1. Elaheh Mahdavi

Elaheh Mahdavi

In our first story, Elaheh talks about coming to Australia and how the library has helped her achieve her goals and dreams.

An Iranian refugee newly arrived in Australia, Elaheh said visiting and volunteering at the library helped to reduce her isolation.

“For the first three or four years, the number of people I knew in Australia was less than the number of fingers on both hands... [The library] meant I didn’t get depressed.”

Today Elaheh has graduated from her psychology degree and is working towards her honours degree, while also caring for her young son Benjamin. She hopes to become a clinical psychologist.

Hear Elaheh's story below: