Riverina Regional Library Annual Report 2014-2015

riverina regional library annual report

2014-2015

bland coolamon cootamundra corowa greater hume gundagai junee lockhart temora tumbarumba tumut urana wagga wagga

riverina regional library annual report

2014-2015 1

About Us The Riverina Regional Library (RRL) is the largest regional library services in NSW. It provides library services to approximately 136,630 constituents of 13 local government areas. The service consists of 18 static library branches, 3 deposit stations and a mobile library that serves 28 communities in seven Council areas.

Riverina Regional Library 99 Peter Street PO Box 5186 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650 T: 02 6926 9771 F: 02 69269779 E: rrl1@wagga.nsw.gov.au W: www.rrl.nsw.gov.au Acknowledgements Edited, designed and produced by Karen Wendt, Riverina Regional Library Printed by Active Design and Print

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Contents RRL Advisory Committee Chairperson Report

4

RRL Advisory Committee

5

RRL Administration Centre Staff

6

RRL Branch Library Staff

7-9

RRL Executive Director Report

10-11

RRL Integrated Planning Strategy 2014-2018

12

RRL Vision, Mission and Values

13

Business and Communications

14

Outreach and Promotions

15

Support and eServices

16

RRL Mobile Library

17

RRL Executive Director Honored

18

RRL Member Councils

19

RRL Branch Libraries:

Adelong Library

20-21 22-23

Batlow Library

24-25

Bland Shire Library

26-27

Coolamon Library

28-29

Cootamundra Library

30-31

Corowa Library

32-33

Culcairn Library

34-35

Gundagai Library

36-37

Henty Library

38-39

Holbrook Library

40-41

Howlong Library

42-43

Junee Library

44-45

Mulwala Library

46-47

Talbingo Library

48-49

Temora Library

50-51

Tumbarumba Library

52-53

Tumut Library

54-55

Wagga Wagga City Library

56-61

RRL Statistics 2014-2015

62-67

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RRL Advisory Committee Chairperson Report I am pleased to, once again, have the opportunity to provide an introduction to the Riverina Regional Library Annual Report for 20142015.

So much has been accomplished during the past year and this report highlights those achievements in a beautifully pictorial and infographic format that I am sure you will find a pleasure to read.

The RRL Mobile Library Service embarked on its new service schedule across the region on 29 June 2015 and comprises service points that were previously served by the Northern and Southern Mobile Library vehicles, the latter of which has been decommissioned.

Following a review of mobile library services by member Councils, some service points in the Shires of Coolamon and Wagga Wagga were discontinued and all service points in the Shires of Indigo and Towong were discontinued following the expiration of a two year contract with those Councils. The new schedule integrates the remaining service points into a weekly, fortnightly and monthly service schedule.

The RRL footprint was expanded yet again this year with the admission of Bland Shire Council into the network of libraries on 1 January 2015. Already the largest regional library in NSW, the RRL network now includes 18 branch libraries, 3 deposit stations and a mobile library service. Bland Shire Council has been a welcome addition and smooth transition into the RRL system.

RRL is an outstanding example of the capacity of Councils to work successfully and positively together to achieve a level of service provision that would not be possible on an individual basis.

I would like to offer my congratulations to RRL staff for their extra efforts associated with these achievements and a special thank you for their hard work during the year.

The Annual Report tells the story of services that RRL staff have brought to the people of the region and I commend it to you. Happy reading!

Cr Yvonne Braid Chairperson Riverina Regional Library Advisory Committee

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RRL Advisory Committee Bland Shire Council

Ms Adele Casey Cr Tony Lord Cr Brian Monaghan

Coolamon Shire Council

Mr Geoff Pritchard Mr Allan Tonkin Cr Margaret Isselmann

Urana Shire Council

Ms Kristy Kay Cr Joan Palmer Cr Fiona Schirmer

Greater Hume Shire Council

Mr Tony a’Beckett Mr John Proctor Cr Sue Fletcher

Tumut Shire Council

Mr Ken Trethewey (Executive Committee) Cr Rosalind Wight Cr Doug Phillips

Corowa Shire Council

Mr Steve Firth Cr Rachael Schliebs Cr Graham Coates

Tumbarumba Shire Council

Cr Grant Beard Mr Tony Donoghue Ms Courtney Armstrong

Cootamundra Shire Council

Temora Shire Council

Cr Barry McFarlane (Executive Committee) Mr Kim Parker Cr Patrick Bourke

Wagga Wagga City Council

Cr Stuart Heriot Cr Yvonne Braid (Chairperson)

Mr David Smith (Executive Committee) Cr Rod Kendall

Cr Annette Schilg Mr Phil Pinyon

Cr Kevin Poynter (Executive Committee) Gundagai Shire Council Cr Dallas Tout

Cr Garry Hiscock

Cr Peter Batey

Mr Phil McMurray Riverina Regional Library

Cr Abb McAlister

Mr Robert Knight (Executive Director) Junee Shire Council Ms Karen Wendt (Committee Secretary)

Mr James Davis

Cr Pam Halliburton (Deputy Chairperson)

Mr John Whitfield Lockhart Shire Council

Mr Rod Shaw Cr Greg Verdon Cr Gail Driscoll

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RRL Administration Centre Staff Riverina Regional Library

Robert Knight

Executive Director

Business and Communications Division

Karen Wendt Wendy Callis

Business and Communications Coordinator 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 & Support) 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 Michael Ellis Helen Graetz Lynn Hackett Ryan Hutton Clare Morey Kaylene Nisbet Carmel Roennfeldt Margaret Ross

Support and eServices Coordinator Mobile Library Operator - Northern Mobile Library Supervisor (from 22 June 2015) 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 Adelong Library

Susan Barnes

Library Assistant

Batlow Library

Robert Beegling

Shirlee Straatsma

Marion Jones

Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant

Bland Library

Cathy Lange

Liz Ford

Danielle Steele

Wendy Manning

Brooke Healey-Vrana

Senior Library Assistant Library Assistant Library Services Trainee Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff

Coolamon Library

Helen McLoughlin

Bronwyn Hatty

Sharon Miles

Margaret Payton

Officer in Charge Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff

Cootamundra Library

Penny Howse

Leanne Jones

Rochelle Nicholls

Lynne Thorburn

Lyn Angus

Kellie Holmes

Toni Jenkins

Alison Knagge

Corowa Library

Louise Parr

Lisa Raschke

Christine Simmons Culcairn Library

Susan Kane

Tarran Essen

Jenny Rogan

Jenny Whitlock

Hannah Daniell

Debbie Cotter

Jeanette Ross

Jill Thiele

Gundagai Library

Cindy Smith

Leanne Sheahan

Library Manager Library Assistant Library Assistant Library Assistant Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Library Team Leader Library Assistant Casual Relief Staff Officer in Charge Library Assistant Library Assistant Library Assistant Trainee Library Assistant Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Officer in Charge Casual Relief Staff

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RRL Branch Library Staff Henty Library

