Library Lovers’ Day falls on 14 February annually, and is an opportunity to celebrate the ways we love our libraries, and the things that only they can do. The theme this year is ‘Only You’, and is encouraging everyone to think about how their library enriches lives, provides space and services, and how libraries make the world a better place.

Story Box Library is sharing three key ways to celebrate libraries and passionate library staff everywhere. As literature advocates and important places to gather in the community, libraries do more for their communities than most think! Find ideas and stories below, and to find out more about Library Lovers’ Day, head to the ALIA website: Library Lovers’ Day 2023 – ‘Only You’.

  1. Read inspiring articles from library staff

  • “Simply put, one of the greatest things about public libraries is that it is a place for community connection,” says Yasmin Greenhalgh, Collection Development Librarian at North Sydney Council Library. 
  • “Libraries can play an important role in engaging children who are Deaf or hard of hearing by featuring Deaf presenters as literacy role models, and more broadly, have a powerful platform to showcase diversity in presenters and audience members,” Annette Webb, City of Sydney
  • “We offer monthly bilingual storytime sessions in a range of languages across our branches. Having online resources in other languages and bilingual could be very helpful as these sessions can be dependent on staff resources and languages they speak.” Gabbi Wylie, City of Ryde
  • At Tamworth Library we use visual timetables and keyword sign to support receptive language during Storytime and have resources available for sensory needs. Your librarian will work with you to help your child feel safe and comfortable at the library. We also have amazing online resources such as Story Box Library. Kelly Makepeace, Central Northern Libraries

  • “At the Waimakariri Libraries, we love to feed into the ‘five ways of wellbeing’: connect, give, take notice, keep active and learn, from the Mental Health Foundation. We are sounding boards that are not family members and happy to listen, and sometimes we are the only people someone may talk to the whole day. The library is always there for people. Our doors are open and we provide a safe free place to just come to.” Amy Hallmark, Waimakariri Libraries
  • “The Willagee Library runs after school programs for children who are at risk and this program is supported by our Youth Engagement Officers to provide youth with a variety of programs and a safe space to access.” Pip Mullins, City of Melville
  • “When planning for and delivering children’s programs I always aspire to celebrate diversity where I can. For instance, selecting literature and supporting materials produced by Indigenous Australians or from a different culture’s perspective to utilising resources that educate about the many different types of families or books that promote positive body image, inclusivity and kindness.” Lauren Tyrell, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Library Service

  1. Watch Short Films celebrating libraries

Our Storytellers - Erin Wamala

Libraries are a space where children should feel comfortable coming to explore questions they don't know the answers to. Who's Your Real Mum storyteller, Erin Wamala, is a Teacher Librarian at Trinity Grammar School. She knows the importance of books shared by trustworthy voices or resources, helping kids to understand complex topics and get through difficult times.

Dolly Diamond on Libraries

Dolly Diamond shares her experiences of visiting libraries, taking us around Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library, reflecting on treasured memories of books and the chance to uncover something new.

Behind the Books: Davina Bell on Libraries

It can all start at a library. Davina Bell sums it up perfectly when she says that libraries link readers with the past and offer hope for the future, through her experiences of writing at the library and as a space to return to for quiet and comfort.

Meet Ursula Dubosarsky

Meet the 2020-21 Australian Children's Laureate, Ursula Dubosarsky, a writer and passionate advocate for reading and learning. During her two-year term as Laureate, Ursula encouraged kids to Read For Your Life, recognising that reading often drops off after primary school and needs to be developed as a lifelong habit.

  1. Discover winning entries from Librarian Storyteller of the Year 2022

Congratulations to all who entered the award! We loved watching your submissions and wish you all the best in continuing to inspire and engage your communities. Our judging panel had an extremely difficult time narrowing down the shortlist from wonderful submissions. Read more on our blog.

Assisting libraries in promoting Story Box Library to patrons in their community, promotional resources for printed and digital use are here! Download ready-to-use assets and resources, encouraging patrons to use Story Box Library at the library or in the comfort of their own home. Find assets on our Resources page, only available to active subscribers.