WAGGA WAGGA CITY LIBRARY REVIEW DRAFT Cover: National Science Week 2018 Photo: Jack of Hearts Studio

2 City Library Review – Draft CONTENTS

Acknowledgement Overview 5 of Country Wagga Wagga City Council Executive Summary 6 acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Wiradjuri 2020: A Day in the Life at Wagga Wagga City Library 8 people, and pays respect to Elders, past and present and emerging. Section 1: Research 11 We honour the living heritage of the Community research 12 world’s oldest continuous culture, After the lockdown 16 and we celebrate the contemporary Case study 1: Place for the imagination 18 creativity of our First Nations communities. We acknowledge the ongoing connection between First Section 2: Reference points 20 Nation communities and this land. Benchmarks 22 The Wagga Wagga City Library Future Library Service Models 24 Review 2020 has been compiled in Leading libraries 26 consultation with the local Wiradjuri and First Nations Communities with the aim of building a city that thrives Section 3: Themes 28 on positive relationships and cultural Growth 29 diversity. Case study 2: A bit of magic 33 People and place 34 Case study 3: Knitting Circle 37 What people say 38 Summary 39 Section 4: Future 41 Future 42 Commissioned by: Summary of recommendations 44 Wagga Wagga City Council 243 Baylis Street, PO Box 20, Recommendations 46 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 2038: Hotbed of Ideas 48 Written and produced by: 2038: A Day in the Life at Wagga Wagga City Library 50 Project Sisu www.projectsisu.com Appendices 52 Designed by: Bibliography 52 Pro Bono Publico www.probono.com.au Glossary of terms 54 © Copyright 2020

3 Boorooma Estella Bomen

Wagga Wagga City Library

Glenfield Park To Wagga Wagga Airport

To Kapooka

4 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft OVERVIEW YIRADHU MARANG (GOOD DAY)

Opening in 1999, the Wagga Wagga City Library has served the community well in its current location for twenty years. To mark its 20th anniversary, a review of library spaces, services and capabilities was launched in 2019. The Wagga Wagga City Library Review aimed to position the library service for a future that will be radically different from the world in which it was originally conceived. Scope of review Regional Library The City Library Review has drawn on extensive Wagga Wagga City Library is a member of the community research, library benchmarking, relevant Riverina Regional Library (RRL), conceived in 1978. case studies, and a comprehensive examination of Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) continues public library trends, national and international. to support the Riverina Regional Library Model in It has involved: its role as Executive Council. The current Deed of Agreement expires in 2022. WWCC and RRL have • conversations, workshops, meetings and initiated a consultative process to explore future surveys with 710 people throughout the City membership service options. A report will be of Wagga Wagga tabled to WWCC by June 2021. Future options for • extensive research into a range of regional the City’s membership of RRL will be made after library services across NSW and this date. • in-depth exploration of international library trends, research and futures thinking. Uncertainty and opportunity The repercussions of the Covid-19 global In a nutshell pandemic are predicted to be far-reaching. Wagga Wagga City Library is well used and loved by The crisis also presents opportunities to think those who value its physical and online resources, and act differently. spaces, learning programs and capable staff. Trusted places like public libraries, in which More can be done to extend its reach into every communal identity is amplified by practical corner of the Wagga Wagga community. resources, have never been more vital and The Library Review has clear findings: necessary. Libraries, more than any other cultural • the City Library is too small for a regional city institution, welcome, encourage, entertain and of Wagga Wagga’s size and ambition support the greatest number of people and uses • too many people are missing out on the in any given community. important and often life saving opportunities Libraries, including Wagga Wagga City Library, the library provides have already displayed innovation in response to • library staff exhibit an inventiveness that if recent crises and creative recovery efforts. further resourced will help the City find a new When it comes to supporting Wagga Wagga’s creative edge: to rebuild communities; tackle economic, social and cultural aspirations, the library disadvantage; actively engage with and learn service can’t do everything, but it can do a lot. from Wiradjuri elders, cultural knowledge and language; craft new 21st century stories of identity, inclusion and hope.

NOTE: This map is for illustration purposes only.

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

THE CITY CITY LIBRARY 65,258 (2019) people 20-year-old building in Civic Centre 100,000 people by 2038 1600 sq metres/2 levels > % growth in migration to No branch library network Wagga Wagga Small staff cohort = 18.7 FTE > % growth in (since Sunday opening was younger age demographic approved in July 2020) 5.6% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Member of Riverina Regional Islander Library since 1978 Hybrid economy: , Library is highly valued health, knowledge, aged Excellent programs/responsive care & creative industries staff

COMMUNITY RESEARCH 710

participants: LIBRARY SIZE 500 Perceived gaps WW City Library x 578 surveys, Flexible frequency mentioned 132 interviews meeting EQUITY OF ACCESS & workshops study Lack of spaces LEARNING PROGRAMS COLLECTIONS meetings critical to branch Physical/ Lots of ideas growing structure Great, more city outreach online

frequency needed/ for expansion mobile & PARTNERSHIPS keep more places/ fresh & & new pop-up broader Shared diverse services options cross 24/7 section of space & + Library Consistent access community services in of Things digital community/ views on creative + creative hubs current gaps + literacy 0 higher importance lower

6 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft REFERENCE POINTS THEMES 1. Growth NSW Coffs Harbour Port Macquarie Lots of economic, social & cultural Tamworth opportunities/potential for unequal Port Stephens Orange distribution of services to support disadvantaged communities VIC 2. People & Place Geelong Growth + liveability, accessibility, equality of opportunity How does WWCL compare with = need for cultural infrastructure other regional cities? = libraries. • One of the smallest city library services of any regional city in NSW and Victoria • Smaller staff cohort • Smaller spatial footprint in comparison to other regional city libraries of similar populations Performing well: programs + collection diversity + staff responsiveness

FUTURE: RECOMMENDATIONS 2020 - 2038 NOW 2020 - 2022 INTERMEDIATE 2022 - 2025 LONGER TERM 2025 - 2038 Reconfigure floorplan: Maximise Implement Agile Library: Expand Agile Library Services in use of current and potential nimble van that can be driven response to population growth. floorspace to increase seating and by staff to suburbs and villages. Redesign footprint of the study areas, digital access and Trial activation of a library Civic Centre including the Civic programming. presence in neighbourhood Arcade; integrate Customer Level 1: More learning/meeting locations e.g. Glenfield Service/Library experiences; spaces; western end - install casual Community Centre & Ngurra stretch outwards towards seating and a smaller concierge desk Youth Hub in Ashmont. Wollundry Lagoon including to replace the large front desk; install a Café. Explore possibility of 24/7 mobile technology with bookable kiosk. Explore need for a branch laptops/tablets and café style library in a growth area. benches; install smart return shelves Add capabilities: outreach, to accommodate recent returns; digital engagement, diverse self-serve coffee bar. Enclose the futures, learning and literacies. book chute returns area. Level 0: Expand Children’s Area for events and regular Storytime sessions; install smart return shelving.

7 Around the clock…

2020: A DAY IN THE LIFE Knitting Circle AT WAGGA WAGGA Around 25-30 people “Summer 2019-2020: our community is at a loss to know CITY LIBRARY how to deal with the growing sense of hopelessness in the face of bushfire emergency. Storytime Book launch The library holds a Knit for Around 125 people and reading Joey’s event to support our local chapter of WIRES. We across two sessions Around 65 people provide cake and tea, always a (kids and parents) great social lubricant. Around 20 women gather to knit, other members of the community donate and needles, there is a sense of purpose for these women, they share skills, knitting patterns, and stories of fire survival they make sense of the wold through the simple act of being together with common cause. Across the day the group decides they would like to continue to Local studies knit together each Tuesday. The library has facilitated requests this request. This group has “A woman came in asking now decided to knit beanies for help. She was born in for Wagga’s homeless, the Wagga Wagga but moved library will connect with local away as an adult. All her welfare agencies to organise family came from Wagga, distribution.” and when she was a little girl Chrissie her grandmother died, but it wasn’t talked about. With no explanation, visits to her grandma stopped abruptly. I was able to find information Disability support in Trove about where and “Kerry is a regular Library how her Grandma died, and customer with a vision identify where her Grandma’s impairment. Typically, she house had been, using the comes to the Library to type council mapping portal and letters. When she enters, she Computer access NSW lands department. will come to the main desk Tourists, grey nomads, With the information I was to ask for help to log on to international backpackers, able to give her, the woman a computer, find the word job seekers, students: was able to trace her processing feature, and for the use the library facilities to Grandma’s route to where font to be changed to size 48. access the internet, print she ended her life, as she After typing each letter, Kerry and scan documents, read drowned herself in one of the will return to the desk and ask a newspaper, or relax in an sections of the lagoon. The one of us to proofread the letter air-conditioned environment. woman was so thankful she and help her to print it off (Kerry was able to get closure on a usually types several letters in a sad event in her childhood, session). She is always grateful and honour her Grandma for our help and knows many and pay her respects.” of us by name.” Mentoring sessions Sarah Simon

8 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft Tech-savvy seniors Cultural support Practical support “People who don’t have “Hardly a day goes by when “I helped a truck driver apply access to the internet or a group, author or artist for a job with Visy. Their understand technology doesn’t contact the library process was entirely online, make up a huge part of our wanting our help to reach and he was unfamiliar with customer service. Often the the wider community to most of what was needed. problems aren’t easy to solve, share information and skills: He had a typed copy of but by directing them to other legal; health; art & craft; his CV, and hard copies of services or organisations we performance… his qualifications with him. can often help. We also have When the local Shakespeare Visy wanted a written cover regular Tech Savvy Senior Club had its centenary, I letter and all the rest, but Classes, which are friendly was able to borrow the State uploaded via a portal. and oversubscribed.” Library of NSW’s copy of So, he had to learn to use Jen the First Folio published in Word for the cover letter 1623, and the only copy in and learn how to use the the southern hemisphere, to scanner for everything else, be on display for one month all of which I helped him in the library. John Bell with. That’s a really indicative from Bell Shakespeare also example: people encounter agreed to attend our major barriers between themselves event for free. The ladies in and what they’re trying to the local club were delighted achieve (I mean, he was as it was beyond their already a truck driver), and wildest dreams to celebrate librarians try to help them their centenary in this way.” learn how to remove those Claire barriers, without judgement, and for free. On any given day in the library, we would do the equivalent of what I just described, three or four times over.” Peter

Baby Bounce Home delivery “The children’s area of Volunteers Wagga Wagga City Library has become a pram park as parents arrive for Baby Bounce. Some of the participants have come Information Language Café together, others make their way to the open floor space requests Around 25 -30 people spreading out baby rugs. I “I’ve settled many bets! Started in 2017. Conversational greet all bubs and carers. People come into the library English. 50-70 volunteers, They sing songs and rhymes, and ask questions such as many bi-lingual. Learning blow bubbles and read books. “My mate reckons he kicked and social experience. Participants smile at each a goal in the 1970 Carroll other, connecting as group of Cup final. Can I see the “Some participants felt lonely new mums and dads. At the Daily Advertiser report of when they were new arrivals, end of the session strangers the game?”. They sure can, but after participating in LC are talking together about using our comprehensive they made friends and keep the parenting experience and local newspaper collection meeting each other outside finding social connection.” available on microfilm.” the library.” Jeannie Michael Mahsa

9 10 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft SECTION 1: RESEARCH In this section: 710 people participated in the Wagga Wagga City Library Review. Research modes included: surveys, workshops, interviews, small group sessions, and visits to community hubs and mobile library stops. Wagga Wagga residents love the library – space, collections, programs and service ethic. Consistent views: – City Library is too small for a regional city; – More flexible study, workshop and meeting spaces needed; – Many community members live in suburbs which are currently underserved by the library; – Need to consider new options for library service delivery.

11 COMMUNITY RESEARCH MAYINY-GU GARRAYWANGIDYAL (PEOPLE’S FINDINGS)

Community research has affirmed the importance of the library to the City’s goal to be a culturally rich, learning centred and socially inclusive regional city. It has revealed consistent views about the library’s current limitations and service possibilities. Equally important are the views of people who are not current or regular users, but could be if library offerings met more of their needs, in the right locations, at the right times, and in the right way.

Consultation Consultation has included interviews, meetings, and/or workshops with: Between July and December 2019, a range of • Wiradjuri Elders along with members of Marwang different stakeholders participated in community Garway and other community leaders and research activities. In addition, one online survey, service providers available between August and October 2019, attracted 368 responses via the Wagga View portal. • eight Councillors, recorded and transcribed • library staff workshops (x3) An additional online survey was available between June and July 2020 to explore usage of and • directors and managers from community, reflections on the City Library’s offerings during cultural and planning services, and council staff the NSW Covid-19 pandemic closures. The survey from accross the organisation attracted 210 responses. • Executive Director of Riverina Regional Library The total number of survey and community • Friends of the Library research participants was 710. • community groups in the library – knitters, Storytime participants, high school and university students, range of library users • Youth Forum participants • community centre co-ordinators and clients at Tolland, Ashmont and Kooringal • State Library of NSW “The library is starved for space. • Charles Sturt University Where will the expansion come • Wagga Wagga TAFE • from? 100,000 people will need Eastern Riverina Arts • Riverina Community College bigger spaces.” • Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga Councillor • 13 library managers/CEOs of NSW and Victorian regional and peri-urban library services.

