Term 2 2016 - AGM and Building a Reader-friendly Library PD

On Saturday 2nd July a group of keen school librarians met in Palmerston North to attend Central region’s annual general meeting and spend some time looking at reader-centred libraries.

Sandi kicked off proceedings by chairing the AGM. It was great to hear of the successes and professional development opportunities that have been available within our region over the last 12 months. Updates from the National Executive were also given, as we are lucky to have two committee members on the executive - Sandi as our regional representative and Miriam as Immediate Past President.

After a bountiful morning tea (we are famous for over catering), Steph E, ably assisted by Miriam, led us through an overview of Rachel van Riel’s work on “reader-friendly library services”. The basic premise of which is to put readers at the centre of decision making and processes. The presentation led to some great discussions about what we are doing, and what we can do, to remember our readers in these times of growing technology use and changing educational landscapes. If you are a member of SLANZA’s Google+ community you can access this session’s slideshow in the professional development section.

Central committee was delighted with the turnout for the day, and were especially pleased that we had people travel from all over our large catchment area (including Masterton, Wanganui, New Plymouth and Napier). Thank you to all those that came, those that continued to entertain us over a delicious lunch, and to Miriam, for hosting us in your wonderful space again.  As an added bonus participants left with overflowing goodie bags that included books, bookmarks, posters and other treats.

If you wish to contact committee members for any reason, including suggestions for future PD events, please find our contact details below.

Central region committee:
Sandi Faulconbridge (Chairperson): Taradale Primary School, Napier
Karen Carswell (Secretary): Woodford House, Havelock North
Steph Ellis: Napier Boys’ High School, Napier
Maree Paterson: Reignier Catholic School, Napier

Judine Knowles (Treasurer): Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School, Palmerston North
Miriam Tuohy: Palmerston North Girls’ High School, Palmerston North
Sasha Eastwood-Bennitt: Manchester Street School, Feilding

Stephanie Gibbons: New Plymouth Boys’ High School, New Plymouth

The AGM is underway in the PNGHS lovely newly renovated library

The new office, upstairs meeting rooms, issues desk and mobile shelving

Personalised overflowing goodie bags for participants hiding in one of the fantastic semi-glassed quiet areas in Miriam’s library

Steph & Miriam presenting the ‘Building a Reader-friendly Library’ part of our PD day

A casual end to the AGM/PD day around the lunch table with friends old and new.  A chance for New Plymouth, Napier, Masterton, Wanganui & Palmerston North folks to catch up - not an easy task in our great big region.