Today’s public libraries have much more on offer than traditional reading materials like books, not that there is anything wrong with books of course! Increasingly libraries need to re-imagine their offerings to maintain their relevance to readers of all ages and their contribution to a community’s cultural and learning opportunities, as exemplified by new offerings at our own Glen Innes Severn Public Library.
Over the past 12 months Glen Innes Library has increased its number of visitors and members by 16% and 7% respectively. In fact, it continues to be a big year for the Library which is currently celebrating its 70th Anniversary. The celebrations kicked off last November and provided the library with “the opportunity to showcase our growing modern services which are keeping abreast of library industry standards and innovations”, says Kerry Byrne, Manager of Library and Learning Centre in her Annual Report 2024.
As most people will already know, the library offers readers a wide selection of books, magazines and newspapers. But there is much more to see here: there is a Podcast Brunch Club, which is a kind of book club for podcasts which meets monthly; and during the Sydney Writers Festival sessions were live streamed over three days with authors covering a range of real conversation starters like AI and Big Tech, Storytelling, Gender Equality and Burning Books.
The library presents its own visiting author talks and occasional musical performances. For film fans there are regular screenings in the Golden Oldies Series and the After Dark Movie Nights. Members may also borrow movies, documentaries, TV series and CDs. Not forgetting games. – visitors can work on a community jigsaw or join a scrabble group at the library.
During school holidays, the library often hosts courses for young people: past examples have included Phone Photography and Editing, Drawing and Painting, Henna Tattoo Workshops and Pizza + Paint as well as Driver Education Courses. For the littlies – and in collaboration with Glen Innes Outreach Toy Library – the Mini Muso program is presented on a weekly basis in the library’s Children’s Room.
While some things have changed at the library, what you will recognise is the warm welcome from the library team. If you haven’t been to the library in a while, why not escape the biting cold and pay a visit this winter?
Glen Innes Severn Public Library is located at 71 Grey Street, Glen Innes.
