Serendipity

Serendipity. I love that word both for it’s beautiful sound and the concept it encapsulates, ‘the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.’

I had a series of serendipity moments last week all related the libraries and Denmark. Intrigued? Let me explain.

It started when Kevin Hennah, library merchandising maestro posted a photo of a school library in Perth that had created a cosy nook comprising easy chairs and a computer generated fire. The fire may not necessarily be needed in Perth but nice idea ( pop over to Kevin on Insta @Kevin_Hennah to check out the pic). The image reminded me of a similar use of computer generated heat in one of my absolute favourite libraries in the whole wide world ( big call I know), the Culture Yard in Helsingør, Denmark.

I visited the Library and adjacent Museum in March 2014 as part of an IFLA Public Libraries mid-term meeting, and believe me it was fire weather as demonstrated by this photo of me with my buddy Marian Morgan-Bindon. Wind blown? Us?

I have drawn inspiration from the Culture Yard over the years for example these chairs below – though the view over the Øresund dividing Denmark and Sweden may be more exciting than the intersection of Peisley and March Streets Orange.

In another twist in the story this week I have been listening to The Helsingør Sewing Club by Ella Gyland ( on Overdrive courtesy of Libraries Tasmania), set in this beautiful city during the Second World War. The main character arrives by train from Copenhagen (as we did) and is blown away by the grandeur of the railway station which was described as the best in Denmark complete with chandeliers. We felt the same. Continuing the author tells us that the station is a short distance from the shipyards. These have now been repurposed into the Library which has clear links to its maritime past in every corner.

Scandinavia has many magic libraries but if you find yourself in Helsingør (also known as Elsinore) make time to explore the Culture Yard, the adjacent Maritime Museum and of course Hamlet’s castle. You won’t regret it.

Transferrable Skills

We often refer to ‘transferable skills’ when when we’re talking about recruitment and professional pathways but I wonder if we reflect on our own expertise and consider the ways in which we use this in our non-professional life.

In the past 12 months I have become involved in Friends of North Bruny (FONB) which facilitates cooperation between the communities on our half of the Island, local State and Commonwealth Government departments and others with a focus on lifestyle and amenities and safeguarding our environmental and heritage values. Like many things in my life my engagement was the result of a conversation at the end of season, footy tipping competition barbeque (don’t ask).

A lifetime of working for local government lays just below the surface of this consultant and I find myself volunteering to develop surveys, write reports and apply for grants. An ongoing project has involved talking with the community and working with council around the reactivation of a recreation area in the centre of our village. I give thanks to the gods who ensured that I was trained and constantly refreshed in the disciplines of community consultation. I also contemplate on how lucky I was to work for councils that encouraged cross-divisional initiatives giving me a broader understanding of the local government environment. The photo at the top of this post illustrates that important component of community consultation – always have a sausage sizzle.

It must be said that prior knowledge can also act as a warning bell. When one respondent to our survey suggested a swimming pool memories of managing an aquatic centre one summer came flooding back! Swimming pool? Not on my watch, besides the beach is 100 metres away :-). What was the transferable skill from that time? Forget being alert, move straight to alarm.

In charge of the Aquatic Centre! Australia Day 2020

Tasmania Reads

Time today to reflect on the highly successful, inaugural Tasmania Reads week which wound up officially on Saturday. Tasmania Reads is a subset on the national Australia Reads campaign which is a partnership between writers, publishers and libraries. This year there was a strong focus on the role of reading for pleasure to reduces stress, improves memory and increase feelings of wellbeing.

One of the great things about Australia Reads is the ability to personalise the logo to reflect an individual/group or location, and here in Tasmania (Australia’s island state) many libraries took the branding down to a local level reinforcing the concept that reading is important to everyone.

As many of you know I live on Bruny Island off the coast of Tasmania and our local library built on the necessary ‘down time’ that occurs with every sea crossing by installing pop up libraries at the ferry terminals on either side – there have already been requests for them to become permanent! They also introduced a ‘book box’ onto the school bus which takes children off island every day and this was a big hit.

