80 Rickard Rd
Monologue written and performed by Jack Miller
Browse the tour
Route A
1) Pho Minh Temple | 2) Marion Street | 3) Bankstown Gospel Hall | 4) Bankstown Library | 5) Bankstown Library | 6) Paul Keating Park |
Route B
7) Bankstown Arts Centre – RS1 | 8) Amitabha Buddhist Association | 9) Bankstown Train Station | 10) My Dads Work | 11) Bankstown Centro | | 12) Bankstown Arts Centre – Gallery
| Hear from our partners
Transcript
Bankstown Library…. The Journey by Jack Miller
As I get off the station platform, I start walking my way, passing through buildings with
massive apartments. I smell the different foods being made, the smell of pizza and boba tea
filling up my nose with happiness.
SFX: busy park
As I cross the road from Miami pizza, I see the beautiful greenery of Paul Keating Park, the big field full of kids throwing a football and running around, people having their conversations as they pass the beautiful green trees, with the leaves falling gracefully like a bird feather. Then, as I look up I see a huge building, the different angles and shapes of the glistening glass windows reflecting the sunlight.
Music: gentle piano
As I look up to the glass, I see the reflection of a woman trying to reach out to me, wanting me to take her hand, I reach out, her hand feeling extremely warm, I see her face, beautiful like shining diamonds, cuddling me with happiness and curiosity for what decision I make inside this big place. Bankstown Library, not only books, but filled with many other opportunities to connect with the community such as Dungeons and Dragons clubs, computer training, book clubs, language clubs and so much more.
The Library by its essential nature is heart-warming as it may seem dominating and vast at
first, but that’s just judging a book by its cover. It really wants to welcome you into her warm
embrace, which she tries to give you a load of happiness and enjoyment, but she watches
you curiously, waiting to see what type of book you choose, wanting to keep her spark of
light burning bright. She was always gracefully smiling whenever she saw a smiling face on
a person finding a good book to read, leading them into different worlds and adventures
along the way. When I look, I see her smiling, I smile back as she fills my heart with such
warmth and comfort as I find the perfect book, leading me to my next destination.
When I go into the library, I always feel safe there, its warmth embraces me and makes me
want to stay. Outside the hustle and bustle and people moving around can be so
overwhelming, but as I step into the library I instantly feel at peace.
[music stops]
The quietness, stillness,serenity, my breath slows and I feel at peace.
[long pause]
How I love going through the different shelves, just going slowly meandering along, wandering my hands on the book covers, some feeling rough, some feeling soft, as my fingers scan for the perfect book to read [SFX: pages turning], i sometimes hear the pages of a book turning, some sound crispy like bread crunching, but some sound like nothing, just the soothing silence which takes you away as you read the printed word. I connect with the knowledge of all books, the librarian, asking what should I read?
Sometimes I ask the librarians for recommendations for what book to read, listening to their
suggestions and enthusiasm for their own choices inspires me to join them in this fantasy
land that the book has taken them to. It doesn’t matter who you are, the Librarian is like a
book of all books, with endless amounts of information to share. She will walk with you,
leading you down the aisles to find the perfect read, tucked away on the shelf, just waiting
for you to pick it up. The library is a place for anyone to come, young and old it does not
discriminate on age. Although the stereotypical teenager prefer going somewhere else like
Bankstown Centro to shop, i prefer going to Bankstown Library – the calmness the quietness
the stillness is so comforting.
[Piano music returns]
Whenever i go looking for a book, i look for one with bright colours, the ones with the thick
spines, the ones with the words that make me want to know more, the ones that appeals to
my eye. The cover draws me in, and I imagine I am going on an adventure. Going through different life obstacles like going through school, assessment tasks due, just getting through
life, until I find a door that takes me into a book paradise, and there is always someone there
helping me choose the perfect one. Sometimes I like to reach out and let my mind take me to
the next destination. But books are not just a solitary experience, I want to share these
adventures, the treasures I have found, with other people too, especially with the people i
love, my best friend, my family and everyone that supports me with love.
As I leave the library I feel it trying to reach me back, I want to fall into the grab, but I have a
life to experience and want to enjoy what there is to offer, I enjoy every time I go there, it
always brings happiness to my heart and I hate having to leave as I just want to stay in a
comfy chair, with towers of books surrounding me. Next time it may not be just me visiting
but it will be an experience sharing what I know inside this amazing place with so many other
people, discovering what they find inside this magical place, seeing what adventures and
excitement they go through.
Bankstown Library, a place where magic is possible, a place where adventures and unknown destinations are found and explored.
