Bundaberg Regional Library recently hosted the 2022 Queensland Public Libraries Association (QPLA) conference, with over 100 delegates visiting the region for the biannual event.
Held at the Bundaberg Multiplex, the event theme was Evoke – Empower, Inspire, Connect, which focused on the key topics of diversity, inclusion, and resilience.
Over the three-day event delegates took part in everything from lightning talks through to a trade exhibition, interactive workshops and a gala dinner.
A number of guest speakers attended the event to present on topics such as accessibility and inclusivity in libraries and decolonising collections and Indigenising spaces.
Bundaberg Regional Libraries won a silver award in the QPLA Local Government Authority Awards for its Ability Diverse programming, receiving a prize of $750 which will be put towards building the program.
President of Queensland Public Libraries Association Nicole Hunt said the QPLA conference was a fantastic way for delegates to come together and share their ideas and thoughts around libraries.
“These conferences provide the opportunity for a gathering of all library staff across Queensland to talk about all things libraries and discuss what we can do to better them in the community,” Nicole said.
“We had trade vendors at the event which was a great opportunity for them to come along and have face to face interactions with library staff.
“This was a magnificent event and some of the feedback I have had from vendors is that this was one of the best conferences they have been to.
“On behalf of the QPLA Libraries Board we would like to thank the hosts Bundaberg Regional Council and the library staff who have put together a wonderful program that was very well received.”
Bundaberg Library Services Manager Peta Browne said the opportunity to plan and host the conference was great for the entire team.
“Everyone from the libraries team got involved in some fashion and all staff were able to attend at least one conference session,” she said.
“This provided great professional development via the information presented and the opportunity to network with other public library staff.
“The teamwork shown by library staff in assisting with the organising and ensuring things ran smoothly during the conference, both at the venue and in the libraries, was wonderful and inspiring.”
Peta said the QPLA conference provided the opportunity to showcase the Bundaberg Region to those visiting from around the state.
“We had excellent entertainment from Bella Canna Strings, and there were pop-up shops,” she said.
“Bundaberg Regional Libraries also showcased Virtual Reality and Pepper the robot cat so delegates could experience these technologies and have even more fun at the event.
“A number of delegates toured the Bundaberg Library which provided the opportunity for them to learn how we do things in our library, but also provided us the chance to gain valuable information from them.”
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