Community library makes new Friends
Published 16th February 2018
| 16 February 2018 |
The Friends’ next meeting will be held on Tuesday 27 March at 10am in the Balaklava Community Library.
The first Friends of the Balaklava Community Library group get together was held this week with representatives from the community, former Library Board of Management members, Balaklava High School and Wakefield Regional Council all joining in for a morning tea to honour its debut.
After the Library’s Board of Management dissolved last year due to legislative changes, the Friends of the Library group was formed so it could continue the contribution to the facility and advocate the role of libraries to the community, which is always evolving.
The Balaklava Community Library has access to a multitude of resources and the traditional ‘quiet’ library is now transformed into a vibrant space catering for all ages and interests. Of particular interest is the newly remodelled Kids section - a great space for families and friends to gather.
Mayor Rodney Reid said the Friends are responsible for increasing the social and educational role of the library to users.
“They represent those who use the Library and make suggestions on what can be done to further develop it,” Mayor Reid said.
Balaklava Community Library’s Friends are supported by a national network - Friends of Libraries Australia Incorporated - which promotes the work being done by Friends and represents the group’s interest through lobbying and advocacy.
Mayor Reid says Council intends to approach their relationship with the Friends as a joint partnership including Council, Library staff and the surrounding community.
“We are very excited to see the contribution Friends make to the Library, which continues to be a major asset for the community,” Mayor Reid said.
The Friends’ next meeting will be held on Tuesday 27 March at 10am in the Balaklava Community Library. All members of the community are invited to attend and provide feedback and ideas into the future of the group.