The LBW Trust (Learning for a Better World) believes education is the pathway to a better future.

At The LBW Trust, we believe that education and creativity are the heartbeats of thriving communities. That’s why we were proud to partner with Friends of Libraries Australia (FOLA) to provide a $1,500 grant to Queanbeyan-Palerang Libraries.

This funding brought Braidwood Library’s 2024 funding request to life, making a unique puppetry workshop possible and offering local children a rare and magical opportunity to engage with storytelling in a hands-on, imaginative way.

Libraries are the Heart of Rural Communities

For many in small towns like Braidwood, the library isn’t just a place to borrow books—it’s their “third place.” A “third place” is a social hub outside of home (the “first place”) and work (the “second place”) where people gather, learn and connect.

In rural areas, libraries play an essential role in fostering social inclusion, lifelong learning, and creative exploration. However, cost barriers often make it difficult to attract facilitators for workshops, limiting opportunities for local children. That’s where this 2024 funding request came in—ensuring that young minds in Braidwood had access to an enriching, community-building experience.

A Celebration of Creativity and Connection

Led by professional puppeteer Marianne Mettes from PuppetOodle, the Braidwood Library event was a joyful celebration of storytelling, laughter, and hands-on creativity. The workshop provided 30 children and their families with:

  • A dynamic puppet show – A lively performance full of humour and wonder, engaging audiences of all ages.
  • Behind-the-scenes learning – Kids got an exclusive look at how puppets are brought to life, sparking their imaginations and inspiring creativity.
  • Take-home puppet kits – Each child received a sock puppet kit, ensuring the fun and creativity continued long after the event.

 

Library staff also gained valuable knowledge, learning how to incorporate puppetry into future programming—ensuring the impact of this event will extend for years to come.

Fostering Inclusion and Community Spirit

Beyond the fun and creativity, this workshop created a meaningful space for social inclusion. It brought together regular library visitors and first-time attendees in a welcoming, relaxed environment—helping to strengthen community bonds.

A Lasting Impact: What the Community Had to Say

The event was attended by 27 children and 16 adults, receiving glowing feedback:

  • A mother and daughter were so inspired by the workshop that they returned the following week to proudly share their completed sock puppets.
  • A nanny shared that the tactile, interactive elements of the workshop were perfect for the young girl she cares for, who is on the autism spectrum. She stayed engaged and calm throughout—a milestone moment.
  • Many attendees described the event as “fun,” “creative,” and “inclusive.”

Supporting Communities Through Learning and Creativity

This initiative reflects The LBW Trust’s commitment to supporting communities through education, creativity, and connection. By investing in projects like this, we ensure that libraries in rural areas continue to be spaces where stories come to life, imagination is nurtured, and communities grow stronger.

With your support, we can continue funding projects that make a lasting difference.

Join us in strengthening communities: championing education, creativity and connection—one story at a time.

Get Involved in Levelling the Playing Field in Education

Donate now to level the playing field in education.

Thank you, 

The LBW Trust

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *