“Libraries are these amazing developing spaces built for human connection, recreation and education, and they are designed to meet the various needs of people within communities.”
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At a time when we can't meet at the library to stroll amongst the shelves or cosy up in a reading nook, Sydney Writers' Festival speaks to the people behind the books across NSW about their favourite reads, most treasured memories in a library and what surprises come with working in a library.
This edition, we speak to Victoria Murray, Programs Team Leader at Bathurst Library.
What do you love most about your library or libraries in general?
The concept of libraries! We love telling people about these big buildings filled with books and DVDs and CDs and magazines with access to internet and computers and so much more, and it's free! Not to mention the programs for children, adults and the elderly that are developed around ideas of life-long learning, wellbeing and connection.
What purpose do you feel the library serves in your community?
Libraries are these amazing developing spaces built for human connection, recreation and education, and they are designed to meet the various needs of people within communities. Libraries contribute towards a community's identity, wellbeing and cultural development. They are also essential in the development of early childhood literacy, digital literacy, connecting people with the wider world, essential services and recreational needs.
As a librarian, what do you get asked about most?
Maybe one of the most asked questions is ‘when are you getting that new book in?!’.
Favourite moment or memory in a library?
One of my favourite memories was when I was running a children’s storytime. We had just gotten most of the way through the 'Five Little Ducks' nursery rhyme and paused to ask the group ‘where did all the little ducks go?’. We don’t often get an answer but this time a little girl very wisely and logically called out that they had gone to Sydney. She wasn’t wrong…over the hills and far away from Bathurst is Sydney.
What is your favourite book from the last year?
The Deep by Kyle Perry. Kyle writes these fantastic crime fiction novels set in Tasmania that keep you reading long into the night.
What children’s or YA book do you think adults should borrow?
The Felix and Zelda series by Morris Gleitzman. A harrowing but beautiful story of the friendship between two children in Nazi Germany. A must-read series.