Susan Kane

Tarran Essen

Jill Thiele

Jenny Whitlock

Hannah Daniell

Debbie Cotter

Jeanette Ross

Holbrook Library

Alison Cowie

Dominique Heriot

Leonie Hibberson

Howlong Library

Nyree-Anne Terry

Tina Baker

Junee Library

Kim Richards

Margaret Kanaley

Linda Dyer

Matthew Glass

Robyn Futcher

Melinda McInerney Mulwala Library

Jenny Orr

Faye Glover

Officer in Charge Library Assistant Library Assistant Library Assistant Trainee Library Assistant Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff Library Manager Library Assistant Technology Manager Library/Customer Service Officer Casual Library Assistant Librarian in Charge Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant Library/Customer Service Officer Casual Library Assistant

Talbingo Library

Shirlee Straatsma

Temora Library

Eileen England

Ros Langford

Carmel Porter

Karen Walker

Librarian in Charge Library Assistant Casual Relief Staff Casual Relief Staff

Tumut Library

Kristin Twomey

Leanne Ballard

Sharon Thatcher

Rhonda Twomey

Wendy Webb

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

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Library Assistant

RRL Branch Library Staff Tumbarumba Library

Vicki Hulm

Regina Brunsdon

Karen Adams

Marian Clifton

Sarah Rial

Library Coordinator Library Assistant Casual Library Assistant Casual 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

Kristy Diffey Library Assistant

Marc Evans Library Assistant

Michelle Lubke Library Assistant

Simon Malloy Library Assistant

Jenny Mansell Library Assistant Saturday Circulation Team

Nerida Barkley Team Leader (Saturday)

Monique Shephard Team Leader (Saturday)

Matt Dombrovski Library Assistant (Saturday)

Cassandra Ward Library Assistant (Saturday) Programs, Promotions and Partnerships Team

Christine Bolton Team Leader

Peter Casey Programs Officer

Jeannie Hazell Programs Officer

Michael Scutti Programs Officer

Carol Slattery Programs and Promotions Assistant Library Casuals

Sam Bannister Casual Relief Staff

Matthew Griffin Casual Relief Staff

Gemma Hawkins Casual Relief Staff

Toby Mobbs Casual Relief Staff

Hannah Taino Casual Relief Staff

Deirdre Coggan Work Placement Volunteers

Home Library 17

Friends of the Library 20 RRL Mobile Libraries Northern Mobile Library

Rob Chapman

Michael Ellis

Southern Mobile Library

Margaret Ross

Carmel Roennfeldt

Northern Mobile Library Operator Mobile Library Supervisor (from 22 June 2015) Southern Mobile Library Operator Casual Relief Staff

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RRL Executive Director Report To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often. These wise words from Winston Churchill were the order of the day at Riverina Regional Library (RRL) this year. With a continued focus on innovation and collaboration, the organisation expanded to include Bland Shire Council into the network and developed an integrated mobile library schedule to meet the service needs of our many communities across the region.

Bland Shire Council, comprising one branch library at West Wyalong and three deposit stations at Ungarie, Barmedman and Weethalle, was admitted to the RRL network in January 2015.

The commitment and cooperation of both RRL Administration Centre and Bland Shire Council staff ensured a smooth process that enabled this significant transition to occur with very little disruption for all stakeholders.

This further expansion has also made RRL the only regional library service in NSW to have all member Councils of its Regional Organisation of Councils as members of the regional library.

A review of mobile library services was undertaken by member Councils this year culminating in the discontinuation of some service points in the Coolamon and Wagga Wagga Council areas, as well as all service points in the Shires of Indigo and Towong following the expiration of a two year contract with those Councils. The RRL Mobile Library embarked on its new service schedule across the region on 29 June 2015 and encompasses service points that were previously served by the Northern and Southern Mobile Library vehicles, the latter of which has now been decommissioned. The new schedule integrates the remaining service points into a combination of weekly, fortnightly and monthly services.

Further change was realised with the closure of the Ariah Park Library branch in July 2014, previously the second branch in the Temora Shire Council area. The library was co-located with the local Post Office/ Newsagency business, and had seen declining membership and visitation during recent years. Temora Shire Council has since committed to a permanent fortnightly mobile library service point at Ariah Park to ensure that the residents of Ariah Park and district have ongoing access to library services.

The Library Council of NSW delighted our region with a visit in October 2014. This was a milestone excursion for Library Council as it was the first time that they had selected a regional destination and the first time they had visited a regional library service. To showcase the diversity of RRL facilities and services, the itinerary included a visit to the Coolamon Library and cultural precinct, the RRL Administration Centre, the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre (including a lunch meeting and tour of the Wagga Wagga City Library) and the Northern Mobile Library, which happened to be travelling around Wagga Wagga suburbs on that afternoon. The visit was a tremendous success enjoyed by all.

RRL Administration Centre staff maintain their involvement in a broad range of regional, state and national library sector organisations that assist in the development of the NSW public library network. In celebration of the centenary of the First World War this year, RRL Administration Centre staff coordinated and participated in a number of programs and events across the region including creating a program for digitising and sharing the history of our towns, especially WWI history, using HistoryPin, a digital, usergenerated archive of historical photos, videos, audio recordings and personal recollections.

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While there may be no limits to the commitment, innovation and inspiration of RRL Administration Centre staff – the current RRL Administration Centre building has certainly reached its limit! Due to workspace constraints related to the recent expansion of the organisation, RRL applied for and received a Library Development Grant in the amount of $100,000 through the 2014-2015 Public Library Infrastructure Grants Program. This grant will go a long way to assist with a building relocation/infrastructure project which will provide the necessary workspaces and facilities to comfortably accommodate our staff, expanding resources and service materials.

Using a consultative and data analysis process, the new RRL Integrated Planning Strategy 2014-2018 was formed and applied this year. Our new strategic priorities of Build Capacity; Innovation and Accountability and Create Connections provide the foundation for strengthening our commitment to achieving cost effective, relevant and contemporary library service provision.

As always, I recognise the enthusiasm and dedication of RRL Administration Centre staff who always go beyond expectations in their roles to deliver and achieve outstanding library services for our region. Thank you everyone!

Finally, I wish to acknowledge the commitment of the 13 RRL member Councils, both to the provision of high quality library services for their communities and to the broader regional library organisation. RRL is a true mutual association of Councils, where members of the RRL Advisory Committee ensure that parochial matters are secondary to what is best for the RRL network. The result is a focussed and successful organisation that has the capacity to deliver mutually agreed outcomes.

Robert Knight Executive Director Riverina Regional Library

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RRL Integrated Planning Strategy 2014-2018 The RRL Integrated Planning Strategy 2014-2018 was developed this year using a consultative process and outlines strategic priorities that align with and complement the integrated planning and reporting systems of member Councils. Our strategic priorities for the next four years are Build Capacity; Innovation and Accountability; and Create Connections.

The RRL Integrated Planning Strategy and the RRL Deed of Agreement form the basis of the RRL Management Plan which is reviewed and updated annually. Progress reports for the activities outlined in the RRL Integrated Planning Strategy and RRL Service Level Agreements are distributed to member Councils and the RRL Advisory Committee on a quarterly basis.

