Media Release
31 August 2023
It’s never too late to learn
Libraries Tasmania is inviting people to recharge their life and learn something new during Adult Learners Week, celebrated across Australia from 1 to 8 September 2023.
This year’s theme – It’s never too late to learn – is a reminder that learning is for life and there’s no use-by date on discovering new skills and creating a different future.
Libraries Tasmania offers a range of free classes, programs and services that support adults to learn for pleasure, work, study and everyday life. Learning opportunities include crochet, chess, English conversation groups, family history research, computer skills and improving reading, writing and maths.
Deanie de Boer from North West Tasmania is an exemplar of it’s never too late to learn. Deanie received help to complete her online Behavioural Studies Degree while she was studying at Devonport Library, who organised a twice weekly volunteer tutor to support her studies.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I could do a university degree,” Deanie says. “To other adults who are wanting to study or learn something new but don’t feel confident, I say just do it! Give it a try. Just keep asking for support in every direction. And then be that support for others too.”
Kathleen Priestly, Manager, Burnie and West Coast Libraries is President of Adult Learning Australia, and a passionate supporter of adult learning.
“Adult learning indirectly improves people’s well-being and life satisfaction, leading to better individual health and well-being outcomes and stronger communities,” she says.
“Libraries Tasmania can help adults re-engage with learning. We offer adult learners lots of opportunities to come into their library and discover that it’s never too late to learn in Adult Learners Week.”
The Lifelong Learning Information Service at Libraries Tasmania can also help adults find out about learning and studying in Tasmania, whether it be a new hobby or a career change.
Adults can find and book a class at Libraries Tasmania via Eventbrite or by contacting any of the 45 public libraries across Tasmania. Adults can also contact their local library on 1800 808 303.
Libraries Tasmania, Communications and Marketing