Page 983 - Week 03 - Thursday, 22 March 2018
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being cyber safe. Library staff report that more and more older Canberrans are being given a device by a family member and that they seek library help to be able to engage with the technology and, therefore, with their own family in the digital space. As government, banking and other services go to online channels, it is our library that provides the safety net for those who do not have the resources or the skills to navigate the online world.
Many of the learning programs that our libraries offer are conducted in partnership with other parts of government and the community sector. The bimonthly “what’s on” program for the library demonstrates the huge range of learning opportunities that the library offers. Every week there are justices of the peace at our libraries to provide their free services to the community. In April and May this year the range of learning programs include financial help from professionals, how to care for your precious textiles, early literacy for pregnant families, junior robotics, and little engineers. As you can see, there is a wide and eclectic range of programs to meet the needs and interests of so many in our community.
Good literacy is a vital skill in our increasingly complex world and our libraries play an important role in supporting adult literacy in the community. Our libraries contain many resources to assist adults who want to improve their literacy. I will be making an important announcement about our libraries and adult literacy in the coming weeks.
Our library service belongs to the Australian Public Library Alliance, which is a body under the auspices of the Australian Library and Information Association. In 2013 the Australian Public Library Alliance commissioned some research into the return on investment of public libraries in each Australian jurisdiction. While the national return on investment was $2.90, for Libraries ACT it was $4.10. That is, for every dollar that the government puts into our libraries, the community derives $4.10 in value.
Our libraries also play an important but somewhat hidden role in supporting businesses in the ACT. Library staff report that libraries are often used by people starting up their own business or conducting their small business. Whether it is using the library’s wi-fi, meeting spaces or collections, micro businesses and start-ups are supported by the resources and services of our libraries.
The Heritage Library, as Ms Le Couteur noted, is about to move from its current premises upstairs in the Woden public library to an upgraded facility on Canberra Avenue in Fyshwick. Our Heritage Library collects the documentary heritage of the ACT, collecting and preserving it for current and future generations to research and use in their businesses and pastimes. The heritage collection is full of treasures about life in Canberra and important everyday Canberrans. It holds and preserves the identity of Canberra.
Our libraries in the ACT are dynamic and energised places. They provide vital services and resources to Canberrans and contribute to our economy and our community. I would like to pay tribute to the excellent staff in Libraries ACT and their vision of literacy and learning for life. Our libraries are for everyone in Canberra.
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