12 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft Section 2 Research x x 16,000 x x People attend library x x Section 2 programs & events Research x x 16,000 350 x x x x People attend library Programs x x x x Section 2 programs & events per year, on average Research x x 16,000 350 x 181,801 x x x x x People attend library Programs x People used x x x x x Section 2 programs & events per year, on average library in 2018/9 Research x x 16,000 350 x 181,801 x 368x x x x x x People attend library Programs x People used x Survey x x x x x x programs & events per year, on average library in 2018/9 respondents

Survey350 respondents181,801 x Usage368 x 150 xparticipantsx x x x x TherePrograms are a number of thingsPeople to note: used x TheSurvey people of Waggax Wagga useIn workshops, their libraryx focusx x x x x per year, on average library in 2018/9 respondents groups & interviews • respondents were generally younger in service in a multitude of ways. The 30-40 per cent comparison to many community surveys of this of Wagga Wagga’s population who use the library kind. While the highest response rate was from regularly do so on a weekly or fortnightly basis. The most frequent uses relate to borrowing (books, 181,801people aged between 55 and368 64, the second x 150 participantsx Highx satisfactionx x x x x Peoplehighest used response rate was fromSurvey people aged x pictureIn workshops, books, DVDs, focusx e-books);For online books, resources;x DVDs, xe- x x x x librarybetween in 2018/9 25 and 34, and therespondents third highest was placesgroups to &study interviews and read; attendingresources, programs, Storytime talks, from respondents aged between 35 and 44; events; using wifi and computers. • while the library attracts visitation from across While respondents had high levels of satisfaction the greater Wagga Wagga region, the highest with most of the above, they signalled greater 368 150 participantsx High satisfactionx Lowx satisfactionx x $60m fundingx x Surveyusage is from people living Inin workshops,central, east focusandx dissatisfactionFor books, DVDs, with e-thex availabilityFor library of suitablex size, meeting x x Increase by NSW Statex x respondentsnorth Wagga. When cross correlatedgroups & interviews with how meetingresources, and Storytimerecreational spaces,spaces and & accessibilitybookable Govt over 4 year period people get to the library, it is evident that having rooms. a car helps. In fact, the lack of public transport Dissatisfaction was also registered around options was frequently mentioned, as was the opening times (should be longer); availability of participants satisfaction satisfaction funding 150issue of parking availability;High x quiet,Low study spaces; xmobile and7.6m branchx options people $60m x 114m x x • Inmost workshops, respondents focus were bornFor in books, DVDs, and e-x For library size, meetingx Visited Australianx Increase by NSW Statex Visits to public x x groups & interviews resources, Storytime outsidespaces the & accessibility CBD; and targetedlibraries services for peopleGovt over 4 year period libraries annually speak English at home. In descending order, the with a disability, unemployed, Indigenous and proportion of respondents born outside Australia multicultural communities. were from: Iraq, Iran, Sudan, United Kingdom, China, India, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, There was a high level of agreement about the High satisfaction Low satisfactionx need7.6m for a café people in the$60m library; and6.7m a highfundingx level people of 114m x 3.9m peoplex x ForGermany, books, France,DVDs, e-Japan, Uruguay,For library Finland, size, meeting x Visited Australian Increase by NSW Statex Visits to public x x disagreement with the sentimentVisited that Australian libraries are Went to see x resources,Switzerland, Storytime USA, Bangladesh,spaces Malta, & accessibility Madagascar; libraries Govt overmuseums 4 year period libraries annually a play just places for books. • 11 respondents identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. When asked to think expansively about the library – current form, services and future possibilities – Low satisfaction 7.6m people$60mpeople6.7m fundingwere generally people114m upbeat6.3m and optimistic.x people Other3.9m peoplex 3.5m peoplex x For library size, meeting Increase by NSW State x Visited Australian librariesVisited wereAustralian often citedVisits as to places publicVisited to Australianemulate orWent to see x Went to see an x x spaces & accessibility libraries Govt overmuseums 4 year period libraries annually a play learn from. Double Bay, Randwick,art galleries Ryde, Rockdale, opera or musical “It’s the one space where you are Geelong, Library at the Dock, Shellharbour, Yarra Libraries, Moreton Bay are some of the specific not obligated to spend anything.” 7.6m people people114mexamples6.3m given. people peoplex people x Community member 6.7m 3.9m 3.5m x Visited Australian Visited Australian Visits toWhile Visitedpublic the Australian current libraryWent was to perceivedsee x as light, Went to see an x x libraries museums librariessunny, artannually galleries welcoming anda playwell-resourced, it was alsoopera or musical described as formal, dull, lacking colour, cramped, and too serious. 6.7m people 6.3m people3.9m people 3.5m peoplex x Visited Australian Visited Australian Went to see Went to see an x x museums art galleries a play opera or musical

6.3m people 3.5m people x Visited Australian Went to see an x art galleries opera or musical

13 Section 2 Research x x 16,000 x x People attend library x x Section 2 programs & events Research x x 16,000 350 x x x x People attend library Programs x x x x Section 2 programs & events per year, on average Research x x 16,000 350 x 181,801 x x x x x People attend library Programs x People used x x x x x programs & events per year, on average library in 2018/9

350 181,801 x 368 x x x x x Programs People used x Survey x x x x x per year, on average library in 2018/9 respondents

181,801 368 x 150 participantsx x x x x People used Survey x In workshops, focusx x x x x library in 2018/9 respondents groups & interviews

368 150 participantsx High satisfactionx x x x x Survey In workshops, focusx For books, DVDs, e-x x x x x respondents groups & interviews resources, Storytime

150 participants High satisfactionx Low satisfactionx x $60m fundingx x In workshops, focus For books, DVDs, e-x For library size, meetingx x Increase by NSW Statex x groups & interviews resources, Storytime spaces & accessibility Govt over 4 year period

BigHigh town satisfaction or regionalLow city? satisfactionx Associations7.6m people$60m fundingx 114m x x TheFor City books, of Wagga DVDs, Wagga e- is atFor a librarycrossroads, size, meeting a x ThereVisited are Australian few socialIncrease or cultural by NSWinstitutions Statex thatVisits to public x x resources, Storytime spaces & accessibility libraries Govt over 4 year period libraries annually cusp, a transition point. At least this is how it can attract the depth of feeling and positive was framed by numerous interviewees. The City’s associations people have for their libraries. The ‘conservative’, ‘risk averse’, ‘country town’ identity citizens of Wagga Wagga are no exception. In is challenged by growth, greater diversity, and a workshops, meetings and the online survey, Low satisfaction 7.6m people$60m6.7m funding people114m x 3.9m peoplex x moreFor library ‘progressive’ size, meeting mindset. Visited Australian Increasepeople byVisited NSW described AustralianState theVisits library to publicand its meaningx toWent to see x x spaces & accessibility libraries Govt overthemmuseums 4 year in periodhighly expressivelibraries ways, annually ranging from thea play Potbound plant pragmatic to the poetic. The library is ‘potbound’. It has outgrown its There were four dominant metaphors used. home, and its programming success continues to People viewed the library as a place of discovery, 7.6m people 6.7m people114m6.3m people3.9m peoplex 3.5m peoplex x highlightVisited Australian its current deficiencies.Visited Increasing Australian theVisits toadventure, Visitedpublic Australian treasure Wentand wonder. to see It wasx a refugeWent, to see an x x Citylibraries Library’s footprint and availabilitymuseums of flexiblelibraries haven, artannually galleries retreat, heaven.a play opera or musical learning spaces was a recurrent theme across all It acted as a village green, meeting place research modes. and community hub; it was perceived as safe, welcoming egalitarian, inclusive and accepting. What’s6.7m not people said 6.3m people3.9m people 3.5m peoplex x Visited Australian Visited Australian Went toIt see embodied abundanceWent, toexcess, see an comfort x and fun; x Themuseums consistency in views aboutart andgalleries aspirations a for play it was free, environmentallyopera or sustainable, musical available the library was, paradoxically, reaffirmed by what to everyone, resourceful, an asset. people didn’t say. Not one person, in workshops, While the library was perceived ‘sunny’, ‘fabulous’, interviews and survey, said that libraries were a ‘marvellous’, ‘lovely’, a ‘blessing’; it was also perceived thing of past, irrelevantpeople in the age of Google, a relic 6.3m 3.5mas ‘underfunded’, people ‘too small’ and ‘under-appreciated’.x fromVisited a previous Australian era, or any number of ill-informedWent to see an x perceptionsart galleries that often feature in contemporaryopera orPossibility musical library research projects. This is a positive and possibly unique finding. Now is the moment to reimagine the library service, people said. The library should be at the Ignition point for change centre of Council’s thinking and planning. The City needs more meeting, co-working, study With growth comes new possibilities – for revenue, and event spaces. This was the most frequently grants, developer contributions, the latest expressed need across all research groups. Creative technologies, new social and cultural infrastructure. and cultural practitioners, refugee support groups, Participants supported this expansive mindset. knitters, students, Wiradjuri and First Nations The City also has a responsibility to the vulnerable, Elders, teachers, community workers, legal and marginalised and disadvantaged. A majority of health information services, Councillors, planners, participants believed the library service reaches into parents, kids - all articulated this need. The these communities in unique and practical ways, library was perceived as welcoming, multifaceted, and needs to be adequately resourced to continue resource-rich and kind. It was described as a and deepen this work. vibrant community and creative hub.

“Everything needs “Community outreach is definitely to scale up.” our biggest black hole.” Councillor Friends of the Library

14 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft Library of the future “It’s a common place where you can The invitation to speculate on a possible future meet friends, or make new ones, share library produced an extraordinary range of ideas and improve connections.” imaginative ideas and suggestions. Some suggestions involved designing new library buildings “I would like to see a vibrant and places; expanded and new programs; and library, full of colour, beautiful radically different library collections. and comfortable, it should be an experience to be here not just a place A small sample of comments: to pick up materials.” camping equipment; 3D printers; DIY tools; cameras and tripods; stage lighting; recording “I can’t tell you how important Baby studio; small theatre; power tools; board Bounce has been for me as a young games; science kits; lego technics; musical mother. I’ve met some great people. instruments; Abobe creative suite; glue guns; gym equipment; toys; sewing machines; easel and It should be on every day. Will be loom; headphones; whipper snipper; telescopes; going to Storytime next.” puzzles; cake tins; robots; community languages; Wiradjuri signage; postal service; pop-up libraries “One Book, One Wagga - fabulous.” in suburbs; hammock; more Storytime and Baby Bounce, more of everything currently on offer and ….. a Library Dog!

Community research How do you travel to and from the library? The CBD location, combined with limited public

LIBRARY SIZE transport options, privileges car and foot 500 Perceived gaps WW City Library x Flexible frequency mentioned transport modes. meeting EQUITY OF ACCESS 368 responses, 0 skipped study Lack of spaces LEARNING PROGRAMS COLLECTIONS critical to branch Physical/ growing structure Great, more car foot public mobility city outreach online frequency needed/ keep transport scooter mobile & more places/ PARTNERSHIPS pop-up fresh & broader diverse options cross Shared 24/7 section of space & + Library access community services in of Things digital community/ creative + creative hubs + literacy 0 higher importance lower 319 24 106 22 1

15 AFTER THE LOCKDOWN

An additional online survey was conducted during • Just being able to go there and browse quietly, the Wagga Wagga City Library shutdown, as a favourite place in town!!! result of NSW Health Covid-19 advice, between • Seeing the staff, having somewhere to go with March and June, 2020. kids, Storytime, getting new books each week. Some people extended their use of e-resources, • It was a joyous day when I heard you were others discovered them for the first time. Online reopening and in all honesty, the only place I Storytime and Baby Bounce sessions were really missed due to shutdown. appreciated. People missed the physical library: • Missed that it is always there, always available. atmosphere, books, staff and social connections. What surprised you? The questions were simple: • Wide range of online titles, resources. • What library services did people use? • Slim catalogue on Borrowbox and the • How did they find out about what was happening? inadequate number of titles available for loan • What did they miss about their library? • Loved Facebook posts and Storytime. • Did anything surprise them? • The fact that you have a social media presence. • What can the library keep doing? • How much the library means to us. What did people miss during the shutdown? • How much I rely on the library. • social interaction • I was surprised how much I used the library and • connection to community didn’t realise it. It was one of the things I missed • quiet space to work, study, wait, read, use wifi most during the lock down. • space to meet with students, mentoring, • I’d never thought about using ancestry.com, so I coaching etc. was surprised, firstly that I used it, and secondly, that I found something there of interest. • physical books, newspapers, DVDs • I didn’t realise how much we rely on access to • browsing a wide range of children’s books. We’ve got a • Storytime, Baby Bounce, Book Club, knitting small house & a small budget, and so we can’t group buy or store enough books to sate the kids’ • library staff appetite for reading. • ideas, inspiration • I thought it was awesome how quickly the • computers, printers library adapted, eg doing Storytime online - great idea, kids loved it!

