By Danielle Kutchel
Break out the balloons – our local libraries are celebrating a milestone!
Casey Cardinia Libraries turned 25 on Sunday 26 September, and despite Covid restrictions the celebrations are still happening.
Staff across the organisation’s locations have put together special window displays to let passers-by know of the big occasion.
The display at Pakenham includes a selection of photos taken from over the organisation’s life – a celebration of where it came from, and the important role libraries play in the community.
Casey Cardinia Libraries CEO Chris Buckingham said the libraries have continued to be a hub for the community even during the pandemic, moving to new ways of service including home delivery, click and collect and print click and collect.
“We’re considerably proud of the way the team rallied together and has shown resilience to keep the service up to the community,” he said.
There have been plenty of memorable moments over the years, and for Mr Buckingham one is the establishment of the Forgiving Tree campaign in his first year as CEO.
Since then, Casey Cardinia Libraries has removed fines permanently and other libraries around Victoria have followed.
“It signalled to the community that we’re a thoughtful, kind and generous organisation and we want people to feel welcome,” he said.
“We welcome all in the library. We’re there for them.”
He believes libraries will continue to thrive over the next 25 years.
Reading and literacy will still be at their core, even though the ways people consume information might change, he said.
“I think we’ve got a bright future. My only hope is that more libraries are built in future, to match the growth in the area.”
Mr Buckingham added that the entire Casey Cardinia Libraries team is grateful for the support and appreciation of the community.
He said they are proud to be able to make a positive contribution to the community.
“25 years is a point of celebration for us – we hope that the community feels the same way,” he said.
Ryan Quinsee, information services librarian at Pakenham Library, paid tribute to the history of the organisation and said the libraries had adapted to the community’s needs and had been able to “grow with the community”.
Shaniace Daymond, customer experiences librarian at Pakenham Library, said it was interesting to look at how far the organisation had come.
“What we used to be and what we are now and what we can offer the community is very special,” she said.
“We’re not just a library anymore; we’re a very important part of the community.”
Once restrictions lift, in-person events will be held for staff, customers and stakeholders to celebrate properly.
Library staff have put together the following video reflecting on their journey:
