Libraries have always had an important role to play in local communities.

Whilst traditionally they have been places to borrow books and find quiet places to study, these days they have so much more to offer, particularly here in Bankstown.

I recently launched Council’s all new virtual library, which gives residents unprecedented 24/7 access to information and services including Ebooks, book reservations, an RSS Feed, email and a facility allowing users to search across the entire library network.

In all our libraries you will find, in both hard copy and online, a huge variety of books, magazines, newspapers, CDs and DVDs in English as well as Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese.

Residents hoping to improve their English language skills have access to educational materials and services such as books, CD’s and online help.

And for those of us with kids, we provide a great range of children's services including story times and craft activities and a reading club that runs over the summer holidays.

Other library services include free computers and WiFi, homework help for school kids including workshops for parents and kids, faxing, printing and photocopying and assistance for older, housebound or disabled people who have difficulty coming into our libraries.

Bankstown City Council runs five libraries: Bankstown, Greenacre, Chester Hill, Padstow and Panania.

I urge residents to take full advantage of all that Bankstown’s libraries have to offer