Coming to WLIC in Singapore? Why not extend your trip and come ‘down under’ for the 2013 Australasian Mobile Library Network Conference to be held in Wagga Wagga on 23-25 August.

The program will be finalised by the beginning of May but already the committee can confirm that Ruth Ornholt  from  Hordaland County Library  in Norway will be a keynote speaker bringing an international perspective. Ruth will be joined by presenters and authors from Australia and New Zealand. To whet your appetite learn about a day in the life of this Australian
mobile library driver.

The largest regional city in the state of New South Wales, Wagga Wagga is also the hub of the Riverina on the banks of the magnificent Murrumbidgee River. In Wagga Wagga you’ll find stunning landscapes and unusual architecture, sassy shops and a vibrant arts scene. There are lots of accommodation options and the region is renowned for its food and wine.

Wagga Wagga is located midway between Sydney and Melbourne and just two and half hours drive from Canberra, Australia’s capital city. Wagga Wagga is also serviced by two airlines – Regional Express and QantasLink – with more than 150 flights to and from Sydney and Melbourne every week. It is also accessible by coach or train.

The name ‘Wagga’ is derived from the local Wiradjuri Aboriginal language on whose land the City of Wagga Wagga now grows.  It is widely accepted that ‘Wagga’ means ‘crow’ and to create the plural, the Wiradjuri people repeat the word. Thus Wagga Wagga translates as ‘the place of many crows’.

If you’re interested please mark the date in your calendar now. We’ll provide details of the website next month but in the interim if you’d like further information contact Robert Knight Knight.Robert@wagga.nsw.gov.au

If you need further enticement your Australian colleagues in Sydney,  Melbourne  and other cities would be delighted to showcase their libraries while you’re here.

We look forward to welcoming you in August 2013.