07 Mar 2018 Seymour Telegraph, Seymour VIC (General News) An outdoor sensory area, which will allow for creative programs to be run for people of all ages and abilities, was opened at Seymour Library last week. The upgrade was funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Plannings Living Libraries Infrastructure Program ($100 000) and Mitchell Shire Council ($33 334). Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson said a dedicated wet area for painting and craft activities, garden area and access to the librarys Wi-Fi had turned a disused outdoor area into a vibrant learning hub. This new space is bright, fun and will provide greater opportunities for people to collectively explore and develop interests, get creative, share experiences and learn new skills, Cr Sanderson said. It will also promote childhood development and social connectedness. The library is a safe and inclusive space that welcomes all members of our diverse community and the outdoor space will hopefully bring even more people in to visit and explore the fantastic range of services on offer. Cr Sanderson thanked the Victorian Government and Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, for their investment in the Seymour community. This project is an excellent example of how we can all work together to deliver fantastic outcomes for our communities of today and for our communities of the future, Cr Sanderson said. Ms Symes said the outdoor sensory area will provide greater opportunities for residents to collectively explore and develop interests, share experiences and learn new skills by fostering local ownership through new community programs such as gardening and sustainability activities. This project is Stage 2 of the Recreating Community Learning in Seymour Project and has transformed a disused outdoor area into a visual and sensory outdoor extension of the library, Ms Symes said. The Seymour Library is a vital community asset and this outdoor sensory area will give local families more reason to enjoy the facilities. Modern facilities like this one will encourage even more community members to take advantage of their wonderful new local library services. Libraries today are about so much more than just books, they provide access to technology like computers and the internet; they are magical places for childrens story time, meeting points for book clubs, and offer a wide range of community and childrens literary events. For more information of Councils library services, visit www.libraries.mitchell shire.vic.gov.au, phone 5734 6200 or drop into Seymours Customer and Library Service Centre. Caption Text: Officiating: Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson (left) and Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes (right) opened an outdoor sensory area at Seymour Library last week.Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.