Maribyrnong Cr Bernadette Thomas
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love reading.
Books have been a big part of my life for so long. A constant companion. No matter what else is going on in my life, I always make time for reading. I read every day, even if only for 10 or 15 minutes.
Part of my reading history involves going to the library. I recall attending the very small library in the country town I grew up in; then the school library during primary and secondary school; and the massive libraries of my university days. Each library nurtured my love of reading, and books opened up whole new worlds of excitement and interest.
These days our libraries are about much more than borrowing and reading. They are places of fun, learning, companionship, art, culture, and storytelling.
During 2020 and 2021 our libraries have reinvented themselves in new ways – the home drop-off service, ‘click and collect’, and most recently the ‘book bundle’ was launched, bringing an element of surprise and spontaneity into our borrowing.
Our fabulous library staff are running all your favourite programs online so you won’t miss out on story time, baby rhyme time, or book group. The library app makes searching and reserving your favourites so easy, and keeps a record of all the books you’ve borrowed in case you want to reminisce later.
My life wouldn’t be the same without books or my local library, and I’m missing popping in there to browse the shelves and check out the staff recommendations.
But I know they’ll be back, bigger and better than ever.
In the interim, if you have children aged six-12, the online Kids Book Group takes place every Tuesday afternoon, or for slightly older children, the Young Writers Club is a great way to get their creative juices flowing.
