Programs & Collections

Albany Public Library provides a range of library services including:

• Collection of 45,000 items

• Online access to the library catalogue

• eResources including eBooks, eAudio, and eMagazines

• Purchase Requests

• Youth Services

• Home Library Service

• Library events (both library-run and library-hosted community events)

• Computer Services

  • Free internet & Wi-Fi access

  • Photocopying and printing facilities 

  • Digital Skills Library

• Meeting rooms for hire

• Display space for community groups

Collections

Albany Public Library Collection Development Policy

The policy provides a framework for the selection, maintenance, weeding and evaluation of the Albany Public Library’s collection. This Collection Development Policy ensures the Albany Public Library’s collection remains vibrant, informative, current, inclusive and sustainable.

There are more than books on offer at Albany Public Library. Material held includes:

• Books

• Large Print books

• Audiobooks

• Playaways

• DVDs

• Music CDs (junior collection)

• Video Games (junior collection)

• Jigsaws

• Junior & Young Adult Collections

• Library of Things: Energy Audit Kits, Digital Devices, Seed Library, Thermal Imaging Camera, Gold Resources Kit 

• Magazines

• Newspapers

  • Albany Advertiser

  • Albany Extra

  • The Australian

  • The Saturday Paper

  • Weekend Australian

  • Weekend West Australian

  • The West Australian

• History Great Southern – Kaartdijin Biddi Albany

• Books on Prescription

• Community Languages Collection

• Language Learning collection – physical and digital

Programs

The Library’s active and engaging program events program is an integral element of our overall service offering. Part of being a community hub involves a strong connection with a range of service providers and networks, as well as performing a public education role. They are a combination of standing regular programming around reading, literacy and promotion of library resources & services and one-off events.

Library Programs & Events include:

• Author talks

• Book promotions & launches

• Digital skills and technology sessions

• Public information sessions

• Community education sessions

• Children & Youth programs

The vast majority of these are delivered by individuals and organisations that give their time free of charge. Connecting authors and service providers with a wider potential audience is vital to a healthy, vibrant community. As with most library services, these are delivered free of charge. Free and open access to all is the fundamental cornerstone of Library service provision.

For more information about Library programs, see below:

• Book Chat 

• Youth Services

• Digital Skills and Technology

The Library’s reliance on technology and a varied range of specialist software and hardware requirements is fundamental to its operation. This reliance is only going to increase in the near future and beyond. Related is the growth of the Library’s role as a community technology hub. APL must play a leading role in the community in this space: offering free internet access; computing skills assistance and education; comprehensive online service provision; enhanced content services via APL website, blogs, social media and general online community engagement. This philosophy guides our digital skills and technology programs.