During November, we’re inviting Australians of all ages and from all walks of life to share and celebrate the joys of reading. Whether you’re picking up a book for the first time or your head is already stuck in one, there’s plenty of books, activities and events as part of our festivities.

Thursday 12 November is the main event – Australian Reading Hour. You’re invited to stop what you’re doing for an hour, pick up a book and read to yourself or the children in your life.

At Orange City Library book a comfy chair, order a beverage on us and celebrate Australian Reading Hour. Bookings via eventbrite.

Children can also book in for the evening event 5pm – 6.30pm to do craft, build a cubby (bring your own blankets and pillows and snacks) for some fun evening reading in the Library.

Unwind, get inspired and find joy in books! From villages to towns and regional cities to farmland, orchards and the bush – the Central West Reads.

#AustraliaReads #australiareadsathome #readinghour

We say bon voyage and au revoir to our Central West Libraries Manager Jan Richards after 26 years at the helm. There were speeches from the Mayor Cr Reg Kidd, CEO Dave Waddell, Director of Community and Cultural Services Scott Maunder (read by Louise Geaghan), Technical Services Librarian Ros Dorsman and EmCee Orange City Librarian Sean Brady. Guests came from all over Council to wish Jan well on her retirement. As a special gift Jan was presented with a Michelle Fogarty painting titled Where the Heart Is. Congratulations Jan from all the Central West Libraries team and we wish you a happy happy happy retirement! And listen to this great interview with Jan by ABC Central West Radio.

#retirement #youwillbemissed

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has presented the prestigious HCL Anderson Award to Jan Richards AM FALIA (CP) in recognition of her outstanding service to the industry, domestically and internationally. 

In addition to her role as Manager, Central West Libraries, NSW, she is also Chair of the ALIA Public Libraries Advisory Committee; former Chair of the IFLA Standing Committee on Public Libraries; and a member of the Library Council of New South Wales. Jan Richards was to be presented the award at ALIA National 2020 Conference but due to COVID-19 this event was cancelled.

The HCL Anderson Award is the Association’s highest honour that can be bestowed on an Associate Member of ALIA. The award commemorates HCL Anderson, principal librarian of the Free Public Library of New South Wales, 1893–1906. Anderson created a collection and service policy to give his infant colonial library a stature of national importance.

Congratulations to Jan on this incredible achievement.

After a long and distinguished career with Central West Libraries, Library Technician with our Technical Services team Lyn Bugden will be wished well on her retirement this week by her colleagues. Lyn is well known in the community for her many years of service at the Library helping people with their enquiries, reference searches, resume questions, readers advisory and organising our magazine collections. Nothing was ever too much trouble as she handled computer problems, upgrades, item tagging and WH&S behind the scenes with kindness and a smile. Congratulations on your long and rewarding career & we wish you a Happy Retirement Lyn!!!!

Literacy Programs are returning to Orange City Library from Monday 20 July for School Term 3. Hygiene and social distancing restrictions will be in place according to NSW Health COVID-19 Guidelines. Programs returning are Ten Minutes a Day, 1,2 Books, Storytime and Pageturners Book Discussion Group. Please book your place online via eventbrite or call the Library on 6393 8132. Numbers strictly limited.