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Home News Local News

Celebrating a decade of memories

18 April 2025
in Local News
Past and present members of the Friends of Library, Lakes Entrance (FOLLE) group gathered last Tuesday at the library to celebrate the group's 10th birthday. Since its inception in 2015, the group has campaigned for the library to retain its opening hours and added its own touches to the library to make it a welcoming space for everyone.

Past and present members of the Friends of Library, Lakes Entrance (FOLLE) group gathered last Tuesday at the library to celebrate the group's 10th birthday. Since its inception in 2015, the group has campaigned for the library to retain its opening hours and added its own touches to the library to make it a welcoming space for everyone.

Friends of Library, Lakes Entrance (FOLLE) celebrated their 10th anniversary with an afternoon tea at the library last Tuesday.

It was pleasing to see former members and past presidents Joy Severs and Julia Ditterich who have given so much of their time over the years.

East Gippsland Shire councillors, Cr Arthur Allen and Cr Ian Trevaskis were in attendance, while deputy mayor Cr Sonia Buckley sent her apologies.

On the day the group had the opportunity to meet new manager customer experience Patrick McNamara and Linda and Daisy.

Susan Dowey, former head librarian, initiated the idea of FOLLE in 2015, and since its inception her support and that of her staff has been immeasurable.

All who have become members of FOLLE joined because of a love of books and reading and are particularly aware of the importance of libraries in a community.

“I helped set up the group originally after a suggestion from a local customer who was retiring and looking for something to do,” Ms Dowey said.

“I just appreciated all the time and effort the group spent to help us purchase furniture etc for the library.

“It makes the library a special place to visit.

“Best wishes for the next 10 years plus.”

Over the past 10 years, FOLLE has bought many items to add to the library including a coffee and tea cart for patrons, a children’s moveable bookcase was built by the local Men’s Shed, colourful bean bags for the youngsters made by the local community sewing group, lounge chairs and a Nintendo switch.

Andrew Gowland, the original treasurer since inception, stated, “I thought it was a good idea as family were involved in Friends of the Zoo and other libraries had them.

“Supporting the fight for library hours and involved in book sales were my proudest moments.

“I’m no longer an active member due to moving away from Lakes, but I still get updates on how my friends are going.”

FOLLE president Cosette Murphy has been a member since 2022.

She decided to become a member in response to the community consultation survey regarding the library’s operational hours.

“I could not see how a such important service to our community is going to be effective by cutting its hours of operation, so I became a member and started campaigning to Keep Our Libraries Open in Lakes, Orbost and Paynesville,” Ms Murphy said.

“It took us two years, but we managed to keep the operational hours five days a week.

“In 2024 as our president Julia Ditterich was leaving, I took over the role. Some of my memorable moments are working with the amazing team of volunteers during Keep Our Libraries Open campaign.

“Attending the council meeting on April 9, 2024 and listening to Simon Lynch aged 10, our youngest ambassador, saying ‘On behalf of our community, I ask that we keep libraries as they are or expand their services because they are essential places for all’, was absolutely brilliant.”

Fenella Ashman joined because she loves books and reading, and hoped the group could add to the library.

“I joined in 2015 and was impressed with the idea of being part of Friends of the Library as so many libraries around the country were low in membership,” Ms Ashman said.

“I became a member because we needed to increase the numbers of the group so we could contribute our services to the library and to encourage more people to join.

“Being part of Keeping our Libraries Open campaign was the most memorable moment, it was a pivotal moment for members and the community knowing that the library hours would not be changed,” she said.

Former president Julia Ditterich also shared her memories of her time with FOLLE.

“I joined FOLLE soon after it had been formed in 2018, when Joy Severs was at the helm. She had plenty of ideas and her local knowledge, as a longtime resident, gave our small group an insight into what and how we would promote the library, and a love of reading,” she said.

“I love painting and at that time, as a newcomer, was entranced by the Entrance in all its moods, as a unique marker of the town, its history, its natural beauty, and its role in the fishing and tourist industry.

“I was determined to paint it, and as we began to think of ways to raise money for the library, I asked if the painting could be used in any way to help.

“Cards and bookmarks, printed locally, gave us a chance to promote FOLLE and the library, and were sold within it. Andrew Gowland helped with the design, and few can still be found for sale.

“How things have changed, even within this decade.

“We sold second-hand books, bought furniture and so many other things for the library. The staff continue to provide such a high standard of service, they manage multiple jobs, always provide friendly and expert service, and are leaders in using and mentoring patrons with new technologies.

“FOLLE is a dynamic and inclusive group, meeting once a month in the library, come and join us,” Julia said.

FOLLE treasurer Leigh Barnetby has been a member for nine years.

“I have always been an avid reader and was very happy to join a group that supports our local library and wider community,” Mr Barnetby said.

“It is wonderful to walk into the library and see people using and enjoying all the little extras FOLLE have been able to provide including lounge chairs, beanbags, refreshments trolley, video games and children’s competition.

“I am always amazed at the breadth of opportunities the Lakes library and staff offer in such a small space. I challenge everyone to take a walk around the library and look at all it offers.

“It is so much more than just a place to borrow a book and most of it is free.”

Secretary Rosanne Trevaskis decided to become a member to ensure the library hours were not reduced.

“I found out about FoLLE and asked if they’d like me to take minutes and they immediately accepted because they needed someone to do that job. It was good timing, and I am still the secretary of this group today, even if I live in Orbost,” Ms Trevaskis said.

Sue Spicer has been a member of FOLLE for about five years and joined because of her love for books and reading.

“This would be one of my favourite past times and I enjoy the company and the enthusiasm of all the members,” Ms Spicer said.

“We like to thank to all who attended the 10 year celebrations and made the afternoon so special,” Ms Murphy said.

At the close of the day, Jenny Frankel McCarthy addressed to the library staff.

“Lakes Entrance is very privilege to have the team we have at our library,” she said.

“There are times we unintentionally take for granted how wonderful the smiling ladies are.

“You are all special people and many thanks for the smiles, helpfulness and caring ear. You make my day every time I go through those doors, you rock ladies.”

Friends of Library Lakes Entrance (FOLLE) celebrated its 10th birthday at the library last Tuesday, with former and past members joining in the festivities. PICTURED: Back: East Gippsland Shire Council’s Bairnsdale customer service Jonathon Hall, Cr Arthur Allen, Cr Ian Trevaskis, manager customer experience Patrick McNamara. Front: Team leader Bairnsdale and Paynesville Doxie Watts, president FOLLE Cosette Murphy, customer experience coordinator Lynda Arnold and team leader Lakes Entrance Delia Warne.
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