This week the spotlight has been put on libraries and the role they play within the community as Ballarat acknowledges national Libraries and Information Week. 

Acting library manager at Ballarat Library Anna Parsons said libraries had long become a resource for nearly everyone in the community at some stage in their life and continued to grow in popularity.

“We have heard for years that it’s the end of libraries, but that is not true ... we average 1000 people a day here,” she said.

“This week is about fostering energy around libraries and hopefully attracting more people.”

A series of activities will be held at the regions libraries to celebrate this year’s Libraries and Information Week theme of ‘imagine’.

“Pop in this week. Everyone is welcome and we’ve got something for everyone,” Ms Parsons said. 

“People love to give their opinions on books and we like to hear what they have to say.

“University students might find the Become a Super Searcher sessions interesting and pick up a few tips on what to look for ... and the TED talks are really inspiring. They’re well worth listening to.”

Library events held this week

Tuesday: TED and tea session from 2.30pm at the Ballarat Library

Wednesday: National Simultaneous Storytime from 11am at the Ballarat Library and Library Outreach in Learmonth, and 10.30am at the Wendouree Library; Book chat with a librarian, 10.30am at the Ballarat Library and 2.30pm at the Sebastopol Library

Thursday: Become a super searcher session at the Ballarat Library at 10am, 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm; Triva at the Wendouree Library at 2pm

Friday: Trivia, 6pm at the Ballarat Library