Ten ‘books’ (in the form of Macleay Valley residents) were available for the public to ‘borrow’, each with its own story to tell about events and experiences that have helped to shape the community here.

The scheme, co-ordinated by Shire librarian Gabi Brie, came about after she received two letters from library members, who had seen a similar project on television.

“I had no intention of doing anything like this,” Gabi said.

“But when I received two requests from librarygoers asking for a service like this, I felt I had to try to organise it.”

A committee, including members of the public with ‘wide networks’, was formed to make the dream of oral books a reality.

Would-be volunteers came forward in numbers to offer their services.

“It was a fantastic response,” Gabi said at the launch.

“And we decided that as we were going to launch this in History Week, we would focus today’s event on some of the people whose stories recall older eras.”

Janet Kesby - who has written a local history book - was one of the Living Books available on Wednesday, as was Bob Mumbler - a leading figure in the indigenous community, who helped set up the Durri Medical Service.

“As a Living Book, I am focusing on the social history of the Upper Macleay,” Janet said.

“I’m expecting questions from my readers and will be happy to share what I know about that area following their lead.”

“My story deals with the Shire and the indigenous nation, which reaches into other shires,” Bob said.

“I got involved in Living Books to help promote and inform understanding, particularly in indigenous issues, from past eras to the modern day, so we can have a sense of what the community is today.”

Mayor Betty Green said: “I’m happy to be patron of such a cultural activity.

“It’s a return to the past, in the sense that much of our indigenous and indeed non-indigenous history was passed down orally.

“Today’s event is not only a tribute to some of our older people, but a reminder to our younger generations that life wasn’t always as it is nowadays.”