News Releases

Yarra Plenty Regional Library’s Deadly Collection was launched on the 4^th August, 2023. 

“The Deadly Collection was born from co-design with our local First Nations communities, who asked for stronger visibility of their culture and stories within our library collection. 

In Aboriginal English, the word ‘Deadly’ has a similar meaning to the English words fantastic, wonderful, or awesome. Through consultation with our local Indigenous communities, this was the name chosen for Yarra Plenty Regional Library’s First Nations collection.” (source)

The collection consists of books and a toy library, ranging from board books, picture books and junior, to adult fiction and non fiction titles. 

We caught up with Coralie – one of the collections’ advocates and leaders - to chat all things Deadly!

How did this initiative come about?

Our CEO put together a co-design working group with the idea of connection with our local first nations communities - how to work with and gain feedback from these communities, but also how first nations can reconnect with their libraries. 

That’s how it began but was two years of yarning – ‘Yarning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was, and still is, a conversational process that involves the telling of stories as a way of passing on cultural knowledge. These circles provide a safe place for all to speak without judgement.’ (source)

We needed to gain trust within the community and give them the ability to yarn and provide feedback. We took our time with this because it needed it. It was a lot of deep listening, honouring, and respecting for the lived experiences, but also honouring the passion for story that is integral to indigenous communities.

Stories are everything to Indigenous communities and the most important query was:
where are OUR stories? We want them quick, easy to find and completely informed by community. For Elders, the importance was the ability of people being able to learn about first nations and what that means.

The project will never be ‘completed’ – it’s an ongoing conversation.

How many books are in the collection and what has the circulation rate been like?

The collection currently has over 3,000 items, over 20,000 loans and a 42% loan rate across the whole collection.

How has the community responded to the collection?

This is our space, our collection, our stories. Our stories keep us alive and reflect our culture, and our country. 

As librarians, we’ve also had to change our mindset and cultural awareness. We’ve made sure to follow the Community Collection Guidelines but its also necessary to we know or are willing to listen and learn to community feedback. 

Once your community is empowered to let you know their needs, they will also feel empowered to let you know what doesn’t work and what needs to be removed from the collection.

Most importantly, it’s okay to make mistakes. This is how we learn! 

How do you choose what books go into the collection?

The vast majority come from the community: 99.99%. And of course, we have the usuals, Sally Morgan, the Kwaymullinas, Adam Briggs, Bronwyn Bancroft, etc.. 
We look and follow IATSIS guidelines, as well as having relationships with local suppliers and creators, like Yarn Strong Sista and others. 
If there is ever a question about a new title or item, we will get an Elder to review whether it’s appropriate for the collection. We are in constant communication with the community. 

What are your best tips for other librarians wanting to start a collection like this?

Reach out to your community and get to know them. Go in expecting to learn. Be respectful, have an open heart and mind and be kind. You are a service to your community, and that means the entire community – how can you improve this? 

Stories are so important. It’s not just about Dewey and the facts, it’s about the place and opportunity. Know your community and your organisations. It’s a constant communication process, not a box-ticking exercise.

I’m really proud of my community. They put trust and faith in us to do the right thing, to keep listening, keep learning. They continue to be patient, to give back and put in the effort. 

Organisations to check out:

• SNAICC National Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children
• IATSIS Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
• Yarn Strong Sista Aboriginal Pedagogy, Social Justice and Self-Determination
• Community Collection Guidelines

What is your favourite book, author or genre?

At the moment, horror! Supernatural horror, in particular. 

Where was your childhood library?

Lavington Public Library in Albury NSW 
Sunshine Library in VIC – I thought I’d gone to heaven! Huge library and I still remember Miss Lily spending so much time helping me choose books.

What is the BEST thing about libraries?

They’re FREE! Anybody can use the library – no matter race, creed, background. 

And facts! I may have told off a few librarians as a child for incorrect information…

How do you organise your books at home?

Well, there are “my treasures”, these are the books that I will be buried with. 
And the rest… I go with colour. In response to this interviews’ SHOCKED expression: I have to get away from Dewey once in a while! 

What book should everyone read at least once in their lifetime?

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. There are some books in your life that give you that ‘a-ha!’ moment.