The lasting value of public libraries

THERE is something very special about watching a room full of children completely absorbed in a story.

Last week, I had the pleasure of taking part in National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) at the Ocean Grove Library, reading this year’s chosen book, Luna Roo: the Kangaroo Baller, to preps from Our Lady Star of the Sea Ocean Grove.

Now in its 26th year, National Simultaneous Storytime is a wonderful celebration of reading, storytelling and connection.

Almost 1,000 children and adults attended NSS across Geelong Regional Libraries’ 15 participating locations. Last year’s event attracted more than 2.2 million participants across more than 16,600 locations around Australia.

What stood out to me at Ocean Grove Library was not just the excitement around the story itself, although there was certainly plenty of that, but the genuine joy children experience when somebody reads with them.

You could see imaginations firing, questions bubbling away and little faces completely invested in what might happen next.

As the deputy chair of the Geelong Regional Libraries board, I am passionate about how important it is to foster these moments.

A love of reading starts early, and libraries play an enormous role in helping nurture that curiosity and confidence.

In a world increasingly dominated by screens, notifications and short attention spans, reading remains one of the most important skills we can encourage in young people.

Reading helps build literacy, communication, empathy and creativity, while also supporting learning outcomes right across a child’s education.

Importantly, libraries make that opportunity accessible to everybody and public libraries today are about far more than simply borrowing books.

They are safe, welcoming community spaces where people can learn new skills, access technology, attend programs, study, connect with others and participate in community life.

 

According to the latest Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report, libraries recorded more than 88 million in-person visits nationally in 2023–24.

And in Victoria, public libraries receive more than 30 million visits annually, which equates to around five visits per Victorian every year.

Those numbers show libraries remain deeply valued parts of Australian communities.

Here on the Bellarine, Geelong Regional Libraries has five locations, as well as offering mobile library services. All libraries offer programs and events for children and adults of diverse ages and interests.

If you haven’t recently looked at their events program, I encourage you to do so.

From weekly Baby and Toddler Time events through to adult learning and after school and holiday programs there are plenty of free events to keep you occupied.

You can learn about 3D print design or attend an introduction to podcasting session at Boronggook Drysdale Library.

Or at Ocean Grove Library you can learn how to spot AI and deepfakes online as part of the ‘Finding Facts Online’ series. Young people can take part in Youth Collective sessions, which provide them a fun and safe space to connect with other young people while they explore different activities each week, from hands-on craft to learning about technology trends.

Libraries across the Bellarine run weekly drop-in sessions to help with basic technology questions from navigating your smartphone and other devices to downloading, scanning and printing files.

We are so fortunate to have libraries that continue evolving to meet the needs of local families, children, students, older residents and lifelong learners alike.

For more information on events at your local library, visit events.grlc.vic.gov.au

Cr Elise Wilkinson

Connewarre ward,

City of Greater Geelong