Text: The Local Library
This was originally written in mid-2006.
We live at Werombi, which has no shop, no service station, no school; nothing much to indicate it is
there at all. When my children were young, before mobile phones, the closest library (15 km away)
was central to our family's communication network.
Although books have had always had a central place in my heart, my adult involvement with
libraries began when my son was 18 months old and I rediscovered the joy of children’s literature.
We joined our local library so that I wouldn’t keep spending a fortune on books. He enjoyed
choosing his own books - by a different colour each week.
By the time we moved here to Werombi, we had three children. I was thrilled with my
investigation of the library in Camden, in one of the historic houses, that was convenient to the their
school. The children and I joyfully attended all the pre-schoolers' and School Holiday activities.
Later, the library moved across the road to more spacious premises, but it was still a convenient
meeting place on the days everyone had differing after-school commitments. Right until their final
year at High School, the discussions about our complex family transport arrangements usually
ended with 'well, I'll meet you at the Library'. We all knew the librarians by then, and everyone felt
safe, comfortable AND PLEASANTLY OCCUPIED until our reconnoitre.
For some years after my youngest finished High School and moved away, and I was working in
another town, I lost my former intimacy with the Camden Library. But I have recently retired, and
on enquiring about renewing my membership, I was tickled to find that I was still on their records –
and I didn't mind at all having to pay the $2 fine for a book that was returned late, sometime during
1996!
Now we have come the full circle. Again, whenever I need to wait in Camden because driving all the way home and back is impractical, I use the time to continue my 25-year long exploration of the library.
My husband and I will say to each other 'meet you in the Library' when we diverge during a trip to
Camden. I am delighted to see that he waits for me in the comfy corner chair by the window,
exactly where my children used to sit.
I hope that spot is retained after the forthcoming renovations!
NOTES ADDED AFTER THE EVENT.
This piece was broadcast on air on ABC Radio National’s ‘Country Viewpoint’ on Feb 15th 2007,
soon after the renovations were complete.
I am delighted to see that there are now several comfy
chairs in the corner by the window.
Tags
Derived from
Country Viewpoint broadcast on ABC Radio National, Feb 15th 2007
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22.07.09 — Sarah LEstrange
Hi d.
There are no deadlines. I know other projects have called in actors but I won't be doing that for Letter Vox at this stage. I prefer the author's voice certainly but only do it if you want to. I'm not putting Letter Voxes to air at the moment. It's just gathering steam at present.
Cheers,
Sarah
22.07.09 — d.
Right-oh Sarah. Won't promise full steam ahead, but I'll see what little-bitty billy I can boil up.
d.
16.07.09 — Sarah LEstrange
Hi d.
This is your space so you don't need to wait for us before putting your audio up on Pool. I'm looking forward to hearing it.
Cheers,
Sarah
Book Show
16.07.09 — d.
G'day Sarah, thanks for the encouragement. Greatly appreciated.
Yes, I know I CAN, but I am lazy (see my profile page).
So, in order to overcome the activation energy involved, I need to know (a) are there any deadlines - this may help me to actually finish it and (b) is it worthwhile anyway? Do you prefer audio? Do you prefer the 'author's voice' or is an actor 'better radio' (if it goes to radio?)
d.
15.07.09 — Lo_Fidelity
Hi d,
Great work! I get such a feel for the library, and the town.
We've featured the work on the ABC Letter Vox site, with a link back to your work.
Cheers,
Graeme.
16.07.09 — d.
Wow, this is a surprise, thanks very much People at Pool.
By the way, is there any deadline or timeline for updating stuff to Letter Vox? I have some partly-edited audio versions of a couple of my pieces, but I haven't 'got around' to finalising them yet. Do you want me to finish them, or is it better to leave it to the professionals at the ABC if my pieces are chosen for airing? d.
09.07.09 — Andrew Davies
Hi d,
Quick note to let you know I've joined the Weaklies group and am planning to check out as much of the work as I can on the wknd!!
Andrew
03.07.09 — Andrew Davies
Pleasure! Sorry to hear that you've been in a low period. Haven't had a chance yet to look at all the Weaklies. So many things to see :) Will have a longer look & get back to you.
A.
03.07.09 — d.
Thanks Andrew, you have really sparked me up in a bit of a low period. I am trying to get motivated to edit and finalise the audio versions of a couple of the text pieces already on Pool - JJ helped me with this some time ago, but I never got around to finishing the editing of them. Your words have made me think of it again.
Have you also looked at the Weaklies????? Bit of a duel going on there, maybe we need some extra entries to rejuvenate that group, too.
d.
03.07.09 — Andrew Davies
Hi d,
A quick note to say hello! I've been reading and looking at your work for quite a while. As a bit of a bookworm I've really enjoyed your Letter Vox material. Sorry for not saying hello until now :-)
Andrew, newest member of the Pool team.