The Warrnambool Library will use a grant from fundraising program National Backyard Cricket to help deliver its English as Another Language (EAL) program.
Warrnambool Library was one of 54 libraries across Australia to receive a grant last year through National Backyard Cricket, a fundraising initiative established by national charity, The LBW Trust.
“The National Backyard Cricket day was an opportunity for families and communities across Australia to come together and have fun playing our iconic game after an extremely challenging 12 months, while supporting an important cause at the same time,” The LBW Trust chair David Vaux said.
“We are so thrilled we can support local libraries as we know they have a powerful impact on learning and life outcomes.”
National Backyard Cricket raises funds for education projects in libraries across Australia and overseas tertiary education.
The funds were the result of the inaugural National Backyard Cricket program held last summer with retailer Harvey Norman providing matching funds.
There were 125 games of backyard cricket played during the National Backyard Cricket campaign, with over 320 donors helping to raise more than $125,000. The events were supported by cricketing royalty including; Justin Langer, Alex Blackwell, Ryan Carters, Russel Arnold, Alyssa Healy, Ed Cowan and Michael Holding.
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Richard Ziegeler said with the aid of the grant the Library had sponsored the latest edition of a migrant settlement guide, produced by local volunteer Wei-Lin Mai, for new Warrnambool residents which would be used to support the EAL program.
The library is also offering dual language storytime readings and hosting English conversation circles.
“The $1500 grant from the LBW Trust is being put to good use by our Library which, as our city grows, is catering to a more culturally and linguistically diverse community,” Cr Ziegeler said.
The library grant-making process was managed by Friends of Libraries Australia, a national non-profit that represents the 12 million Australians who are members of their local public libraries.
Anyone interested in volunteering with the English conversation circle at the Warrnambool Library can contact the library on 5559 4990 or library@warrnambool.vic.gov.au