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Community to Connect Through Libraries and Language

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24 May 2012

 
Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC) and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), Barwon South West (BSW) Region, signed a three year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to work together to give Geelong’s school communities opportunities to read, learn and connect with each other through language and libraries.
 
The aim of the agreement is to have more people enjoying the region’s fantastic, free library services and also to encourage greater community understanding of other cultures and languages through events and activities in both library and school spaces. It is expected that this partnership will improve learning outcomes for the region’s school students and teachers as well as increasing access to community libraries.
 
GRLC CEO, Patti Manolis said she was very pleased to sign the MOU and formalise the partnership.
 
“Public Libraries are community spaces that enrich people’s lives through access to local and global information and knowledge. We want to see even more members of the community enjoying the incredible diversity of services and programs the library service offers.
 
“This MOU will provide another avenue for library staff to gain greater understanding of the school network and the possibilities of sharing information about library services more broadly.
 
“This partnership is sure to lead to many positive outcomes not least of which is greater service to the community including young people and their families,” Ms Manolis said.
 
Helen Fraser, Assistant Regional Director, School Improvement, DEECD said, “The DEECD, BSW Region, works in partnership with many local, national and international organisations to achieve improved educational outcomes for all students. The partnership with GRLC is especially significant in view of the fact that we share a common vision aiming to provide many and varied educational opportunities for young people in the Region.
 
“This MOU will see the implementation of a significant partnership, which will benefit students of all ages, enabling them to learn in settings and ways different from the traditional school setting and the traditional school programs”, Ms Fraser said.