Services used during lockdown? How satisified were you with services used?

E-books E-magazines Ancestry Newsbank Online Storytime 0 100 200 300 400 500 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% E-books Ancestry Movie streaming Very satisfied Reasonably satisfied E-magazines Newsbank Online Storytime Unsatisfied Very unsatisfied N/A

16 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft The show must go on Improve and/or continue? Wagga Wagga City Library produced and • I was really impressed with the story time distributed digital Storytime sessions in the sessions still being done. I thought that was a wake of Covid-19 library closures. The first great initiative by the library staff. digital Storytime reached 16,292 people; was • We need more mobile library services. liked 99 times; shared 84 times; received 33 positive comments. The Australian Library • Online Facebook Storytime, Baby Bounce.. and Information Association (ALIA) included expand to adults, author talks live streaming. Wagga in its honour roll of early adopters. • Increase range of physical and online books. Two pre-recorded sessions were produced • Keep up promotion via email and FB. each week. • Stay open. Authors and publishers temporarily lifted • Longer opening hours. copyright restrictions on people reading • Click and collect service. stories on broadcasting platforms. • Continue as is. Great service. The building is welcoming and safe. Staff helpful. Good resources. • Love the library - helpful staff - diverse resources - fact & fiction. • More sitting places - I know that has to be in line with restrictions at the moment. I liked it when there was free tea and coffee as an incentive to do a survey. • I like visiting the library as a comfortable, safe public space. I don’t feel comfortable in the shopping malls or street cafés. • Local library is so important to our family. We really appreciate having access to so much literature, reference and educational resources.

“I love Wagga Wagga library. It has a welcoming vibe.”

How did you find out what was happening? What is your age?

Facebook Under 15 Library website 15 to 24 Library email/ 25 to 34 newsletter 45 to 44 Newspaper 45 to 54 Radio 55 to 64 TV 65 to 74 Instagram 75 to 84

17 Case study 1: PLACE FOR THE IMAGINATION

As the community research demonstrates, people have complex views, needs and perceptions in relation to the library. It is constrained and expansive; taken for granted and a civic jewel. It’s perfect Space A group of Wiradjuri and First Nations Elders and “For a start, there’s not enough of it, no where community leaders meets often at the library. It’s near the number of meeting spaces needed, and perfect, many say, one of their favourite places to it should be more colourful,” an Elder volunteers. just BE. Everyone laughs. When it’s hot, cold, when the kids need books “Yes,” says another person, “it feels like a fishbowl or come to workshops, when you’re waiting for in this room. And the computers out there take up a someone, need wifi or a computer, to hold a book lot of space.” launch or meeting – there is no where better in town. “It’s bland, too formal; bring in lots more colour, It is central and safe bright and bold, make it like Geelong Library.” More laughter. The group is buzzing now. “For the time we are here, it’s a place where we feel equal,” a respected Elder says. “I’m mystified,” a noted community leader explains. “The space downstairs is really beautiful. Why “Any place that encourages learning and creativity, doesn’t it open up to the lagoon? A more outside- especially for our kids, should be supported,” inside connection. It would be great for kids to run another comments. around, and for culture stuff as well.” While Elders and leaders are positive about the ‘The river,” another says, “how about a library facing library, they are bursting with ideas about how it the river? That would be fantastic.” could better serve the Wagga Wagga community, and Wiradjuri culture and language in particular.

18 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft Culture Community People noted that it was great to see Aboriginal, “Knowledge is not just about numbers,” an Elder including Wiradjuri, literature and language says. Everyone goes quiet when she says this, all prominently displayed on the book shelves. More ears tuned to her next comments. could be done to welcome people to country and “We need to take what we know, all of the acknowledge the cultural specificity of place. information available, listen carefully to people, and “If the airport can welcome people in Wiradjuri, and work with them to decide what’s important. What display our art, why not the library?” are our priorities as a city and community?” “That’s right,” another says, “ there are huge glass “Well, if the library isn’t at the forefront of this, windows out there, crying out to be inscribed with we will struggle as a community. The library is Wiradjuri.” our information storehouse. Even with everything Craft, design, artworks, drawings, photos of online, we still need places to come to, even the Wiradjuri Elders and colour, were all mentioned as kids love coming here to learn,” someone notes. necessary elements in a redesigned library. “We’ve got to make it easier for people,” another “It’s great that the City now has a Wiradjuri walking comments. “You need a car to get here” track and artworks in more places, why not the “Wouldn’t it be great if Wiradjuri was taught here in library? Bring it inside as well.” the library? Not just for our mob, but everyone.” “Imagination. Science and maths are important, The ideas keep flowing until someone says they had but places like this, places for the imagination are better get on with the meeting they were here for in needed for our community, and, for that matter, the first place. everyone, especially our kids.” Respected Aunty has the last word. “It’s a community learning space here, a space for everyone and everything, including the lagoon. Culture, country and modern technology. All combined. Tranquil like the river; vibrant like the sun.”

19 SECTION 2: REFERENCE POINTS In this section: - Wagga Wagga City Council has one of the smallest city library services in NSW. - The Library is struggling to meet State Library of NSW standards in relation to spatial footprint, opening hours and staffing ratios. - Examples of effective outreach services are presented. - Four NSW and Victorian library case studies are presented as exemplars of the social, economic and cultural benefits libraries can generate if adequately supported by communities and governments.

20 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft REFERENCE POINTS

As the community research demonstrates, the people who use, visit, borrow from and enjoy the Wagga Wagga Library Service exhibit a high level of attachment and care. They are not indifferent to its future success, even when they are critical about its current constraints.

Summary of findings The total library staff cohort is small compared to benchmarked libraries, especially considering its Wagga Wagga has a smaller library service status as a regional city library. compared to most major regional cities in NSW and Victoria. A new Agile Outreach Library, combined with a modest expansion of specialist staff positions, will enable WWCL to better meet the community’s expressed needs and hopes for the future.

Glossary WWCL: Wagga Wagga City Library WWCC: Wagga Wagga City Council SLNSW: State Library of NSW LGA: Local Government Area

21 BENCHMARKS: NOW NSW Regional City Library Services

Location Population Staff in FTE Floorspace per city service in sqm per city service

Albury 53,767 21.78 FTE 2,600 (Albury) 2 branches (combined Library/ 450 (Lavington) Museum) 3,050 sqm

Coffs Harbour 76,551 15.75 FTE 986 sqm () 3 branches 460 sqm (Toormina) 450 sqm (Woolgoolga) 1,896 sqm

Dubbo 53,240 14 FTE 1,976 sqm 1 Branch (Member of Macquarie Regional Library Service - 10 branches)

Griffith 26,882 7.6 FTE 1,548 sqm 1 branch (Member of Western Riverina Library Service – 7 branches)

Orange 42,056 10 FTE 1,306 sqm 1 branch (Member of Central West Libraries – 7 branches)

Port Macquarie 83,131 18 FTE 2,100 (Port Macquarie) 3 branches 471 (Laurieton) (Member of Mid North Coast 580 (Wauchope) Library Service – 6 libraries) 3,151 sqm

Tamworth 62,156 16 FTE 1,584 (Tamworth) 2 Branches 220 (South Tamworth) (Member of Central Northern 1,804 sqm Regional Library - 6 branches)

Wagga Wagga 64,820 18.7* FTE 1,600sqm 1 branch + mobile service (*assumes 11.7FTE WWCL + (Member of Riverina Regional equivalent of 7 FTE offsite Library – 19 libraries + mobile from Riverina Regional service) Library)

Source: SLNSW Bibliostat Statistics year ending 2018/2019

22 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft STANDARDS State Library of NSW Standards

Library Spaces vs SLNSW recommended minimum standard 2020 2020 2040 Current Benchmark Target Wagga Wagga SLNSW: 68,000 population SLNSW: 100,000 population City Library: 3230 4065 1600 square metres square metres square metres

Library opening hours vs SLNSW recommended minimum standard

Wagga Wagga SLNSW: 68,000 population SLNSW: 100,000 population City Library: * 53 62 53 hours per week hours per week hours per week * Sunday opening hours were approved in the 2020/21 financial year

Staffing ratios vs SLNSW recommended minimum standard Wagga Wagga SLNSW: 68,000 population SLNSW: 100,000 population City Library: * 22.6 62 18.7 FTE FTE FTE * Assumes 11.7FTE WWCL + equivalent of 7 FTE offsite from Riverina Regional Library

Collections vs SLNSW recommended minimum standard Wagga Wagga City Library SLNSW Cohort Comparison 1.21* 1.74 items per capita items per capita = 78,030 items total (cohort median)

* Library size restricts collections kept on site

Source: People Places: a guide for planning public buildings 2020 SLNSW

23 FUTURE LIBRARY SERVICE MODELS

New generation outreach services Library services have changed dramatically over the last 20 years, with mobile library delivery having evolved significantly in the last ten years. The current emphasis is on agility and flexibility; smaller vehicles, on demand delivery of library resources, digitally enabled, capable of delivering multiple programs, place activators, and even moving billboards for library advertising and promotion. Emerging technologies, combined with generational change, will likely see library users select materials using virtual reality interfaces, check out materials online and have them immediately delivered, easily access more streaming platforms, and a range of options not yet envisaged. Smaller vehicles also mean a specialist license New generation mobile library is not required, enabling library staff to deliver has a population of 372,000; the service. by 2036 it will be 505,000. It is a richly layered multicultural Western spanning an area of 246.9 km². There are five branch libraries; 150 schools; complex needs. A library service review had identified gaps in service delivery, particularly outreach. A small van already provides library home visits. A new generation mobile library was needed. Blacktown sourced $120,000 in local priority grants from State Library of NSW, and $60,000 from Clubs NSW. A Mercedes Sprinter van was purchased and retrofitted: $60,000 for vehicle; $60,000 for retrofit. The Sprinter requires a C Class licence to drive. It has pull down shelving and display units on either side of the vehicle, which open and close, and contain different items depending on the audience. Agile Library Van Sophisticated sensors can detect movement and height; retractable awnings provide shade and ’s mobile library service includes two shelter. It offers library resources, high speed wifi, retrofitted Mercedes Sprinter vans, which visit 16 villages computers, printers, story time events. and towns on a weekly basis. They spend a minimum of 1.5 to a maximum of 3 hours at each location. This is not a van that people enter; its primary objective is to increase visibility, engage new users It costs Wollondilly approximately $100,000 pa to in new ways, and create a more permeable boundary fund the mobile library service. This includes between the physical library and community needs. salaries, vehicle maintenance, replacement fund and operational expenses. Launched in late 2019, it is already a fixture at ten busy railway stations; 12 community centres; shopping Vehicle size and flexibility enable the service to visit complexes; playgrounds and childcare facilities. schools, festivals, events and parks.

24 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft 24/7 kiosk/pods 24/7 Library A number of regional library services also Part of West Libraries. the Foster Library provide 24/7 access to curated collections, was the first to offer 24/7 library access in Victoria online membership and e-resources, WIFI and in 2019. comfortable seating. A small regional town of 1,200 people, Foster The Kiralee Library Pod is a good example. attracts high numbers of seasonal tourists. Around 25 per cent of the population is without internet access. People working longer hours and juggling multiple responsibilities appealed to the library to What is a library kiosk? extend opening hours. The Kiralee Library Pod was launched by Ipswitch A $92,000 upgrade enabled the library to Libraries to meet the needs of a growing community. reconfigure spaces and install secure swipe card It was an Australian first when it opened outside the access to library collections. Kiralee Shopping Centre in October 2019. Interested library members were invited to register The Library Pod offers: for the service and undertake a short occupational • 24/7 access health and safety course. curated collection, restocked daily • There is an opportunity for 24/7 kiosk access • self service vending machine access via mobile across the city to be considered in appropriate phone or library card locations. • large touch screen for joining library, downloading e-books, magazines, audio • comfortable benches for sitting, if needed

25 LEADING LIBRARIES

Libraries do more than any other cultural institution to promote community interaction and democratic cultural exchange; they support employment outcomes, provide spaces for creatives to create, support literacy and the literary arts, and collect and interpret unique local histories. The following four case studies show how regional city library services can support economic growth and cultural vitality.

