Being Connected - Libraries and Autism

It is very exciting to see the first key component of the Being Connected - Libraries and Autism project commence this coming week.  This innovative project has been funded through the Pierre Gorman Award, State Library of Victoria   Con Livanos from Think Access will be coming up this Wednesday to meet with parents, children and older adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.  After this Con will undertake a sensory audit of all of our library branches across the Shire to help us to prepare a plan to improve our buildings for people with ASD.  Con has undertaken a great deal of research in preparation of the audit and we are still keen to hear from people who would like to let us know what sensory issues they encounter within our libraries. 
A report will be completed after the audit which will direct further planning and improvements for an enhanced user experience.
Other components of the project will include staff training, programming, assistive technology and working towards the communication access symbol.

Children's Book Week and Community Reading Days to celebrate the National Reading Hour

It has been a fantastic week full of lots of wonderful reading activities.  Together in partnership with Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning Education Network, Community Reading Days have been held in Cohuna (Gannawarra Shire), Echuca, Kyabram, Rushworth, Rochester and Tongala.  Over 300 students from local schools have visited a range of School Friendly Businesses who have read a selection of Children's Book Week shortlisted titles.  Thanks to all the schools and businesses that have supported this great community event and for sharing your love of reading with the children.

5000 poppies project

Our library service is an official collection point for the 5000 poppies project.  It is actually lovely to say that the target of 5000 has easily been surpassed already and it is likely the end result will be close to 100,000.  We recently held a poppy making afternoon and it was just lovely at our Echuca Branch.  We will certainly run some more over the next few months, as well as include them in the school holiday activities. 
People are encouraged to make poppies from the patterns provided which we have available at the library branches.  They can also be downloaded from http://5000poppies.wordpress.com
There is also a very active 5000 poppies Facebook group with nearly 1000 members. 
We encourage you to take part in this amazing community tribute of respect and remembrance.  It is a Victorian Government endorsed commemoration project which will culminate in a stunning display at Federation Square on Anzac Day 2015. 
So get knitting, crochet, felting or lace-making and participate in this wonderful project.