LRC News

As Library staff, we understand the power of stories to bring us together and value that connection above all else.  We work hard to help young people appreciate the importance of stories as a way to deepen understanding of themselves and their world – as a crucial way to build bonds.  Library events in the last few weeks have only strengthened that connection. 

Author Visit – Oliver Phommavanh 

Our guest on the 19th May was Oliver Phommavanh, an award winning children’s writer who drew on his rich Thai Laotian background to tell highly relatable stories.   We all chuckled along knowingly to his stories about embarrassing family members and situations that develop when you are caught between two cultures.  Oliver’s performance was hilariously funny and kept all year 7s entertained.  His writing workshops were also successful.  There has been a mad rush to borrow Oliver’s books since the event.  Oliver’s visit proved authors and their books can help us build empathy and respect for our own backgrounds and for diverse cultures.  They also carry a portable magic inspiring students to read and enjoy stories more deeply. 

Here is what some Year 7 students said about Oliver’s visit: 

It was a lot of fun!  -Eknoor 

It was really enjoyable learning how to write stories.  -Nayab 

Very interesting as an experience! -Tofu 

He is funny and nice, his lesson was great. -Anna 

I like the way you make everything funny.  -Mutahara 

It was a fun experience! -Ishani 

It was a big help and I learned how to successfully make a story. -Frida 

Thank you so much for coming.  I will read your books.  -Anjali 

It was super fun and helpful.  Thank you for coming.  -Benafsha 

I really had lots of fun creating stories and brainstorming ideas.  Oliver was very enthusiastic and funny.  -Fathima 

It was fun, thank you for such a fun time.  I hope we are able to meet again.  -Ayan 

 Rainbow Display 

The Teen Library Advisors enjoyed fairy bread and created a beautiful display of books and rainbows to celebrate IDAHOBIT Day this year which was on May 17th.  IDAHOBIT stands for ‘International Day Against Homophobia, Bipobia, Interphobia or Intersexism and Transphobia.’  Our rainbow display is keeping our hearts warm and chasing away any clouds of injustice or prejudice.  The display will stay up over June to celebrate PRIDE month.  To learn more visit our website here and here. 

Sorry Day / National Reconciliation Week 

National Sorry Day has been held in Australia on May 26 since 1998 to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of our country’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, those who we know as ‘The Stolen Generations’. 

May 26 also marks the fifth anniversary of the landmark Uluru Statement from the Heart. 

We have a long way to go to make up for the injustices which continue to be experienced by our indigenous communities.  “Be Brave. Make Change,” this year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week which runs from the 27th May to 3rd June is a challenge to all of us to do better, beginning with brave actions in our daily lives – where we live, work, play and socialise. 

In the Library, the Staff and Teen Library Advisors have assembled a beautiful bold display to celebrate our indigenous communities.  We want to thank Ms Bronwyn Doran in particular for helping us put it together. 

On our website are links to resources and information about books in our collection.  Visit our website to learn about National Reconciliation Week and to explore our remarkable indigenous communities here. 

Finally, the last few weeks in my mind have highlighted the fact that our Library is a catalyst for inclusion.  We encourage you to explore our website and borrow books which celebrate the different faces of Australians working for a just and equal society.   

Mrs Papazoglou 

Library Manager