Turning pages for generations

For generations, Barossa families have loved their library.

Established in 1959, today’s Barossa Public Library Service is no longer a place where children are seen and not heard. Nowadays, giggles are greeted with glee and imaginations are unleashed and encouraged.

The modern library is a vibrant space of discovery, learning and connection. It’s a destination for creativity, where all ages and abilities can participate in activities while sharing and discovering information.

For Charmaine Lynas, of Tanunda, the Barossa library has not only nurtured her love for books, it’s also created cherished memories and broadened the minds of her children and grandchildren.

“The expansion of the Library in the last 45 years since I’ve been here in the Barossa has been incredible,” says Charmaine, describing the changes she’s witnessed.

She lists author days, school holiday programs, the availability of the latest books and a myriad of activities she and her family have experienced since the day her mother-in-law, Maxine, first introduced her to the library.

“She visited regularly because they had large print books, and her father used to use the Tanunda Library.”

Charmaine continued the tradition by bringing her two daughters to the library. Now she delights in seeing her daughter, Julie Modistach doing the same with her two little ones, Margie, aged six and Betty, four.

Julie loves the library as much as her mum.

“We started off going to Rhyme Time, then we did STEAM Club … Margie got to dress up as a little scientist!” laughs Julie.

“Betty and I order books on the app all the time, don’t we?”

Betty is quick to answer her mum by revealing her favourite book is “Peppa Pig”. The four-year-old’s squeals of delight is evidence she delights in every trip to the library.

Julie, a Tanunda Primary School teacher, knows how valuable these shared experiences with books are.

“Reading is so important and being familiar with books,” she says.

“It’s a social thing for Betty and other kids as well, before they go to kindy and school.”

Charmaine treasures bringing her granddaughters library activities and seeing their confidence grow each visit.

“As a young person I didn’t’ live in a home with lots of books,” Charmaine says.

“So, for me it’s so important that these girls are surrounded by books all the time. It’s a great education and they learn how to communicate too.

“We are very lucky.”