There had recently been discussions within the community about starting a book discussion group at our end of the island and so we used the opportunity to test the waters by hosting ‘Reading Tasmanian for Tasmania Reads’. Participants were asked to bring along a favourite read by a Tasmanian author/set in Tasmania/about Tasmania. What a fabulous range of topics and ideas – everyone headed home with something borrowed under their arm and our next meeting is already set for 13 April.

At a state level one of the highlights was a reception at Government House hosted by the Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC who was a great supporter of the initiative. I was also delighted to be able to attend the launch of a new story walk by the water at Margate. The joy of the children and their families was infectious.

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to make this first Tasmania Reads such a wonderful series of events. Here’s to many more.

To get a better idea of what was on offer make a coffee and sit down with the Tasmania Reads magazine

Face to Face Again

Almost two weeks since SWITCH 2022 in Albury, the NSW Public Libraries Association Conference. Its two years since we were last together, face to face in Penrith in 2019 (when we were blissfully unaware that the dreaded COVID was heading our way). For obvious reasons the 2020 Conference was cancelled and in 2021 the Association pivoted and SWITCH was offered online. But nothing beats the buzz of being together and the Tuesday night ‘Welcome Function’ was full of the usual sense of joy as everyone caught up. The noise levels were quite high!

The focus of the 2022 program was on literacy and reading. I was determined to attend, not only as this is a key passion of mine, but because the program was originally mapped out around my dining room table in Orange before COVID and my move south. The concepts of the planning team that gathered together had stood the test of time and COVID had added a new dimension to the importance of reading in our lives.

NSW is the only State to have an annual conference and it is usual to have guests from across the country. Given my new affiliations I was delighted that three members of the Libraries Tasmania team were able to attend and even more pleased that Anita Planchon, Director of Strategy and Engagement at Libraries Tasmania spoke about the Reading and Literacy Framework here in lutrawita/Tasmania.

A SWITCH Conference is also renowned for its camaraderie and social events and 2022 was no exception. It was particularly poignant as it was also time to recognise the many colleagues who have retired over the past 3 years and who have contributed so much to our profession. As one of these I was humbled by the kindness and warm wishes. How wonderful then to see new and enthusiastic professionals coming through to take up the baton.

It is also the time to congratulate those conferred with Life Membership, Cr Dallas Tout (Wagga Wagga) and Cr Les Lambert (Narromine). Both Dallas and Les have held executive positions with the Association for many years and have given tirelessly of their time and energy. Bravo.

SWITCH 2023 will be back in Sydney (Penrith) in November. Keep your eye out for details.

Oh, and if you’re wondering about the photo at the top its of 3 retiring library Managers, Chris Jones, Robert Knight and moi – nothing ‘retiring’ about any of us really!

With my darling friends from Central West Libraries!

Inspiration Everywhere

Yesterday we caught the ferry from Hobart up to Mona, David Walsh’s brilliant Museum of Old and New Art on the River Derwent. What’s not to love about this place: the location on the water’s edge; the amazing architecture; the eclectic and engaging collections; or the generosity of spirit that made it possible? To all of these I would add I love it because the Library is physically and emotionally at the very heart of Mona.

Let me quote from the description of the library on Mona’s website:

Would you be surprised to know that more than art—possibly even more than mathematics and milkshakes—David Walsh is mad about books? As such, our library is no mere appendage, and certainly no ‘monument to ego’ (as Umberto Eco would put it), but rather a working research space that we invite you to use. Just lower your voice, you hooligan, and spit out your gum.

Our collection reflects David Walsh’s tastes (which are both prolific and eclectic; …at the moment as there’s not enough room, but a new, bigger library is on the cards… Watch this space.

How lucky are we to have a Library champion such as David!

Our visit concluded with a divine lunch at The Source Restaurant where each of the glass topped tables was in fact a mini exhibition with a collection secreted below the glass. We sat at a table holding minerals and gems, and by crooking my neck in a non-sticky beak way I could see that the adjacent table seemed to have sporting memorabilia below the surface.