Build Capacity Innovation and Accountability Create Connections

2014 -

Riverina Regional Library Integrated Planning and Reporting

- 2018

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

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(reported quarterly)

Our Vision

Inspiring people Engaging communities Enriching lives

Our Mission

Creatively connecting people, information and knowledge

Our Values

Respect for people, ideas and knowlege Commitment to fostering learning communities Integrity, equity and quality of service

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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

riverina regional library annual report 2013-2014

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The Business and Communications Team Karen Wendt Business and Communications Coordinator Wendy Callis RRL Business Support Officer

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

The Outreach and Promotions Team Amy Heap Outreach and Promotions Coordinator Tracey Luhrs Outreach Officer (Delivery Service & Support) Louise Pearce Outreach Officer (Delivery Service) Cynthia Price Outreach & Promotions Development Officer Anne Reardon Outreach and Promotions Officer Doug Simpson Outreach Officer (Delivery Service) Sharon Smith Children’s and Youth Services Librarian

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

Information Technology Services Collection Services eResources and eServices Mobile Library Operations

The Support and eServices Team 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

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RRL Mobile Library A review of the RRL mobile library service was undertaken this year to meet the changing needs of the Councils that it serves. On 29 June 2015, the two mobile library services were consolidated into one service.

The vehicle that was serving the southern part of the region was decommissioned and all service points across the RRL area are now served by the vehicle that previously travelled through the northern part of the region. This year, the mobile library visited 60 service points in seven RRL member Council areas covering a geographic area of 47,917km2.

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RRL Executive Director Honored

Dame Marie Bashir and Robert Knight Robert Knight was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in the inaugural State Library of NSW Honors, presented

by Dame Marie Bashir in Sydney on Monday 20 October 2014. Robert was recognised for his significant professional achievements and contributions to Australian libraries.

Robert has been an active contributor to the Australian library sector throughout his career. He served on the Library Council of NSW as the Local Government representative from 2003-2011; is a member of the NSW Public Libraries Consultative Committee; is a past Chairperson of Public Libraries Australia and is currently the inaugural Chairperson of the Australasian Mobile Library Network. In addition, Robert is a significant contributor to the NSW Public Libraries Association, having held a number of key positions in the organisation.

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RRL Member Councils Bland Shire Council was admitted to the RRL network on 1 January 2015

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RRL Branch Libraries

Bland Coolamon

Tumut

Howlong

Adelong

Talbingo

Corowa

Mulwala

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Batlow

RRL Branch Libraries

Cootamundra

Wagga Wagga

Tumbarumba

Gundagai

Culcairn Holbrook

Junee

Henty Temora

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Adelong adelong@tumut.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events A fun new initiative that has been implemented by the library staff is the weekly cake raffle. When customers borrow a book from the library they receive a ticket into the weekly cake draw. This initiative has proven very popular with borrowers and the delicious home-made cakes are highly sought after.

The Library has also commenced a reading program with local schools in an effort to get more children accessing the library and its resources.

Services A review of library opening hours was undertaken this year as part of the Tumut Shire Library services review.

The consolidation of opening hours from 3 half days per week to one full day each week was approved.

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 and various Council services. The library also delivers items to housebound patrons.

Collection and Resources The library collection continues to be refreshed with new resources and a review of items was undertaken this year.

Susan Barnes Library Assistant Adelong Library

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Adelong Library Tumut Street ADELONG NSW 2729 02 6946 2270

Tumut Shire Network of Libraries Adelong Batlow Talbingo Tumut

Opening Hours: Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

(closed for lunch 12:30-1:30pm)

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Batlow batlow@tumut.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events The library has had a busy year with members and visitors enjoying several programs and events.

Holiday programs have proved very popular with great attendances. Tracey Luhrs’ Felting Workshop was particularly enjoyed and attendees went home with some great creations. Wrap with Love was held from June to August and supported by local knitters who used the library as well as knitting from home. Seven blankets were completed this year. Regular Storytime has been well attended with visits from the Apple Tree Learning Centre and other local families.

Author evenings in conjunction with the Literary Institute of Batlow, have once again proved very popular and attendees sourced wonderful outfits for the themed evenings and enjoyed accompanying supper, whether it be rationed, WWII like, or that of a medieval banquet hall.

Services Batlow Library provides Rural Transaction Centre services including Medicare and Centrelink self service facilities along with receipting for the Tumut Shire Council. The Library also provides a photocopying, scanning, laminating and faxing service to the community.

The library is a major centre for information for seasonal workers, assisting with requests for information about availability of work, maps of town and surrounding farms, contact numbers and accommodation enquries.

Wifi and public access computers are very popular for transient workers to keep in contact with family and friends, complete government formalities, print documents for visas, tax and employment purposes.

The library also has very close connections with the Apple Blossom Festival, Batlow Agricultural Show, St. John’s Anglican Daffodil Fete and Batlow Ciderfest. Activities include art and photography entry collection, furniture loans, provision of general information and publicity about these events.

As part of the Tumut Shire Council service review, the library opening hours were altered to Tuesday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Collection and Resources A major weed of all sections of the collection was carried out this year, refreshing much of the collection with new titles and opening up the library and making it more inviting.

The library’s DVD collection is a vital resource for the community as it is the only place for residents to borrow these items. This is a very heavily utilised resource of the library.

Robert Beegling Library Assistant Batlow Library

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Batlow Library Pioneer Street BATLOW NSW 2730 02 6949 1315

Tumut Shire Network of Libraries Adelong Batlow Talbingo Tumut

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10:00am-5:00pm

(closed for lunch 1:00pm-2:00pm)

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Bland library@blandshire.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events Approximately 500 school children visited the Bland Shire Library during Book Week. The library’s Book Week program included an art and writing competition; an Amazing Race (which the library has been running now for a number of years); and a Book @ Bedtime night-time event.

The library hosted a week-long visit by illustrator Marc McBride. Other guest speakers included ABC breakfast show host Brooke Daniels and local Wagga Wagga author, Anne Flood. The library also hosted a number of community events including Living Libraries, Biggest Morning Tea and RSPCA Cupcake Day. Summer Reading Club attracted a record number of registrations this year.

After a short hiatus, Baby Bounce was revamped and reintroduced on a fortnightly basis with a very positive result. Storytime continues to attract large numbers of parents and children and remains one of the library’s most popular weekly programs. The library’s respective school holiday programs were consistently booked out and Knit and Natter, the library’s resident knitting group, celebrated a two year anniversary and has been busy knitting for charity and other projects.

Collection and Resources Since joining Riverina Regional Library on 1 January 2015, a stock-take has been undertaken of the collection. With a constant flow of new material arriving weekly and the availability of new and interesting eLibrary resources, the collection has been significantly enhanced.

Cathy Lange Senior Library Assistant Bland Shire Library

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Bland Shire Library 6 Shire Street WEST WYALONG NSW 2671 02 6979 0272

Deposit Stations: Barmedman Ungarie Weethalle

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

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Coolamon coolamon_library@coolamon.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events It has been a very busy year for the library. Regular programs such as Storytime, Book Week and National Simultaneous Storytime were all well attended by local preschool centres, primary school children and members of the public.

