Biblio Turismo

 

 

Biblio Turismo librarian bikers drop by Bega during 13th annual tour

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  Ben Smyth

When you think of librarians you may not leap immediately to the image of a biker in leathers. However, the members of Biblio Turismo are breaking that stereotype while taking the message of the importance of public libraries on the road.

On Friday, seven librarians on their motorbikes dropped by the Bega and Tura Marrang libraries as part of their 13^th annual tour. Of the 350-odd public libraries in the state, Biblio Turismo has visited about half during their time on the road.

Team leader Alan Flores said it was initially a fun ride around the state, but has turned into a marketing exercise for public libraries.

“We’re hoping to encourage younger people to see librarians in a different light,” Mr Flores said.

“And it’s about raising the profile of country public libraries and their important place in the communities they serve.”

As an interesting aside, Mr Flores said he was the first librarian for the Bega Valley Shire, helping to set up the initial library service in 1975.  From Bega, the riders were heading up the mountain to Bombala and Dalgety.