This extension of the collections into adjacent spaces reminded me of Redbridge Central Library at Ilford, a large town in East London. A refurbishment done by Opening the Book integrated moveable display boxes into the shelving . The image above (courtesy of Opening the Book) displays birds eggs from the co-located Museum’s collections amongst relevant parts of the library’s collection. Similarly the slightly blurry photo taken by me includes kitchen implements amongst the cookbooks.

I always hoped to do something similar, a wonderful way to develop links between cultural partners and start conversations. Mona takes the integration of its various parts seamless through its O App.

If you’re in Hobart make sure that Mona is on your agenda.

Mentors!

I am currently blessed to be working with a number of emerging professionals in the role of mentor. These arrangements range from ALIA’s fabulous Mentoring Scheme which I’ve been part of for a couple of years, to less formal agreements. I love it and look forward to my catch ups with my colleagues. They stretch my thinking and impress me with their insights and dedication. It is a joy to see them grow and develop.

A few weeks ago one of them asked for advice on how to get involved in professional activities outside of the workplace. I must admit that the question took me by surprise as while I’ve long espoused the mantra of ‘you get back what you put in’, I hadn’t really considered how my journey with the professional associations had begun. Thinking about the question I realised that it was my first boss and mentor, Joan Barry, who had encouraged me to join ALIA (or the Library Association of Australia as it was then known) and take advantage of the opportunities that it afforded. This was reinforced by subsequent managers and mentors, especially Jan Keith, who encouraged and supported my engagement.

This week I was surprised at a dinner in Hobart with the presentation of my 50 year ALIA Membership pin (lucky I’d worn a good frock!). Where did that time go? As the evening progressed discussion turned to the changes that had occurred in our profession over that period and the challenges that we face as we move forward. I also thought of the networks I’d developed and the many friendships I’d made through my work with ALIA. It has enriched my life and given deeper meaning to the work I do.

Joan Barry photographed at Orange City Library’s 60th birthday celebrations in November 2016. Photograph courtesy of Central West Libraries.

As a sad footnote to this post my first mentor, Joan Barry, died several days before I received my 50 year pin. I worked for Joan at Orange Regional Library (now known as Central West Libraries) for two years as a ‘trainee librarian’ when I first left school before moving to Armidale and then Wollongong. Several decades later I would return to Orange and succeed Joan as the Library Manager. Joan’s insights and courage to try new things meant that Orange and the wider Central West region of NSW had an outstanding library service and the strongest champion. It also meant that those who worked with her were given wonderful opportunities. I thank my lucky stars that our paths crossed. Rest In Peace ‘Miss Barry’, your legacy will live on.

Libraries, Archives & Museums

Earlier this year I was delighted to be appointed to the Tasmanian Library Advisory Board (TLAB) which advises the Minister for Education on issues concerning the delivery of Libraries Tasmania’s services. Libraries Tasmania brings together State Library of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Archives, 46 public libraries, the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts and the Office of the State Archivist. Libraries Tasmania also manages 26TEN, Tasmania’s approach to adult literacy and numeracy. All of my favourite things in one package – at our induction yesterday I felt as though I was having a Sound of Music moment.

I’m no stranger to any of these areas: my professional life has been primarily focused on public libraries and heritage programs; I was a member of the Library Council of New South Wales (the governing board of the State Library) for a maximum 9 years; I enjoyed 14 years on the State Records of NSW Advisory Committee; and I have undertaken post graduate studies in museum studies. I was part of many exciting initiatives where these agencies worked together. But Libraries Tasmania is different. With all of these areas under the one umbrella there is a tangible opportunity for significant collaboration without the confines of different agencies and levels of government.

The highlight of our induction was without doubt being face to face with the original convict records. These form part of the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register, along with the convict records for New South Wales and Western Australia.

Libraries Tasmania has many exciting things planned for the next 12 months – and I will be writing about these more along the way. For now thanks for having me onboard!