School holiday program highlights were the Sean Murphy comedy afternoon, Sweet Science, Bucket Drumming, Basketball Beatz, Fairy Doors and Scarecrow Workshop. Storytime on the Road was offered to Ardlethan and Ganmain preschools and Marrar Public School as part of Local Government Week celebrations.

The library hosted five author talks, an art display for Mental Health Week, Gardening Workshop hosted by Kerry Geale, Fashion Flashback display and knitting mornings. Volunteer Week was celebrated in May by hosting a very special morning tea in recognition of the wonderful contributions our volunteers make in our community.

Several visiting groups were hosted by the library this year including a visit from members of the NSW Library Council in October. The library also participated in the Day of Action campaign in December by involving our schools and the general community to write ,“Why we love our library”. These were displayed throughout the library and created a lot of interest.

Services The library’s partnership with North Eastern Riverina Rural Counselling Service (NERRCS) has continued throughout the year and there is still strong support for our monthly program called Heart and Soul.

NERRCS also supported the iPad/computer training courses for our CWA members and senior citizens.

Partnerships are continuing with local schools, preschools and daycare centre. A tub borrowing system was introduced to those schools affected by the cessation of Mobile Library services at those locations and has been well received. The library also enjoys partnerships with local community groups such as St Vincent de Paul, The Men’s Shed and The Canola Adventure group.

Collection and Resources The library was very excited to receive Revitalising Regional Libraries funding this year. It was decided to use the funding to upgrade and improve our collection of furniture and revive our display areas.

Four book clubs have registered this year and are well received by members. Our three public computers have recently been upgraded thanks to the Revitalising Regional Libraries funding.

Delivery of books and talking books to the local hospital and nursing home takes the library to the community, while the library provides a meeting venue for community meetings and tutoring throughout the year.

Helen McLoughlin Officer in Charge Coolamon Library

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Coolamon Library 129 Cowabbie Street COOLAMON NSW 2701 02 6927 2492

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

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Cootamundra library@cootamundra.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events The library’s Book Week theme this year was Connect to Reading and 25 children participated in the Storytime toy sleep-over, leaving their favourite toy at the library overnight. When the toys were collected by the children the next day, they received a card with a photograph of their toy’s overnight antics.

For Library Lovers Day more people were enticed to join the library during a two week promotion encouraging members to join a ‘friend’. Over 30 new members were registered and went into a draw to win a shopping voucher.

Audiences were thoroughly entertained during the school holidays by Sean Murphy, a Sydney based comedian. Sean’s Kids Party Confidential performance attracted a wide range of groups in the community such as Elouera, Little Wattle and Vacation Care. Library patrons enjoyed listening to rural romance author, Helene Young, talk about her latest book, Northern Heat. Jacqueline Dinan also visited to talk about her latest book, Between the Dances - a collection of stories about women’s lives during World War II. Services Last year the library registered three book clubs in Cootamundra and staff have been busy promoting Book Club and gathering numbers. The library now has seven registered book clubs including a men’s book club.

Library staff are partnering with schools and preschools to provide resources to children and encourage reading. The library is working with Little Wattle Preschool to engage with children who have never previously visited the library. The preschool children visit the library as a group for a regular monthly Storytime session and it is hoped that engagement with these children will lead to engagement with their families.

Sonya Gee from ABC Open came to visit the library during March. Cootamundra has some keen writers and Sonya agreed to run a free writing workshop in April, followed by one in May and June. Participants learn to write and publish a short true story online. Due to the popularity of these sessions with local writers, Sonya has agreed to host a further three sessions.

Collection and Resources Mylee Joseph from State Library NSW visited the library in February to assist in ascertaining where best to allocate the $16,000 State Government ‘Revitalising Regional Libraries’ grant funding received. After lengthy discussion and review it was decided to install an additional automatic door, implement a technology upgrade in the Stephen Ward rooms and provide a much needed makeover in the children’s area.

Over the past year, staff have been redesigning the library to make more efficient use of the space and the collection has been enhanced by a number of quality donations of adult fiction books from generous library patrons.

Penny Howse Library Manager Cootamundra Library

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Cootamundra Library Wallendoon Street COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590 02 6940 2200

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9:30am-5:30pm

(winter close at 5:00pm)

Saturday 9:30am-12:00pm

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Corowa corowalibrary@corowa.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events A four week Baby Bounce program was popular with over half returning to attend Storytime. Christmas stories and songs during December were enjoyed by young children with Santa, who visited after Storytime for a chat and photos. School Holiday programs included Cartooning with Andrew Hore, Dr Egypt with Eve Guerry and Crafty Kids - learning about recycling.

Festival of Fun for Kids was a great day out for families. Over 5000 people attended this event and the library staff created a relaxing atmosphere where children could take time out in a cool environment. Children enjoyed the Reading Tent, a Baby Bounce session and the library’s eResources, in particular StoryBox Library. Children were given handouts of book marks, balloons, badges and colouring activities.

RRL staff delivered presentations on Introduction to Smartphones, Introduction to Ancestry and Sharing our Stories with HistoryPin. Attendees enjoyed these programs and many returned to access Ancestry.com in the library.

The library celebrated Library and Information Week with international author, Shamini Flint. Shamini delivered ten sessions over three days to over 540 students from all schools in the Corowa Shire. An evening session was attended by 25 adults.

Corowa was also fortunate to host Mark Dapin, journalist and author, and Anne Flood, author, who shared her extensive knowledge of and passion for the 1st Australian Light Horse Regiment in celebration of the 100 year anniversary of Gallipoli.

Services Staff members attended Professional Storytelling with Lee Castledine, adding confidence and life to our Storytime sessions. The Corowa Friends of the Library continue to deliver resources to our housebound borrowers much to their appreciation. Corowa Shire Council delivered a four week training course specifically for volunteers. The interactive sessions provided pathways to investigate and gain skills for working or volunteering in the community. This was an opportunity for our volunteers to improve customer satisfaction levels as well as gaining/enhancing their skills.

Collection and Resources The library collection has expanded with a lot of new stock received, particularly large print books and sound recordings. More and more people are using the library for study purposes and for access to the wifi facilities. It is great to see an increase in the number of younger people using these facilities at the library.

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

Corowa Shire Network of Libraries Corowa Howlong Mulwala

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

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Culcairn culcairn.library@greaterhume.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events The library held Storytime on the first Friday of each month with members of the public and primary school children attending. National Simultaneous Storytime was held as an outreach visit to Brocklesby, Burrumbuttock and Gerogery Schools. Holiday programs included The Summer Reading Club, Treasure Chest, Sweet Science, Button Up, and a movie night – all of which were enjoyed by the children attending.

Author, Anne Flood, shared her extensive knowledge of the 1st Australian Light Horse Regiment. All attendees enjoyed hearing Anne’s unique story. Illustrator, Sue deGennaro, visited the library in August.

Sue was a fantastic illustrator who demonstrated to the students the world of drawing. Also in August, the library held a HSC Lock In and the feedback from students was extremely positive with a further HSC LockIn planned for the future. Further programs included The Bundyi Aboriginal Cultural Morning, fortnightly Knit In, Library Lovers’ Day and Book Week.