Albury City Library, City of Greater Bendigo Museum and Gallery Bendigo Library, part of the Goldfields Library Opened in 2007, the Albury Library Museum Corporation, is situated in a 4000 square is a community hub bringing together state- metre purpose-built facility in the heart of of-the-art technology, reading and research town. It contains a large collection of over facilities, a diverse exhibition schedule, a 133,000 items, the latest multi media and dynamic program of events, and a focus on the audio visual equipment, a cafe, research region’s heritage. Open seven days, it averages centre, regional archives, and volunteer 4,000 visitors each week. Albury City has a resource centre. Membership is over 40,000. branch library located at Lavington, which also There are around 1,144,000 visits per year. contains exhibition, meeting, research, and co- The library offers around 2,000 programs located citizen services spaces. a year, with 33 per cent of the community attending. It opened in 2014 and cost $9.12 The museum collection contains over 20,000 million. Recent economic analysis estimates objects and includes pieces of national and the library alone returns $27.4 million annually international significance. The converged in benefits to the Greater Bendigo community library and museum model has been an and economy. outstanding success. In addition, Albury LibraryMuseum staff have become research Importantly, the library is part of a dynamic leaders and advocates for the benefits of cultural ecology and economy. Bendigo Art converged cultural services. Gallery is one of the most successful regional galleries in Australia. Joint programming and Albury City population is 52,723. collaboration occur across all of Bendigo’s cultural institutions. City of Greater Bendigo has a population of 110,000.

26 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft Camden Council Geelong Library and South Western Sydney is one of Australia’s Heritage Centre fastest growing regions. Spanning the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre is part local government areas of Campbelltown, of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation. Camden and Wollondilly, new suburbs are Opened in 2015, and costing over $45.5 being created in what was once semi-rural million, visitation and usage have increased agricultural land. One such suburb, Oran by a massive 320 per cent. Park, is named after the car racing track upon which it is placed. Older Aboriginal tracks In 2016/17, Geelong Regional Libraries underpin its physical form, which will soon attracted nearly two million visits to library host over 30,000 homes. branches and mobile libraries. A lifelong learning and cultural programming calendar The $14 million Oran Park Library and offered 6,255 separate programs and Community Centre opened in July 2018. attracted over 150,000 participants. The It is the product of a voluntary planning library generates income through its in- agreement with the suburb’s principal demand venues. developer. Council contributed $2 million; the developer $12 million. Intended as a Geelong is a city in transition. The erosion of community anchor, it has attracted over its traditional industrial and manufacturing 145,000 people since it opened. The library base is being replaced by a coordinated focus boasts up-to-date technology, media labs, on learning, knowledge, urban revitalisation study spaces, learning areas for children, and culture. There are significant pockets audio-visual technologies, meeting rooms, of disadvantage. Around 40 per cent of café, and a large community hall for hire. library members are on incomes of less than Contemporary visual art and sculpture, $30,000 per annum. with an emphasis on ‘tracks’ both racing While the ’s and Indigenous, are strategically placed population is around 250,000, it is throughout the multi-level, 2,500 square included here because so many research metre site. participants cited the Geelong Library as Camden’s population is currently 96,000; an exemplar. The award-winning Geelong it is predicted to grow to 233,000 by Library and Heritage Centre occupies 2036. It has three library branches – six floors, and 6000 square metres. Its Camden, Narellan, Oran Park – and outstanding success has been followed another planned for Leppington. The by a new branch library at Leopold in library service has 20 fte staff, and a 2018, and three more libraries coming range of casual positions. on line before 2022.

27 SECTION 3: THEMES In this section: Community research identified two interconnected themes: Growth – as the City of Wagga Wagga’s population and economy grows, there are tensions between what is gained and what is lost; what is perceived as an opportunity or challenge. People and Place – research participants were optimistic about the kind of place Wagga Wagga is becoming. In particular, its capacity to be a ‘liveable’ city; a welcoming and tolerant place. The Wagga Wagga City Library is perceived as a positive force in supporting the City’s economic growth and social cohesion.

28 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft GROWTH WAMARRA (BUILD) + GURRAY (CHANGE)

Wagga Wagga’s growth forecasts are well publicised and discussed. As a designated regional growth hub, Wagga Wagga’s population is predicted to grow to 100,000 by 2038. The current population growth rate of 1.00 per cent will need to reach 2.1 per cent in order to achieve this target. Organic population growth will be augmented with various forms of migration – city to region, skilled migration, refugee intake.

Substantial growth In 2018, there were around 38,000 jobs in Wagga Wagga. The city is planning for substantial growth around Estella, Boorooma and Bomen in the north, and The Riverina Region, of which the City of Wagga around the airport to the east. Wagga Wagga City Wagga is an integral player, will need to generate Council has masterplans in place for its industrial, 14,000 additional jobs by 2038*. knowledge and health precincts. Wagga Wagga is fortunate to have a hybrid Improving access to the river through the Riverside knowledge, health and aged care economy. Project stages will create new event and recreation While agriculture is important, the long term opportunities. Infill development in Wagga’s CBD is future will likely see the knowledge and creative forecast to grow. industries flourish. * Figures supplied by WWCC planners

29 Section 1 Growth Identity Culture 100,000 2.5m 8m City by 2038 without International tourists Section 1 internet access visited Aust in 2017 Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m 5m people8m 3.5m City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustralians without By 2030 will be International tourists International tourists Section 1 upgrade internet access affected by disruptionvisited Aust in 2017 engaged with the arts Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m$3m 5m people8m Start-ups3.5m 72% Aussies City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustraliansWagga without sale By 2030 will be InternationalThe tourists largest contributorInternational tourists Aged over 15 engaged Section 1 upgrade internet accessyards upgrade affected by disruptionvisited Austto in job 2017 creation engaged with the arts in arts events in 2017 Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m$3m 5m people$400m8m Start-ups3.5m70% 72% Aussies $1.88b City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustraliansWagga without sale By 2030 willWagga be International sale yardsThe tourists largest contributorInternational Start-ups tourists are foundedAged over 15 engaged Revenue generated by upgrade internet accessyards upgrade affected byturnover disruptionvisited Austto in job 2017 creation engaged withby the25-44 arts year-oldsin arts events in 2017 performing arts in 2017

A$167m liveable city $3m 5m peopleShadow$400m sideStart-ups$10m3.5m70% 72% AussiesGen Z $1.88b $280m Wagga Base Hospital Wagga sale By 2030 willWagga be sale yardsThe largest EunonycontributorInternational Bridge Start-ups tourists are foundedAged over 15Born engaged 1995-2010 Revenuewill generated by Income loss to the arts Toupg accommodaterade the projectedyards population upgrade growthaffected byTheturnover disruption optimism that infusesto job creation theupgrade growthengaged narrative withby the25-44 arts year-oldsin arts eventshave in 5 2017different careersperforming arts in 2017 due to coronavirus of the City, it is estimated that around 25,000 new is powerful, but it also has a shadow side. Not homes will be needed. The City’s current housing everyone is or will be a beneficiary of economic stock growth of 350-400 dwellings per year will expansion and change. need$3m to increase to 750 dwellings$400m per year. Start-ups$10m 70%5.6%72% AussiesGen Z $1.88bGen Z $280m 6.4% GDP Wagga sale Wagga sale yardsThe largestThere Eunonycontributor are Bridgealready pocketsStart-ups of aresignificantAre founded Wiradjuri/Aged over 15Born engaged 1995-2010 willRevenue generatedBorn 1995-2010 by Incomewill loss to the arts To the economy from Theyards style upgrade of housing will also needturnover to change. Theto job creationdisadvantageupgrade in Waggaby 25-44 Wagga’s year-oldsFirst suburbs Nationsin arts and events ruralhave in 5 2017 different careersperforming artshave in 17 2017 different jobsdue to coronavirus the arts in 2016/7 current preference for four bedroom detached or villages. Around 21 per cent of current households semi-detached housing, which comprises 90 per are classified as low income. The same percentage cent of new dwellings, will need to make way for of households report little or no broadband internet the$400m different housing needs of$10m the fastest growing70% telecommunications.5.6% Gen There is 9% Za high$1.88b correlationGen Z $280mAus students6.4% GDP Arts = jobs demographic,Wagga sale yards namely single dwellersEunony Bridgeand couples.Start-ups between areAre founded Wiradjuri/ suburbs classifiedBorn 1995-2010 asAre disadvantaged born Revenuewill generated Born 1995-2010 by willIncome lossWorst to the international arts To test the economy from More people employed Aturnover combination of infill developmentupgrade and land by 25-44according year-oldsFirst Nations to the SEIFAhave index 5 different –overseas Ashmont, careersperforming Tolland, artshave in 17 2017 different jobsdue to coronavirusresults recorded in the2019 arts in 2016/7 than mining or IT rezoning will need to balance housing demand with Kooringal and Mount Austin – and residency of urban planning, infrastructure, environmental and Wagga’s 5.6 per cent Aboriginal and Torres Strait 12.3 m domestic cultural$10m considerations. 5.6% GenIslander 9%Z population.Gen 24.3%Z $280mAus students6.4%NSW GDP Arts = jobs tourists attended a RecentEunony studies Bridge confirm that Arepopulation Wiradjuri/ and Born 1995-2010WaggaAre born Waggawill is alsoBorn an 1995-2010 increasinglyAged under Incomewill multicultural 18; loss Worst to the international arts To test the economyBiggest from drop in reading,More people employed local art gallery, First Nations have 5 differentoverseas careers have 17 differentmedian jobsdue age to is coronavirus 35results recorded in the2019 arts in science2016/7 & maths in than2019 mining or IT housingupgrade stock growth needs to be accompanied city, and a designated refugee resettlement concert or festival by adequate social and transport infrastructure. centre. Around 10 per cent of the population Access to essential community and cultural services was born overseas; 112 different languages are 12.3 m domestic Only 5.5 m domestic is5.6% often lagging in regional areas9% compared to Genspoken. 24.3%Z Highly qualifiedAus people students20.7% with6.4% culturallyNSW GDPand Arts =80% jobs tourists attended a tourists attended an Australia’sAre Wiradjuri/ eight capital cities.Are This born gap contributesBorn 1995-2010linguisticallyAged underwill different 18; Worst backgrounds, internationalAged 60To testreported the economy Biggestthat from drop in reading,More peopleOlder employed Australianslocal feel art gallery, organised sporting toFirst people’s Nations perceptions of a city’soverseas ‘liveability’ have 17 differenttheymedian are jobs often age is unable 35 results to gain recorded oremployment over in the2019 arts in in their 2016/7science & maths in 2019than miningyounger or IT than theyconcert are or festival event and vitality, and inevitably its attractiveness and chosen profession. economic performance. Some regional centres A cluster of factors compound economic perform well in this regard and even outperform 12.3 m domestic Only 5.5 m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic and students social disadvantage: unemploymentRanked or #= smaller9% capital cities. 24.3% Aus 20.7% NSW Arts 1480% jobs tourists attended a tourists attended an tourists visited a Are born Aged under 18; Worst internationalunderemployment;Aged 60 test Biggest a rise indrop privateIn in NSW reading, rentalMore for incidentspeople optionsOlder employed Australians localfeel art gallery, organised sporting local monument or overseas median age is 35results recordedvsor public over in 2019 housing; limitedscience public& mathsof domestic transport in than2019 mining violence options;younger or IT than theyconcert are or festival event 400k a casino arrested literacy, learning and English language skills; low percentage of students completing theRanked HSC; diminished# health, education12.3 and m civic domestic Only 5.5 m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic 24.3% 20.7% NSWparticipation outcomes. 1480% tourists attended a tourists attended an tourists visited a Aged under 18; Aged 60 Biggest dropIn in NSW reading, for incidentsOlder Australianslocal feel art gallery, organised sporting local monument or median age is 35 or over science & mathsGrowthof domestic in 2019is an engine violenceyounger of possibility, than they butconcert are it can beor festival event 400k a casino unevenly distributed.

