Programs & Collections

Albany Public Library provides a range of library services including:

• Collection of 70,000 items

• Online access to library catalogue, databases and ebook/audio content

• Inter-library loans

• Youth Services

  • Storytime

  • Rhymetime

  • School holiday reading programmes

  • 'Better Beginnings' early literacy program via SLWA

• Home Library Service

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

• Computer Services

  • Free internet & Wi-Fi access

  • Photocopying and printing facilities 

  • eLiteracy Public education sessions

• Meeting rooms for hires.

• 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

• Audio Books

• Playaways

• DVDs

• Music CDs (junior collection)

• CD-roms

• Jigsaws

• Junior & Young Adult Collections

• Magazines

• Newspapers

  • Albany Advertiser

  • The Australian

  • The Countryman

  • Financial Review (Wed Issue Only)

  • Weekend Australian

  • Weekend West Australian

  • The West Australian

• eBooks

• eAudiobooks

• Digital magazines

The Library also holds specialist collections. These are available to the public for research purposes and some items may not be available for overnight loan. More information about the specialist collections can be found below.

• Albany History Collection

Albany Public Library houses the well-regarded Albany Historical Collection. Albany Historical Collection holds a documented cultural heritage of the Albany region, totalling over 50,000 items. Our aim is to collect, preserve, provide and promote access to this information and archives to the community. The AHC holds special collections like the Robert Stephens Collection and the archives of the Albany Historical Society. Material is in a range of formats such as manuscripts, newspapers, microfilms, photographs, oral histories and other audio visual material.

• 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 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

• eLiteracy Programs

• Public information sessions

• Community education sessions

• Children & Youth programs: Storytime & Rhymetime, author visits, holiday reading and activity programs, Childrens Book Week 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

• eLiteracy

The Library’s reliance on technology and 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 eLiteracy programs.