With their long-trusted role of connecting people and providing open access to knowledge, libraries have immense potential to be platforms for progression, transformation and expression.
Libraries have natural advantages, being prominently placed in local neighbourhoods and visited by people of different age groups for different needs.
But libraries also face challenges as councils run the ruler over costs and weigh up the benefits in a contemporary context.
Regional library network, Lake Mac Libraries (Lake Macquarie Council, NSW) funds eleven libraries serving a hugely diverse population. In disadvantaged neighbourhoods, libraries are not only places for reading and learning, they can be safe havens for families dealing with domestic violence or seeking shelter. In wealthier neighbourhoods, libraries host art and cultural programs frequented by retirees seeking connection and lifelong learning. University students used some libraries as quiet places to study as well as access points to global library databases.
Beyond their current role, the increase in the number of sole traders, gig workers and people who work predominantly from home, mean that libraries can be a vibrant space for networking, peer learning and work, particularly in smaller towns where no other option is available.
The project set out to understand the main challenges, opportunities, assets, social impact and identity of the Lake Mac Libraries network.
This involved:
The library now has a platform for engaging and co-designing programs with new user groups such as the online student, the busy parent and the knowledge worker.
The defining concept that arose from this research, engagement and innovation work – ‘Expand Your World’ – is being applied to all library activities, from creative stakeholder engagement and co-design activities, library interior design, evolution of programming, updates to promotional collateral and the launch of The Rover: the new mobile library designed to engage a diverse range of community members.
The launch of The Rover was a key moment for introducing the Expand Your World vision; it was celebrated by the Lake Macquarie community and local media. The unique design was a creative collaboration between the Ellis Jones design studio and Australian illustrator, Tim Meakins, to express the core themes of the new library direction: transformation, connection, exploration, community ownership and a welcome surprise. The aesthetic and quirky characterisation expresses and creates memorable and personal experiences with community members, bringing a new level of dynamism to contact with their library.
Define and nurture the fundamental human attributes that make your skills and talents creative, productive and remarkable. Focus on who you are and what you can do. Download the playbook and get ready to receive a range of tools and resources as the community of practice grows and thrives.
Ellis Jones acknowledges the Indigenous people of Australia as the traditional custodians of the country on which we live and work. We value your traditions, customs and culture, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We walk with you.