The upbeat language with which manyOnly described 5.5 m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic 20.7% Ranked # 1480%Wagga Wagga’s future growth prospectstourists will attended an tourists visited a Aged 60 In NSW for incidentsOlder Australiansbe tempered feel by the scale of post pandemicorganised sporting local monument or or over of domestic violenceyounger thanrecovery they areneeded. event 400k a casino

Only 5.6 m domestic Ranked # 14 tourists visited a In NSW for incidents local monument or of domestic violence 400k a casino

30 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft Section 1 Growth Identity Culture 100,000 2.5m 8m City by 2038 Australians without International tourists Section 1 internet access visited Aust in 2017 Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m 5m people8m 3.5m City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustralians without By 2030 will be International tourists International tourists Section 1 upgrade internet access affected by disruptionvisited Aust in 2017 engaged with the arts Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m$3m 5m people8m Start-ups3.5m 72% Aussies City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustraliansWagga without sale By 2030 will be InternationalThe tourists largest contributorInternational tourists Aged over 15 engaged Section 1 upgrade internet accessyards upgrade affected by disruptionvisited Austto in job 2017 creation engaged with the arts in arts events in 2017 Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m$3m 5m people$400m8m Start-ups3.5m70% 72% Aussies $1.88b City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustraliansWagga without sale By 2030 willWagga be International sale yardsThe tourists largest contributorInternational Start-ups tourists are foundedAged over 15 engaged Revenue generated by upgrade internet accessyards upgrade affected byturnover disruptionvisited Austto in job 2017 creation engaged withby the25-44 arts year-oldsin arts events in 2017 performing arts in 2017

$167m $3m 5m people$400mStart-ups$10m3.5m70% 72% AussiesGen Z $1.88b $280m Wagga Base Hospital Wagga sale By 2030 willWagga be sale yardsThe largest EunonycontributorInternational Bridge Start-ups tourists are foundedAged over 15Born engaged 1995-2010 Revenuewill generated by Income loss to the arts upgrade yards upgrade affected byturnover disruption to job creationupgradeengaged withby the25-44 arts year-oldsin arts eventshave in 5 2017different careersperforming arts in 2017 due to coronavirus

$3m $400mStart-ups$10m 70%5.6%72% AussiesGen Z $1.88bGen Z $280m 6.4% GDP Wagga sale Wagga sale yardsThe largest Eunonycontributor Bridge Start-ups areAre founded Wiradjuri/Aged over 15Born engaged 1995-2010 willRevenue generatedBorn 1995-2010 by Incomewill loss to the arts To the economy from yards upgrade turnover to job creationupgrade by 25-44 year-oldsFirst Nationsin arts eventshave in 5 2017different careersperforming artshave in 17 2017 different jobsdue to coronavirus the arts in 2016/7

$400m $10m 70%5.6% Gen 9%Z $1.88bGen Z $280mAus students6.4% GDP Arts = jobs Wagga sale yards Eunony Bridge Start-ups areAre founded Wiradjuri/ Born 1995-2010Are born Revenuewill generatedBorn 1995-2010 by willIncome lossWorst to the international arts To test the economy from More people employed turnover upgrade by 25-44 year-oldsFirst Nations have 5 differentoverseas careersperforming artshave in 17 2017 different jobsdue to coronavirusresults recorded in the2019 arts in 2016/7 than mining or IT

12.3 m domestic $10m 5.6% Gen 9%Z Gen 24.3%Z $280mAus students6.4%NSW GDP Arts = jobs tourists attended a Eunony Bridge Are Wiradjuri/ Born 1995-2010Are born will Born 1995-2010Aged under Incomewill 18; loss Worst to the international arts To test the economyBiggest from drop in reading,More people employed local art gallery, upgrade First Nations have 5 differentoverseas careers have 17 differentmedian jobsdue age to is coronavirus 35results recorded in the2019 arts in science2016/7 & maths in than2019 mining or IT concert or festival

12.3 m domestic Only 5.5 m domestic Investing5.6% in libraries9% GenGrowing 24.3%Z cityAus students20.7%6.4%NSW GDP Arts =80% jobs tourists attended a tourists attended an Are Wiradjuri/ Are born Born 1995-2010Aged under will 18; Worst internationalAged 60To test the economyBiggest from drop in reading,More peopleOlder employed Australianslocal feel art gallery, Ambitious regional cities in NSW and Victoria have For a large regional city, Wagga Wagga has one of organised sporting First Nations overseas have 17 differentmedian jobs age is 35 results recordedor over in the2019 arts in science2016/7 & maths in 2019than miningyounger or IT than theyconcert are or festival event invested in their libraries as an adjunct to growth. the smallest library services in NSW and Victoria. Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Albury-, Coffs The capacity to offer programs, resources and Harbour, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, support across the community is constrained by 12.3 m domestic Only 5.5 m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic Shellharbour,9% , Newcastle24.3% – have eitherAus the students20.7% absence of a branchNSW networkRanked andArts limited # mobile =1480% jobs tourists attended a tourists attended an tourists visited a expandedAre born their library networksAged or planunder to. 18; Worst internationallibraryAged options.60 test Biggest dropIn in NSW reading,More for incidentspeopleOlder employed Australians localfeel art gallery, organised sporting local monument or overseas median age is 35results recordedor over in 2019 science & mathsof domestic in than2019 mining violenceyounger or IT than theyconcert are or festival event 400k a casino Australian public libraries return a minimum of Wagga Wagga City Library hosts around 350 learning $4.30 for every dollar spent. Economists say the and cultural programs each year. In 2018/19, 16,000 real return is likely to be higher as many benefits are people attended these programs. This12.3 is in m addition domestic Only 5.5 m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic difficult24.3% to quantify. 20.7% NSWtoRanked the 181,801 people # 1480% using the librarytourists service attended to a tourists attended an tourists visited a Aged under 18; Aged 60 Biggest dropstudy,In in NSW reading, read, for use incidents computers,Older Australians and borrowlocal feel library art gallery, organised sporting local monument or Inmedian 2018/9, agemore is than35 110 millionor overpeople visited sciencean & mathsof domestic in 2019 violenceyounger than theyconcert are or festival event 400k a casino Australian library, making libraries the most visited materials in physical and digital formats. cultural institution across the country. In NSW, there The library supports the needs of a were 34 million physical visits to public libraries in growing city through its: Only 5.5 m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic 2018/19,20.7% and 12.1 million virtualRanked visits. # 1480%• Language Café program tourists attended an tourists visited a Aged 60 In NSW for incidentsOlder Australians feel • Storytime and Baby Bounce sessionsorganised sporting local monument or Moreor over people go to libraries thanof domesticthe combined violence younger than they are event 400k a casino number of people attending sporting events across • Book clubs all codes. • Tech-savvy digital classes Regional city library services generate economic, • computers, tablets, e-resources andOnly online 5.6 m domestic Ranked # 14 platforms tourists visited a socialIn NSW and for cultural incidents benefits. Libraries support local monument or • information navigation support and workshops multipleof domestic uses andviolence users; while helping to support 400k a casino knowledge-based economic growth, they work - legal, consumer rights, women’s health, driver hard to minimise the potential for unequal access safety. to opportunities that rapid economic growth • study and group meeting spaces inevitably produces. • science and sustainability festivals, programs and events • literacy and literature related programs and events • welcoming spaces for homeless people (all seasons) • technology assistance for unemployed people - job applications, resumes and cover letters • assistance to users with low technology skills to navigate Government websites – passport applications, MyGov website, Centrelink, police checks. See bibliography references: These programs, capabilities and resources are a 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, 26, 27, 28, 31 lifeline for many.

31 Section 1 Growth Identity Culture 100,000 2.5m 8m City by 2038 Australians without International tourists Section 1 internet access visited Aust in 2017 Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m 5m people8m 3.5m City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustralians without By 2030 will be International tourists International tourists upgrade internet access affected by disruptionvisited Aust in 2017 engaged with the arts

$167m $3m 5m people Start-ups3.5m 72% Aussies Wagga Base Hospital Wagga sale By 2030 will be The largest contributorInternational tourists Aged over 15 engaged upgrade yards upgrade affected by disruption to job creation engaged with the arts in arts events in 2017

$3m $400mStart-ups 70% 72% Aussies $1.88b Wagga sale Wagga sale yardsThe largest contributor Start-ups are foundedAged over 15 engaged Revenue generated by yards upgrade turnover to job creation by 25-44 year-oldsin arts events in 2017 performing arts in 2017

$400m $10m 70% Gen Z $1.88b $280m Wagga sale yards Eunony Bridge Start-ups are founded Born 1995-2010 Revenuewill generated by Income loss to the arts turnover upgrade by 25-44 year-olds have 5 different careersperforming arts in 2017 due to coronavirus

$10m 5.6% Gen Z Gen Z $280m 6.4% GDP Eunony Bridge Are Wiradjuri/ Born 1995-2010 will Born 1995-2010 Incomewill loss to the arts To the economy from upgrade First Nations have 5 different careers have 17 different jobsdue to coronavirus the arts in 2016/7

5.6% 9% Gen Z Aus students6.4% GDP Arts = jobs Are Wiradjuri/ Are born Born 1995-2010 will Worst internationalTo test the economy from More people employed First Nations overseas have 17 different jobs results recorded in the2019 arts in 2016/7 than mining or IT

12.3 m domestic 9% 24.3% Aus students NSW Arts = jobs tourists attended a Are born Aged under 18; Worst international test Biggest drop in reading,More people employed local art gallery, overseas median age is 35results recorded in 2019 science & maths in than2019 mining or IT concert or festival

12.3 m domestic Only 5.5 m domestic 24.3% 20.7% NSW 80% tourists attended a tourists attended an Aged under 18; Aged 60 Biggest drop in reading, Older Australianslocal feel art gallery, organised sporting median age is 35 or over science & maths in 2019 younger than theyconcert are or festival event

Only 5.5 m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic 20.7% Ranked # 1480% $4.30 tourists attended an tourists visited a Aged 60 In NSW for incidentsOlder AustraliansReturn feel on investment organised sporting local monument or or over of domestic violenceyounger thanin theypublic are libraries event 400k a casino

Only 5.6 m domestic ARanked complex # 14and growing The City Library is a trustedtourists source visited a cityIn NSW will for incidentsneed more. of information, research toolslocal monument and or of domestic violence learning platforms. 400k a casino The future library will include: • access to and training in digital platforms, technologies, digital arts • support for arts and creative industries • employment support • cross-generational learning programs, events and classes • 24/7 access to library resources and spaces • pop-up digital access, programs and information delivered via Agile Library vehicles to all suburbs and villages.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY...

“Population growth will increase the “People not really aware of the growth diversity in views and cultures. We will and change in our community, the need safe spaces to accommodate multicultural diversity that’s here. We differences. Libraries are welcoming are an interesting community right now. and inclusive and help set the scene Awareness is growing, but people still for the kind of community we are and live in conservative bubbles. Therefore, need to be.” we don’t celebrate our diversity as much Education stakeholder as we could.” Education stakeholder “I like the idea of the hub and spoke model, the role of a city library is “I’ve got more chance of bumping important, but the infrastructure also into a nurse than a farmer here, but needs to be out where people are.” Wagga still views itself as ‘country’, as Councillor an agricultural town, and while we are surrounded by that, we are more of a “The library is one of the most health and education city.” important community assets.” Councillor City planner

32 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft Case study 2: A BIT OF MAGIC

The Ngurra Youth Hub Wiradjuri Storytime Sophia* lives in Ashmont. She is a proud Wiradjuri “I would love to see a Wiradjuri Storytime,” she says. woman who visits the Ngurra Youth Hub everyday. “I don’t speak Wiradjuri well, and I would love the It is a lifeline. When she lost her job and had to kids to learn.” relinquish her car, she spent a lot of time at home. Looking out at the Park from the Ngurra Youth Hub Too much time. “There is just so much cooking, verandah, Sophia and her friends wonder aloud if a cleaning and sleeping you can do,” says Sophia. pop-up library might one day appear. “I like to be with people.” It wouldn’t take much, they say, to build something Sophia attends all of the classes and activities special. A story pod, a culture nest; sustainable available. She enjoys the women’s art group, the materials, colour; something that would work for community garden, yarning and cups of tea out on all ages and all kinds of stories, dreamtime and the verandah overlooking the Park. otherwise. A bit of magic. When Sophia had a car she took her kids to the *Name changed Central Library often. She and the kids loved it. Education is paramount to her children’s future. She says she would do anything to support access to learning. Without a car, getting to the library is “I would love to see a Wiradjuri hard, if not impossible. Sophia welcomes the idea of Storytime, I don’t speak Wiradjuri a regular mobile library in Ashmont. Books, DVDs, well, and I would love the kids picture books, magazines, tablets and wifi. Most to learn.” of all, she thinks the library’s learning programs would be fantastic. Digital skills, Storytime, author talks, science and maths activities – all of these are needed and would work.

33 PEOPLE AND PLACE MAYINY-BU NGURANGBU (PEOPLE AND PLACE)

If you are new to town; if you need a place to meet; a place to study or read; use a computer or free wifi; hold a workshop or mentor a colleague; find refuge from fires, floods and disruption of every kind; the library is always there.

