Library participation turning page

THE National Year of Reading has given the Maleny Community Library the opportunity to re-connect with members, and gain a heap of new ones, through monthly programs and incentives.

The library now has more than 6000 members, with an influx of locals joining since The Year of Reading began in January.

Maleny Community Library co-ordinator Sue McCleary said the national banner had been a great marketing tool for the library's products and services.

"A lot of people didn't know a lot of the things that we do, such as the holiday programs we run and the computer training we offer," she said.

"The National Year of Reading has really engaged people back with their local libraries.

"It has really given people the chance to re-connect with libraries in an age where a lot tend to think they've disappeared."

Australian libraries and library associations have been getting behind the National Year of Reading campaign to link the happenings around books, reading and literacy, and giving them an extra boost with programs and events.

Libraries have been connecting with the government, media, writers, schools, publishers, booksellers, employers, child care providers, health professionals and other organisations that share a passion for reading.

Mrs McCleary said so far this year the Maleny library had benefited from exposure on the ABC, with many in the Maleny community adopting a new take towards libraries.

"We've had an amnesty this year, so people who had overdue books had the opportunity to return them without being charged," she said.

To become a member of your local library visit library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.