Support from LIANZA
Sue McKerracher, ALIA has replied to say there are no reports of public libraries being lost but there are schools impacted. We will stay in touch over the months to come. ALIA have shared LIANZA's interest and concern with their public library network.
Wildlife Support
New Zealand libraries have the opportunity to assist efforts to care for injured Australian wildlife by acting as venues for the many sewing/crochet/knitting bees being arranged by people around New Zealand who making bat wraps, kangaroo pouches and other items requested by wildlife carers in Australia.
EDIT - DUE TO A HUGE RESPONSE THIS PROJECT IS ON HOLD
One of the suggestions from Australia is that if people wish to keep crafting while they assess the current situation, that crafters can make toys in the shape of any Australian animal and hold an event, a coffee morning, fete etc and sell them off. Charities where the money can be donated will be listed in the next update.
EDIT - DUE TO A HUGE RESPONSE THIS PROJECT IS ON HOLD
One of the suggestions from Australia is that if people wish to keep crafting while they assess the current situation, that crafters can make toys in the shape of any Australian animal and hold an event, a coffee morning, fete etc and sell them off. Charities where the money can be donated will be listed in the next update.
Other ways to help
- Read this list published in the NZ Herald on the Australian bushfires: Ten ways Kiwis can help.
- ALIA New Grads have tweeted a list of books from Yarra Yarra Plenty Libraries who have curated a list of books that may help young people with fears & anxieties around the bushfire crisis in Australia - books on understanding fires, other difficult situations & how to deal with their feelings:
Books about dealing with disaster for children - Yarra Plenty Regional Library - If your children, or children in your library, are worried about the orange skies in New Zealand caused by the Australian bush fires then Dr Michelle Dickinson has made a video to show you how to explain the science to them really simply at home. This may of use to librarians out there with curious children and teenagers!