Local libraries see rise in community numbers
COMMUNITY
The Douglas Shire’s two libraries, in Port Douglas and Mossman, are smashing all records as people seek to be entertained, educated and feel connected to the community.
Visitor numbers have exceeded previous years, with 93,000 visits clocked up in the past 11 months – about 9000 more than the 2017/18 financial year.
This includes 1084 new members that Douglas Libraries welcomed since July 1 last year, taking total membership numbers up to about 6000. This includes 355 new tourist members.
Douglas Shire Council has moved to spur on this membership growth by freezing current fees for printing, photocopying, replacement cards and overdue loans.
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu, who sits on the Queensland State Library Board, said Council wants to ensure libraries are accessible for the whole community.
“Libraries have become so much more than a place to read books,” she said.
“Port Douglas and Mossman Library are hubs that give many people a place to go to be educated, entertained and feel connected to the community.
“Our amazing library staff provides one of the most important roles in the community and we want to support them by reducing the barriers to joining the local library.”
Library Team Leader Judy Coulthard said the library had something for everyone.
“It is no longer a place that just has books – it is a creative, learning, connecting community space that embraces technology and continually meets the challenges of the future,” she said.
About 76,200 items, including 3187 digital resources, were loaned in the past 11 months. This includes books, DVDs, music, e-books, e-service downloads and e-audiobooks.
The library hosts weekly targeted workshops and courses such as technology training on Tuesdays, Story time and Baby Rhyme Time on Thursdays, and even hosted a bee-keeping workshop this month.
The Mossman Library recently unveiled an interactive multi-touch hub and virtual reality goggles.
BRIEF HISTORY OF DOUGLAS LIBRARIES:
Mossman:
• Built on Mill St Site in 1977
• Refurbished and enlarged to 600sqm and opened April 2006
Port Douglas:
• 2010 - Library Kiosk was established in PD Community Hall in current “Portspace” area
• Library open 12 hours over three days
• 2017 - Library moves into current space.
• Library hours extended to five days – 9.30am to 4pm
For more information: douglas.qld.gov.au/council-information/library-services/
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