St Arnaud Library technology windfall through backyard cricket friends

Published on 16 July 2021

St Arnaud Library, part of Northern Grampians Libraries, has received a total of $3000 in funding to put towards technology thanks to the National Backyard Cricket program and the St Arnaud Friends of the Library group.

National Backyard Cricket, an inaugural fundraising event held in January this year was founded by the Australian cricket charity trust Learning for a Better World (LBW). The event raised money for Australian library education projects and tertiary education programs in developing countries.

LBW donated $1,500 from the event to the St Arnaud library; this sum was subsequently matched by a further $1500 from the St Arnaud Friends of the Library.

The library intends to apply the $3000 worth of funding to purchase Spheros, a remote controlled and programmable robotic ball. The Spheros will be available for use in St Arnaud library and should have immediate appeal to anyone in the community with an interest in learning more about robotics, technology and coding.

When the Spheros arrive, they will form part of the library’s programs such as the regular school holiday program and Device Advice. Device Advice is a program specifically targeting technology challenged residents and helps them become more confident with smartphone and tablet usage. The robotic balls will also be available to members for use within the library in conjunction with library owned iPads.

Library users will be notified of the Spheros’ arrival through social media and publicity in the library.

Mayor, Cr Murray Emerson, was delighted with the news.

“We know that the St Arnaud community loves to play sport, so it is very heartening to see a cricketing charity foster a connection to our community through education as well,” he said.

“Our cricket clubs and our library services are both community hubs and I don’t doubt these Spheros will prove very popular as an all ages and all abilities learning device.

“Thank you to the Learning for a Better World trust and the friends’ group of the St Arnaud Library. Your generosity will really amp up the fun for our St Arnaud residents’ access to technology.”    

Further information on the National Backyard Cricket program can be found at www.battingforchange.com.au website.

Information on Northern Grampians Library Services is available from customer service on 03 5358 5700 or online at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Council-Services/Library-services or www.facebook.com/nglibraries