Library lovers book their shifts

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Val Schier and CEO Lyn Russell will join local celebrities and identities in manning the library desk as part of Library Lovers’ Day tomorrow.

Cairns Libraries will be celebrating the launch of National Year of Reading with an open day in all branch libraries on Tuesday, February 14, kick-starting a year-long celebration of reading across the nation. 

Visitors to libraries will have the opportunity to meet local National Year of Reading champions, view innovative displays, meet Dewey the library mascot, participate in programs including “Blind Date with a Book”, language tree, board games and colouring, with great prizes and giveaways.

“A number of well-known local identities have lent their support to National Year of Reading by signing up as Reading Champions,” Libraries Manager Kerrie Still said.

“They include players from the Cairns Taipans and the Northern Pride, local author Helene Young, Kier Shorey and Harald Falge.

“They will be serving on the circulation counter and meeting library patrons on the day.

“But this is just the launch of National Year of Reading – there will be activities happening right throughout the year, so keep an eye on the Cairns Libraries website to stay up-to-date with what is happening.”

Mayor Val Schier said she hoped Library Lovers’ Day and the National Year of Reading would encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to explore the resources available at their local library.

“We have an extensive range of titles, dedicated children’s reading area, reference books and family history resources,” Cr Schier said.

“Plus there are regular computer workshops and children’s activities - there is always something happening.”

By borrowing a book or joining a library on Library Lovers’ Day, library visitors will have the chance to win tickets to selected Civic Theatre shows and Northern Pride family season memberships.

To learn more about the National Year of Reading, visit www.love2read.org.au and for more information on events at Cairns Libraries this year, see www.cairnslibrary.com.au  or Cairns Libraries’ Facebook page.

National Year of Reading Champions will be at the Cairns City Library tomorrow, February 14:

10.00am Mayor Val Schier

10.15am Donna-Maree O’Connor and Ron Todd (TAFE)

10.30am Deirdre Ford AM

11am Cairns Taipans

12 noon The Northern Pride

12.30 Council CEO Lyn Russell 

 Also, ABC presenter Kier Shorey will conduct Storytime at Stratford Library at 10.30am and Divisional Councillors will drop into their local library branches.