Services The library is a multifunctional centre co-existing with the Local Council office and the Government Access Centre. The library has six public access computers and a photocopier. Faxing, photocopying, laminating, scanning and wireless internet services are available at the library. Newspapers are also available for the public.

Delivering books to housebound borrowers is a service provided to Kiltearn House and members of the Culcairn community. The library partners with health providers throughout the year, such as Australian Hearing. The library also hosted a Stroke Awareness Session as part of National Stroke Week.

Collection and Resources Staff at the library have participated in the RRL eServices training sessions which were beneficial for staff to assist the public with accessing the growing eCollection.

Rotation of adult fiction books occurs regularly in the library to ensure the collection remains fresh for customers.

Susan Kane Officer in Charge Culcairn Library

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Culcairn Library 40 Balfour Street CULCAIRN NSW 2660 02 6029 8588

Greater Hume Shire Network of Libraries Culcairn Henty Holbrook

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

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Gundagai library@gundagai.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events The Great Toy Sleepover and the follow-up Storytime premiere showing of the animated film was just one of the many event highlights throughout the year. With six very active Book Clubs, six engaging School Holiday Programs, State Library Fashion Flashback touring display, five special Storytimes, Youth Week events for which Gundagai Shire Council was nominated in the Local Government Award category of Most Innovative Youth Week Program, you could say we have had a big year! Add to this over 22 Storytimes and 21 Music Fun Programs, Four full Workshops for Seniors during Seniors Week, Food for Fine Collections, After School Care visits, Primary School visits, NAIDOC celebrations hosted by the Mayor and two local author Book Launches.

This year our sand box got bigger as we partnered with the Greater Murray Health Service to host 100 years of Baby Health Clinics Celebration in the library with special Storytime, display and celebrations The Gundagai Dual Diagnosis Action Group provided community awareness, education and information to the public through the library and the Gundagai Craft Group for our Knit Ins. Services Patrons continue to use the Self Loan Stations. Our usage stats are among the highest in the region and consistently at or above 80%. This has given our one staff member the ability to provide more programs, events and services and become more customer support focused instead of concentrating mainly on circulation desk duties.

The free wi-fi has become more and more popular and has lifted our profile primarily with youth but also with travellers and itinerate workers. So much so, that we successfully applied for a State Library NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grant for the purpose of building an outdoor all weather area with youth and community groups as the particular focus.

Collection and Resources After a large weed of our collection this year, we have found room to display more quality books so they may reach their full potential. The Gundagai District History Group continues to collect, preserve and store books, video, images and audio of local interest, all of which are becoming a valuable source of history that future generations will have access to.

DVDs continue to be one of our hardest working collections despite the rise of providers such as Netflix and Presto and our own Beamafilm. This may be attributed to the fact that most people in this area still do not have the data capacity to make these a reality although it is expected that this will change in the next 4-6 years.

Cindy Smith Officer in Charge Gundagai Library

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Gundagai Library 245 Sheridan Street GUNDAGAI NSW 2722 02 6944 0270

Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

(closed for lunch 12:30pm-1:30pm)

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Henty henty.library@greaterhume.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events The official opening of the Henty Library Redevelopment Project was held on Friday 7 November. Following the official opening, the public were invited for the afternoon to walk through and see the new facilities and view community projects which included the Halve Waste Project Owl in the children’s area, Henty Active Arts, Peter Mac, and the Henty Preschool’s Friendship with Myoora Intergenerational Program.

Storytime is held on a fortnightly basis at the library as well as outreach visits to the Henty Preschool.

Holiday programs included Summer Reading Club, Treasure Chest, Sweet Science, and Button Up. Warren Berkery, former Technical Assistant for TCN and Channel 10 World Series Cricket, spoke at the library and illustrator, Sue de Gennaro, visited the Henty Library in August. Further author visits for the year included Hilda Inglese who provided homestyle Italian cooking in the library, and Bronwyn Hope, who provided a message of hope with her cancer memoir.

Services The library co-exists with the local Council office and has six public access computers. Faxing, photocopying, laminating, scanning, and wireless internet access are available at the library. Delivery of books to housebound borrowers is a service provided to Myoora Hostel and members of the Henty community.

The Riverina Institute of TAFE NSW commenced delivery of training via video conference at the library and the first vocational training course, Responsible Service of Alcohol, was held in January.

Collection and Resources In partnership with Murray Arts and Halve Waste, the library had a 1.8 metre owl constructed out of recycled materials. Owlbert stands proud and tall in the library children’s area.

Since the redevelopment of the library, the building has become a technological hub and a place for people to meet and engage with each other, as well as with books, information, programs and events.

The library continues every three months to rotate adult fiction titles with the Culcairn and Holbrook Libraries. The collection is weeded on a regular basis and new titles displayed in a face out position.

Susan Kane Officer in Charge Henty Library

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Henty Library 30 Sladen Street HENTY NSW 2658 02 6929 3770

Greater Hume Shire Network of Libraries Culcairn Henty Holbrook

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

Friday 10:00am-5:30pm Saturday 10:00am-12:30pm

Owlbert?

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Holbrook holbrook.library@greaterhume.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events Children 0-5 have continued to enjoy our weekly Storytime program this year. In partnership with Greater Hume Shire Council, the Rotary Club of Holbrook contributed towards the funding of Storytime. Throughout the school holidays the library held a Teddy Bear Sleepover, a Paddington Bear movie afternoon and ran the Button Up and Treasure Chest workshops.

For the adults the library welcomed author, Keith McKenry, who entertained us with his research on John Meredith, who was a Holbrook local and became one of Australia’s leading folk lore historians.

An excellent travelling exhibition from the Bandiana Light Horse Museum was installed in the library for a couple of months and was enjoyed by many library members. Library Lovers Day was celebrated with library borrowers taking home a mystery book and we hosted Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea where guest speakers, Kerry Morton and Carlee Ireland, entertained the crowd with a slide presentation and talk about their adventures during the Outback Rally for the Royal Flying Doctors Association.

Services Delivering books to housebound borrowers is a much valued service. The library has also found that many of our senior library members find the library a place where they can come to get help and advice on their new tech devices.

A variety of services are on offer at the library due to being part of the Holbrook Library Complex. The library is a Government Access Centre and provides services such as learner driver computer tests and boat licences. The library also offers printing services, including photos, flyers and booklets.

Meeting rooms for community groups and businesses are a great bonus for the library. Many community groups use the meeting rooms regularly and as a result feel quite at home in the library. Free internet and wi-fi is also available.

Collection and Resources Staff and library patrons enjoy seeing new books, magazines, CD Books and DVDs arrive regularly to refresh our collection. The Storytime tubs and school holiday resources are enjoyed by many. The library has a good collection of local history books that are frequently requested and extensive eResources have helped to expand our collection.

