By Casey Neill
Dandenong students got a glimpse at librarian life and learnt life lessons to share.
More than 20 Dandenong High School Year 9 students took part in the Library Guide Mentor and Advocacy Program (LGMAP) at Dandenong Library.
At a presentation to wrap up the experience on Thursday 25 May, Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti said they’d made a significant contribution over four weeks.
He said they’d helped with cataloguing, designing displays and repairing books and got a better understanding of the different areas of library service.
Dandenong Library is one of the busiest in the country, Cr Memeti said, with more than 1.2 million visitors each year.
Librarian Monique Godbehere thanked the “wonderful and vivacious Year 9 students” for taking part.
She said they’d not only learned about library work “but learned skills to make you better equipped in your life” and career.
Ms Godbehere said the students would lead their parents and other school community members through the library at a Joy and Power of Reading event.
She hoped they would inspire others to make use of the library.
Student Shakira said the program was fun and different.
“We have come to see the important place of libraries and reading in the community,” she said.
“We have learnt some basic things that I personally would like to take back to my school and work on.
“Helping people has been the biggest things we have observed.
“We have been inspired by the helping attitude and kind working style of the Dandenong Library staff.”
Shakira said that getting training from professionals in an actual public library had been such an exciting thing, and she would love to do work experience at the library next year.
Classmate Nageena said she’d learnt many important things about libraries, the community, and the role of libraries in the lives of people.
“The program opened my eyes and showed me the value of books,” she said.
Rajeev said “libraries do such good and important things for the community … especially for young kids, children and parents”.
Humza said he used to think of libraries as big places with lots and lots of books.
“They are that, and more!” he said.
“I was very impressed by all the other learning facilities, ICT (information and communication technology) resources, study spaces, and fun stuff to attract the young.”
