The Ali-Curung mobile library service is part of the Tennant Creek Public Library Service. It fulfils a long held desire of the remote community of Ali-Curung for greater access to reading material.
The new service promotes literacy, provides alternative reading and leisure opportunities for the Ali-Curung youth and adults.
It is the first initiative of its kind to encourage other organisations to come forward and share facilities with remote aboriginal communities.
“A development grant from the Northern Territory Government enabled us to start the service last year,” said Maxine Mojarrabi, Chief Librarian of the Tennant Creek Library.
On the most recent visit to the Ali-Curung community, library staff were delighted with the number of people attending.
The visit was well advertised beforehand, and the Ali-Curung Council made its conference room available for the occasion.
“Last Thursday we took some snacks for the children and ran a story telling session which was really successful,” Maxine Mojarrabi said.
“There were 50 children listening to the stories.
“Altogether, 100 adults and children had access to boxes of books brought to the community.
“Success depends on how well you prepare before you make the visit.”
The Tennant Creek Public Library Service and Tennant Creek Council have now applied for a replacement grant for the initial development grant.
For further information contact Maxine Mojarrabi, telephone (08) 8962 2401.
