Armidale War Memorial Library, on Rusden Street, will fling open its staff-only spaces and offer the chance to “borrow” a person for a chat, as part of the national Open Doors, Open Books, Open Minds initiative on Thursday, 30 July.
The nationwide program celebrates the vital role libraries play in community life, showcasing library spaces, collections, programs and the people who bring them to life. Armidale library will host three experiences designed to spark curiosity, creativity and conversation.
Behind the Scenes Tours will give community members a look at areas normally unseen by the public, including staff workspaces and the library stack. Two tour sessions will run at 10am and 3pm, with bookings essential.
A Studio Drop-In session will let visitors discover the library’s digital creative studio, experiment with equipment and learn about the tools available for public use. Drop-in sessions will run at 11am and 4pm.
The Living Library experience allows patrons to “borrow” a person for a 15-minute conversation, with each Living Book offering a unique story, perspective or life experience. Sessions run from 10am to 12pm, with bookings available.
Among the Living Books is Bar Finch, a Ten Pound Pom who arrived in Australia in 1963 and has spent decades contributing to community organisations, activism, environmental causes and the arts. Bar is a designer, maker, singer, cello player and avid library user who welcomes conversations on any topic.
Also featured is Dr James O’Hanlon, a zoologist, science communicator and freelance creative who has published more than 30 academic papers, written for major news outlets, illustrated science books, painted public artworks across regional NSW, scuba dived with sharks and even puppeteered a life sized animatronic dinosaur.
Fiona Lovelock, an Aboriginal community leader, practitioner and advocate with more than 30 years’ experience working alongside Aboriginal communities, will also take part. Her work blends academic study with lived experience, helping to strengthen culture, improve justice outcomes and support healing and self-determination through community led models such as the Bing Binni engagement approach and the Rock-Solid framework, centred on culture, care and connection.
Ms Lovelock, inspired by the resilience of her mother Vera Lovelock of the Stolen Generation, is dedicated to building systems that recognise the strengths of Aboriginal people and keep culture at the heart of meaningful change.
Rounding out the Living Books is Stephen Dobson A.C.S., who began his career as an award winning young filmmaker before rising to become one of Australia’s most accomplished cinematographers. As a director of photography, he crafted the visual language for major international advertising campaigns and Hollywood feature films, working with many of the world’s most celebrated directors and global brands.
Mr Dobson now brings that same passion for craftsmanship and creativity to Dobson’s Distillery, where the art of filmmaking has given way to the equally meticulous art of creating award winning New England Highland whiskies and spirits.
Armidale Library is inviting everyone, regular patrons, families, students, creatives and the simply curious, to join the national celebration of libraries and the stories that shape the community.
The library is located at 182 Rusden Street, Armidale. Bookings can be made by calling (02) 6770 3636.
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