Psychology of place • providing access to technology, wifi, study and learning spaces There are many lenses through which notions of • offering lifelong learning classes and resources, ‘place’ can be framed and experienced. Maps, zones, skills, digital inclusion plans, wards, transport routes and demographics are everyday lenses for local governments. • building partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, multicultural However, people live and work in a place that communities, arts and cultural organisations means something to them. This psychology of place • complementing educational institutions by uses a different vocabulary – memories, feelings, providing authoritative information, knowledge relationships, associations and metaphors. For and research skills; reading and literacy Wiradjuri, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs; history and heritage resources peoples generally, place is inextricably bound up in belonging – to country, totem, songlines and • supporting lively civic spaces, active citizenship, dreaming stories. cultural stimulation • supporting artists, writers and the creative Wagga Wagga residents have described their city industries; enhancing cultural and arts tourism library using similar metaphors and associations. initiatives They see the library as a place of discovery and refuge; a village green; a resource that keeps on • improving the liveability of the Wagga giving. They want it to keep doing what it does well: Wagga region by nurturing cultural diversity, community engagement, and equitable access • supporting people in transition – into retirement, to cultural experiences. into contemporary work, from one job or industry to another

34 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft Section 1 Growth Identity Culture 100,000 2.5m 8m City by 2038 Australians without International tourists Section 1 internet access visited Aust in 2017 Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m 5m people8m 3.5m City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustralians without By 2030 will be International tourists International tourists Section 1 upgrade internet access affected by disruptionvisited Aust in 2017 engaged with the arts Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m$3m 5m people8m Start-ups3.5m 72% Aussies City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustraliansWagga without sale By 2030 will be InternationalThe tourists largest contributorInternational tourists Aged over 15 engaged Section 1 upgrade internet accessyards upgrade affected by disruptionvisited Austto in job 2017 creation engaged with the arts in arts events in 2017 Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m$3m 5m people$400m8m Start-ups3.5m70% 72% Aussies $1.88b City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustraliansWagga without sale By 2030 willWagga be International sale yardsThe tourists largest contributorInternational Start-ups tourists are foundedAged over 15 engaged Revenue generated by upgrade internet accessyards upgrade affected byturnover disruptionvisited Austto in job 2017 creation engaged withby the25-44 arts year-oldsin arts events in 2017 performing arts in 2017

$167m $3m Inclusive5m people$400m places Start-ups$10m3.5mHigh70% and low72% GenAussies Z $1.88b $280m Wagga Base Hospital Wagga sale By 2030 willWagga be sale yardsThe largestEunony contributorInternational Bridge Start-ups tourists are foundedAged over 15Born engaged 1995-2010 Revenuewill generated by Income loss to the arts upgrade yards upgrade Librariesaffected welcome byturnover disruption more usersto and job usescreationupgrade than engaged withTheby thepublic25-44 arts libraryyear-olds representsin arts events onehave in of 5 2017 differentthe few careersperforming arts in 2017 due to coronavirus any other cultural institution. Physical spaces remaining ‘low intensity’ spaces available. and material collections are complemented by ‘High intensity’ meeting places enable us to live out e-resources and online streaming platforms. or pursue our primary interests with like-minded Aussies GDP $3m $400mMobileStart-ups library$10m services, interlibrary70% lending5.6% 72%peopleGen or alone. Z Whether$1.88b physicalGen or virtual Z these$280m 6.4% Wagga sale Wagga sale yardsnetworks,The largest local Eunonycontributor history Bridge and onlineStart-ups collections areAre founded Wiradjuri/Aged over 15Born engaged 1995-2010 willRevenue generatedBorn 1995-2010 by Incomewill loss to the arts To the economy from yards upgrade turnover to job creationupgrade by 25-44 year-oldsFirst Nationsin arts events‘spaces’have in 5 2017different are important, careersperforming but vibrant artshave in democracies17 2017 different jobsdue to coronavirus the arts in 2016/7 extend services beyond the walls of the physical rely on us cultivating arenas where we meet and are library. In some places, shopping centre pop- exposed to people with different interests and values. up and kiosk libraries enable 24 hour access to $400m $10m curated70% collections5.6% and onlineGen platforms. 9%Z $1.88bLowGen intensity Z spaces$280m enable usAus to become students visible6.4% to GDP Arts = jobs Wagga sale yards Eunony Bridge Start-ups areAre founded Wiradjuri/ Born 1995-2010Are born Revenuewill generatedeachBorn other 1995-2010 by across willsocialIncome and loss culturalWorst to the international arts demarcationsTo test the economy from More people employed Scholars say that inclusive and resilient – ethnic, generational, class, ability and beliefs. turnover upgrade communitiesby 25-44 year-oldsFirst need Nations public placeshave like 5 different libraries.overseas careers performing artshave in 17 2017 different jobsdue to coronavirusresults recorded in the2019 arts in 2016/7 than mining or IT Public libraries contribute to building social capital, These spaces are critical to the kind of tolerance that social harmony and cohesion; they help develop democratic societies need in order to build workable levels of shared experience, values and trust. 12.3 m domestic $10m 5.6% civicGen skills and 9%Z consciousnessGen through the 24.3%Z shared$280m Aus students6.4%NSW GDP Arts = jobs tourists attended a Eunony Bridge Are Wiradjuri/ stewardshipBorn 1995-2010Are of public born will space. Born 1995-2010Aged under Incomewill 18; loss HighWorst to the and international arts low intensityTo test the places economy Biggestconverge from drop in in public reading,More people employed local art gallery, upgrade First Nations have 5 differentoverseas careers have 17 differentmedian jobsdue age to is coronavirus 35libraries.results recorded in 2019the arts in science2016/7 & maths in than2019 mining or IT concert or festival Storytime is a good example. Parents and See bibliography references: grandparents bring kids to Storytime to expose12.3 m domestic Only 5.5 m domestic 5.6% 9% 1,Gen 3, 7, 8, 9, 17,24.3%Z 20, 21, 22, 24, 25,Aus 28, 29, students20.7% 30 6.4%themNSW GDP to reading, literatureArts and =80% jobsshared storytelling.tourists attended a tourists attended an Are Wiradjuri/ Are born Born 1995-2010Aged under will 18; Worst internationalAged 60To test the economyInBiggest this sense, from drop inthey reading, areMore using people theOlder employed library Australians as a highlocal feel art gallery, organised sporting First Nations overseas have 17 differentmedian jobs age is 35 results recordedor over inthe 2019 arts inintensity science2016/7 & place maths to in realise 2019than mining a needyounger or for IT pre-school than theyconcert are or festival event education and entertainment. While in the library,12.3 they mexperience domestic its low intensityOnly 5.5 m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic 9% 24.3% Aus students20.7% NSWRankedArts #potential. = 1480% jobs tourists attended a tourists attended an tourists visited a Are born Aged under 18; Worst internationalAged 60 test Biggest dropIn in NSW reading,More for incidentspeopleOlder employed Australians localfeel art gallery, organised sporting local monument or Storytime attracts a diverse mix of parents, carers overseas median age is 35results recordedor over in 2019 science & mathsof domestic in than2019 mining violenceyounger or IT than theyconcert are or festival event 400k a casino and kids. It is held in a civic space that welcomes everybody and allows for incidental encounters 12.3 m domesticacross sociodemographicOnly 5.5 boundaries. m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic 24.3% 20.7% NSWRanked # 1480% tourists attended a tourists attended an tourists visited a Aged under 18; Aged 60 Biggest dropIn in NSW reading, for incidentsOlder Australianslocal feel art gallery, organised sporting local monument or median age is 35 or over science & mathsof domestic in 2019 violenceyounger than theyconcert are or festival event 400k a casino

Only 5.5 m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic 20.7% Ranked # 80%14 tourists attended an tourists visited a Aged 60 In NSW for incidentsOlder Australians feel organised sporting local monument or or over of domestic violenceyounger than they are event 400k a casino “I would like to see Council take a leadership role in bringing people together to learn and move forward as one community. These actions would need to be Ranked # resourced adequately to ensure their Onlyongoing 5.6 m viability domestic and to ensure commitment 14 is more than tokenistic.” tourists visited a In NSW for incidents local monument or of domestic violence Aunty Kath Withers, Wiradjuri Elder, RAP (2019) 400k a casino

35 Section 1 Growth Identity Culture 100,000 2.5m 8m City by 2038 Australians without International tourists Section 1 internet access visited Aust in 2017 Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m 5m people8m 3.5m City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustralians without By 2030 will be International tourists International tourists Section 1 upgrade internet access affected by disruptionvisited Aust in 2017 engaged with the arts Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m$3m 5m people8m Start-ups3.5m 72% Aussies City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustraliansWagga without sale By 2030 will be InternationalThe tourists largest contributorInternational tourists Aged over 15 engaged Section 1 upgrade internet accessyards upgrade affected by disruptionvisited Austto in job 2017 creation engaged with the arts in arts events in 2017 Growth Identity Culture

100,000 $167m 2.5m$3m 5m people$400m8m Start-ups3.5m70% 72% Aussies $1.88b City by 2038 Wagga Base HospitalAustraliansWagga without sale By 2030 willWagga be International sale yardsThe tourists largest contributorInternational Start-ups tourists are foundedAged over 15 engaged Revenue generated by upgrade internet accessyards upgrade affected byturnover disruptionvisited Austto in job 2017 creation engaged withby the25-44 arts year-oldsin arts events in 2017 performing arts in 2017

$167m $3m 5m people$400mStart-ups$10m3.5m70% 72% AussiesGen Z $1.88b $280m Wagga Base Hospital Wagga sale By 2030 willWagga be sale yardsThe largest EunonycontributorInternational Bridge Start-ups tourists are foundedAged over 15Born engaged 1995-2010 Revenuewill generated by Income loss to the arts upgrade yards upgrade affected byturnover disruption to job creationupgradeengaged withby the 25-44 arts year-oldsin arts eventshave in 5 2017 different careersperforming arts in 2017 due to coronavirus

$3m $400mStart-ups$10m 70%5.6%72% AussiesGen Z $1.88bGen Z $280m 6.4% GDP Wagga sale Wagga sale yardsThe largest Eunonycontributor Bridge Start-ups areAre founded Wiradjuri/Aged over 15Born engaged 1995-2010 Revenuewill generatedBorn 1995-2010 by Incomewill loss to the arts To the economy from yards upgrade turnover to job creationupgrade by 25-44 year-oldsFirst Nationsin arts eventshave in 5 2017 different careersperforming artshave in 17 2017 different jobsdue to coronavirus the arts in 2016/7

$400m $10m 70%5.6% Gen 9%Z $1.88bGen Z $280mAus students6.4% GDP Arts = jobs Wagga sale yards Eunony Bridge Start-ups areAre founded Wiradjuri/ Born 1995-2010Are born Revenuewill generatedBorn 1995-2010 by Incomewill lossWorst to the international arts To test the economy from More people employed turnover upgrade by 25-44 year-oldsFirst Nations have 5 differentoverseas careersperforming artshave in 172017 different jobsdue to coronavirusresults recorded in the2019 arts in 2016/7 than mining or IT

12.3 m domestic $10m 5.6% Gen 9%Z Gen 24.3%Z $280mAus students6.4%NSW GDP Arts = jobs tourists attended a Eunony Bridge Are Wiradjuri/ Born 1995-2010Are born will Born 1995-2010Aged underIncomewill 18; loss Worstto the internationalarts To test the economyBiggest from drop in reading,More people employed local art gallery, upgrade First Nations have 5 differentoverseas careers have 17 differentmedian jobsdue age to is coronavirus 35results recorded in the2019 arts in 2016/7science & maths in than2019 mining or IT concert or festival

12.3 m domestic Only 5.5 m domestic 5.6% 9% Gen Z24.3% Aus students20.7%6.4%NSW GDP Arts =80% jobs tourists attended a tourists attended an Are Wiradjuri/ Are born Born 1995-2010Aged underwill 18; Worst internationalAged 60To test the economyBiggest from drop in reading,More peopleOlder employed Australianslocal feel art gallery, organised sporting First Nations overseas have 17 differentmedian jobs age is 35results recordedor over inthe 2019 arts in 2016/7science & maths in than2019 miningyounger or IT than theyconcert are or festival event

12.3 m domestic Only 5.5 m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic 9% 24.3% GuidingAus students20.7% principlesNSWRankedArts # = 1480% jobs tourists attended a tourists attended an tourists visited a Are born Aged under 18; TheWorst City’s international guidingAged 60 principles test underscoreBiggest dropIn ina NSW reading,More for peopleincidentsOlder employed Australianslocal feel art gallery, organised sporting local monument or overseas median age is 35results recordedor over in 2019 science & mathsof domestic in than2019 mining violenceyounger or IT than they are community that is thriving, innovative, connected concert or festival event 400k a casino and inclusive. Libraries can and do offer shared spaces in 12.3which m domestic Only 5.5 m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic 24.3% 20.7% social,NSW economic,Ranked generational # 1480% and geographictourists attended a tourists attended an tourists visited a Aged under 18; Aged 60 boundariesBiggest drop Inare in NSW reading, diffused. for incidentsOlder Australianslocal feel art gallery, organised sporting local monument or median age is 35 or over science & mathsof domestic in 2019 violenceyounger than theyconcert are or festival event 400k a casino Wagga Wagga City Library’s role as a ‘welcome mat for the community’ can be further Ranked #enhanced by: Only 5.5 m domestic Only 5.6 m domestic 20.7% • 80%14Extending the footprint of the City Library tourists attended an tourists visited a Aged 60 In NSW for incidentsOlder Australians feel organised sporting local monument or or over of domestic violence• youngerDeveloping than theya hub are and spoke model to meetevent 400k a casino present and future needs • Resourcing a multi-disciplined library team to Only 5.6 m domestic Ranked # 14 deliver an expanded library service will supporttourists visited a In NSW for incidents city growth, cultural vitality and liveability.local monument or of domestic violence 400k a casino

City of Wagga Wagga Community Strategic Plan 2040

Four Guiding Principles: Thriving, Innovative, Connected, Inclusive Strategic Directions • Community Leadership and Collaboration • Safety and Health • Growing Economy • Our Identity and Sense of Place • Our Environment The City Library supports all of the above, especially Place and Identity.

