Library Facts and interesting quotes

I'm at home currently going through some paperwork I've collected over the year and have come across some interesting facts about Public Libraries and Librarians. These cam about from a session I attended at State Library and are relevant to our new library

• There are 334 library sites in Qld -- more than double the number of McDonald's Family Restaurants in the State

"Librarians must be innovators: creating new services, identifying community trends, helping communities develop for themselves" -- Chris Batt

"There is an almost universal perception that libraries are places where all people have right of access, regardless of their circumstances or backgrounds" -- Eva Cox

Libraries link people, technology and knowledge.

Libraries are designed as flexible spaces that can easily adapt to different activities and are welcoming spaces that attract a broad range of user groups.

The above quotes and messages are from a information brochure about the Key themes for Qld Public Libraries. These themes allow public libraries to build on their strenghts and to position their libraries for the future. These ideas, thoughts and themes have been considered when planning and designing our new library.

Skatebowl meeting

After a meeting with interested youth, a design and location has been decided for the new skatebowl. The site will be on the flat further south of the existing skatebowl.

Young people have had input into the new design.

Construction is expected to begin in january and it is hoped the new bowl will be built before the old one is removed to allow for construction of the new Library / Art Gallery and Trucking Museum.

Moving ahead

Library staff are excited to see in today's Gatton Star notificiation of the expression of interest for precinct. These expressions are for the

• Building Works Contract
• Bulk earthworks and alterations to sewer and stormwater mains

Both are required to be lodged by 12 noon on Thursday 10th January at NG Sanders and Associates.

We will soon be able to see some visual progress on the new site. As soon as anything happens, I will post some piccis on our blog.

Sue attends training

One of our library staff members, Sue is currently obtaining her Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training.

When Sue completes this course, we will be able to provide better training for our staff allowing for our knowledge and skills to be acknowledge under industry standards.

This training will potentially allow us to use Sue as a trainer when our new library is built, extending services to the general public. We envisage Sue will be able to take all the information she learns to create a positive and safe environment for everyone.