Hilltops Library Young branch was the only library in the South West Zone recognised by NSW Pubic Libraries Association for their Take 5 on Friday concerts that run weekly in the Hilltops Library Young.
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The NSW Public Libraries Association 2017/18 annual report features an innovative program devised and run by the Hilltops Library Young branch, under the title, Creating Connections.
Take 5 on Friday at the Hilltops Library Young branch are used as an example of libraries building strong connections in their communities through hosting a variety of events and programs.
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The Young branch at Hilltops libraries introduced Take 5 on Friday concerts in July 2017 to provide a different experience and attract new visitors to the library.
Between 12.30pm and 1pm each Friday, the children’s area was converted into a studio where almost 100 of the region’s talented entertainers, aged between seven and 83 years, generously donated their time to the program.
The on-going free Friday concerts was originally established by Wendy Bauer, Hilltops Tourism Officer, but it is a bunch of residents, library members and staff who make the concerts possible.
“We move as a unit, the team at the library, the Library Manager Janice, our performers and the viewers,” Wendy said.
The concerts bring in performers from all over including from Sydney, but they’re a lot of loyal performers too, including Ted Webber and Vicki Walsh who perform often at Take 5.
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“The concert provides people with a smile and a laugh. We’re a community here,” Ted said.
“Doing these social things around town raises awareness around our local talent which is an enormous amount of people.
“The friendly and supportive atmosphere here is also a good place for performers to start, especially for the younger generations. We create a very accepting atmosphere,” Ted said.
Vicki agreed, but it is the diversity of the art that really stands out to her.
“It’s a great way for the public to see different genres in which they wouldn’t normally be exposed to,” Vicki said.
“And to be able to catch up with and meet people at the same time.
“We are grateful to the library and to Wendy for providing us with these opportunities.”
Viewer from the very start, and wife of performer Ted Webber, June Webber said that the concerts are a nice way to break up your normal shopping day on her typical Fridays, to relax and to feel like a part of something.
“It’s lovely and I really enjoy coming to the concerts,” June said.