36 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft Case study 3: KNITTING CIRCLE

Too little space Spaces The knitting circle generally meets bi-monthly at The library should be a destination place for the City Library. Around 15 people in all; sometimes everyone, including visitors.“Where do we take more, sometimes less. In January 2020, in the wake people who visit Wagga Wagga?” one knitter of the bushfires, the knitters met weekly. explains. “It is not like Dubbo or Bendigo, where When news got out about knitting Pouches for there are more attractions.” Joeys, a lot more people came along. The library is free, welcoming, safe, friendly and Each week around 30 knitters turned up instead of provides important citizen services. It needs more the 20 or so every second month. meeting spaces. If fact, the whole city needs more small group community spaces. Morning tea, chair set-up, and gentle reminders about new books and e-resources are provided by People library staff. It’s clear that the library staff like having us here, It’s busy and noisy, there is too little space, but the say the knitters. But they sometimes feel guilty. knitters love it. “We are here every week, we see what’s going on. Why do they knit? Staff numbers are lean, they are always rushed off their feet,” says one woman. “Sometimes we feel “I can’t remember doing anything else,” one knitter that we are tying up valuable staff time with our explains. “It is worthwhile, useful, we donate our work questions and morning teas,” says another. to people who need it,” says another. ‘Everything we do is wrapped in love,” someone else chimes in. Programs While they knit they also chat. On the surface this The knitters are all tech-savvy. They download might seem like everyday pleasantries, but it is a lot books and magazines, stream movies, attend digital more than that. They share knowledge; tips, patterns, classes, and are comfortable using smart phones skills, sources of fibre. And they look out for each and tablets. other. If someone hasn’t come this time: is she okay? In spite of how much they value the library, they do should we go and visit? does she need anything? have complaints. It is mostly older women, but not always. Younger Their top five suggestions for improvement: women are really interested, and even some men. • More flexible meeting and gathering spaces Like many community minded people, the knitters • Cafe have their fingers in a lot of pies. • More tech savvy classes for seniors, including They are pretty certain they can speak for a lot of refresher courses people in the community. • More variety in DVDs; better stock rotation; When it comes to expanding the library and the eliminate fines and $1 reservation fee services it provides, they are unanimous. • Better parking options.

“It is easy to feel invisible when you get older. Being here makes us visible. People can see us, and we can see them.” Wagga Wagga Knitter

37 WHAT PEOPLE SAY...

“I want to see a lot more activity and “Libraries are such a great indicator of the focus on communities and people working value people place on community, one of together, experiencing the benefits of the true social institutions. Free, anyone coming together in places like our libraries. can use it, no barriers to participation. Not just books, we’ll see all kinds of Finding ways to continue this is important. resources being shared through libraries.” Trick is how everyone in community can Councillor access it. How can everyone become aware and understands of the value and benefits “This should be the welcome mat for the of the library, so that it is highly valued, city, at the forefront, because it is such a well attended library.” positive and happy place.” Creative practitioner City planner “The next generation of mobile libraries “There is a critical need for community will be more open, fair, technology meeting spaces. High demand now and enabled; fold out walls and pop out decks, will get higher in the future.” a very different experience, mobile food Councillor vendor, why not? Every village will have a “The principles are important to me. mobile library and food truck visit, both of Inclusiveness, for example, how are which they don’t have now.” library services and spaces inclusive for Councillor all ages, abilities and our most vulnerable “You can borrow a lawnmower, other communities who don’t have the resources things too, break down the perception to literature, learning and programming. barrier about what a library is. If people We have great buy-in from the general haven’t been to the library recently community and I think the challenge is how they don’t know how much things have we extend the library service to our most changed. It’s a great facility, but could vulnerable communities. Being a free public be more welcoming, less formal and service that we are committed to, means bureaucratic. Make it softer, might engage that we have to provide access to all.” more people.” Council stakeholder Education stakeholder “What makes a great place? Don’t need a “The City Library is the number one priority car. Can walk places, read a book, go to for city life, it’s that important.” the library and study, go to city pier and City planner watch something. Look at great cities in the world -open space and a city square. I’m not putting reducing homelessness, Libraries, art and culture are central to drug use and crime on the libraries this, the foundations, and we are really shoulders, by any stretch, but what could lucky here. We’ve got the bones of a really we achieve if we really expanded our good regional city.” library services? City planner Councillor

38 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft SUMMARY

Wagga Wagga City Library is held in high regard by the communities it serves. It supports complex needs across different demographics. There is a common view that it can play an Capabilities even greater role in supporting regional city growth and social cohesion by: As the City Library grows in scale and service offerings it will also need adequate staff numbers • extending the spatial footprint of the City Library and capabilities. • offering a mix of flexible meeting and study spaces Capabilities needed: • continuing to provide excellent programs and learning opportunities • extend learning programs • supporting local histories, stories and cultural • local history and digitisation knowledge • outreach and partnerships • developing a hub and spoke service model • digital skills and platforms. that can better serve residents outside the CBD The following Section 4: Future presents a phased and enhance cultural life in growing suburbs approach to change over a ten year horizon. and villages. This can be achieved by: Hub and spoke City Library: the concurrent Spatial Audit and Design work completed as part of this review, presents opportunities to expand the City Library footprint, improve wayfinding, and introduce flexibility in how people use and enjoy library spaces. Branch library/kiosk: as suburbs grow and develop, the City can work with developers to build necessary social and cultural infrastructure. These co-design opportunities are often supported by Voluntary Planning Agreements. A 24/7 library kiosk could be realised in this way. Agile library: an Agile Library service will support the City Library to reach more people, in more places, more often. The Agile Library will provide: click and collect delivery; programs; curated collections; emerging technologies; library pop- up services at at community centres, village halls, festivals, events, schools and aged care facilities.

39 Summary: Dynamic regional cities need libraries, art and culture

8m 94% 110m+ International tourists Arts related services Visits to public $4.30 visited Aust in 2017 affected by Covid-19 libraries in 2018/9 Return for every dollar restrictions vs 53% spent on Public industry average libraries

3.5m International tourists engaged with the arts 72% Aussies 51m Aged over 15 engaged Visits to public library in arts events in 2017 websites in 2018/9 273,000+ 9 million registered Library programs members, representing attracted over 36% of the total 7.4 million people Australian population

12.6m 34m $1.32 b international & Physical visits and to Invested in public domestic tourists in NSW public libraries libraries in 2018-19 NSW 2016 in 2018/19

158m+ Public library collections available 12.1m for public use 87% Vrtual visits to People in NSW believe NSW public libraries culture is important in 2018/19 to the local area 12.3m Domestic tourists attended a local art gallery, concert or culteral festival. Only 5.5 m attended an organised sporting $13b event, 5.6 m visited Spent on cultural & Arts = jobs Priority a local monument or heritage visits to NSW More people employed For First Nations 400k a casino in 2018 in 2017 than mining or IT arts & culture

See bibliography references: 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 16, 25, 32

40 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft SECTION 4: FUTURE In this section: The Library Review is positioned as a companion piece to the City’s Cultural Plan 2020 - 2030. If culture is the ‘glue’ that can support communities through change; cultural infrastructure will be imperative. A number of recommendations are presented in relation to: – library spaces – capabilities – services Based on projected population growth over 2020- 2038 a phased approach is encouraged. The report ends with an optimistic vision of Wagga Wagga City Library in 2038.

41 FUTURE GIYIRA (FUTURE)

Libraries support economic growth, learning, social inclusion and cultural complexity. They are essential cultural infrastructure. Cultural vision The Wagga Wagga City Council Cultural Plan 2020- The City Library features prominently in the 2030 presents an articulate case for the role of Cultural Plan. A major objective is to update the cultural facilities and creative industries to the City’s 20-year-old City Library building, find new ways to growth prospects, vibrancy, liveability, and capacity extend services into the community, and ensure to nurture creative solutions. A striking 95 per cent adequate staff capabilities can match current and of people consulted for the plan believe that the future demand. creative industries, and the work they do to foster If these three things were addressed in a consistent innovation, communication and new technologies, and imaginative way – building space flexibility, will be vital to the City’s future. community outreach and staff capabilities – the library can build on its strengths and offer essential cultural services to more people in more places.

City of Wagga Wagga Cultural Plan 2020 - 2030 The City Library features prominently in Wagga Wagga’s inspiring Cultural Plan. It has an important part to play in many of the Plan’s objectives: • Improving cultural infrastructure • Improving public access to • Incorporating Wiradjuri art, Council and cultural facilities language and culture into in the Civic Precinct significant new infrastructure • Supporting the Disability projects Action Plan with arts and • Facilitating easier access and cultural activities more affordable use of Council • Increasing early childhood facilities and event spaces creative learning programs. • Supporting a vibrant city centre. • Extending opening hours of • Delivering cultural the library and other cultural programming and outreach facilities services across the Local • Publishing cultural collections Government Area online • Neighbourhood activation • Strengthening formal and events partnerships between cultural • Supporting creative residences facilities and education and exchanges providers • Supporting the development • Supporting opportunities for and presentation of original the creative industries. local creative work

42 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft Creative recovery Contingency = creativity The library service is one of Council’s most trusted The following recommendations are grouped community interfaces. It reaches more people than into three stages: any other cultural service. It provides life saving • now 2020-2022 programs, resources, support and spaces. • intermediate 2022-2025 The City Library is ready to play a leading role in • longer term 2025-2038 creative recovery, growth, learning and community well-being. Without immediate investment in spaces, people and outreach services the longer term prospects of The transitions already happening in Wagga Wagga, fulfilling the multifaceted and dynamic role other heightened by post pandemic recovery needs, regional cities have crafted for their library services present a fertile field for experimentation. becomes problematic, if not impossible. Current trends may accelerate. Like the need for These recommended actions will establish the communal working spaces to balance working from preconditions for success. home; collective learning opportunities to balance distance/online learning; thinking sustainably about Moreover, they are interdependent. Expanding resources by having shared library spaces and staff numbers and capabilities is paramount. In resources; becoming self sufficient, making and this instance, contingency equals creativity. It will sharing things. be skilled people who can activate new spaces; expand the library’s suite of valued learning and The City Library can reinforce its role as an engine cultural programs; and extend library services into of creativity; supporting creative practitioners, the the community in new ways. Spatial flexibility in creative industries generally, and the cultural life of the CBD campus, combined with new kiosks, hubs the city. and Agile Library vehicles will increase usage and Disadvantaged communities will continue to benefit membership, support enterprise and the creative from the literacy, employment skills and technology industries, and encourage active citizenship at a support the City Library provides. time of transitional change. These recommendations are modest. They are built on a scaled approach over the 2020- 2038 period. They will support the City to catch up with equivalent regional city library services elsewhere, and experiment with new, low-cost initiatives that could lead the way for others to follow.

43 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

1: Capabilities 2020-2038 2: Introduce Agile Outreach The City Library will need to expand Library capabilities in a number of areas. Failure For example: Wollondilly’s mobile library to do so will compromise the Library’s service is a popular lifeline to towns and ability to support important City plans: villages across the Shire. Cultural Plan 2020 - 2030; Community Strategic Plan 2040; Reconciliation Action Plan 2019 - 2021; Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021.

