Page 3470 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 14 November 2006
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what we could do after this library was closed because they thought that there needed to be something else. There needs to be, say, a boutique library or a shopfront in one of the inner suburbs. Someone said:
It is my local inner South library, so it is easy to call in and collect books—Woden and Civic require a special trip and has limited parking. Maybe a drop-off/pick-up facility could be provided at Griffith/Kingston/Manuka for those of us who use the online catalogue.
This is what a considerate community might do. Someone else said:
It offers a very good service and it is convenient. I also thought a Labor government would support government services and not be a Liberal party clone.
My apologies to Liberal members here who are arguing for the library to stay open. Another said:
I find this a “user friendly” library. Nothing is too much bother for the staff to help you with. I will be 80 years old and I find this important.
Another said:
I became a mum for the first time 22 months ago. I have no family in Canberra except for my husband and daughter. I found the library to be a welcomed source of entertainment for my young child and I. We could walk here and often met other mothers here.
Other new mothers talk about how it helps them overcome depression and the dreariness of the day as in our deserted suburbs you may not encounter a single person, and one said:
It is the only place on the South side of Canberra that acts as a collection point for the Lifeline books.
There is something we did not think of. Another said:
As a high school student it is the only place I can study at without spending 90 minutes on the bus. I am an avid reader, this is the nicest, largest place to get books from. The City libraries are busy and noisy. I can easily look after my young siblings here and they love it.
(Time expired.)
MR SMYTH (Brindabella) (4.28): I am surprised that Mr Hargreaves actually tabled the paper Library services consolidation project—A report into ACT library services, dated September 2006. I do note that he gave us the warning that he has not yet accepted all the recommendations, but it is incredible what it reveals about this government’s intentions concerning the ACT public library service. John Marsden, perhaps Australia’s greatest author for young Australians, said that the ACT public library service was the jewel in the crown of library services around this country, and he had no doubt that it led to the economic, social, political and environmental wellbeing of the people of the ACT, because he has faith in books and library services.
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