For starters we have a large collection of items to borrow, there’s free internet access (including wifi at many locations) and it’s a great place to bring the children.

On top of that, we’re also offering a packed program of school holiday activities. From movies to craft sessions, from bootcamps to science, from virtual reality to meditation, from drawing to photography we’ve got something for everyone.

Most events are free, but some do have a small charge or age restrictions. Head to the website www.midcoastlibraries.com.au to find out details and book in.

The HSC is fast approaching and we recently held a series of very successful HSC nights for students providing HSC students with exclusive after-hours use of both libraries, as well as free printing and photocopying, internet computers and Wi-Fi, and light refreshments.

HSC students can access free photocopy and print services until November 30 at any MidCoast Library with a HSC print card, available from their school or nearest MidCoast Library.

The events don’t end there. We’ve just hosted a series of My Health information sessions, author talks, a fascinating folks event and information sessions with MidCoast Waste.

Coming up we’ll be hosting more de-clutter workshops, another recycling information session and an author talk with Noel Braun. Again, check the website for information and bookings.

Last column I wrote about ‘renew our libraries’, which is a Statewide campaign. This campaign had an initial focus on reversing funding cuts by the State Government towards public libraries.

The good news is that the State Government has listened and recently announced an additional $60 million of Statewide funding for public libraries, over a four-year period.

Some funding will go towards infrastructure grants and other funding towards operational costs. What this means for MidCoast Libraries is still to be clarified.

It will commence in 2019/2020 and will be a staged increase. It’s great to see the State Government increasing its support for all public libraries.

On a totally different track, have you seen our online magazine collection, RBdigital? This isn’t replacing our print magazines, just giving our members an alternate way of accessing magazines. You can download the latest issue of over 60 popular titles.

There is no limit to what you can borrow and you keep what you borrow as long as you need. Simply visit our website, choose eServices, then select Rbdigital (formerly Zinio) and create an account using your library member details.

Please note, all of our libraries will be closed on Monday, October 1 for the public holiday and Friday, October 19 for council picnic day. No items you have on loan will be due on these dates.

See you in the library.