2020 - 2022 2022 - 2025 2025 - 2038

Diverse Local studies, Creative cultures, history and communities community digitisation broker - languages, business, Language Café creative industries, social enterprises

Partnerships, 21st century Further outreach, literacies: workforce community information, planning based well being reading, digital, on population visual & civic growth

Digital Librarian engagement, generalist training and positions x 2 online delivery

44 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft 3: Expand library services. Consider a library kiosk/pod What is a library kiosk? The Kiralee Library Pod was launched by Ipswitch Libraries to meet the needs of a growing community. It was an Australian first when it opened outside the Kiralee Shopping Centre in October 2019. The Library Pod offers: • 24/7 access • curated collection, restocked daily • self service vending machine access via mobile phone or library card • large touch screen for joining library, downloading e-books, magazines, audio • comfortable benches for sitting, if needed

4: Riverina Regional Library and Wagga Wagga City Council Review Complete review with Riverina Regional Library

5: Implement recommendations from Spatial Audit and Design Plan, subject to funding

45 RECOMMENDATIONS

Now 2020-2022 Spaces Service City Library Stretch • Implement spatial planning audit • Build on existing partnership to Phase 1 recommendations to create more expand virtual programs and events; learning and meeting spaces across expand digital training; increase both levels of the library. community usage of new accessible • Proactively seek funding and spaces partnership opportunities • Introduce Sunday opening hours. • Review of RRL Deed of Agreement • Investigate Agile Library concept and resourcing requirements to deliver outreach services across the LGA. Including curated collections, digital training and lifelong learning programs.

Intermediate Spaces Service 2022-2025 City Library Stretch • Implement spatial planning • Implement the Agile Library Phase 2 recommendations to Council owned outreach service to suburbs and spaces e.g. Glenfield Community villages across the Wagga Wagga Centre; Ngurra Youth Hub LGA • Investigate 24/7 library kiosk /pod • Proactively seek funding and partnership opportunities

Longer term Spaces Service 2025-2038 City Library Stretch • Assess the City’s need for library • Im plement a Library of Things based Phase 3 services in line with population on community consultation and growth. Consider extending outreach identification of suitable funding, services. Undertake strategic needs locations and partners across the analysis for any future branch library. city. • Investigate and implement spatial • Expand lifelong learning programs planning recommendations. including onsite, outreach and virtual delivery options.

46 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft 47 2038: HOTBED OF IDEAS WINHANGANGIDYAL-GUWAL-GALANG (LOTS OF DIFFERENT KNOWLEDGES)

In the future, no matter what you need by way of learning, spaces, tools and cultural stimulation you will be able to find it in the library. The City Library offers the latest in digital Accessible and welcoming technologies and platforms for experimental, fabrication, training and production purposes. The library will be the most accessible place across The latest 3D printers, robotics, virtual and the city. Intelligent design will improve mobility augmented reality, gaming rooms, interactive access and social inclusion. The differently abled, screens, interactive whiteboards and hologram the neuro-diverse, people with dementia, the technologies. mobility challenged can find a supportive place in which to rest, learn and socialise. Facilities on hand They will be as welcome as the droves of students, The library will offer a suite of creative and artistic parents, kids, writers, historians, craftspeople, production facilities – audio and video recording visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, performers studios, multimedia soft/hardware, laser cutters, and small businesses using the library every day embroidery machines, rapid printing presses, to connect, learn and share. craft and art making studios, musical instruments, Every suburb and village will be supported by the drafting tables. Agile Library service. It will offer a versatile and It will have quiet study nooks, large and small diverse range of lifelong learning opportunities. meeting rooms, collaborative and co-working Storytime, Baby Bounce, digital training, language spaces, kitchens, magical children’s zone and classes, information sessions, mini film festivals, community garden. A place to learn Wiradjuri and author talks – delivered at Community and community languages, and practical lifelong Centres, village halls and public education sites learning skills. across the City.

48 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft 24/7 access Trusted places There will be 24/7 access to a library kiosk with a The library will be a destination for locals and curated collection, wifi, pre-ordered items ready visitors alike. for pickup, and scheduled programs and events. Information, new skills, local stories and For those who can’t make it to a kiosk or Agile opportunities to participate in decision-making Library stop, a library drone, motorbike or bicycle about the future: people will say that Wagga will deliver book packages to residential homes, Wagga City Library is an ideal place to explore aged care facilities and farms. ideas in a safe place with a trusted mediator. The digitisation of newspapers, records and artefacts combined with the active collection of oral histories and local stories will open up the City’s diverse history to new audiences and promote a strong sense of place. Opportunities to partner with Wiradjuri and First Nations Elders, multicultural communities, the Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and other community and cultural institutions will result in shared digital resources and exhibitions that celebrate the rich cultural history of the City and region.

49 Around the clock… 2038: A DAY IN THE LIFE AT WAGGA WAGGA CITY LIBRARY

Agile Library fleet Drone and bike Roving librarian schedule today: deliveries: focus today: Storytime at Ngurra Wagga Wagga Base NDIS support; Hub, Ashmont; Hospital; Job seeking; Digi-tale production Aged care centres; classes at Tolland, Online resources for library social enterprises. Forest Hill, Estella; vending machine; Pre-ordered book/ Selection of suburban equipment delivery homes. Ladysmith and . Ask a Librarian: Face-to-face at City Library run Library & Riverside pop- community up library, pre-booked Evening Radical sessions today: sessions 12-5.00 pm; Ideas Talk: Virtual Reality for teens; Online inquiries now Sustainable Wagga? averaging 30 minutes Can Aboriginal All Things Digital; per inquiry. knowledge save the New Civics; world? Navigating the Panel discussion. Information Maze; Literature and Mindfulness.

50 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft Language Café: Promotion launch Community groups Conversational English for 100,000 new using library at City Library and digital items on network today: Glenfield; BorrowBox: Wiradjuri contemporary Wiradjuri at Tolland Celebrate target of art ensemble; Community Hub. 5000 new digitised Knitting Circle; local history artefacts, Local History Lives: records and oral augmented reality histories. design collective; Family History Association; Behind the Scenes: Riverina Writers’ Group. Finalise Science & Creative classes Digital Art Festival today: program and social Digital photography; media promotional Stuff for kids: campaign; Music and video production; Storytime/Baby Bounce: Finalise implementation City Library x 2; plan for shared Multi-media software; discovery platforms Produce two virtual Advanced 3D printing sessions for download. across all cultural skills. services; Purchase new multi- object vending machines; Evening book Plan 2031 collection enhancement focal launch: areas. Fairy Tales for Curious Minds, local author & illustrator

51 APPENDICES

Bibliography

1 Aabø, S. & Audunson, R. “Use of library space and the library as place”, Library and Information Science (2012) Research 34, pp 138-149, Elsevier 2 ANA (2019 The Big Picture: Public Expenditure on Artistic, Cultural and Creative Activity in Australia, A New Approach / Insight research series / Report One / 2019 3 ANA (2019) Transformative: Impacts of Culture and Creativity, A New Approach / Insight research series / Report Two / 2019 4 Australia Council for the Connecting Australians: Results of the National Arts Participation Survey, Sydney, Arts (2017) June 2017 5 Australia Council for the Domestic Arts Tourism: Connecting the Country, Australia Council for the Arts Arts (2020) 6 ARUP (2015) Future Libraries, Arup University, London

7 Davern, M., Both, A., ‘The average regional city resident lacks good access to two-thirds of community Higgs, C. & Gunn, L. services, and liveability suffers’, The Conversation, March 17, 2020: https:// (2020) theconversation.com/the-average-regional-city-resident-lacks-good-access-to-two- thirds-of-community-services-and-liveability-suffers-131910 8 Cadzow. J. (2019) ‘One for the books: the unlikely renaissance of libraries in the digital age’. Good Weekend, Sydney Morning Herald, 28/9/2019 9 Create NSW (2019) Cultural Infrastructure Plan 2025+, NSW Government

10 Crowe, D. (2020) ‘It's time to loosen the blindfolds: transparency needed in virus figures’,Sydney Morning Herald, March 26, 2020. 11 Ellicott, J. (2018) ‘Two NSW regional cities nominated as the next big thing(s)’, The Land, 23 March, 2018 12 Foundation for Young Future Skills Framework 2030 Factsheet Australians (FYA), 2019

13 Gunn, L. (2020) ‘Australia’s most liveable regional cities revealed’, RMIT, Centre for Urban Research: https://cur.org.au/media/ 14 Klinenberg, E. (2018) To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library’, New York Times, September 2018

15 Landis-Hanley, J. (2020) ‘Choice recognition’, The Saturday Paper, March 7-13, 2020

16 Law, B. (2020) ‘In times of crisis, we turn to the arts. Now the arts is in crisis’, The Guardian, 27 March, 2020 17 Maunder, S. (2019) First library in Victoria to open 24 hours a day, seven days a week has town buzzing, ABC Gippsland: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-27/foster-library-first-in- victoria-to-open-24-hours-a-day/11777696 18 National & State Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report 2018-2019, Compiled by State Library of Libraries Australasia , July 2020 (2020) 19 Profile ID (2020) City of Wagga Wagga Community Profile: https://profile.id.com.au/wagga-wagga

20 Richter, J. (2019) ‘Ground-breaking library pod opens in shopping centre’, Ipswich First, October 2019: https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/ground-breaking-library-pod-opens-in-shopping- centre/ 21 Scanlon Foundation Mapping Social Cohesion: The Scanlon Foundation Surveys 2019, Andrew Markus, (2019) Monash University 22 State Library of NSW People, Places: A guide for public library buildings in NSW (Third Edition) (2012)

52 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft 23 State Library of NSW Public Library News, Mobile and Outreach, Winter 2018, Volume 24 No 1 (2018) 24 State Library of NSW Public Library Statistics 2018/9: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/public-library-services/ (2020) advice-and-best-practice/public-library-statistics 25 State Library of Victoria Creative Communities: the cultural benefits of Victoria’s public libraries, Project Sisu (2014) for SLV/Public Libraries Victoria 26 State Library of Victoria Libraries Work! The socioeconomic values of public libraries to Victorians, SGS (2018) Economics and Planning 27 Vinson, T. and Dropping Off The Edge 2015: Persistent communal disadvantage in Australia, Jesuit Rawsthorne, M. (2015) Social Services, 2015 28 Wagga Wagga City Wagga View – Community Strategic Plan 2040 (2017) Council (2017) 29 Wagga Wagga City Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021 Council (2017) 30 Wagga Wagga City Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 (2019) Council (2019) 31 Wagga Wagga City Wagga Wagga health and Knowledge Precinct: Masterplans 1 & 2: https://wagga.nsw. Council (2019) gov.au/city-of-wagga-wagga/business/health-and-knowledge-precinct-masterplan 32 Wagga Wagga City Cultural Plan 2020 - 2030 Council (2020) 33 Yunkaporta, T. (2019) Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World, Text Publishing, Melbourne 2019

53 Glossary of terms

AR Augmented Reality ATSI Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

CALD Culturally and Linguistically Diverse

Collection Library collection development is the process of meeting the information needs of the people (a service development population) in a timely and economical manner using information resources locally held, as well as from other organisations. Creative The creative industries are innovation led, knowledge intensive and potentially exportable businesses that industries cover a range of creative practices across all art forms. Digital The ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate literacy information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. Digitisation The conversion of text, pictures, or sound into a digital form that can be accessed by an electronic device, computer, tablet etc. DIAP Disability Inclusion Action Plans

FTE Full-time equivalent

LIS Library Information System; sometimes called Library Management System (LMS)

Lifelong Providing formal and informal learning opportunities throughout people's lives in order to foster the learning knowledge and skills needed for work, pleasure and community participation. LoT Library of Things: non traditional library collections

Masterplan A detailed vision and plan that helps guide decision- making, design, and subordinate plans.

Partner An individual, group, organisation or business with whom Wagga Wagga City Council can work to deliver a learning/cultural event or program that brings benefit to both parties. Pop-up New generation mobile or ephemeral libraries, which can include refurbished shipping containers, library modified caravans, architect-designed pods, motorcycles and , or the temporary occupation outreach of vacant shopfronts. RFID Radio Frequency Identification

RRL Riverina Regional Library

SEIFA Socio-Economic Indices For Areas: developed by the ABS to rank suburbs according to levels of advantage or disadvantage SLNSW State Library

SLV

STEAM Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics

STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

VPA Voluntary Planning Agreement is an agreement entered into by a planning authority and a developer. Under a VPA a developer agrees to provide or fund: public amenities and public services; affordable housing; and transport or other infrastructure. VR Virtual reality

Wiradjuri The largest Aboriginal group in New South Wales. The dominant Aboriginal language in central western NSW, including the Riverina region. Wiradjuri terms used in this document can be found here: http://www.wiradjuri. dalang.com.au/plugin_wiki/wordlist WWCC Wagga Wagga City Council

WWCL Wagga Wagga City Library

54 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft 55 CONTACT US

General enquiries? Requests? Feedback? There are many ways you can get further information or provide feedback on this report: Talk with us Phone 1300 292 442 or (02) 6926 9100, or chat online with a Council representative. Email us [email protected] Write to us PO Box 20 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Come see us Cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets Wagga Wagga NSW Visit our website wagga.nsw.gov.au Follow our social accounts Follow @WaggaCouncil on Twitter to get the news, events and emergency information straight from the source.