“无价”：更多居民加入图书馆以节省硬币

随着居民继续感受到生活成本上涨的压力，吉朗越来越多的年轻人开始利用当地的图书馆来节省一些钱。

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.

在生活成本不断上涨的情况下，吉朗居民纷纷涌向当地图书馆以省钱，其中青年会员数量猛增了 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.

年轻人正在利用免费的无线网络、电脑、打印和扫描服务，以及免费借阅书籍、电影和音乐。

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

“图书馆是无价的社区资产，尤其是在经济困难时期，”吉朗市长彼得·穆里希 (Peter Murrihy) 说。

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

“它们为各个年龄段的人们提供了一个安全、温馨的空间来学习、联系和娱乐，而无需花费一分钱。”

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

《吉朗广告商》今年早些时候透露，生活成本压力导致维多利亚州图书馆会员数量激增。

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

去年，吉朗图书馆的会员数量增加了 10%，其中青年会员数量激增 20%。

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

平均家庭每年在娱乐上花费约 1000 美元，包括流媒体服务、电影、音乐和书籍。

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

但通过加入当地图书馆，居民可以免费获得所有这些服务。

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

“图书馆不仅仅是借书的地方，”穆里希市长说。

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

“他们提供广泛的项目和服务，包括数字素养课程、作业俱乐部和作家讲座。

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

“图书馆里有适合每个人的东西，而且都是完全免费的。”