「無價」：更多居民加入圖書館以節省硬幣

隨著居民繼續感受到生活成本上漲的壓力，吉朗越來越多的年輕人開始利用當地的圖書館來省下一些錢。

Geelong residents are flocking to their local libraries to save money amid the rising cost of living, with youth memberships surging by 20 per cent.

在生活成本不斷上漲的情況下，吉隆居民紛紛湧向當地圖書館省錢，其中青年會員數量激增了 20%。

Young people are taking advantage of free Wi-Fi, computers, printing and scanning services, as well as borrowing books, movies and music for free.

年輕人正在利用免費的無線網路、電腦、列印和掃描服務，以及免費借閱書籍、電影和音樂。

“Libraries are an invaluable community asset, especially during these tough economic times,” Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said.

「圖書館是無價的社區資產，尤其是在經濟困難時期，」吉朗市長彼得·穆里希 (Peter Murrihy) 說。

“They provide a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages to learn, connect and be entertained, without having to spend a cent.”

“它們為各個年齡段的人們提供了一個安全、溫馨的空間來學習、聯繫和娛樂，而無需花費一分錢。”

The Geelong Advertiser revealed earlier this year that cost of living pressures were driving a surge in library memberships across Victoria.

《吉朗廣告商》今年稍早透露，生活成本壓力導致維多利亞圖書館會員人數激增。

Geelong libraries experienced a 10 per cent increase in memberships last year, with youth memberships surging by 20 per cent.

去年，吉朗圖書館的會員數量增加了 10%，其中青年會員數量激增 20%。

The average household spends about $1000 a year on entertainment, including streaming services, movies, music and books.

平均家庭每年在娛樂上花費約 1000 美元，包括串流媒體服務、電影、音樂和書籍。

But by joining their local library, residents can access all of these services for free.

但透過加入當地圖書館，居民可以免費獲得所有這些服務。

“Libraries are more than just a place to borrow books,” Cr Murrihy said.

「圖書館不僅僅是藉書的地方，」穆里希市長說。

“They offer a wide range of programs and services, including digital literacy classes, homework clubs and author talks.

「他們提供廣泛的課程和服務，包括數位素養課程、作業俱樂部和作家講座。

“There’s something for everyone at the library, and it’s all completely free.”

“圖書館裡有適合每個人的東西，而且都是完全免費的。”