For Australian children the library used to be a wonderful, magical place full of adventures, books, and the ever-lingering stern-faced librarian.
But libraries are evolving, and so is the job of the librarian.
With everything from digital applications for audio and e-books to online films to rent, librarians are learning new skills and the floor they work on is evolving.
Longreach in rural Queensland has opened its new library, complete not only with plenty of books and resources but also an interactive floor.
Deputy Mayor of the Longreach Regional Council Leonie Nunn said after the town previously went without libraries, this one was there to stay after the council purchased the building and purpose fit it.
"We're very excited about this, we have our own library," she said.
"We won't be moving like we've had to move the last few times the library got resurrected — it's here to stay."
The library offers all the usual books, but also a zoom room where locals can use technology for video conferencing.
"The big one is the interactive floor to encourage mobility — children can jump on it, run on it, stand it, and interact with animated displays," Ms Nunn said.
"So that is a very exciting feature."
Community courses
In Mount Isa, in Queensland's regional north west, the local city council's librarian Lois Huston said two decades after beginning her career, she never imagined how much technology would become part of her job.
The library hosts a range of workshops: from money management to conversational English, and is also one of few council-owned libraries to run a toy library.
Book and film clubs, storytelling classes, and baby rhyme-time are also on the program, which Ms Huston said kept staff busy and the public engaged with the library.
"Toy library is a major part of our business here in Mount Isa, we're one of the few public libraries that actually have a toy library," she said.
"In our toy library we have more than 1,000 items that we lend out, anything from jigsaw puzzles and educational toys for babies right through the ride-on toys.
"Play-based learning is definitely coming to the fore as a good way for children from ages one to three to learn."
The next generation of librarians
When Julia House got her job at the North West Hospital and Health Service's medical library, called the Yacca Library, it was recommended she take a course in Latin to help better understand medical terms.
As the Yacca is next door to the hospital, Ms House is well-placed to help local doctors and nurses with their research.
Around Australia there are between 350 and 400 health libraries, which are set up to assist medical professionals and medical students doing research for their degrees.
Despite having no medical background, Ms House said she was enjoying the challenge of working in the medical field.
She said the decision to become a librarian came after she finished an education degree and realised she enjoyed research more than teaching.
"Essentially we support people to find the best possible evidence and research and literature and be able to evaluate that research to support their practice," she said.
"Having worked previously in an academic library, this library does fall under that category somewhat so it's a nice fit."
