Minister thanks public libraries for their contribution

Last week public library managers from around the country gathered in Wellington for their annual forum.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming; smiles spread across the room when the Minister said she coveted Rachel’s role.

Minister Tinetti was invited to speak ahead of the launch of PLNZ’s national awareness campaign, “Literacy in Life.” The Minister took the opportunity to celebrate the recent appointment of Ben Brown as Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador and to acknowledge the COVID-19 recovery mahi that the National Library is leading with public libraries around Aotearoa via the New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme (NZLPP).

The Minister thanked the managers for their libraries’ contributions to the success of the programme to date and to the wellbeing of their communities. Librarians can assist those looking for work with tasks, such as CV writing and accessing career services. In this way, NZLPP mahi helps to ensure that iwi, hapū and communities across New Zealand are safe, resilient and thriving.

In a later address, Rachel discussed ways to enable a thriving and resilient library sector – through the New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme – particularly with data, research and evidence to support advocacy for ongoing funding; alongside building workforce capability. Until July 2022, the programme will continue to enable public libraries to retain and upskill librarians, so they can provide greater support for library users and help bolster reading and digital literacy.