By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Ever-inquisitive Maroulla Radisavic loves a library.
A regular at Dandenong library, she says it’s a place not only to read up on her varied interests and curiosities.
The library has offered her a variety of poetry and art workshops, computer and printing services and been a hub for meeting the like-minded.
“It’s something we do by choice, not by obligations.
“We do it for pleasure and personal satisfaction – it’s really important.”
The Endeavour Hills resident is a role-model for what the statewide Libraries Change Lives is all about.
Greater Dandenong Council has joined the campaign to highlight the benefits of public libraries.
Its Springvale and Dandenong libraries attract more than 1.2 million visitors a year. More than 900,000 items are borrowed and 150,000 computer sessions booked.
Mayor Roz Blades said libraries were a place to “learn, create and belong”.
“Along with free access to computers, iPads, online learning courses, books and DVDs, our libraries also host English language classes, technology classes and creative workshops.”
Language and literacy classes are an important service given one in five Greater Dandenong residents have limited fluency in English, she said.
Public Libraries Victoria estimate that for every $1 invested in public libraries, $4.30 in community benefit is generated.
