PRESENTATION

Presentation Description:

In an era where information literacy and community engagement are more vital than ever, the collaboration between school, public, and state libraries offers an effective catalyst for fostering student confidence and capability. This presentation explores the dynamic partnership between Kepnock State High School, Bundaberg Regional Council Library, and the State Library of Queensland, showcasing how cross-sector collaboration can transform teaching and learning.

At Kepnock State High School, Teacher Librarian-led opportunities are embedded into curriculum design, creating authentic learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Through collaboration with the Bundaberg Regional Council Library, students engage with public library environments and digital collections to support inquiry, research and independent learning. Author and illustrator incursions further enrich this partnership, with visiting creatives working directly with students in hands-on sessions that foster storytelling, creativity, and a love of reading. These initiatives extend beyond the secondary setting, involving primary schools across the Coral Coast cluster and beyond, strengthening continuity in learning and fostering a shared culture of reading and inquiry. This collaboration builds a strong, tangible connection between schools and their public library, illustrating how strategic community partnerships expand access to resources, expertise, and opportunities that empower students across all stages of their education.

The partnership with the State Library of Queensland adds another layer of depth to student learning through programs such as Live at the Library, which connects students with cultural and literary events, and Virtual Veterans, which supports historical inquiry and civic understanding. These programs are seamlessly embedded across the curriculum, allowing students to engage with real-world perspectives and primary sources in meaningful and curriculum-aligned ways. Through these connections, students also learn to critically evaluate sources and incorporate diverse perspectives into their research, building media and information literacy skills that support both academic success and lifelong learning. Together, these integrated learning experiences highlight how collaboration with a state library can elevate learning across disciplines, shaping informed, curious, and connected students through meaningful cross-sector partnerships.

This presentation will share case studies, student feedback, and curriculum examples that showcase the impact of integrated library partnerships on student learning. Attendees will gain insights into how school, public, and state libraries can collaborate to support student development, strengthen community connections, and foster a culture of lifelong learning. The session will also provide participants with practical strategies and frameworks for initiating and sustaining similar partnerships in their own regions. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to identify potential collaborators, align library programs with curriculum goals, and build enduring relationships that support student learning and community engagement.

Ultimately, ‘It Takes a Village’ celebrates the collective power of school, public, and state libraries working together to empower the next generation of learners.