Canberrans can write the future of the ACT’s nine public libraries through a co-design process launched yesterday.
“We want to understand what people value about our libraries, what they’d like to use them for, and how they can continue to be valued community hubs in the years ahead,” said Minister for City Services, Chris Steel.
“Libraries are a fantastic public asset as a place where anyone can come to read a book, use a computer, or just spend time with others in their community.”
But libraries’ role and use are changing, due to technology and COVID-19, Mr Steel said. Canberrans use libraries to access information digitally, not just for borrowing books.
The ACT Government is already modernizing libraries, Mr Steel said; Woden Library will soon have a recording studio and collaborative meeting spaces.
“We want to work with Canberrans to understand how we can integrate more of these modern features into our existing network of libraries to make them even better.”
Libraries ACT will conduct a wide range of co-design activities from August 2021, including:
· displays in branches and pop-up sessions at various shopping precincts
· special Giggle and Wiggle and Story time inspired children’s activities
· workshops with students
· morning teas for older Canberrans
· engagement with peak bodies like Women with Disabilities ACT and COTA
· a tailored survey for Canberra’s multicultural community
· public engagement through the Your Say website.
This feedback will then inform the development of a strategy for the next 10 years, which will be released for public comment.
“I encourage everyone to ‘choose your own adventure’ on what libraries of the future could be like,” Mr Steel said.
The government particularly wants to hear from young people and those who are not library users about how they can make Canberra’s libraries more attractive and welcoming.
The engagement period will be for six weeks, and closes COB Friday 10 September.
The government has already held workshops, talked to library staff and some library members, and researched how libraries are adapting around the country and across the world.
For more information on the Libraries ACT: Imagine 2030 project, visit yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/.
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