THE (GOOD) NEWSLETTER FOR JUNE
2010
Our big news this month is due to the fact that our application to
the Bendigo Community Bank (Maldon Branch) for a grant of $4,000 has
been successful.
Our local bank serves our community in many generous ways and we thank
them very, very much.
The grant is for a specific purpose, that is for the purchase of Large
Print Books and to replace our now obsolete “talking books” cassettes
with CDs.
Our ageing population makes the expensive large print publications
an extremely popular part of our library and we are sure our readers
will appreciate the purchase.
Watch this space for details!
NEWSLETTER FOR MAY 2010
The Special Power of Local Libraries
Whilst the wonders of the computer age are with us and appreciated
by most, we felt a statement about the power of community through
libraries wouldn't go amiss. We mean, of course, reading REAL books;
the distinctive aroma of the printed page, the feel, the aesthetic
appeal, the excitement and anticipation a new, or old edition can
invoke.
But it's far more. The Athenaeum Library in Maldon, for example, with
its fundamental raison d'etre of providing a service to its community,
is just as importantly a meeting place for the exchange of local news,
perhaps discussion on the merits or otherwise of a particular edition,
experiencing the delight of a small child when permitted to select
a sweet from the well supplied lolly jar on the reading room desk.
(We genuinely believe that a little person will take into adulthood
the happiest of memories from their visit to the Junior Library and
the delight in selecting a book (or six). Will a child's recollections
of their Playstation or similar fill him or her with the same nostalgic
memories? Almost certainly not.
Can this type of interaction be replaced by a digital tablet one wonders?
Will a Kindle be available for a $10 per annum fee that is affordable
for everyone? Will up-loading a book from the internet have the same
satisfaction and interaction that a Library such as ours provides?
Almost certainly not.
We are completely realistic about the digital age and are in no way
ignorant of its advantages but there remains a doubt about some of
its functions. Are we in danger of becoming so insular that interacting
with our community may become unimportant?
For those with young children, give a thought to what we can represent
to your child, completely free other than the time you must give as
a parent. For adults, leave your Blackberry in your briefcase, close
the lid on your laptop, press the turnoff button on your mobile phone.
We offer you time to relax and contemplate life and living through
the wonderful power of selecting print on paper from shelves that have
been fashioned by craftspeople and contribute to constancy, not ever
changing apps!
Finally, the group photo below demonstrates the warmth and humanity
that comes from a caring community of volunteers. Taken a couple of
weeks ago to represent every faction in our small village, it says
it all.

Photograph by Rob Leeson
NEWSLETTER FOR APRIL 2010
Our famous Easter Book Sale on Easter Saturday and Monday was
an enormous success. Two of our Executive Committee (Marni and Lesley)
are tireless in organizing this event twice a year (the November Folk
Festival is the other occasion) and we are most grateful for the continuation
of their energetic efforts. The funds will be well spent, largely on
further books for our groaning shelves!
The annual Maldon Easter Monday Parade was enjoyed in beautiful sunny
but cool autumn weather. The Athenaeum had a rest this year but no
doubt will be an entry in next year’s Parade.
It is considered that the advent of Kindle etc
will not be a technology to worry us, at least in the foreseeable future.
On one afternoon recently we had 25 borrowers to service – taking into
account that most of our readers take up to six books, the bar code
reader fairly steamed! Our audio books (cassette tapes) will, of course,
need replacement and this is currently being carried out.
As far as technology goes, the computerization of our Library system
is now “old hat” and we are pleased to report that the business of
scanning bar codes is no problem to any of our volunteers.
Whilst enjoying our history, we definitely do not live in the past.
* * *
If anyone has any queries regarding the Maldon Athenaeum Library, don’t
forget, we have an email address: maldonlibrary@iprimus.com.au.
Should there be any questions on the Maldon Athenaeum Library, please do not hesitate to write to us at:
P.O. Box 219
MALDON