Dominique Heriot Library Assistant Holbrook Library

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Holbrook Library Holbrook Library Complex Library Court, Bowler Street HOLBROOK NSW 2644 02 6036 3262

Greater Hume Shire Network of Libraries Culcairn Henty Holbrook

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11:00am-5:30pm

(closed for lunch 1:00pm-2:00pm)

Saturday 9:30am-12:30pm

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Howlong howlonglibrary@corowa.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events It has been a very busy year for the library. Storytime is held fortnightly on Fridays and School Holiday Programs this year have included Crafty Kids, where recycled polystyrene was used and introduced the children to the new new green rubbish system, Treasure Chest activities, and author, Shamini Flint, paid a visit to Howlong Public School in May. Friends of the Library hosted guest speaker, Lyn Coulston, in March and the library has a dedicated historian to assist members and general public with ancestry and genealogy requirements one day per week.

Services Friends of the Library coordinate delivery and pick-up of books to assist non mobile library members with their resource access and a core group of volunteers conduct fortnightly Storytime sessions.

Collection and Resources A historical collection of family ancestry was bequeathed to the library and will now be incorporated into the general history and archives collection.

The large print and talking books collection has increased, which has been greatly appreciated by our members.

Nyree-Anne Terry Customer and Library Service Officer Howlong Library

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Howlong Library & Resource Centre 59 Hawkins Street HOWLONG NSW 2643 02 6026 5055

Corowa Shire Network of Libraries Corowa Howlong Mulwala

Opening Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00am-5:00pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm-2:00pm)

Thursday & Friday 10:00am-1:00pm Saturday 9:00am-11:30am

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Junee library@junee.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events The library embarked on a new program of events with a featured event each month. In January the star event was Writing from Inside; a graphic display of poems and writings by inmates of the Junee Correctional Centre. The highlight event for February was Creative Neighbours and was a display of over 20 artworks produced by local residents. Live Life in March focused on raising $500 for the local residential aged care facility through book sales, and in June the library celebrated with Woolie Wonders; a collection of knitted works by the creative genius of Junee knitters. Other events featured during April and June were Let’s Go Lego and It’s All About Us. Regular events such as Storytime, holiday activities, school visits and travelling displays continue strongly with 42 Storytime sessions, 17 visits from childcare centres, 8 youth afternoons, 6 adult events and 6 presentations to primary schools.

Services The library introduced a new mobile printing service this year. With Mobile Print Service, customers can use their personal computer or mobile device to send documents to the library’s printer from anywhere.

Customers can submit documents for printing and come to the library to pay and pick up documents within 72 hours.

Collection and Resources The collection was the focus of this years’ Public Library Infrastructure Grant funding with money going towards picture books, non fiction books and the library’s DVD collection. The children’s area also received a boost with some activity play resources and a lounge chair.

Kim Richards

Librarian in Charge Junee Library

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Junee Library 92 Lorne Street JUNEE NSW 2663 02 6924 2111

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

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Mulwala mulwalalibrary@corowa.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events In partnership with the local Country Womens Association (CWA) ladies, Beginner Knit In produced prizewinning work from our junior members in October. Participants were keen to catch up with new friends, both young and old, at these sessions. The CWA ladies were wonderful mentors and hopefully we will have more workshops in this crafty style.

Fabulous resourcing has meant lots of exciting Storytime Thursdays with inspiration from professional storyteller, Lee Castledine.

In June the library received Public Library Infrastructure Grant funding to undertake works in September.

Although the library will lose the courtyard reading area for this project, it is anticipated that a better utilised space within the building will be obtained by the enclosure.

Enjoyable programs for juniors included, Dr Egypt, Halve Waste - Recycle Fun and Treasure Chest. Children attending these programs were engaged and pleasantly entertained by the presenters.

An author visit from Shamini Flint for senior students at Mulwala Public School was thoroughly enjoyed by students and library staff.

National Simultaneous Storytime was once again a partnership between community and schools. Volunteer, Nola Mangor, shared the Aaron Blabey story The Brothers Quibble and supervised activities.

Services Access to the library’s eResources continues to amaze both young and older members. With a little encouragement from staff, our junior members are being educated about the many online educational resources available.

Free access to wi-fi and computers continues to be appreciated by locals and visitors as well as the printing, scanning and copying services.

Collection and Resources Our collection has been constantly changing through regular rotation of stock and weeding. The constant flow of new titles has been a delight for our members.

Jenny Orr Library/Customer Service Officer Mulwala Library

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Mulwala Library 71 Melbourne Street MULWALA NSW 2647 03 5744 3439

Corowa Shire Network of Libraries Corowa Howlong Mulwala

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

Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm

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Talbingo talbingo@tumut.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events The 2014 theme was Read Watch Play with each month allocated a separate display theme which were well received by the community and library members. Wrap with Love Knit In was hosted with a morning tea and attended by four ladies who enjoyed the opportunity to catch up. Other community members contributed squares or completed rugs.

Together with Talbingo Public School, Book Week and Education Week were celebrated with a Connect to Reading – Reading to Connect theme. Children and parents were invited to the library for morning tea and celebrations. Library staff also attend the Talbingo Public School presentation evening to present a dictionary on behalf of Tumut Shire Council to the graduating Year 6 students, and a library award.

Rochelle Llewelyn Nicholls presented an author talk to promote her book, Joe Quinn - Among the Rowdies.

This was a successful event and attendees enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with Rochelle and hear about her book. Rochelle was a previous Library Assistant at Talbingo.

Services The library enjoys a successful partnership with Talbingo Public School, Talbingo Ratepayers and Progress Association, Snowy Hydro, Talbingo Supermarket, Sounds of the Mountains and Talbingo Community Transport.

NSW Fair Trading offers free presentations on various subjects including mobile phones and tablets and scam awareness. The library is considering this option for the 2015-2016 year.

The library provides access to two public computers as well as printing, scanning, photocopying and faxing services. The Tumut and Adelong Times and the Daily Telegraph newspapers are available and information is posted onto the library community and school notice boards. Library staff also assist the public with access to the internet and other programs.

The library functions as a branch for Tumut Shire Council providing information, circulating Council documentation, collecting and receipting of rate payments.

Collection and Resources The library rotates the collection of large print books regularly and the DVD collection continues to grow from donated items received which is very popular with members.

The library has a special interest collection of Miles Franklin books and three large photo albums as well as a small collection of local history books relevant to Talbingo and the high country. Both have been well utilised this year.

Shirlee Straatsma Library Assistant Talbingo Library

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Talbingo Library Lampe Street TALBINGO NSW 2720 02 6949 5344

Tumut Shire Network of Libraries Adelong Batlow Talbingo Tumut

Opening Hours: Tuesday 9:00am-5:00pm

(closed for lunch 12:30pm-1:30pm)

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Temora library@temora.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events A range of author talks were held at the library this year including Mark Dapin, Annie Flood, John Barclay, Jacqueline Dinan and Meredith Sindel. Our customers were delighted with displays of Flashback, Elyne Mitchell, REROC Burn Bright, 10,000 Poppies, Law Week and Refugee Week. Other displays included Museum in a Box - Platypus, National Parks - Mammals and the HSC Design and Technology works.

Holiday activities for our junior members included Dr Egypt and Sweet Science. Our Knit with Love knitting group met 20 times this year, while the poppy making group met twice.

Services The TAFE Remote Resourcing Agreement achieved its 20th year of successful operation and a number of talks were held with the Senior Citizens Group, VIEW Club and CanAssist.

