ADELONG Public School students have decided they want their library to remain open and on Tuesday set about writing letters voicing their feelings on the proposed closure.
So, now it is the children of Adelong that have taken over the issue to “save our library”.
Although not all children were at the school when The Times visited, those who were there were willing to speak up.
Brothers Oliver and Charlie Graham both agreed they visit the library often, especially during junior league football season where part of their coaching takes place each Friday afternoon.
“We go there (to the library) about 4pm on Fridays and get out ‘talk time’ before we hit the field in coaching,” Charlie said.
Both boys play minor league with the Gundagai club, but previously played with Tumut.
Charlie said that when they played for Tumut they also were coached with talks at the library.
“If we have to go to Tumut or to Gundagai for these talks and training then it will cost more,” Charlie said.
Another student, Minnie Pearce wrote her piece for the library plea saying, “as soon as I heard the town library was closing, I went, “What!” Minnie said.
“The library’s awesome and a great place to go after school to read.
“The after-school club there is pretty cool too. It will be missed.
Oliver said his mum sister also go to the library and borrow books.
Other comments from the teachers and students were:
“On Friday March, 22, K/1/2, Mrs Darwiche, Mr B and Mrs Mac boarded the school bus for an exciting excursion to the Adelong Town Library.
“We stopped at the park to have our fruit break and a quick play before arriving at the library.
“We were greeted by Leticia (at the library) who read some stories about Easter.
“After listening to the bunny stories, the students decorated a bunny to take home.
“We all had a great morning.”
“On Friday, May 31, students from K/1/2 and 3/4 travelled to the town Library to read some stories and completed an art activity based around anti-bullying in recognition of ‘Do It For Dolly Day.’
Although politically the school cannot comment, principal Peter Pigrim said, “The Adelong Library is a great asset to our town and school community and it would be a great shame if it was to close,” Mr Pigrim said.
“As a school we have visited the library on many occasions to expand our students’ literary development and community involvement.
“A number of our students also make great use of this facility outside of school for recreational reading and research.
“As a teacher I believe in the importance of knowledge and learning and the closure of Adelong Library would be a great loss to our town and community.”
The school earlier in the year visited the library twice and not only were read stories but also took part in craft work relating to the stories.
One time they had to decorate hearts and another time they were given a cut out and had to make a person with that. So it is not only about borrowing books but also learning with craft activities – being creative.
It is also regularly used by the Adelong Preschool groups for story time – the children walking to the facility if the weather permits.
And last week the Adelong Progress Association held its meeting and discussed the library and its closure
At that meeting a motion was passed to resolve to close the Adelong Library which will save $12,000 a year in rent.
At the meeting it was reported that an average of 12 people a week use the library.
Progress Association member James Hayes agreed to the motion and to investigate the use of a spare room in the post office.
There was also an option for the use of the side room in the café and possibly the OP shop.
Mr Hayes James took on the job of finding out options with the post office of relocating the library there.
Mr Hayes said he believe the number of people using the facility was quite low and it was situated too far from the centre of the township and that was one reason why the current site was deemed not suitable.
A walk to the library is a mere two blocks – perhaps 300 metres.
Secretary Tracey Manning was to draft a letter to SVC regarding options for relocating the library to a community venue closer to the centre of the township.
But it seems that at least the school children are happy with where the library is placed at present.
