The Telegraph reported on October 8 that as the HSC approached, study rooms in libraries across Sydney were filled with teenagers who were immersed in hard work.
To help relieve stress for these test preparers, the library has offered services such as free massages, pizza, puppy interactions, and "unicorn magic."
In South Sydney, Sutherland and Cronulla libraries have set up 'refreshment stations' that provide daily fruit, candy and pizza to hundreds of HSC candidates, as well as twice-weekly therapy dog visits, free 10-minute massages and friendship bracelet making classes.
Lulu Campbell, a local masseur, has been providing neck and shoulder massages to students since 2019 as part of the HSC Boost.
She said that at the beginning of each event, the nine massage vouchers were always snatched up.
Lulu Campbell (Credit: The Telegraph)
In addition, libraries in Eastwood, West Ryde, Green Square and Chatswood have extended their opening hours specifically for HSC candidates.
During the "Closed Night Reading" event, which lasted from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the libraries attracted more than 470 students in five nights.
Tanya Taylor, Mayor of Willoughby, said: "Our library staff often see students waiting to enter when they open the door, and often stay until the library closes. ”
(Image source: The Telegraph)
According to conservative estimates, the NSW State Library on Macquarie St saw a 20% increase in attendance in October, although State Library Director Caroline Butler-Bowdon said the actual figure could be higher.
"The library is very busy today," she said in an interview with The Telegraph on Tuesday.
"It's bustling here...... This generation really loves the library, and there is no doubt that more and more people are visiting. ”
The library's opening hours have been extended to 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Every day at 2 p.m., the library sends two mischievous unicorns from desk to desk, encouraging students to take a nap at the snack bar outside.
"From what we've observed, some students are staying here for very long periods of time," Butler-Bowdon said. ”
"We chose the last few weeks before the HSC exams, which is a time in the afternoon when students may need to be refreshed to boost their spirits."
(Image source: The Telegraph)
来自Roseville College的学生Chloe Marchant和Naomi Wu在HSC备考期间成了州立 图书馆的常客。
"I like to come to the library as soon as it opens so that I can find a good spot...... I usually stay until 5 p.m.," Chloe said.
"I like to go out for lunch...... Get some sun and rest, otherwise you won't be able to concentrate. ”
Naomi adds: "In my opinion, the point is not to stay as long as you can, but to learn as efficiently as you can. ”
"The key to preparing for the HSC is to take it one step at a time."
/*According to the 2021 Australian Census, Chinese residents in Chatswood and Eastwood account for 42.4% and 48.8% of the total local population respectively, ranking first in the local population. /