Readers 📚 are winners 🏆this summer!

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Read online

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Hello and welcome to your December newsletter!

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Summer is the perfect time to slow down, take some time for yourself, and read!

Whether you want to read something brand new, catch up on the books you missed, or reflect on the books you loved, Reader’s Choice 2024 is a great way to sum up your reading year. Nominate your favourite book of the year and enter the draw for a great prize.

The BIG Summer Read challenges kids from 0-18 to keep reading over summer. Read at least 10 books, track your reading, and be in the running for some fantastic prizes.

Get ready for the festive season at Your Library. Stock up on holiday reading at a Festive Bookchat at Ferntree Gully, enjoy a Family Concert at Healesville, or come and decorate the Christmas tree at Bayswater.

Check out our website for more events and activities for all ages. We look forward to welcoming you to Your Library soon!

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Festive season opening hours

We'll be operating with modified opening hours between Christmas and the New Year. Check out our festive hours schedule below to find out when we're open.
We wish you a safe and happy festive season and look forward to an exciting 2025 at Your Library!

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View festive season hours

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The BIG Summer Read has begun!

1 Dec 2024 - 31 Jan 2025
The BIG Summer Read encourages children and teens to keep up with reading over the summer, while being in the running to win BIG reading prizes! Anyone between the ages of 0-18 is welcome to participate. It’s free to join, so grab a book and start reading this summer!

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Come to our BIG Summer Read launch parties!

We can't wait to celebrate with you at one of our fabulous launch parties, where you can:

• Grab a free launch pack with fun activities and goodies
• Enter a special draw to win a fantastic prize from Your Library
• Collect your reading log
• Munch on free popcorn

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Mon 2 Dec, 4pm-5pm
Yarra Junction Library, 1A Hoddle St, Yarra Junction

Tue 3 Dec, 4pm-5pm
Bayswater Library, Mountain High SC, 7-13 High St, Bayswater
Croydon Library, 5 Civic Square, Croydon
Knox Library | Ngarrgoo, Lvl 3 Westfield Knox, 425 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South

Wed 4 Dec, 4pm-5pm
Realm Library, Ringwood Town Square, 179 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood

(Ages 0-18) FREE - no need to book!

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Reader's Choice 2024 is here!

1 Dec 2024 - 31 Jan 2025
We invite you to join us in celebrating the wonder of storytelling! Nominate the book you found the most exciting, gripping or powerful this year.

Everything is eligible:
Fiction or nonfiction, adult or junior, physical or digital, print or audio, new or old.

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No matter what or how you choose to read – if one book stood out above all others this year, let us know! Every voter can choose to enter our prize draw to win a fabulous book voucher prize.

We will announce the winner of Reader’s Choice 2024 – and which lucky voter has won the prize draw! – on Library Lovers’ Day, 14 February 2025.

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Vote now!

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Access uLibrary with Your Library!

Listen to exclusive Ulverscroft eAudiobooks with uLibrary.

Featuring the authors you know and love, uLibrary content will appeal to a wide range of listeners.

Download the uLibrary app on your own device, or listen online through the browser, and get access to free eAudiobooks 24/7.

Download on the App Store or
get it on Google Play.

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Explore uLibrary

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Are you interested in sharing your love of reading and writing?

Do you have skills or knowledge that could help others? We need you!

No experience necessary.
Initial and ongoing training and support provided.

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Come to our next volunteer information sessions to find out more!

Wed 4 Dec, 10am-11am at Ferntree Gully Library
1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully

Tue 10 Dec, 12:30pm-1:30pm at Knox Library | Ngarrgoo
Westfield Knox (above Rebel Sport), 425 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South

No need to book, just meet us at one of the above libraries.

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Career opportunity!

Your Library is seeking a talented and motivated person to provide high quality library and information services and programs at Realm Library.

As a Customer Service Librarian, you’ll be supporting the Branch Manager with day to day operations, supervising the team and developing engaging programs and service experiences. This is a chance to make a difference in a community that values growth, innovation, and inclusivity.

Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday 8 December 2024 and should be sent to: [email protected]

Work with us - Customer Service Librarian at Realm

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Learn more

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Ferntree Gully Library is getting a refurb!

