Gunnedah Shire Library's popular Brain Training Program has nabbed a highly commended in this year's Local Government Excellence Awards.
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The program was shortlisted a few years ago but has battled its way closer to the top this time around against libraries including Lane Cove, Cessnock and Forbes.
Brain Training is a program devised to test different skills through "a fast and fun one-hour of puzzles and activities". It was originally aimed at adults but has since been expanded to include children and Gunnedah's aged care centres.
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The COVID crisis hasn't killed Brain Training. In fact, more locals got involved in their own homes.
During lockdown, staff sent out packs so people could still participate, but the library has started running the program face-to-face again now.
Gunnedah librarian Christiane Birkett said she was "thrilled" that Brain Training had been recognised for its ability to not only keep people's minds active but also bring people together in an interactive way.
"It's something they can do at home or if they want to socialise, they can come out to the library and do it," she said.
Oaktree Retirement Village is about to take it up, and residents at McLean Care's Alkira and Lundie facilities "love it".
Some members of Brain Training have been using their time to create scrapbooks, which will be included in Arts North West's travelling exhibition, the Panorama Project. The 40 books contain everything from recipes, to drawings, origami and photos.
The library's award-winning Housebound/Shopbound program proved to be a winner during lockdown, and at its peak, Mrs Birkett said staff were delivering 80 bags of resources a week to members. They also put together 280 activity packs a week for children and youth.
"The photocopier was basically smoking," Mrs Birkett said.
- To find out more about the library's many programs, call 67402190.