Cosy reads ahead: The Warm Winter Read is coming! ☕📚

‌

Read online

‌

‌

Hello and welcome to May at Your Library!

‌

Feeling the autumn chill?
Escape the crisp air and step into a world of warmth and wonder at Your Library!

Celebrate IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia) with author Sam Elkin at Knox Library | Ngarrgoo, on 16 May, 7pm.
Meet best-selling author Megan Rogers, discussing her bestseller, The Heart is a Star, at Bayswater Library on 23 May, 6pm.
Join the National Simultaneous Storytime happening at all libraries in the week beginning 20 May, featuring the delightful Bowerbird Blues.
Children can meet author Lesley McGee, for a special preschool storytime reading The Fabulous Fruit Shake Mystery, at Knox Library | Ngarrgoo on 14 May, 11am.
Visit Miller's Homestead and explore the Knox Photographic Society's, 50th Anniversary Exhibition until 17 May.

We hope your May is marvelous – stay cosy!

‌

‌

The Warm Winter Read is coming soon!

The Warm Winter Read aims to encourage adult readers (16+) across Victoria to create healthy reading habits by tracking the days participants read over June, July, and August 2024. As the temperature drops, we want you to make time for yourself and your chosen story every day.

‌

Listen to an audiobook on your commute to work, walking the dog, or while completing household chores; swap scrolling time for reading time; or simply replace one episode of a binge-watch with a chapter (or two) of a great book.

We’ll even help you find your next great read by celebrating 40 fantastic books recommended by authors you love!

While reading is its own reward, you’ll also be in the running to win some great bookish prizes!

The Warm Winter Read campaign will run between 1 June and 31 August 2024.

‌

National Simultaneous Storytime

Join us for the 24th National Simultaneous Storytime!

We will be celebrating by reading Bowerbird Blues, by Aura Parker, at Storytimes from Monday 20 - Friday 24 May, along with the rest of Australia! There will be songs, rhymes and a craft activity too. We can't wait to see you there!

‌

MEET THE AUTHORS

‌

Celebrate IDAHOBIT with Sam Elkin

Thu 16 May, 7pm-8pm
Knox Library | Ngarrgoo
Sam Elkin's new book, Detachable Penis: a Queer Legal Saga, relates his bumpy journey from lesbian to transgender lawyer, in the aftermath of the 2017 marriage equality vote. Sam offers an honest, unflinching account of chest surgery, phalloplasty, the emotional impact of cross-sex hormones and the perils of airport body scanners. Part love letter and part cautionary tale, join Sam for a thought-provoking conversation. Presented in partnership with Knox City Council. (FREE) Bookings required.

‌

Barbara McCarthy

Tue 14 May, 2pm-3:30pm
Ferntree Gully Library
Meet Barbara McCarthy, author of Just a Hint of Autumn, My windows, my views...my life and travels, as well as the soon to be released, Never Just Anybody. Barbara will also answer questions about the art of publishing. (FREE) Bookings required

‌

Megan Rogers

Thu 23 May, 6pm-7pm
Bayswater Library
Come and meet Megan Rogers, author of the bestselling debut novel, The Heart is a Star. When her book was sent to Australian publishers, it caused a heated auction and was eventually signed with Catherine Milne at HarperCollins Australia. Then, when released in May 2023, it hit number four in Australian fiction and went on to become a bestseller. (FREE) Bookings required.

‌

Leanne Margaret

Fri 31 May, 2pm-3pm
Lilydale Library
Join Leanne Margaret, author of The Love of The Universe, and Multidimensional Meditation, as she talks about her writing journey and what happens when you suddenly, surprisingly, have time to write. Enjoy a guided meditation to help you discover a cast of characters, that can enrich your own writing. You will also learn how to start preparing to be a writer, long before you feel ready. (FREE) Bookings required.

‌

Biggest Morning Tea
at Your Library

Help raise funds for Cancer Council Victoria while enjoying a delicious morning tea, in exchange for your gold coin donation. Meet us at the locations below - no need to book!

