A new campaign from Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA SA) is shining a light on some of the other lesser-known items South Australians can borrow from their local libraries to help save money and ease cost-of-living pressures.
The Association says the How Good Are Libraries initiative showcases the value on offer at public libraries across the state through more than 64,000 programs and services – most of them free.
One example is the Library of Things program, which enables anyone with a library card to borrow anything from camping gear, hiking backpacks, water pressure cleaners, metal detectors and gardening tools, to PlayStations, Go Pros, drones and podcast kits for up two weeks at a time – without paying a cent.
The Ngutungka Henley integrated library and community centre in City of Charles Sturt is one of the many libraries participating in the program across the state, and Mayor Angela Evans said the benefits for locals are significant.
“For no cost, South Australians can come and borrow karaoke machines or pickle ball sets to enjoy for a weekend and return them when they’re done – without having to spend hundreds of dollars to purchase these items outright,” Mayor Evans said.
“We know many people are doing it tough during the current cost-of-living crisis and the Library of Things enables people to access equipment that might otherwise have been out of reach for them.
“Whether it’s teenagers looking to start their own podcast or senior citizens needing utensils to do some baking, there is something available for everyone to borrow from libraries around the state to suit your hobbies or needs.
“Many people don’t know services like this exist at our libraries, which is why this campaign is so important to start spreading the message.”
LGA SA says South Australia’s 140-plus public libraries help more than 400,000 people every year feel connected, supported and empowered and they welcome over 9.7 million visits annually.
More than 900 staff and countless volunteers work to deliver thousands of programs each year, generating $253 million in annual economic and social benefits for SA – with every dollar invested returning nearly $3 to communities.
“Libraries are one of the last truly public, safe and welcoming spaces we have and it’s why they’re at the heart of our communities,” said LGA SA President, Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross.
“They provide access to knowledge, technology, connection and opportunity – freely and openly to everyone, regardless of age, background or income.”
“For many people, their local library is more than a place to borrow books – it’s somewhere they can get together with friends or family, take their children for storytime, upskill themselves through free workshops or simply feel supported,” she said.
LGA SA says many councils are also thinking outside the box when it comes to the services their libraries offer to meet the range of complex needs within their communities.
The City of Salisbury Council has partnered with not-for-profit, Sonder, to trial having an onsite social worker to help people who might not engage with, or be aware of, community supports and to assist and train staff on how to provide extra assistance for visitors when needed.
South Australian Council of Social Service Director, Policy and Advocacy, Dr Rebecca Tooher said community support is all part of libraries’ role as being a safe space and helping close digital gaps, especially in regional areas where they are often the only community hub available.
“Our research shows libraries are at the forefront of bridging the digital divide for people who lack access to data, devices or the skills to use them effectively,” Dr Tooher said.
“They offer free Wi-Fi and assistance using government services online, while on hot or cold days, libraries are a safe, secure and welcoming place for people to get some reprieve – especially those who might be doing it tough.
“Libraries are essential infrastructure for digital access, learning and community connection, which is why we’re supportive of this campaign to showcase their enormous value to South Australians.”
To learn more about LGA’s How Good Are Libraries campaign, visit: localcouncils.sa.gov.au/libraries.