The library held two books sales this year and continues to provide quality library services to the community.

Collection and Resources The library received many quality donations from the community and our resources continue to be refreshed by library suppliers. Profits from book sales allow for purchase of some additional items.

Eileen England Librarian in Charge Temora Library

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Temora Library 294 Hoskins Street TEMORA NSW 2666

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

02 6977 1781

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Tumbarumba tumbalibrary@tumbashire.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events Holiday programs at the library have become increasingly popular with programs for this year including ButtonUP, PrintIT, Summer Reading Club, Special Seasonal Storytimes, Board Much Games afternoons, Dr Egypt and Knit In. Each year the library holds a Community Reading Day for all the children in the shire to promote literacy.

This year’s theme was the Centenary of Anzac. The Bandiana Museum held a display of items that the Anzacs would have had in the trenches and presented a talk with each group throughout the day. Local RSL Club members came in uniform and read stories to the children. The day was a huge success due to the yearly support of local organisations, including Rotary and Lions Clubs.

Services Housebound borrowing services and talking Tumbarumba Times is still a popular resource for the elderly members of our community. Again, without the support of Friends of the Library volunteers and Rotary members this program would not be able to continue.

School visits have showcased what is available for children at the library. Staff have worked closely with local schools in a lending program and have offered Storytime programs throughout the year.

A new program, Homework Help, has been introduced for children to use library resources to help with their studies. A qualified teacher has been on staff one day per week to help students with any homework or study. This program has been beneficial to a number of children and parents in the community and has been supported by local teachers.

Collection and Resources Friends of the Library have been busy fundraising to further enhance and extend the library collection. Due to the purchase of DVDs, non fiction, reference material, classic novels and both junior and adult fiction, the library has a diverse and up to date collection for the community.

Library staff have worked alongside the local Historical Society to catalogue and preserve the local archive collection. This year, the Historical Society received a grant from Murray Local Land Services and part of this funding went towards establishing an Aboriginal Resource Collection in the local archives.

Vicki Hulm Library Coordinator Tumbarumba Library

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Tumbarumba Library Prince Street TUMBARUMBA NSW 2653

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

02 6948 2725

Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm

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

Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm

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Tumut library@tumut.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events The library participated in the Public Libraries Australia pilot eConnect program which centres around the delivery of electronic mail. So far the pilot has been extremely successful.

Storytime delivered at the library is held on a weekly basis during school term. These sessions continue to grow in popularity with over 50 attendees each week.

A family history weekend ‘Find my Past’ was hosted in May 2015 where over 30 people enjoyed the oopportunity to learn a wealth of techniques in finding and presenting information.

Jennifer Milward from the Australian War Memorial presented a session on war research. Hazel Edwards, the history writer, biographer and much loved children’s author, presented her dynamic writing workshop ‘How to Write a Non Boring Family History’ and the Tumut Family History Group provided a review of The Tumut Library Family/Local History collection which they use as the focus of their research.

Services Librarian, Kristin Twomey, presented the findings of her Kath Knowles Young Leaders Research Grant to the 2014 Public Libraries NSW Conference. Kristin’s project investigated the options for the use of technology in expanding the library collection for seniors, as well as the social impact that technology changes are having on seniors in rural and remote communities.

The library has a strong relationship with Life Long Learners and assists in the delivery of their programming each year. The library has also commenced a monthly Storytime session with Kurrajong Waratah Early Intervention Service to assist children with preparation for school.

Collection and Resources Tumut Shire received approval from the State Library of NSW for a Revitalising Regional Libraries Project.

The project will focus on the digitisation of the Shire’s photographic collection and the development of a platform to make the images accessible to the public.

The library collection continues to be refreshed with new stock while old and under-utilised items are discarded.

Kristin Twomey Librarian in Charge Tumut Library

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Tumut Library 169 Wynyard Street TUMUT NSW 2720 02 6941 2541

Tumut Shire Network of Libraries Adelong Batlow Talbingo Tumut

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

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Wagga Wagga wcl@wagga.nsw.gov.au Programs and Events One Book One Wagga The feature adult program in 2014-15 was the One Book One Wagga city wide book club and associated programming. One Book One Wagga 2015 concluded in June with a dinner attended by the featured author, Liam Pieper. Liam was interviewed live on stage by the Riverina Regional Library’s Amy Heap about his memoir, The Feel Good Hit of the Year. Liam’s book was borrowed hundreds of times from the library, and there were a range of other events such as Book Club meetings and a short story competition. One Book One Wagga 2015 was very successful and the library acknowledged the support of the RSL Club, RRL and the Friends of the Library.

Storytime Sessions and School Holiday Programs The largest regular cohort for library programs was children in both the pre school and school aged groups.

Storytime sessions attracted 6,289 children and 4,189 parents and carers. In addition, 5,500 children attended programs that included The Loaded Dog, Sweet Science, Baby Bounce, School tours, Dr Egypt, Library Legoland, Screen Scene movie days, a Cartooning Workshop and the annual Little Big Day Out. CLOSER - Youth Workshop As the lead role in the Riverina Science Hub, the library engaged some young adults in our community to participate in a new science project called Closer: Art and Science Collide. Led by digital media expert, Yenny Huber, from Dlux Media, and with library staff assisting while learning about new technologies, Closer trained a group of young adults in how to take microscopic images, manipulate them using various software, and present the images in novel and exciting ways. The group re-worked the images to create a microscopic digital exhibition that will be projected two stories high on the side of the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre to celebrate National Science Week.

A Party for Pippi Longstocking Pippi Longstocking turned 70 in 2015 and over one hundred committed fans attended the Mayor’s party held in the children’s area of the library to celebrate the milestone! The event was held in partnership with local business, Gateway Bookshop, and the City of Wagga Wagga. The Swedish Ambassador, Mr Pär Ahlberger, travelled from Canberra to attend the event and provided insights into Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren and the role the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award has played in promoting children’s literacy around the world.

Leaps and Bounds Early Childhood Program Wagga Wagga City Library supported the Leaps and Bounds Early Childhood Program with an Outreach Storytime of stories, singing and movement activities and craft for the pre schoolers of Tarcutta. The partnership provided a great opportunity for isolated families to connect with their library service. It also provided an invaluable professional learning exchange between the qualified early childhood practitioners and library professionals.

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Wagga Wagga City Library Civic Centre Cnr Baylis & Morrow Streets WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650

Opening Hours: Monday 11:00am-6:00pm Tuesday - Friday 10:00am-6:00pm Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

02 6926 9700

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Wagga Wagga Services Featured Exhibition: Bush Footy Exhibition in the Library To coincide with the 2015 City vs Country clash played in Wagga Wagga on Sunday 3 May 2015, the Wagga Wagga City Library hosted Bush Footy, an exhibition from the Heroes and Legends Rugby League Museum.

On 20 April 2015, Country Rugby League (CRL) officials joined Mayor, Cr Rod Kendall, and footy legends, Paul Sironen and Steve Roach, for a media launch to promote the exhibition and ticket sales for the City vs Country game in Wagga Wagga. The exhibition had over 4,000 visitors and celebrated the unique story of how regional Rugby League helped shape the code. The exhibition featured 100 Greatest Players interactive display and the CRL Team of the Century, selected in the 2008 centenary year, as well as local content.

