As the song goes, ‘You gotta have friends’, and in Upper Lachlan Shire, New South Wales, feelings are oh so strong for the Crookwell Library Friends.
The group is made up of dedicated community volunteers who provide practical assistance to library staff such as shelving returned material, searching for books, creating themed based displays, contacting books and organising shelves.
A team of volunteers also organise and run two book sales a year and a monthly scrabble group held in the Library.
They also coordinate cultural activities like a South Korean ‘Tea Talk’ and regular visits to exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia and other cultural institutions in Sydney and Canberra.
But it is their fundraising efforts amounting to thousands of dollars, which have had the most significant impact on the Library and its members.
In the last year alone the Crookwell Library Friends have purchased new pod chairs, craft supplies for school holiday activities, Lego for an after school Lego Club, an android tablet for Tech Savvy Seniors classes, and funded a Butterfly and Bug Experience for ages 4 and up – just to name a few.
Council’s Manager, Library Services, Michaela Olde, said the contribution of the Crookwell Library Friends is invaluable to Crookwell Library and its members.
“In a small town like Crookwell, which is home to just 3,129 people, the library plays a vital role.
“It is a place for people of all ages to meet, access information, be entertained and broaden their skills and knowledge.
“The support of the Crookwell Library Friends allows Crookwell Library to offer more than just books and other resources, but instead be a hub for our local community.”
