Jacqui’s Friday Five - Issue #5
Goodness … I can’t believe that this is already my fifth instalment of Jacqui’s Friday Five! I hope that everyone is enjoying them. I would welcome any feedback, which of course I could choose to ignore! I would also love to know what areas you are interested in that I may have the chance to go exploring on your behalf.
The cover photo for this week is a lovely post from the Library Enthusiasts Facebook page. I think it pretty much sums up in just a few words the wonder of a modern public library and all they have to offer.
And on to my next Friday Five – it has been very hard to narrow down this week to five! There have been some amazing things happening in libraries this week.
5.1. Fostering a love of reading through connection: I came across a video this week from ABC Kids Community Facebook page. Bestselling author of the Funny Kid series, Matt Stanton, spoke about the importance for parents on how to encourage, motivate and grow reading skills in children. “Here’s the secret: Your child needs to WANT to read.” The video is a mere 50 seconds long and yet it sums up what we need to model to parents during any early years literacy program offered in our libraries. Click here for the video
5.2. It isn’t just books: So many libraries are providing spaces for the community to come together and share in craft activities. The post that passed my eyes this week was from Broome Public Library (one of my favourite libraries). They shared a series of photos of their recent Craft and Conservation tea party. The work produced was incredible. I love the idea that libraries are a social hub, bringing like-minded people together. So many libraries are providing this offering, at little impact to the library staff, but they have so many benefits … beating social isolation, sharing of skills, and a sense of belonging. Click here for more
5.3. Home learning support: There has been an increase in home schooling/learning in Australia over the last 5 years. It is estimated that 45,000 children were being home schooled in 2024, a significant increase since 2020. The impact of school closures during the Covid years, increasing dissatisfaction with education systems and increased social and mental health concerns in our children have led to this increase.
Wyndham Libraries are now supporting families by offering Home Learner sessions for children and young people being educated at home. Just another way that public libraries can support sectors of our community that can often be overlooked. Click here for more
5.4. Reading to Dogs: I am sure that most readers are aware of the value of reading to a dog for children who are struggling with their literacy. Many libraries have already established a “Reading with a Dog” program. This week I saw a post that brought together both dogs, reading and an educational session about seeing eye dogs. Frankston City Libraries hosted a special Storytime with Seeing Eye Dogs Australia. What a great way to connect multiple groups within our society. Click here for more
5.5. Encouraging reading with middle schoolers: Another middle school librarian I follow in the US, Meet Me in The Media Center Official, shared a post this week about the grand opening of their book vending machine that provides a free book to children who have earned credits towards a token by acts of kindness, demonstrating good character, going above and beyond the goals they set with their teacher, and demonstrating growth (both personal and/or academic). They have even paired with their local library so that if a child participates in the Summer Reading Program they can earn a credit. What a great way to encourage children to both strive to achieve their goals and to access books they can keep … all for free. Click here for more