Library and Information Week 2024: Roots of Democracy

Join us for Library and Information Week 2024, this year's theme is Roots of Democracy!

Libraries play an important role in promoting democratic ideals as well. As quoted from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Website:

“Libraries have their roots in providing free and equitable access to information, roots that extend and connect people and communities with the services they need. Yet as both the past and the present shows us, when those roots are weakened, entire structures can fall. So, this Library and Information Week we’re exploring how, why and where libraries are strengthening our democratic processes - the avenues, tactics and approaches they use, and what they can do to keep democracy thriving even when its very existence as an ideology and an ideal is being contested.” 

YPRL has a range of programming on offer this year for Library and Information Week on this theme:

On Monday 29 July at Eltham Library from 1.30pm—3.30pm, local artist Erika Clarkson will be illustrating onto the library windows in the youth lounge area.

Her artwork will reflect young people’s ideas for enhancing library services and all patrons aged 12 - 25 are welcome to vote for their preferred ideas. Our librarians will prioritize the most popular idea to show democracy in action. (Be sure to look out for new recommended read lists and book reviews written by young adults for young adults, too.) 

While you are at Eltham, be sure to head out to the children’s garden and discover the Finding our Heart story walk. Take a journey through the pages of Finding Our Heart: A Story about the Uluru Statement for Young Australians by Thomas Mayor and illustrated by Blak Douglas and learn about Australia’s past and how we can create shared future. 

On Monday 29 July at Ivanhoe Library, Junior Library Lovers can create engaging displays for the children’s area from 4pm—4.45pm. Parental supervision is required.

Additionally, branches will be providing their own book displays and drop-in activities for visiting children throughout the week, including media literacy resources from the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD).

On Tuesday 30 July at Watsonia Library from 10am—2pm, local artist Fleassy Malay will be creating artwork. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to watch Fleassy create this artwork that captures the diverse learning experience at Yarra Plenty Regional Library on a typical day, illustrating the library’s commitment to democratic values through accessible information for all.  

If you are up Whittlesea way on Wednesday 31 July, be sure to check out our pop-up stall at the Whittlesea Service Hub on Church Street between 12pm—4pm. You will find all kinds of membership information and the opportunity to learn about the suite of services to which our members have access: storytimes, events, tech help, our digital library and much more. Not a member? You will be able to sign up on the spot and receive an activity bag with activity sheets. 

On Thursday 1 August at Mill Park Library from 7pm—8pm, award-winning author Sue Lawson will be in conversation with YPRL CEO Jane Cowell.

Sue Lawson’s books and collaborations explore truth-telling, human rights, and the importance of equality and social justice, and Jane’s position – along with being ALIA President – upholds these very same principles. This will be a dynamic, important conversation – not to be missed!

YPRL has also launched a brand-new resource on our website linking you to expertise and information on how to detect misinformation, disinformation and fake news.

These events – on top of ongoing programming – demonstrate YPRL’s commitment to collaboration, community engagement and being an accessible, safe space for everyone.