Celebrations, Connections and Collaboration

The Young People's Libraries Group meeting (YPLG) was a time for celebrating, connecting and collaborating with my colleagues from around the state.

It is an infrequent opportunity to participate in face-to-face conversations and network with like-minded colleagues and I appreciated that my participation was made possible through the bursary provided by State Library of Queensland.

As it was the end of one era and the beginning of another for the First Five Forever initiative, it was ideal to be in the room with the Young People and Families Team and child and youth services librarians from across the state to celebrate the success of this program. Hearing about the strategies for the future and the increased opportunities being made available for professional development was exciting news, particularly for libraries in regional and remote areas.

The flexible program of face-to face workshops, online delivery and continued access to resources will truly allow the First Five Forever initiative to be embedded as business as usual across the state. I came away from the meeting energised and with my mind buzzing from the round table discussion.

The diversity of programs, services and initiatives that libraries across the state are offering to their communities is inspirational. Sharing successes and challenges, generating ideas, creating connections and exploring future collaborations were just few of the highlights of a very motivating meeting.

About the author

Sharon Groch, Townsville City Libraries.