By Jenel Hunt
Despite the fact that a 50-page council document did not specifically support the idea, Killarney people found themselves one step further along in their quest for a town library last week.
Killarney was in the spotlight for more than one reason at the ordinary council meeting held at the Stanthorpe Council Chambers on Wednesday 22 February. There was the application to take out a tree in Willow Street to allow for a relocatable building to be put on a vacant block. That was quashed. The Killarney Polocrosse Club had expressed an interest in taking over a block of council land, Tierney Park. That met with positive sentiment although there was still more research to do before a decision could be made.
But the biggest issue of the day was about a library – a topic that is neither bookish nor dull, if the meeting was any indication. The topic of having their own library has been on the lips of Killarney people for a long time, and even more since the mobile library service changed from the ‘big bus’ (a coach) to a smaller Mercedes van.
An overarching report of all library services in the region, which ran to nearly 50 pages, was included in the council agenda, encompassing the extensive and extremely detailed document, “A Library for All Seasons: Overview of Southern Downs Regional Libraries Operations”.
But it was probably the presence of a Killarney resident who gave a presentation on the reasons Killarney needed a library that turned councillors to a fresh page on the subject. Nowhere in the recommendations did it state that Killarney should have a library. And while Nadia Horneman wasn’t there to bring anyone to book, she was determined to be a deputation of one speaking on behalf of many, pleading Killarney’s case with the councillors. Reading between the lines, it may have worked.
The recommendations as presented to the council by its officers were to retain and continue to enhance Allora, Stanthorpe and Warwick libraries, to enhance the home delivery service across the region, enhance outreach services to the wider community, establish community book exchanges in communities that did not have a library, discontinue the mobile library service and adopt the criteria already laid out in the report for the provision of new shopfront libraries and facility upgrades.
After the Killarney presentation, a final recommendation – drafted by Cr Stephen Tancred – was added at the meeting and stated: That further identifying options for a shopfront library or community collaboration in Killarney be presented to council for consideration.
Robust questioning of the manager of community services Michael Bell addressed issues such as the existing library bus, the cost of the service, the inclusion of over-the-border users in the Killarney catchment figures and the existence of an arbitrary number on which consideration of libraries was based.
The arbitrary number was 1000, and Killarney’s population number as shown in the study was 918.
Mr Bell explained how the numbers worked.
“Under the guidelines we are measured by certain arbitrary numbers. Some numbers are from Queensland State Library and are a benchmark as to where you should look at making changes,” he said.
As well as the 1000 magic number, other criteria for a new shopfront branch included membership of 40 to 45 per cent of the population, basic services to the community such as two or more emergency services, primary and secondary education and a grocery store or similar.
Cr Jo McNally pointed out that Killarney had first responders and also had a high school that went to Year 10.
“They deserve a library. A library is an integral part to the liveability of a town,” she said.
Cr Gliori described it as “an exploration we need to give momentum to at this stage.” He gave the example that the Allora library had become the only contact residents had with the council in the town, apart from the Parks and Gardens staff.
“The value to the community may be the deciding factor here, not just financial and reading perspectives,” he said.
“The community sentiment is very obvious and hopefully going forward we can find a resolution.“
Much of the consternation from small communities started when the mobile library coach was retired. Mr Bell said the existing vehicle, which replaced the bus, was never really fit for the purpose of a mobile library. It was also supposed to do double duty as it was intended for use during disaster management as well. He said the vehicle did not fit either purpose well and the recommendation was to wind down that particular service and replace it with a book exchange program supplemented with other outreach services. Two vehicles could be used in place of the van. Problems with the original bus had included the necessity for the driver to have a Heavy Rigid licence and safety issues on parking.
Libraries are not merely places for borrowing books. They are also venues for small meetings, a safe place for kids to do their homework, for internet use, children’s reading programs and for the use of reference books for research. A library is also an online gateway, as there are many digital services provided.
An important consideration mentioned at the meeting was that many people in smaller communities could not easily access the libraries in larger centres due to restricted drivers’ licences or lack of transport.
