THE Swan Hill Regional Library will smash the stereotype of quiet time when it pumps up the music tonight.
Loud@theLibrary returns from 7pm, with young local dancers, musicians and singers performing.
Library manager Camille Cullinan said the event had been the starting point for the career of several young local musicians across its 12 years.
“This is another program which has had far-reaching impact for some of the participants,” she said.
“William Dickinson and Sophie Kelly were picked up by Triple J Unearthed.
“I remember when Will first played at our very first event in July 2011. He came in as a quiet kid, with his long hair over his face, so shy and now out their performing places, his hair cut short, can see his face, chats to people and released records.
“It’s just an amazing story.”
Ms Cullinan said it was possible the library’s atmosphere made it a far safer and comfortable space for young people to perform in.
“The event is promoted as a safe space to come,” she said.
“For the quiet ones like Will, it gives them a chance to perform when they never would have.”
Dancers are also encouraged to take part in tonight’s Loud@theLibrary for the first time in the event’s history.
“People still do the “Shhhh, you’re in the library”, but that’s not correct,” Ms Cullinan said.
“You can talk in the library. Yes, there are spaces for meetings and heritage study that’s a quieter space, but the library is so much more now about being a community hub.
“Young people come into read with their families, and as they become teenagers they tend to not come into libraries, so it’s also a way for us to engage with local young people.”
All singers, musicians and dancers between the ages of 12 to 25 are welcome to perform.
Everyone is welcome to be part of the audience and entry is free.