Little Gems

I’ve spent the last week reviewing the findings of community survey I undertook for a cultural facility in NSW. We had an excellent response and people gave us detailed, well thought out answers which included suggestions, niggles and compliments. Something we can work with.

When we know our service well we can often predict the answers we’ll get, and this was certainly the case here. This can lead to the temptation not to bother with community consultation as we ‘know what they’ll say’. However we also received some little gems which had the client and I contemplating how they could be achieved and how we could use them as a springboard for future initiatives. We also received comments asking for services and facilities already in place which should be a flag that we’re not selling these properly and an opportunity for us to do so.

We received lots of great quotes which can be incorporated into our planning and advocacy but one of my favourites was:

‘This survey is a great idea’

Its good to know that you’re on the right track!

We’re currently finalising an email to let respondents know that their contribution was appreciated and useful, and that it hasn’t disappeared into a black hole.

Those of you who have been doing the NSW Public Libraries Association’s Members engaging, retaining and growing project with me will know that I am am a fan of Angela Hursh at Super Library Marketing . In a recent video she stressed the importance of delivering the programs that your community want not what your staff want to deliver – subtle difference! Which beings us back full circle to the concept of community consultation and the gems you’ll discover when you talk to the people who use (or would potentially use) your service.

Happy days.

PLOTY

Entries for PLOTY, or to give it its full name the 2022 IFLA/Systematic Public Library of the Year Awards are now open. Applications close on 29 April. Established in 2014 these Awards were developed to celebrate libraries which have been built in new or re-purposed buildings in the preceding 12 months. For the 2022 Award this covers the period 1 January – 31 December 2021.

This inspirational, international competition focuses on six assessment criteria to find the public library which best combines open and functional architecture with creative IT solutions and has included both digital developments and local culture. The award ceremony will take place at the IFLA’s Annual Congress (which this year will be in Dublin, Ireland 26-29 July) with winning library receiving $US 5,000. Systematic is the proud main sponsor of the award.

As an officer of IFLA’s Public Libraries Standing Committee I was strongly involved in the development of the Awards and was a member of the Jury from 2014 until 2019. Australia has always punched above its weight in these awards which has always given me great pride in what we have been able to achieve and also in how skilled we are in being able to tell our story.

The whole process has come a long way since the first jury met in Copenhagen in the summer of 2014. The early awards were supported by the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces (don’t you just love that as a name for a government department?), and I was the only non-Dane on the adjudication panel having flown in the afternoon before en route to an IFLA WLIC satellite meeting in Birmingham. There were some amazing libraries but the unanimous winner was Craigieburn a branch of Hume library Service in greater Melbourne. At that stage I hadn’t visited the Craigieburn Library and crossed my fingers that we were making the right choice. Once I did I knew we had been right. There were bigger libraries in the mix and more expensive ones but Craigieburn had that magic mix that suited its community and got it just right.

A handshake seals the deal. Martin Brrochner-Mortensen from Systematic and I shake on the sponsorship deal watch by fellow jury members Leikny H. Indergaard and Jakob Guillois Lærkes

Over the following years the Awards became more sophisticated and the judging process more streamlined. Systematic came on board as a sponsor for the 2018 Awards after discussions the previous year. They are passionate about libraries and highly supportive of the profession. The Awards are now also a partnership between 3 IFLA Professional Units – Public Libraries, Metropolitan Libraries and Library Buildings and Equipment.

Narok Library, Kenya

During my time on the jury I saw and visited some amazing library spaces. Each winner was totally deserving but there were always certain entries that tugged on my heartstrings. Perhaps my favourite was Narok Library,  located about 150 kilometres from Nairobi in Kenya, which plays an important role in informing and bringing together the community. The population consists mainly of Maasai herdsmen who, at times, visit the Library with their flocks of cows and goats. Enclosed lands have been established around the Library to enable the herdsmen to read as they look after their herds. The Library works closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to give technical advice on livestock farming to help the Maasai people. This simple library was evidence of a library which met the needs of its community.

