Plenty to love about Logan Libraries
Published: 17 February 2012
One of Queensland's short-listed authors for best book, Estelle Pinney, joined in on the celebrations.
On a day traditionally filled with chocolates, flowers and love, and more recently known as Library Lovers day, Logan City Council Libraries had plenty of cause for celebration.
Approximately 100 guests, including authors, media and book lovers alike, gathered to launch the 2012 National Year of Reading Events Program and joined in the festivities for Logan Central's Library first birthday.
Mayor Pam Parker, Deputy Mayor and Division 2 Councillor Russell Lutton, and Health Sport and Community Services Committee Chairman, Councillor Phil Pidgeon (Division 9) officially launched the event, alongside National Year of Reading Ambassador and ABC radio identity, Professor Roly Sussex.
Cr Pidgeon said the National Year of Reading campaign encouraged the enjoyment of reading and the value of library membership
"A range of great activities and events are planned throughout the year to celebrate books and the love of reading," he said.
"The program is based on monthly themes and events include author and illustrator visits and workshops, school holiday programs and celebrations and activities for all ages, designed to encourage the love of reading, grow literacy skills and promote life long learning."
Cr Lutton said Logan City residents' love of libraries was represented through some amazing facts.
"Since the Logan Central Library reopened on 14 February 2011 in Wilbur St, more than
270 000 people have been through the doors - this is approximately the population of the whole city," he said.
"In its new location, memberships; loans; visitor numbers; and internet usage rates have soared. New members increased by 65.27%, internet bookings increased by 85.11% and loans have increased by 77.46% in the past year.
"Logan Central Library has become a community hub, providing much-needed meeting room and gathering spaces for community groups."
Cr Pidgeon was pleased to see that the larger floor space of the new library had also allowed for a broader range of library programs to be delivered.
"Nearly 10 times as many people, adults and youth, attended programs at the new library in January 2012 than in January 2011 in the old location," he said.
"Programs for young people have expanded, with the aim of encouraging literacy and learning."
Cr Lutton said the new Library location had encouraged many new partnerships to develop.
"Existing relationships have been cemented and new and important links between community groups and Logan City Council have evolved," he said.
"In conjunction with local community groups, Logan Central Library will jointly host Health and Harmony month in March this year which is aimed at promoting healthy living."
Details of the range of activities and events based on the National Year of Reading, including the Health and Harmony month and all other activities are listed in the 'What's On' booklet, available at your local library and on the website at www.loganlibraries.org.