By Callum Ludwig
The Yarra Junction Library is celebrating its 30th birthday later this month and is inviting the community to come and share their memories.
The library was established in 1993 with funding coming from a plethora of local residents and businesses as well as the then Shire of Upper Yarra.
Customer Service Officers Jane Toy and Melissa Parker are two of the longest-serving current staff at the library, each having worked there for over 15 years and said it’s still a very valued place in the community.
“The actual structure of the library has changed a lot, when I first started we had a horseshoe-shaped desk and were the librarian behind the desktop, but it’s not like that anymore, it’s quite a noisy place nowadays and there’s no shushing,” Ms Parker said.
“There’s also been a big change in technology, because now we have we don’t just have DVDs and CDs anymore, there’s a lot more downloadable material, whether it’s ebooks, audiobooks or even watching movies with their library card.”
Yarra Junction library is inviting members of the community both young and old to come to share their experience with the library on Tuesday 25 July.
Ms Toy said it’s lovely to work in an environment where the library is valued.
“It comes across to use time after time when speaking to local people, it’s very rewarding. It’s not going anywhere, and I think the community would stand up and fight for us if it was,” she said.
“The access to technology and help, particularly for our area, is really valid and really well used. We have a tech services officer Stephanie, because sometimes you need somebody to explain it to you and it helps them with setting up their emails or getting the $250 energy rebate.”
A book containing the names of all the people who chipped in to found the library is still there, with many stalwart families and businesses featuring.
Ms Parker said those who haven’t visited the library in a long time should come along and might get a nice surprise.
“I think the use of libraries has come full circle, people just want to have a rest from a screen. If you’re looking at a screen all day at work, you don’t necessarily want to go home and then start looking at a screen to read your book,” she said.
“I’d say 50 per cent of our customers are coming in, and they want to take the books on the holiday with them or wanting to buy the magazines, which is great.”
Beyond providing easy access to books and technology, the Yarra Junction Library hosts a busy schedule of community events throughout the year ranging from story times and school holiday events to author talks, film days and book chats.
