Move over St Valentine’s because February 14 is also Library Lovers’ Day. Your nearestClarence Valley librarywill spread the love to customers with a competition and a chance to meet other book lovers in a speed date.
As in previous years, each Clarence Valley library will run a competition during the week to guess the most loved book – the title most borrowed over the past 12 months. A box of chocolates is on offer at each library for the reader who gets it right.
For its second year, back by popular demand, Grafton library will host a speed dating evening for over 55s as part of our Seniors Festival celebrations. Lovers of reading can come and share their passion for books on Thursday, February 14.
Regional librarian, Kathryn Breward, said Library Lovers’ Day offered a chance for everyone to reconnect with the library and share the library love.
The initiative, coordinated by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), aims to raise the profile of the services which libraries offer. Australia’s public libraries provide quality information services that support lifelong learning, significantly impacting the cultural and information industry.
Ms Breward said libraries were a vital piece of social infrastructure for the people in our community as they:
- Supported literacy in young children
- Bridged the digital divide
- Fostered social inclusion for newly-arrived Australians
- Served as a meeting place for older Australians
- Brought people from all walks of life together
“Public libraries are a vital part of local community across the State; a focal point for people to access information and ideas,” she said.
“The library has also evolved into a social space to meet, collaborate, research, learn, share and relax.
“At the library, community groups meet, workshops are taught, new skills are learnt, study groups can meet, games can be played, technology can be used to create, and in some libraries, you can even get something to eat.
“Not everyone can afford to buy all the books or resources they need and want. They are free to borrow — whether that is an ebook, an audio book, a DVD, CD or some other resource.”