Library News

Library hours extended

We have some good news for Ballina and Alstonville library lovers–Richmond Tweed Regional Library has extended their opening hours! Alstonville Library will now open every Saturday morning from 9am to 12noon and Ballina Library will stay open late on Wednesday, until 7pm!

School holiday events and activities

Snakes, lizards, and dingoes will be in the mix at Ballina Area libraries during the April holidays. The Wildlife Twins are coming to Ballina, Lennox Head, and Alstonville libraries to showcase our amazing Australian wildlife and they will be bringing a few scaley and hairy friends along with them.

Preschool activities

Animals aren’t the only things on the library’s holiday menus. Children can get involved in a scavenger hunt, try their hand at augmented reality with Quiver, or sign up for a range of in-house experiences. Preschool activities continue to run in Ballina and Alstonville branches right across the holiday period.

Seniors Social Circle

If you’re retired or have reduced your working hours, you will finally find yourself with time to get out and get involved in your community. If you’re looking for a relaxing morning with a variety of activities, light refreshments, and some great company, Ballina library’s Social Circle could be for you. Every Monday from 9.30am until 12noon we have things like games, guest speakers, tech help, and a variety of craft activities to keep everyone entertained. This is a free activity which is funded through Ageing Well NSW. Everyone is welcome to come along for the whole morning, or just some of the time.

Technology help

If you need help with modern technology, make an appointment for a free one-on-one tech lesson at Ballina library. Staff can assist with things like navigating the internet, emailing, texting, photos, and downloading apps. Libraries continue to demonstrate their position as great community hubs. ‘Libraries are for everybody’, says Ballina Area Librarian Taryn Kelly. “We run a range of activities across all our branches and are always interested to hear suggestions from the community about how we can further improve our services.” If your interests are more specific you can become involved in fabric crafts, chess, or scrabble. There’s always a chess board set up with a continuous community game, for anyone who would like to just make one move…or maybe two!

If you just want to read

Then of course there are the books. Available in large or regular print, with pictures and without, fiction and nonfiction, as CDs, or downloaded onto your phone or device. If you’re unable to come into the library, you can request a book delivery through the Home Library Service.

If you haven’t been to the library for a while, you may be surprised at how these purveyors of books and learning have established themselves as the nerve centre of your community. Now’s a great time to step back through the door and see what the library has for you! Check out the Richmond Tweed Regional Library website at rtrl. nsw.gov.au or contact your local library to see what’s on offer.

Flood recovery donations

Your library needs your help. Now that the sun's out, it's time to think about rebuilding and restocking library shelves! Tax deductible financial, and new or near-new book donations are being accepted–conditions apply. Physical donations of library items can be made 9.30am to 3pm Monday to Thursday at the RTRL's Support Services, 6 Centenary Drive Goonellabah. You may also be able to drop items off to your local library branch but please call ahead to make sure the items you’re donating are suitable, and to find out the best time to drop in.

For ways you can help visit telephone 02 6625 5100 or visit rtrl. nsw.gov.au/flood-recovery-donations