Campaspe libraries library services co-ordinator Jenny Mustey in her happy place, nestled between the bookshelves filled with books by Australian authors.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
At Campaspe libraries, tucked between thousands of books with endless stories from unimaginable universes, hides an effortlessly well-oiled machine.
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The Campaspe libraries team spans five library branches and two depots, each with its own staff, community, regulars, most popular books and activities.
In line with the ‘Truth be Told’ theme for this year’s National Library and Information Week, running from July 27 to August 2, we went behind the scenes to meet the woman at the beating heart of Campaspe libraries.
Jenny Mustey, Campaspe’s library services co-ordinator, is a dedicated reader and a familiar, trusted face at Campaspe libraries since she first walked through the doors in 1997.
She juggles administration, budgets, staffing, programming and just about everything in between – all while trying to meet her reading goal of one book a week.
“It’s quite a big role, but it’s a great role,” she said.
“We’re very fortunate here in Campaspe.”
Starting with Campaspe after a decade as a teacher librarian, Ms Mustey has navigated massive shifts in the industry, from early technological revolutions to the changing needs of an ever-evolving community.
Yet, no matter how much the tools change, the core purpose of libraries remains steadfast.
“People always said, ‘What’s the point of libraries? You can read everything online’ – but libraries are so much more than that,” Ms Mustey said.
“Libraries have always been there taking people through change – from teaching them to set up a Hotmail account to helping them download the Service Victoria app during COVID.”
Library and Information Week runs from July 27 to August 2.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
That community support extends far beyond the physical branch doors.
Through Campaspe’s community outreach program, volunteers deliver books and DVDs directly to residents who are unable to leave their homes.
The library system also runs a social prescribing program – an initiative designed for locals who might not be looking to borrow books, but who need a helping hand connecting with vital local services and social networks.
For Ms Mustey, these extra connections represent the true value of the council's investment in libraries.
“It’s what libraries do – connecting communities,” she said.
“Maybe it’s not always borrowing a book, but if someone can come into the library and feel connected, that’s the heart of it.”
As National Library Week kicks off, Ms Mustey warmly encourages anyone who hasn’t stepped into a branch lately – or ever – to give it a try.
Community members can drop into their nearest library branch or sign up for a free membership online.
Events in Campaspe Shire for Library Week
Echuca library on Wednesday, July 29 at 2pm: authors Michael Winkler and Wayne Marshall in conversation with library services co-ordinator Jenny Mustey.
Rochester library on Thursday, July 30 at 2pm: Author talk with Warm Winter Read ambassador and writer Jo Dixon.
Echuca library on Thursday, July 30 at 6.30pm: Author talk with Benita Bensch.
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