Pop into a library these days and discover there is more on offer than books to borrow. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
When was the last time you visited a library?
When you’re immersed in the library world, it’s easy to forget that not everyone knows what public libraries offer. For many, it’s still a shock to learn that their local library doesn’t charge late fees and hasn’t for several years.
Wollongong’s public library service was born in 1946 and has gone through some pretty major glow-ups since. While the core offering of free book borrowing remains, a lot has changed.
These days a visit to the library can be buzzing with activity. Pop into any library and you may see preschoolers singing, a group crocheting over a cup of tea, or some friendly competition over a boardgame.
You might also come across students and creatives making use of the free Wi-Fi, a class of English language learners, workers rushing in to pick up the latest best-seller and a steady stream of people browsing the shelves or just enjoying a read.
While at first glance this may seem like a strange mix, it’s this inclusiveness that is part of the magic of modern libraries.
Libraries are a big tent for Wollongong’s diverse community. They are precious spaces where people can visit without the expectation of having to spend a cent. They are free, safe, and offer a sanctuary from the outside world when you need it.
The library is a free, safe sanctuary for all who need it. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
The modern library is also keeping up with new ideas and technology, evolving to meet society’s changing needs. Charging stations and cheap printing? You’ve got it. Workshops and special guest events? Yes, there’s loads for all tastes and interests.
These days it’s not only what’s happening inside libraries that surprises people, but the benefits for members outside of the physical buildings.
Whether you want to stream movies, dive into your family history, read the latest edition of your favourite magazine, listen to audiobooks or do an online course, a library card is your key to a world of free resources.
With more choice and variety than ever, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to save on media and audiobook subscriptions.
And for the time-poor, the Wollongong City Libraries app makes things easier than ever, allowing you to reserve books at any time of day or night, select your preferred pickup spot, and receive a notification when it’s ready. It’s like a library version of ‘click and collect’, but free.
There are plenty of free online activities available to borrow through the library, such as audiobooks and movies. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
If you want to find out what you’ve been missing out on, get yourself a library card.
It’s free and easy to sign up online, anytime, or pop into your local library to do it in person at Corrimal, Dapto, Helensburgh, Thirroul, Unanderra, Warrawong and Wollongong libraries.
You definitely won’t regret it.
For more information and to sign up visit Wollongong Libraries.
