Bundaberg Library is welcoming back patrons for the resumption of its face-to-face workshops program, beginning next week.
The free workshops, which were last year adapted for online access only due to COVID-19 restrictions, will once again be available to Bundaberg Region residents following the easing of the restrictions.
The first workshop to resume will be ‘Play Chess in the Library’ on Monday, February 15 from 3.30pm-4.30pm with a 3D printing workshop to follow on Tuesday, February 16 from 9.30am-11am.
Participants in the chess workshop can play the game, ask questions, and receive lessons from the library’s resident tutors.
Those attending 3D printing workshops will learn about the technology involved in the printing process, the various components and materials used and the printing stages, as well as being able to design their own 3D object.
Other programs that will feature in face-to-face programming soon include coding and virtual reality gaming and learning applications, while a new robotics workshop is expected to prove popular with the public when it is introduced this month.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said the return of the physical workshops was a welcome addition to Bundaberg Library’s services.
“While Bundaberg Library staff were outstanding in transitioning to an online environment to continue its programs, there were many in the community who missed being able to participate in activities in person,” Cr Learmonth said.
“Everyone interacts and socialises in different ways and library staff have heard from many people who have been waiting for the face-to-face style of workshop to return as it is the avenue that they feel best suits them to learn new skills.”
Cr Learmonth said the library was now placed to provide the best of both worlds, with its online programs, including gaming, digital literacy and eSports having advanced considerably and gained in popularity during the COVID-19 restrictions.
“The library reacted to changing conditions rapidly and developed an extensive program of online activities which will continue while being complemented by the return of onsite activities that provide for people who prefer a more hands-on approach to learning,” he said.
Cr Learmonth said the return of the popular First 5 Forever program events to the Bundaberg, Gin Gin and Childers libraries would also be welcomed by parents of children under the age of six.
“The programs are designed to help little ones develop communication, language and social skills, but are also a popular vehicle for parents to interact and support one another while sharing their parenting experiences,” he said.
Children aged six and older are also catered for with Lego Club and Board Game Club hosted on alternative Tuesdays with Lego Club (3.30pm-4.30pm) starting February 23, and Board Game Club (3.30pm-4.45pm) getting under way on March 2.
Cr Learmonth said Lego Club participants could build creations of their own imagination or accept specific challenges designed to enhance their creativity.
He added that Board Game Club games were not restricted to traditional and commonly known games, but incorporated games popular with young residents including Azul, Zombicide, Bears vs Babies, Loot and Saboteur.
To cater for an increased demand in after work hours accessibility to Bundaberg Library resources, the library is extending its opening hours on Thursday by an hour, now closing at 6pm.
For more information about workshops and other library services phone Bundaberg Regional Libraries on 4130 4140 or visit the Libraries page on Arts Bundaberg.
