Hume council’s global learning centre initiative will be the centre of attention during national Library and Information Week this week.
The initiative kicked off in 1999 when the council asked Broadmeadows MP and former journalist Frank McGuire to be the founding chairman of its Safe City Taskforce. It has since become a model for community connectedness nationally and internationally.
Global learning centres offer a village-level model for building smarter, healthier, better connected communities, driven by positive actions to boost social inclusion. The model co-ordinates the three tiers of government, business, the philanthropic and community sectors and academic institutions.
McGuire’s philosophy was: “If in the past it has taken a village to raise a child, in the 21st century each child must be globally connected.”
He established an independent entity to roll out his learning model nationally and internationally through the non-profit Global Learning Village Foundation while maintaining Hume as the model’s flagship.
“Global education promotes positive values and assists students to take responsibility for their actions and to see themselves as global citizens who can contribute to a more peaceful, just and sustainable world,” McGuire said.
“The Global Learning Village is a think-and-do tank.
“It challenges the silo mentality, turf wars, institutional ego and bureaucratic inertia that strangle co-ordination and innovation.
“It will report on the best ideas from around the world seeking the wisdom of crowds, governments, business, the community, philanthropic sector, the academy, mavericks, iconoclasts and free thinkers.”
Mayor Casey Nunn said Hume’s libraries offer much more than just books – they are spaces for education, creativity and discovery.
“Council is committed to investing in community learning and our city is home to two Hume global learning centres, five library branches, a mobile library and home library service,” Cr Nunn said.
“Libraries are a vital council service. They play an important role in inspiring creativity and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.”
Hume libraries offer diverse free community programs, including bilingual storytimes, digital and technology programs, employment and language support groups.
As well as books, talking books and magazines, Hume libraries have newspapers in 12 languages, eBooks, eAudiobooks, free Wi-Fi, computer access and spaces to study.
“Annually our libraries receive more than 527,000 library visits with more than 992,000 items borrowed,” Cr Nunn said.
Details: www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au
