Jacqui’s Friday Five - Issue #1

Hello everyone … welcome to the first in an ongoing series called “Jacqui’s Friday Five.”

Ian and I have talked about how we can help the library world (and others) be informed about what’s happening in public libraries and he suggested that I take the reins of disseminating information that I gather through the week. I think, to be honest, he is growing tired of me sending him daily links to things I have read!

Every night I spend time reading articles and looking at social media posts, and I flick them on to Ian. Each week I am amazed at the wonderful things that are happening and so proud of the work that public libraries undertake for their communities.

Jacqui’s Friday Five is an attempt to share this and to celebrate all that is done. Whilst I won’t spend time delving into each item, I will share the link where appropriate or direct you to the relevant source.

So here is Issue #1.

1.1. Essential items: Victorian public libraries are now providing free pads and tampons at library branches with the assistance of the Victorian Government. Feminine hygiene products are not a luxury but are essential items for health and wellbeing. For example

1.2. Volunteer Job Coach: Port Phillip Library Service provides customers with an opportunity to book a free 45 minute one-on-one appointment with a volunteer job coach. The service aims to help job seekers build confidence, improve digital skills, write a resume, prepare for interviews, get career advice and look and apply for jobs. Click here for more

1.3. “What Dan Read”: “What Dan Read” is a list of books read by an Ohio resident, Dan Pelzer. Upon his death in July this year, his children found the handwritten list of the books he had read throughout his lifetime, a total of 3,599 books between 1962 and 2025. The list of books is now available on the Columbus Metropolitan Library website and the local public library has a display highlighting a selection of the books. An incredible feat and an amazing testament to one man’s reading journey. www.what-dan-read.com

1.4. A librarian to follow: Mychal Threets, is an American librarian based in Fairfield California. He has an active social media presence that features book recommendations, affirming messages and highlights of the work done by librarians. Mychal has recently been listed as one of the Time100 Creators for 2025. Whilst Mychal has currently stepped away from his role within the library his work in advocating for libraries and librarian staff continues. Click here for more

1.5. Indigenous Literacy Day: Yarra Libraries produced a post highlighting their First Peoples collection in honour of Indigenous Literacy Day. Click here for more