Who will be the winner of the 2022 Award? Now that I am no longer ‘in the tent’ it will be as much a surprise to me as it is to the entrants and the audience. I will be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the announcement and looking forward to a time when I can visit the Public Library of the Year. In the meantime watch the little video above from 2021 to give you a taste of the competition.

PS. When we made the long drive from Orange to Melbourne en route to the Spirit of Tasmania and our new life in this state we went through Craigieburn. ‘Where’s this?’ said my husband, waking from a quick nap. Its where the first IFLA Public Library of the Year is I said with pride, looking around to see if I could find it amongst the buildings that had sprung up since my visit in 2015. I must have let my attention slide for a little too long and I missed the speed camera. A few weeks later I received a fine from Victorian Police, location – you guessed it, Craigieburn!

Library Lovers Day – the accidental campaign …

Today is Library Lovers Day here in Australia, a time to reflect on the myriad of ways that libraries contribute to our lives and to say out loud how much we love them. Library Lovers Day (or LLD) holds a special place in my heart as it was something that I helped develop with a couple of much-loved library friends way back in 2006. As often happens it was a matter of serendipity; right circumstances, right people, right time.

January 2006 and the NSW Public Library network was celebrating 12 months of the successful @ your library campaign funded by the Library Council of New South Wales. It was managed by a working group led by my colleague Victoria Anderson, a consultant at the State library of New South Wales, and me. Under the terms of the grant, as Manager Central West Libraries I also held and managed the funding. During school holidays we always used the ‘holiday fun @ your library’ branding and, as the December/January holidays in Australia are our big break, much focus was placed on this campaign.

Now I admit to being a sucker for collateral and at that time spent a lot of time looking at other promotional campaigns to see what I could adapt to our purpose. In 2005 the now ubiquitous (and probably today totally ‘so yesterday’) silicone wristbands were the go to item, and I had made the call to order many 200,000 of them in three fluro colours for our the 2005/2006 summer holiday campaign, each bearing the slogan ‘I ♥ Libraries’. Sadly they were held up in a shipping container on the wharves in Sydney and didn’t finally arrive until mid January – way to late for us to distribute to the state’s 95 library services.

I was despondent, the next school holidays weren’t until Easter and are traditionally lower key from a library programming perspective. Anyone who was unfortunate enough to ask me how I was heard the whole sorry saga. Enter Sue Hutley, then CEO of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), who happened to call and ask what was happening. After listening to my tale of woe she asked if I could spare a few wristbands so that she could share them with her team. She’d read about a Library Lovers promotion in the USA and thought she might do something on Valentines Day, 14 February.

That was the Eureka moment, I had Sue off the phone before she’d even told me why she’d called and was pressing Victoria’s number on my autodial. Library Lovers Day was born. The fantastic NSW Public Libraries network pulled out all stops and made it a huge success based on its adaptability and simplicity. I’m sure that Darryl Lea’s chocolate heart sales quadrupled and as for curling ribbon – we tied everything in sight with red and pink bows!

The NSW campaign was so successful that in 2007, LLD went national under ALIA and hasn’t looked back. It also went from a public library campaign to one every sector could adopt. Victoria wrote a reflection on LLD in 2011 which gives you more details about the early days and another friend, Robert Knight, gave a presentation on LLD as part of Library Love Stories at IFLA WLIC 2019 in Athens. Watch it on You Tube and get a sense of what has been achieved in a little over ten years. (Robert is the first speaker).

Library Lovers Day is the ultimate example of a small idea which really works. To use one of my favourite phrases the original concept was ‘quick and dirty’, but because of the imagination of colleague across the state it took off. It also highlights the importance of networking, collaboration and friendship. Without Victoria and Sue I would possibly still be drowning in a sea of silicone wrist bands! The @ your library campaign generated a raft of collateral over its lifetime but those ‘I ♥ Libraries’ bands still occupy space in my treasure box. The other important ones? Well that’s a story for another day!