Brian O’Connor

1 BRIAN O’CONNOR Question 1: Can Noosa Council provide an update on new arrangements regarding the suite of library services it proposes to introduce following phasing out of the mobile library service - specifically the use of book dispensing kiosks. Can the reply include information about the towns where kiosks will be located, where they will be placed in those towns, the number of books they will contain, how they will operate, the timing of their installation, signage and whether thought has been given to placing two kiosks adjacent to each other in larger towns (i.e. one for adult books and one for children's books)? Making available a picture of the model of dispensing kiosk Council wants to use would be helpful. Response by Kerri Contini, Director Community Services: Council officers continue to develop the options for a community outreach model of library services for those areas that don’t have a branch library in close proximity. The draft model includes a light rigid outreach vehicle operating on a weekly schedule, two library kiosks, bulk loans to partner organisations and a schedule of learning programs and workshops delivered throughout the shire. Consultation with the community about the draft model will commence in December 2020 and will include information direct to mobile library users, a roadshow displaying the different elements of the draft model, posters on town/community noticeboards and meetings with key stakeholders. We thank you for your interest in the kiosks and will ensure that there is plenty of detail and images included when we do the community consultation. Question 2: Has Noosa Council given any thought to approving the design of 'street library' cabinets and making these designs available to the public and also to men’s sheds across the shire so that individuals can build or order street libraries in smaller towns in order to encourage literacy and reading, as well as socialising facilitated by such facilities. Response by Kerri Contini, Director Community Services: The “street or little library” movement is growing around the world and is enthusiastically supported by Council’s Library staff. These small community collections encourage people to read, share books and connect with neighbours. There are lots of designs available online for people to make themselves or they can be bought fully built. To support the start-up of the “street library” concept, Noosa Library Service established a number of little libraries several years ago. The little library houses were made by Noosa Men’s Shed, stocked with ex library books and then hosted by a range of community locations. The Library Service isn’t creating any more street libraries as the concept has now taken off in Noosa and there are now community street libraries around the shire. They do not require Council approval if placed on private property. More information on street library designs can be found at www.streetlibrary.org.au