Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Librarians bring books to aged care residents

Program that gives interaction among aged residents, library staff and volunteers in care facilities, giving the elderly satisfaction with the service given.

By news@gippsland - 25th May 2021 - Back to News

The team at Latrobe Libraries is taking books – hard copy and audio – and more to the people. The libraries’ Books We Like program brings together Library members residing in aged care facilities serviced by the Moe Library. They unite for a reader’s discussion group – a chat about a good book.

Home Library Service provides the same level of service with library members in care as to those who attend the library in person, this service will help out our aged residents with their socia and mental health

Extending the library collections

Library staff take new items to aged care facilities to stimulate discussion over morning or afternoon tea, four times a year. Each of these members have a reading profile, developed with Latrobe City Libraries to match their reading preferences and to increase reading enjoyment.

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said, "This is an innovative way of library staff and volunteers interacting with people who are typically unable to attend libraries but still love to read or listen to books. By taking books to the residents, we are able to broaden the variety of reading material they borrow and also extend our library collection based on the residents’ suggestions."

Social benefits for the mental health

It’s not all about books, either. The visiting library staff and volunteers also provide social contact for residents. "This connection through conversation provides enjoyable social benefits for the mental health of the clients, as well as the library staff and volunteers. It’s truly benefiting the whole community," Cr Gibson said.

Providing books for the elderly

For 34 years, the Home Library Service has been providing books to residents of aged care homes and elderly people still living at home. Last year the service was broadened to cover people unable to attend the library due to COVID-19 restrictions and other difficulties.

The Home Library Service provides the same level of service and choice of materials to library members in care as to those who attend the library in person. The Home Library Service caters for approximately 16 clients at the Latrobe Valley Village, Japara Narracan Gardens and Querencia Village aged care facilities, and 21 clients who are living at home, all in the Moe area.

Delighted aged library members

Aged care facilities receive an average of 41 items per fortnight, while an average of 207 items per fortnight are distributed to Home Library Service members. Members love the service, with their comments including: "The talking books are a lifeline given I cannot read now." "I look forward to trying the suggestions of new authors and looking through the new items."

Pictures from Latrobe City Libraries Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
  Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• East Gippsland residents invited to author talk on Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham on 10 September 2025
  Author Stephen Whiteside will present Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham, sharing remarkable stories of resilience, adventure, and history at special East Gippsland library talks on Wednesday 10 September.
• Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
  Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program.
• East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
  East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits.
• Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
  The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.