Wagga Wagga City Library acknowledged the work of Cynthia Price at RRL in securing this exhibition.

Disability Services and Home Library The Home Library Service grew in numbers and demonstrated how libraries can provide a fantastic option to increase social inclusion for older or less mobile library members. As at 30 June, there were 21 people receiving the Home Library service and 17 active volunteers. There was also a waiting list of another 10 people waiting to be trained. The library is a daily or weekly destination for many disabled members of the community and their carers to select items to borrow and enjoy the open plan seating as well as the Sensory Wall which is located in the children’s area. Many homeless people were regular library visitors throughout the year and the Outreach Service to homeless shelters was very well received.

Adult Outreach Services The RRL Book Clubs at Wagga Wagga numbered 48 this year. The newest club arose from a conversation at the One Book One Wagga city wide reading event in May. The annual Members Lounge Book Club event was another successful event and demonstrated the importance of the library across all ages in our community. The Community Links Service was delivered to nine Aged Care Facilities in Wagga Wagga on a quarterly basis. Deliveries included Large Print and Audio books with a number of services trialling the Daisy Players for talking books with their residents. The Outreach Wagga Library (OWL) service also ensured that a number of temporary residents were able to access a library service of high quality and nonreturnable donated books in Shelters and Mental Health Units.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities (CALD) Over 450 family members attended CALD Library events leading up to the Wagga Wagga annual Multicultural Festival, Fusion. These included French Storytime, the ColourFest Film Festival and a Multicultural Storytime. A highlight this year was the final presentation by Dr Anne Lloyd on the Charles Sturt University research, funded by Centacare, on the Everyday Learning Spaces for Multicultural Youth in Wagga Wagga. This presentation included the important role of the library, church groups and sports groups in assisting young CALD community members in obtaining vital information in informal settings.

Social Media and Online Engagement The library maintained a vibrant online presence across social media platforms and active engagement to promote events, services and collections. Staff maintained three Facebook pages – Wagga Wagga City Library, One Book One Wagga, and the Riverina Science Hub with 980 followers. The library had regular followers on Pinterest and Waggawizz on YouTube and the monthly eNewsletter which goes to 6,700 library members. The demographics of library followers indicated that the largest group of 26% were aged between 25-34 years and the next largest group of 21% were aged between 35-44 years.

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Wagga Wagga

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Wagga Wagga Collection and Resources Riverina Science Hub - External Funding Secured In early 2015 the library received $7,500 federal funding for the Riverina Science Hub activities in Science Week from 15-23 August from Science for Australia’s Future – Inspiring Australia Programs. The total budget, including in-kind, was $14,001 for the project. National Science Week occurs in August each year so the full report of the seven planned library events will be provided next year.

The Wagga Wagga Community Directory (LINCS Service) The Wagga Wagga City Council Community Directory was updated by library staff over a six month period and the annual hard copy directory was printed in June 2015. This year the format was expanded to create more access points for each service to assist the community in locating the specific group or service to best meet their need for information or recreation. The directory, in both formats, has proven to be a vital aid for existing residents, new residents and also people looking online before they decide whether to relocate to Wagga Wagga for work or a lifestyle change.

FUSION Multicultural Books & IELTs (International English Language System) Wagga Wagga has 98 countries of origin, 99 language groups, 67 faiths, and 1 community. During Fusion 2014 and to celebrate the diversity across languages, the library borrowed over 200 books for all age groups from the multicultural collection at the State Library of NSW in the following languages - Vietnamese, Hindi, Urdu, Chinese, Burmese, Polish, Persian and French.

In response to community need, the library increased its IELTS collection to over 48 titles including multiple copies of the Cambridge University IELTS Workbooks Levels 1-9. These titles and more literacy materials for library members who speak English as a second language can be found in the ESL collection.

Top Shelf Collection The new Top Shelf collection was introduced as a trial in December to address the feedback from the local community for more accessible copies of the latest book titles on the open shelves at Wagga Wagga City Library. Two copies of very popular titles were processed so that one copy was always returned to the shelf for the next browser, regardless of reservation queues on the other copy. This service along with our face out open shelving was so successful that it became a permanent feature at the library.

Library Council of NSW visited Wagga Wagga 29 October During a very successful visit on 29 October, Library Council members and the State Librarian, Dr Alex Bryne, presented a framed historic photo to the Mayor as a gift from the State Library’s Holtermann Collection: a streetscape of Fitzmaurice Street c1870-1875. The photo was installed in the window of the Rose Novak Room, where the Local Studies Collection is housed in the library, so that it can be enjoyed by the whole community.

Claire Campbell Manager Library Services Wagga Wagga City Library

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Wagga Wagga

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RRL Statistics 2014-2015

46,924

10,598

8,329

4,025

RRL website visits

Zinio eMagazine downloads

eBook loans

Freegal music downloads

553,891

visits to RRL branch libraries

6,345

eAudio loans

1,697

Beamafilm views

38,848

total RRL members

672,107 RRL

collection items loaned 62

RRL Statistics 2014-2015 New Stock by Local Government Area

Total Stock by Local Government Area

23,889

collection items purchased

2,617

donated items received

240

Book Club titles circulated to 90 Book Clubs

63

RRL Statistics 2014-2015 2014-2015 collection item purchases and discards 23,889 IN

39,992 OUT

Loans by Local Government Area

Loans per capita by Local Government Area

64

RRL Statistics 2014-2015

Member Council populations and contributions

Membership as percent of population by Local Government Area

%

Council

$

Bland (January 2015)

6,010

-

51,282

Coolamon

4,289

3.30

115,912

Cootamundra

7,620

5.86

129,323

Corowa

11,383

8.75

193,187

Greater Hume

10,137

7.79

240,000

Gundagai

3,763

2.89

63,864

Junee

6,127

4.71

103,985

Lockhart

3,082

2.37

105,828

Temora

5,969

4.59

112,605

Tumbarumba

3,517

2.70

92,179

Tumut

11,290

8.68

191,609

Urana

1,180

0.91

67,340

Wagga Wagga

61,746

47.46

1,284,021

65

RRL Statistics 2014-2015 Northern Mobile Library

Southern Mobile Library

37,400

26,970

km

km

kilometres travelled

The RRL Mobile Library stops here

825

service point visits

6,208

mobile library collection items

27,604

mobile library loans

66

kilometres travelled

The RRL Mobile Library stops here

517

service point visits

5,129

mobile library collection items

18,662

mobile library loans

RRL Statistics 2014-2015 619

19,638

babies and carers attended Baby Bounce sessions

children and carers attended Storytime sessions

school visits to libraries

4,950

and outreach visits to schools

2,709 children

attended School Holiday programs

322 students attended HSC/Homework/Study sessions 3,296

183

70

adults attended community presentations

adults attended internet/technology sessions

seniors attended Seniors Week events 67

The most beautiful people

68

are all in the library - Caroline Kennedy 69

70

2014 - 2015

rrl.nsw.gov.au