While the work is underway, we'll need to close the library temporarily. The library will be closed from Sat, 21 December 2024, and will reopen 9am, Mon 24 February, 2025.

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Concerned about your reservations? Don't worry, we have that covered!
We'll contact you if any reservations come in while we're closed and you will be able to nominate your alternate pickup location. The external return chute will be unavailable during the closure. We can't wait to welcome you back to a refreshed library!

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DECEMBER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

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Festive fun at Your Library

We've put together a fabulously fun events program for all ages!

Join us for some great activities, including photo opportunities with Santa, Christmas decoration workshops, a community Christmas lunch, concerts, carols and lots more! You can also give back to the community with our Christmas giving trees (in partnership with local organisations).

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Explore the program

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Christmas Carols with Ferntree Gully Library in the Park

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Christmas Carols in the Park

Tue 3 December, 6pm-7:30pm, Ferntree Gully Library
Join us for Christmas carols, led by St John's Primary School Choir, in the gardens behind Ferntree Gully Library. There will be a special Christmas story to enjoy and a visit from one of Santa's helpers handing out candy canes! Please bring a picnic rug or low beach chairs. We will set up some chairs at the back for those who can't sit on the ground. FREE - no need to book!

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Meet the CFA

Sat 7 December, 10am-12pm, Belgrave Library
As we head into a hot and dry summer, come and meet the volunteers of our local CFA and enjoy exploring the fire truck.
Firetruck Lunch Boxes and Captain Koalas will be available to purchase, and you can also collect free fire safety items. FREE - no need to book!

Food for Books - with all donations to Knox InfoLink

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Food for Books: Fundraiser for Knox InfoLink

Mon 9 Dec - Sat 14 Dec (during opening hours) Boronia Library
Come and swap yummy festive groceries for books, including recent fiction and non-fiction, as part of a fundraiser for Knox InfoLink,
Needed: Custard, plum puddings, Christmas cake, chocolate biscuits, chips, fruit juice, soft drink, lollies, biscuits, chocolate and jelly cups.
Not needed: cans of baked beans or spaghetti, pasta, rice, pasta sauce or cans of fruit.

You can also donate festive-themed items for the 'Sharing the Joy' project- see the box in the Boronia Library foyer.

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Ukulele performance and sing-along

Mon 9 December, 10am-11am, Croydon Library
Gather your friends and family, and join us for a performance of popular songs and Christmas favourites, with Croydon U3A's ukulele group. Participants are encouraged to wear their favourite festive clothing and sing-along at this all-ages event. FREE - no need to book!

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Christmas craft at Bayswater Library

Bring the whole family and enjoy some festive cheer at these fun workshops, sponsored by Mountain High Shopping Centre, Bayswater. (All ages) FREE - no need to book!

Gingerbread cookie decorating
Sat 14 December, 10am-1pm

Bauble decorating
Sat 21 December, 10am-1pm

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Christmas community lunch

Thu 19 December, 12:30pm-2:30pm, Healesville Library
For our final Community Lunch of 2024, we will be celebrating Christmas with festive cheer! All are welcome to participate in this free social event, including sharing a traditional Christmas meal. This event is proudly supported by Healesville RSL and Healesville Lions Club.
Please advise us of dietary requirements when booking, no later than Monday 16 December. FREE - Bookings required

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Origami Jurassic Exhibition - Paper Dinosaurs Folded by Vahid Sedigh

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Browse more events

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Summer School Holiday Program

Your Library's holiday program dates are set for 13 - 24 January, 2025. Stay tuned for information about upcoming family-friendly activities via our Facebook page and at our branches. Bookings will open on Sat, 4 January at 12 midday.

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Maroondah leisure kids sporting activities

Are your kids passionate about sport or simply love being active? Look no further!

The Rings in Ringwood and Maroondah Nets in Heathmont are thrilled to announce registrations are open for their exciting January school holiday programs.

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From basketball to netball, badminton to futsal, they have an incredible line up of activities to keep your children engaged, energized, and entertained throughout the holidays. Places are limited – secure your spot now.

For more information and to book, visit Maroondah Leisure/school-holiday-program.

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