Whitehorse News - January 2022

Librarians lifting spirits in lockdown

Did you know that Whitehorse Manningham Library provided over 93,000 contactless click and collect and home-delivery loans to members whilst library branches were closed during lockdowns?

As a librarian, Rebecca is part of the team at Whitehorse Manningham Libraries who ensured that our community were able to continue accessing their library’s valued services and programs.

Located at Box Hill Library, Rebecca is also a member of the library’s Digital Literacy Team that develops programs to help people use technology better.

“We have a librarian at each branch who is responsible for delivering programs that help people, like seniors and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, access and use technology.

During the lockdown, we ran classes on Zoom teaching people how to shop online safely and find information from reputable sources. Right now, we have been helping people navigate the government’s digital platforms such as MyGov and MyHealth.”

Rebecca loves the variety of her role and the fact that every day at the library is different.

“Because we offer so many different services, when someone comes to the desk you just never know what they will ask for. It could be a young mum wanting to find some books for her toddler, a student needing help with a research project or someone wanting to format their resume,” said Rebecca.

“The library offers so many free programs and there is something for everyone, from story time for children, English conversational classes to book clubs and talks from your favourite authors.”

A key part of Rebecca’s role is to help people find answers to their question and access the information and resources they need.

“What drew me to the job is that I love getting people the answers. No matter what someone needs, we are willing to give it a go and help them out,” said Rebecca.

“Often people don’t have anywhere to go and being the one person that can actually answer their questions is one of the best parts of my job. Working at a public library, you also get to develop relationships with the community and there are people who will come in and we’ll see them every day or every week.”

“We get to make a real difference, and that is what makes my job so rewarding!”

More information

www.wml.vic.gov.au/home