program eConnect. The aim of the program is to assist libraries in connecting with their customers via an online format. Library staff have received training in the software and have commenced using it to connect and deliver information to customers. Already the library has received an overwhelmingly positive response.

Collection and Resources Staff of the Tumut Library participated in the RRL eServices training. This training was extremely beneficial and provided a fantastic platform upon which staff could assist the public with accessing the growing RRL eCollection.

Kristin Twomey Librarian in Charge Tumut Library

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Tumut Library 169 Wynyard Street TUMUT NSW 2720 02 6941 2541 library@tumut.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 10:00am - 6:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 12:00pm

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Wagga Wagga

Programs and Events Fusion 2013 Wagga Wagga has a diverse community with 6.7% of the community born overseas and 30% able to speak a language other than English, making this cohort an important group for the library to service. Last year the library was actively involved in Fusion, the annual Wagga Wagga multicultural community festival, which celebrated diversity, culture, language and community. The library provided a range of events and activities leading up to Fusion 2013 held in October. Called Slice of Life, the library activities included films, literacy events, storytelling, language classes, travelling exhibitions and Crafternoon Tea with food from around the world.

RMS Safer Drivers Course The Community Learning Space was the venue for the Safer Drivers Course, a partnership between the Roads and Maritime Services and the library. Throughout the year, 450 young drivers attended 24 sessions on Saturdays or during school holiday periods. By attending the interactive sessions, young drivers received valuable driving skills and received credits for their driver log books.

Libraries as Community Spaces What do 80 year olds have in common with teenage mothers, adolescent boys and children under 5 years? They were all regular users of the Community Learning Space (CLS) with an average of 30 events per month and sometimes 3 events on the one day. Wagga Wagga City Library provided a wide range of services and experiences that complement more traditional library roles. There were many different clubs and interest groups taking advantage of the specifically designed CLS to enhance learning opportunities and build social cohesion. The library is now the third place for many community members after their homes and workplaces.

Children – Literacy and Fun at the Library The biggest investment in time and resources was to the youngest members (0-15 years) in order to build a lifelong relationship with libraries and learning. There were 2,464 members under 15 years old and 9,377 visits were recorded at a wide range of activities including Baby Bounce, Storytime, school holiday programs, Yu-Gi-Oh Club, board games and computer game sessions across all school holidays. School holiday programs included movie screenings, craft sessions, live performances and the Summer Reading Club. The average door traffic total of 700 increased to 830 on busy school holiday program days. One very successful program was LegoLand where hour long sessions were booked out well in advance by young members of the community with a passion for building and innovation.

Club Celluloid February 2014 welcomed the second season of Wagga Wagga City Library’s Club Celluloid. A library film club for adults, Club Celluloid was created in 2013 and was based on the very successful RRL Book Club service. There was a screening on the second Thursday evening of every month (after the library has closed for the day) with a glass of wine and snacks, followed by a robust discussion.

Narrowing down the shortlist of films for this year to get to the select ten was a particularly enjoyable experience; trying to make sure that decades, directors and genres got a fair representation! The final list was fantastic and included Mary and Max, Happiness, American Beauty and Adam’s Rib. This program also provided a base for promoting other film events happening at the library, such as the screening of the Mary Meets Mohammad documentary last year.

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Wagga Wagga City Library Civic Centre Cnr Baylis & Morrow Streets WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650 02 6926 9700 wcl@wagga.nsw.gov.au

Opening Hours Monday 11:00am - 7:00pm Tuesday to Friday 10:00am - 7:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm

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Wagga Wagga

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Wagga Wagga Partnerships Wagga Wagga City Library had partnerships and research projects with the following groups in 2013-14: Booranga Writer’s Centre; Charles Sturt University; Community Health; Centacare; CWA; local schools and preschools; Wagga Shakespeare Club; Climate Rescue of Wagga; NRMA Safer Drivers; Schizophrenia Association; Australian Breastfeeding Association; RSL Club; Murrumbidgee Medicare Local; Disability Services; WWCC Community Services; Wagga Wagga & District Family History Society; Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society; Rotary and Lions Service Clubs; ABC Open and Wagga Men’s Shed.

One Book One Wagga (OBOW): A City-wide Partnership Book Club Project On Library Lovers’ Day, 14 February 2014, the Wagga Wagga City Library launched the inaugural One Book One Wagga program with wine and cheese and many enthusiastic book lovers. This was the biggest Book Club Wagga Wagga had ever seen. Over 500 people, including library Book Clubs, read the same book over the 3 months of the program, concluding with a gala dinner with the author in May at the RSL Club. The book title was Mark Dapin’s Spirit House which moved between Changi 1942 and Bondi 1990. Library partners for the inaugural One Book One Wagga event were: Friends of the Library, Wagga RSL Club, RSL Club Sub Branch, RRL Book Club and the Australian Army Band Kapooka.

Newspaper Digitisation Partnership - Daily Advertiser 1911-1954 The National Library of Australia advised that the Wagga Wagga newspaper digitisation project spanned 1858 -1954.

The project began a few years ago with a number of local partners, but the largest funding body had been the NSW State Library’s extensive $22.4 million digitisation program which is providing local and global audiences with free online access to over 250 NSW newspaper titles. Local funding partners over Stages 1 and 2 of the project included Wagga Wagga City Library, Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society, Charles Sturt University Regional Archives, RSL Club, Friends of the Library, Daily Advertiser and private donors.

Services It’s Your Library: Community Usage In 2013-14 there was a 7.2% increase in door traffic which was a total of 207,485 individual visits. The daily visits averaged 700 per day but increased to 840 during school holidays. This year 2,921 new members joined and by the end of June there were a total of 25,936 library members.

Technology Library staff conducted a Service Health Check from July to December to identify what, when and how library functions and operations occurred across an average day or week. A number of efficiencies were identified and service improvements were implemented. Grant funding was used to purchase an RFID enabled Smart Bin which allowed staff to be ‘time shifted’ as customers items were checked in automatically when they were deposited in the bin. An intensive project was undertaken by all staff to improve the percentage of Self Loan Station usage which resulted in an increase from around 60% to over 80% by 30 June.

Home Library The Home Library Service grew throughout the year with a number of trained and police checked volunteers ready to be called up to meet the needs of local community members by year’s end. There were a total of 30 trained volunteers and 23 residents receiving the service.

Community Links The quarterly delivery program of library resources for aged care facilities continued to grow last year with nine residences receiving regular deliveries of Large Print Books, Audio Books and PlexTalk machines. Feedback from CEOs and activity officers at these facilities indicate that this outreach service is fulfilling a vital community need in Wagga Wagga.

Claire Campbell Manager Library Services Wagga Wagga City Library

61

Statistics 2013-2014 New Stock by Local Government Area

Total Stock by Local Government Area

62

Statistics 2013-2014 Loans by Local Government Area

Loans per Capita by Local Government Area

63

Statistics 2013-2014 Membership as Percent of Population by Local Government Area

Discards and Purchases

64

Statistics 2013-2014 Member Council Contributions

Distribution of Population

65

Statistics 2013-2014

Wagga Wagga City Council Executive Team and Councillors

66

37,400

kilometres travelled by the Northern Mobile Library

26,970

kilometres travelled by the Southern Mobile Library

825

Northern Mobile Library Service Points

517

Southern Mobile Library Service Points

Statistics 2013-2014 700,107

total RRL loans

25,825

collection items purchased

817

kits to 84 Book Clubs

RRL Book Clubs

RRL Internal Delivery Service Vehicle

444,240

total visits to RRL Libraries

41,530

total RRL members

67

RRL Integrated Planning Strategy 2014-2018 Strategic priorities from the RRL Integrated Planning Strategy 2014-2018 have been developed with a view to aligning with and complementing the Integrated Planning and Reporting systems of member Councils. A consultative process was used to develop the strategy which builds on the achievements of the previous strategy document. RRL’s strategic priorities for 2014-2018 are Build Capacity; Innovation and Accountability and Create Connections.

An annual review of the RRL organisational structure was also undertaken in March 2014. No changes were required due to the extensive review of the organisational structure that was undertaken in June 2013 in conjunction with the expansion of RRL with the addition of Shire Councils to the RRL network.

The RRL Integrated Planning Strategy and the RRL Deed of Agreement form the basis of the RRL Management Plan which is reviewed and updated each year. The RRL Advisory Committee and member Councils are advised on progress by way of reports generated quarterly for RRL Integrated Planning Strategy activities and RRL Service Level Agreements.

Riverina Regional Library Integrated Planning and Reporting

Our Vision Inspiring people, engaging communities, enriching lives Our Mission Creatively connecting people, information and knowledge Our Values Respect for people, ideas and knowledge Commitment to fostering learning communities Integrity, equity and quality of service

RRL Deed of Agreement

RRL Integrated Planning Strategy

(reviewed every four years)

(reviewed every four years)

RRL Deed of Agreement Member Contributions (reviewed yearly) Annual Budget (reviewed yearly) Fees and Charges (reviewed yearly)

Performance Planning Reporting

RRL Management Plan

Integrated Planning Strategy Activities

Individual Performance and Development Plans

(reviewed yearly)

(reviewed yearly)

(reviewed twice yearly)

Service Level Agreements

Individual Performance and Development Plans

(reviewed yearly)

(reviewed twice yearly)

Information Technology Plan

Performance Planning Reporting

(reviewed yearly)

(reported quarterly)

Business and Communications

RRL Annual Report

Outreach and Promotions

Outreach Services One Year Program Planner Outreach Services Five Year Program Planner

Support and eServices

Information Technology Plan

Divisional Service Area Plans and Reports

68

(reported quarterly)

Innovation and Accountability

Create Connections

Our Strategic Objectives 2014-2018

Build Capacity

69

70

71

72

13 14 rrl.nsw.gov.au