Shoalhaven libraries offer more than just books. They are places to study, meet your favourite author, borrow a birdwatching kit, research your family history or even watch a movie.
Libraries at Nowra, Sanctuary Point, Milton, and Ulladulla and the mobile library are taking part in a statewide public libraries campaign that aims to increase library membership to 50% of the state.
More than 3 million people, or 40% of the NSW population, are members of public libraries. In Shoalhaven, about 34,000 residents, or 31% of the local government area, are library members.
“At a time when every dollar counts, a free library membership is one of the most valuable resources available to our community,” said Shoalhaven libraries Manager, Nicole Lonesborough.
“Many people are surprised to learn that their library card provides access not only to books, but to technology, educational resources, subscription services and specialist borrowing collections that could otherwise cost hundreds of dollars each year,” Ms Lonesborough said.
A family borrowing two children’s books each week could save between $1,500 and $3,000 annually.
Library members have free access to thousands of books, audiobooks, eBooks, magazines and newspapers. They can also access language learning apps, Ancestry.com, technology assistance, study spaces, writing groups, book clubs, movie screenings, author events and community programs.
Practical resources on offer include power saving kits, seed libraries and book club kits. Birdwatching kits will be available to borrow from Monday 17 August.
Shoalhaven libraries also provide a home library service, delivering books and materials directly to elderly and homebound residents.
Sally Hepworth, Candice Fox (pictured above) and Richard Glover are among the high-profile authors to have appeared at local library events. Shoalhaven libraries will host Stuff the British Stole author Marc Fennell at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on Thursday 24 September.
More than 500 people have shared what their library means to them for the State Library’s 200th Anniversary online portal initiative, The Library That Made Me. This includes Shoalhaven residents Yvanna and Alana.
Yvanna, Nowra Library: “I remember my parents bringing me here when I was a child, and I now get to bring my own three children back here too … learning and growing with their friends that come each week [for storytime] and doing craft. So, we are feeling sort of supported and connected in the community with the same people that we see each week.”
Alana, Sanctuary Point: “There are plans for a new Sanctuary Point Library … but this little blue structure has already played a pivotal role in contributing to contemporary Australian culture, nestled as it is among shining Eucalyptus punctata and cone-laden casuarinas, visited by glossy black cockatoos, grey kangaroos and, very gratefully, me.”
You can join Shoalhaven libraries here.
