More Fraser Coast Libraries’ members as services embraced
Fraser Coast residents are embracing the many free services and resources available at local libraries with membership rising from 41,722 in 2021 to 45,327 in 2022.
Cr David Lewis said it was fantastic to see that about 40 per cent of the population were now Fraser Coast Libraries members with membership growing by about 8 per cent in 2022.
“It’s such a wonderful service and it’s really heartening to see so many people taking advantage of our five libraries across the region,” he said.
“As well as books, libraries offer toys, DVDs, magazines, CDs and jigsaw puzzles for borrowing.
“On top of that, libraries have free wifi and desktop computers for use, as well as eBooks and eAudiobooks for borrowing online. We even have our own Fraser Coast Libraries app.
“As a result of community feedback, the libraries have also launched a new free film streaming service called Beamafilm, which can be accessed with any library membership from the comfort of home or mobile devices.”
Cr Lewis said popular programs such as Rattle and Rhyme, Under 5 Time, STEAM, film screenings and wildlife talks were all restarting this month, while the annual Lines in the Sand program of inspirational events for readers and writers would be expanded across the region this year.
“2023 promises to be an exciting year in our libraries with the Playtime Passport for under fives recently rolling out, the Design a Bookmark competition launching in March and new technology tutorials occurring at the Howard Library following a recent upgrade,” he said.
Cr Lewis said volunteers played a vital role in our local libraries, contributing 5920 hours of work across the five branches in 2022.
“Our volunteers do a magnificent job on a range of tasks including reshelving library books and resources, providing family history research assistance, toy cleaning and preparing free activity packs for the public,” he said.
Cr Lewis said a well-used library service was Quick Reads and Quick Flicks, which allowed the most popular new release books and movies to be borrowed for the shorter period of one week.
“The top 10 most borrowed items in these collections reveal that Fraser Coast readers and film watchers favour crime, mystery and thriller stories, along with a sprinkling of family drama, Australian tales and comedies,” he said.
Top 10 Quick Reads of 2022
1. Invisible by Danielle Steel
2. Escape by James Patterson and David Ellis
3. Shattered by James Patterson and James O.Born
4. The Last Station by Nicole Alexander
5. Cold, Cold Bones by Kathy Reichs
6. Gathering Storms by Kerry McGinnis
7. Picture You Dead by Peter James
8. Dark Rooms by Lynda La Plante
9. Girl, Fogotten by Karin Slaughter
10. The Wedding Party by Cathy Kelly
Top 10 Quick Flicks of 2022
1. The Lost City
2. Jurassic World Dominion
3. The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
4. Thor: Love and Thunder
5. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
6. Father Stu
7. How To Please A Woman
8. Venom: Let There Be Carnage
9. Lightyear
10. Last Seen Alive
For more information about Fraser Coast Libraries, go to https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/libraries or call into one of the branches in Burrum Heads, Hervey Bay, Howard, Maryborough or Tiaro.
Public libraries are a partnership between Local Government and the Queensland Government through State Library of Queensland.
CAPTION: Time to read … Librarians (front) Samantha Thompson, Sue Dale, (back) Bree Rochford, and Belinda Geldard check out some of the top items borrowed from the Fraser Coast Libraries.