The Agile Library service takes Storytime to the community, attending events like Spring Jam at the Botanic Gardens.
OUT & ABOUT: The Agile Library service takes Storytime to the community, attending events like Spring Jam at the Botanic Gardens.
Community

Our city’s Agile Library vans have reached a milestone!

Published: 17 Mar 2023 10:34am

Wagga Wagga City Library’s custom-designed Agile Library vans, initially launched in July 2022, have covered more than 14,000 kilometres, visiting 18 regular sites including nine villages and a huge variety of community groups and events.

Our city’s two colourful vans are a key part of the library’s new Agile Library service, with borrowing and engagement trends showing they are enabling the library to connect with more residents no matter where they live across the Local Government Area.

Library Services Manager Christine Bolton said the Agile Library service has increased community access to library collections and programs, resulting in 4000 items being loaned from our Agile Library vans, with kids' books twice as popular as books for adults.

The Agile Library service takes Storytime to the community, attending events like Spring Jam at the Botanic Gardens.
OUT & ABOUT: The Agile Library service takes Storytime to the community, attending events like Spring Jam at the Botanic Gardens.

“Library officers have shared 378 picture books at 84 Storytime sessions for preschools, playgroups, families and festivals, actively supporting the development of children’s early literacy skills,” Ms Bolton said.

“Since moving to the new model, Wagga Wagga City Library has seen a 24 per cent increase in library visitation and a 163 per cent increase in the number of new memberships compared to the same period last year.

“That is an average of 343 new members joining each month since July 2022.”

Outreach Services Team Leader Wendy Harper said community program highlights include facilitating a workshop at the Wagga Wagga Men’s Shed demonstrating how to access our online services, and delivering Stop Motion Animation Workshops at Galore and Humula.

“The library has been able to offer a more accessible range of programs and resources to the community, including library services to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities through the LEAP (Learn English and Play) program and partnering with TAFE Riverina to deliver Storytime sessions for their CALD Playgroup,” Ms Harper said.

Mariya Sulaiman, 5, gets some technology tips from Agile Library Officer Rachael Downes during a visit by the new Agile Library van to the Tolland Glenfield Neighbourhood Centre
HELP AT HAND: Mariya Sulaiman, 5, gets some technology tips from Agile Library Officer Rachael Downes during a visit by the new Agile Library van to the Tolland Glenfield Neighbourhood Centre

“The Agile Library service also supports First Nations Playgroups at Tolland and Kooringal in collaboration with NSW Health, Intereach and Playgroups NSW.

“It has also delivered a national pilot for First Nations Tech Savvy Seniors at three suburban neighborhood centers, funded by TELSTRA and State Library NSW.

“Other highlights for community participation have been events such as Spring Jam, Fusion Botanical and Storytime in the Park, as well as supporting the youth led Back-to-School Party at the Tolland Hub in January this year.”

Wagga Wagga City Library thanks residents for their on-going support and community groups for enthusiastically engaging with the Agile Library service.

If you are a community group, school or childcare service located in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area and would like to learn more about the Agile Library service, please contact the library on 6926 9700.