LEONGATHA Library offers more activities and learning materials to children and adults thanks to the support of Friends of Leongatha Library, which in turn has benefited through a collaboration with the local Rotary club.
Michael Hogan who ran libraries in South Gippsland and Bass Coast Shires for the then West Gippsland Library Corporation, and who belongs to the Friends of Leongatha Library and to Leongatha Rotary Club, was instrumental in organising $3000 of funding.
That money was raised through Rotary’s shop at Leongatha’s old fire station.
The shop, which sells furniture and books, received a generous donation of books from Friends of Leongatha Library.
The organisation has run book sales over the years and had books in storage for that purpose but lost its storage shed due to a property sale.
Rotary took the books on the understanding some of its annual funds would be invested in the library through the Friends group.
Friends of Leongatha Library has existed for 32 years, raising funds through its book sales and annual Mother’s Day and Christmas raffles.
It has sponsored the Big Summer Read, encouraging children to keep up their reading over the holidays, and provides educational resources to be used in the library’s early years programs.
The Friends group has also contributed supplies for adult activities to help people connect through craft and other skills-related sessions.
Sensory tiles, musical instruments, games for children and indigenous items for library programs are among the impressive collection of items purchased by Friends of Leongatha Library on the Library’s behalf through the Leongatha Rotary Club funding.
Myli Library Programs Officer Kate Lochlin was busy running a session for young children during Sentinel-Times’ visit, using the new sensory tiles that are ideal for children’s story time and baby rhyme time.
She explained that whereas kids previously ran around everywhere, they are now engaged by the tiles, encouraging them to stay put while they play, providing them with stimulation and allowing parents to relax.
Myli Libraries branch manager for Leongatha and Korumburra, Bee van Waterschoot, expressed her appreciation for the ongoing support provided by Friends of Leongatha Library and the contribution of Leongatha Rotary Club.
Friends of Leongatha Library president Sue Wakefield thanked Michael for his efforts in organising funding.
For those keen to join Friends of Leongatha Library, membership forms are available at the library, with annual membership costing just $5.
