Gold Coast libraries are calling on locals to make libraries a part of their routine this year.
The libraries have a huge range of free services and resources on offer, including free books, eBooks and audio books, magazines, computer and Wi-Fi access.
It follows new figures showing visitor numbers have increased by 33% in the 2021-22 financial year, compared to the previous year, with a total of 1,267,371 visitors.
Mayor Tom Tate says it’s been fantastic to see more people returning to the Gold Coast’s 11 libraries in the past year.
“COVID had a huge impact on physical visits to our libraries. We think this is the year to encourage as many residents as possible to drop into their local library and take advantage of our incredible range of free resources and services that you won’t find anywhere else,” Mayor Tate says.
“With about 770,000 visitors already in the 2022-23 financial year to date, we are on track to see our visitor numbers grow even more.”
IMAGE: Supplied
Free events offered at the city’s libraries include Baby Rhyme Time, Toddler Time or Storytime for kids, as well as author events, book clubs and writing workshops for adults.
In the 2021-22 financial year, there was an 8% increase in memberships and a 252% increase in programs attended in-person.
Meanwhile, Gold Coast libraries are also celebrating the month of love – with Valentine’s Day also officially Library Lovers’ Day too.
For avid readers, libraries are offering a ‘Blind Date with a Book’ initiative, where you can select a book wrapped in brown paper with a brief but intriguing summary – to tempt avid readers to try something new.
Some libraries are also offering ‘Speed Dating’ with a librarian – to help you find your ideal reads.
“Libraries are all about ‘community’ and all our Gold Coast Libraries are fresh, inviting, multi-use spaces which actively encourage people from all walks of life to connect, learn and grow,”
“So what’s NOT to love about libraries – because the best things in life are free!”
