Fabulous is the only word that describes the NAIDOC Week celebration at Lithgow Library on Wednesday 5 July with one of the biggest Storytime events held at the Library in some time.
Around 80 people aged from babies to grandparents enjoyed the NAIDOC Week Storytime presented by local indigenous group Barrinang. Lithgow Beehive members also attended to see their amazing, felted magpies on display. These were made to be part of the NAIDOC Week celebration and will be on display in the library during the remainder of this week.
The event included two dances by the young Barrinang women to cleanse the space, followed by a Welcome to Country by Brett Groves, with everyone encouraged to recognise their elders, which is the theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week. This was followed by Hayden in his first public didgeridoo playing, and then a wonderful traditional magpie story read by Karen Brown, a magpie craft and a magnificent morning tea organised by Aunty Judith Harding and other Barrinang members. Everyone, particularly the younger children present enjoyed the event.
Lithgow Library would like to thank Barrinang, particularly Aunty Judith Harding for bringing this event to the Library, and their willingness to share culture with the community. This event highlights that libraries are more than books and are true community spaces where everyone is welcome. It was a wonderful way to celebrate together, show respect and share country.
