Wyndham Teens Take Virtual Trip To Kentucky

Virtual travel is now an option for Wyndham tweens and teens thanks to Wyndham City Libraries.

‘Hello USA!’ is open to children aged 10 to 14 years and is an opportunity for young residents to join Library staff and travel virtually from Melbourne to Kentucky in the US.

On Saturday 8 March from 10am until 11am, library staff will facilitate a one-hour, online session with a small group of young people from Melbourne, Victoria and Nicholasville, Kentucky.

This FREE, online event will be run via Microsoft Teams and facilitated by Education and Youth Librarians from Wyndham City Libraries and Teen Librarians from the Jessamine County Public Library (Kentucky).

In an environment where travel is likely to be limited for some time, the program aims to provide young people with an opportunity to meet new people and make new connections.

All participants will receive a travel kit featuring a souvenir from Kentucky, US snacks, a 'passport' and more.

Learning City portfolio holder, Cr Jasmine Hill said the event was a fun and innovative way of engaging teenagers in travel and learning.

“Hello USA! Is a great opportunity for Wyndham teens to develop a sense of curiosity for travel and foreign cultures.”

“The library facilitated event fosters connection and supports young people to develop cross-continental friendships.”

“Developing the program has also provided the Library Education and Youth Team with a valuable opportunity to learn from our US colleagues in terms of how they manage their services, collections and programming for young people, particularly in the current COVID environment.”

“The innovativeness of the event demonstrates our libraries’ efforts to create safe and welcoming spaces during this COVID period.”

Places are limited and bookings are essential to reserve a place and your kit. To book, go to: https://hello_usa.eventbrite.com.au

To check out other great virtual programs for children and teenagers visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/libraries