Libraries across Far North Queensland will share in an investment of more than $79,000 from the Palaszczuk Government to help implement digital technology programs.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the funding would help to take robotics, coding, virtual reality and other leading-edge technologies to remote communities.
“This funding is part being delivered through the State Library of Queensland’s $450,000 Public Library Strategic Priorities Grant program, and will support exciting innovations in libraries across the Cook, Cassowary Coast, Douglas and Tablelands regions,” Ms Lui said.
“Public libraries have always been great community resources and by making the latest technologies available to users they can now provide a new range of learning opportunities to people of all ages.
“I am very proud that the Palaszczuk Government is supporting learning and literacy opportunities for communities across the far north.
“People in a variety of locations will have access to new digital and virtual reality experiences and that is something to be celebrated in our region.”
The Palaszczuk Government, through the State Library of Queensland, provided $24.36 million to public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres last financial year.
Four councils in the far north will receive grants through the State Library of Queensland Strategic Priorities program.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council will receive $30,000 for a custom-built vehicle that will serve communities such as Kurrimine Beach, Kennedy, Hull Heads and East Palmerston where there are no public libraries available.
The vehicle transforms into a multi-dimensional space that incorporates library collections, access for wheelchairs and prams, air conditioning, internet computers and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Cook Shire Council will receive $10,350 to fund a creative community space at Cooktown Library where groups can participate in robotics, coding and digital learning.
The space will be the new centrepiece of the library and will encourage users to tinker and be creative with the technology.
Douglas Shire Council will receive $29,500 for a multi-touch hub in Mossman where visitors will have access to virtual reality goggles and the opportunity to improve literacy through technology and enquiry-based learning.
Tablelands Regional Council will receive $9,200 for its Tombstones to Tutorials project which will create a web presentation of historical information gathered through research, photographs and burial records from the Atherton Pioneer Cemetery.
Residents will be gain fast access to virtual content at the library’s local history space.
The full list of 2018-19 Public Library Strategic Priorities Grant recipients can be found on the SLQ website.
Media Contact: Cook Electorate Office 4223 1100
