Media Release
20 May 2024
Libraries Tasmania is celebrating National Volunteer Week from 20 to 26 May 2024 to thank and acknowledge the huge contribution volunteers make each year to libraries across Tasmania.
“Volunteers make an invaluable contribution to our libraries and communities every year. During National Volunteer Week we celebrate the diversity of the skills, knowledge and experiences they bring to our organisation and thank them for their public spirited service”, said Patrick Gregory, Executive Director Libraries Tasmania.
Libraries Tasmania volunteers bring their unique skills, approaches, and insights from their diverse life experiences. They support the community and find volunteering a rewarding experience.
“It is a pleasure delivering the books… Sometimes clients feel isolated and they welcome a visit and a chat,” said Kathy, courier for the Home Library Service at Launceston Library.
“Teaching has fired an interest in the science of reading, and satisfaction in hopefully helping to improve people’s live”, said Teresa, Literacy Tutor at Risdon Prison Library.
Libraries Tasmania volunteers make an estimated in-kind contribution of 30 000 hours of support to library users. They provide digital and IT help, deliver books for the Home Library Service and support adults to develop their literacy and numeracy skills, and more.
Thank you, Libraries Tasmania volunteers, for your wonderful contribution and generous commitment to our organisation.
More quotes from our volunteers:
“I love reading and wanted to give something back to the community.” – Margaret, English Conversation Tutor at Devonport Library.
“I love making new friends and new connections. You get to develop more skills and it gets you out of the house.” – Josie, volunteer at Gaming for Youth Afternoons at Kinimathatakinta/George Town Library.
“Volunteering is good for you. People are very supportive and give a lot of encouragement.” – Sokunthea, volunteer at Rock and Rhyme and Storytime at Devonport Library. Please contact Communications and Marketing for interview.
Communications and Marketing – 6165 6386 or 0417 465 669