At Campaspe Regional Library we take and make every opportunity to actively engage with our communities because we believe that one positive experience with one entity may leave a lasting impression on the entire organisation.  It is not always about the learning, it’s about the interaction, the experience and the social connection.

We believe public libraries play a central role as a social place for their communities with most libraries having spaces for learning, creating, thinking, experiencing and sharing.
 

But what happens to those community members who cannot come to us?  Whether they are physically unable, psychosocially or cognitively challenged, isolated by choice, location or situation – what are their options?

Campaspe Regional Library Outreach Service have taken a strong position partnering with local health service providers and care agencies, carers and family, raising awareness within our communities of the capabilities of libraries beyond the physical walls of the buildings, reaching out and supporting community members isolated by location, circumstance or choice.

We are always looking to develop connections with other community agencies, as well as for ways to better serve our communities around wellbeing, brain health and social support.
 

Our work in this area, most importantly, ensures that local health service providers now recognise that the social role of libraries is not as social workers but as information disseminators and connectors to community and recreational support.

 

Examples of Campaspe’s Outreach services:

• Digital pop-up stall at local Farmers Market to provide visitors and locals alike with the chance to experience technologies and learn about supporting programs and services

• Support of events such as the Farmers’ Big Day Out, a proactive response by the Lockington community to the downturn in the dairy industry - to pre-empt what may occur around wellbeing

• Regular social visits supporting persons who might otherwise find it difficult to access services around social and recreational activities

• Wellbeing sessions

• OSMOTech – are fun and easy iPad activities which aim to enhance both traditional and digital literacy.  Participants can play solo, in pairs, and in group sessions, all the while developing relational skills, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and confidence with technology  

• Laughter Yoga – these sessions use gentle exercises and fake laughter to trigger healthy physical changes aimed at increasing happiness and promoting an overall sense of wellbeing

• Memorabilia – utilises a variety of antique oddities which can be passed around and have small snippets of historical information to revive memories and spark imagination & discussion

• Puzzles & Games – matchstick puzzles and oversize games for enjoyable, mind stimulating fun

• Books on Wheels – which provides deliveries of library materials to members of the community who have either a temporary or permanent difficulty in getting to their local library

• Words on Wheels – an interactive storytelling session which takes place in aged care facilities and for interested community groups.  Each sessions is based on a theme and incorporates short stories, poetry, humour, pictures, song and reminiscence

• Assistive resources – are available in the form of magnifiers, book supports, textile games, audiobook players and reading devices, for short term loan to assist in determining which resource best suits individual need

 

At Campaspe all that we have been doing, and continue to do in the role of outreach supports social, mental and emotional wellbeing.

We believe the four most important things when it comes to Outreach programs are …

Simplicity - Keep things simple, especially when relating to technology, otherwise it can get overwhelming.

Patience - because you will repeat yourself over and over and over.

Compassion - it is important for all people.  Be encouraging and find out what's going on, let them talk and know you care.

Flexibility – in terms of subject matter, length of program, availability, functioning equipment, and any interruptions or unexpected happenings during a session.  A presenter who is unruffled by equipment failure or by the loss of some audience members due to an emergency or an upcoming bingo game is a presenter who is likely to be welcomed back.

 

Our aim ... to reduce barriers to participation by ensuring community members have access to resources, opportunities and capabilities to engage, contribute, use local services and connect with their/our communities.