2012 is the National Year of Reading and Sunshine Coast Council invites you to find out how much your local library has changed since the last time you visited.
Deputy Mayor Chris Thompson said the region’s libraries play an important role in the community by providing meeting places that are warm and welcoming and keeping people connected to their communities.
“With 140,000 members council’s libraries are more popular than ever, but we are aware that there are residents who have not visited their local library for some time,” he said.
“One of the reasons some residents may not visit their libraries is that they may have lost an item, or have an overdue item. Previously, these members would have been charged a fee.
“With 2012 being celebrated as the National Year of Reading, council is keen to welcome people back to their local library and any fees already incurred by library members will be waived for the remainder of 2012.”
Deputy Mayor Thompson said council’s libraries have more than 600,000 books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, toys and puzzles purchased through grants from the Queensland State Government.
“Apart from these traditional library services, though, our libraries offer so much more,” he said.
“Some of the innovative services offered by libraries include e-books and e-audiobooks, free WiFi and self service machines to speed up your visit.
“Council’s modern day libraries are places to search for information, to connect with friends and to learn.
“They offer a wide variety of professionally hosted public education workshops on subjects such as how to use mobile phones, iPads, facebook, blogging, marketing your business and so much more.
“I would encourage all residents who have overdue items or have lost items in the past to talk to the friendly staff at their local library about waiving the fees.”
To explore the vast array of services and programs on offer at your local library during the National Year of Reading visit council’s library website or call your local library on 1300 LIBRARY (5427 279).