Wed 22 May, 10am-12pm
Croydon Library

Thu 23 May, 10am-12pm
Bayswater, Ferntree Gully, and Mooroolbark libraries, and Billy's Kitchen (Shop 8129, Knox Ozone, Westfield Knox)

‌

HEALTH & WELLBEING

‌

People pleasing - learning to say no, speak up, set boundaries and overcome the guilt

‌

People pleasing: practical strategies

Sat 4 May, 10:30am-11:30am
Belgrave Library
In this session, you'll learn why we end up in a people-pleasing pattern and some practical strategies that will help you prioritise yourself, say no, speak up, set boundaries, and release the guilt. (FREE) Bookings required

‌

Women's health and wellbeing

Fri 10 May, 1:30pm-2:30pm
Boronia Library
Ahead of the International Day of Action for Women's Health on 28 May, come and learn about health, wellbeing, and mindfulness. We will provide information and tips over a relaxing afternoon tea. Plus, experience the gentle activity of felting. This session is for women only. (FREE) Bookings required

‌

Supporting your child's vision and literacy

Tue 21 May, 10:30am-11:15am, Mooroolbark Library
Join Kent from Mooroolbark Eyecare, who specialises in children's vision, to learn how eyesight develops. He will discuss different milestones from 18 months to school age, as well as what to look out for, and how best to support your child's reading journey. (FREE) Bookings required

‌

Chair yoga with Bree

Wed 22 May, 11am-12pm
Yarra Junction Library
Join Bree, an experienced remedial soft tissue specialist, who lives and breathes everything health and wellness. Chair yoga is a form of yoga that has adapted traditional mat yoga, to bring the asanas up to the chair. Ideal for those who cannot practice traditional mat yoga. (FREE) Bookings required

‌

Navigating the aged care system with Care Finder

Mon 27 May, 10am-11am
Realm Library
Some older people need extra support to access aged care and other services and in the community. In these situations, a care finder may be able to help. Join local care finder, Sarah Alder, who will explain who can use the care finder service, how it works, what help can be provided, and how to contact a care finder organisation. (FREE) Bookings required

‌

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

‌

‌

Over 50s LBGTQIA+
Social Group

4th Wed of the month, 5:30pm-6:30pm (from 22 May) Belgrave Library

Mon 17 June, 8 July & 12 August, 11am-12pm
Healesville Library
Come along to the Over 50’s LGBTQIA+ Social Group - a safe space for LGBTQIA+ community members, allies and friends, who want to connect and enjoy a cuppa and a laugh together. Proudly presented by Yarra Ranges Council. For more information, speak with the Healthy Ageing Officer on 1300 368 333 or email [email protected]. (FREE) Bookings not required

‌

Open craft afternoons

Every Wed, 2:15pm-4pm
Montrose Library
Join Mandy, Margaret, Sue, Pat, and friends, to learn a new skill, e.g., crochet or knitting...the list is endless! Themed sessions will run throughout the year. Alternatively, feel free to bring your own project to work on. The opportunity to mend will be available.
Sewing machines are available for use. (FREE) Bookings not required

‌

Mates at Miller's

4th Wed of the month, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Miller's Homestead
Join us for a fun, social, inclusive/all abilities, monthly group, for men to connect, share knowledge, have fun and make friends. Each month, we will have a fun activity to do, topic to discuss, game to play, or project to work on, whilst enjoying a cuppa with each other.
Carers and support staff welcome. (FREE) Bookings required

‌

Knox Photographic Society - 50th Anniversary Exhibition & events

‌

GREEN YOUR WORLD

‌

Introduction to Permaculture

Wed 8 May, 10am-11am
Croydon Library (with Jane Coleman - Earth & Soul Permaculture)

Thu 30 May, 11am-12:30pm
Knox Library | Ngarrgoo (with Claire Coutts)
You may well have heard of the term permaculture and think it's just another name for organic gardening. Here's your opportunity to learn a little about this concept that had its origins in Australia and has now spread around the world. A systematic approach to a greener way of life. (FREE) Bookings required

‌

Urban greening and cooling workshop

Sat 25 May, 10:30am-11:30am
Belgrave Library
Learn about urban greening and its impact on climate change. Find out how trees, plants, and greenery create an urban forest that helps fight climate change. Understand how vegetation cools cities and reduces the urban heat island effect. Get practical tips for making an urban forest in your community through smart gardening and wildlife-focused methods. Topics covered: climate's effect on cities, the benefits of city greenery, and steps for gardeners to help make this important change happen. Presented by Sustainable Gardening Australia, in partnership with Knox City Council and Yarra Ranges Council. (FREE) Bookings required

‌

OUR HISTORY

‌

Historical buildings of Knox

Tue 7 May, 10am-11am
Miller's Homestead
What is the oldest building in the Knox area? Join us for a fascinating look at the history of some of Knox 's historical buildings. From schools and hotels, to churches and houses, and many more buildings that have defined the Knox area for over 100 years. We will look at the history of many buildings which were built in a bygone era and have stood the test of time. (FREE) Bookings required

‌

Ancestry Workshops at Croydon Library

Ancestry - Library Edition
Tue 14 May, 9:30am-11am

Ancestry - personal subscription*
Tue 14 May, 11:30am-1pm
Join our family history team for these hands-on workshops, to learn all the tips and tricks to make the most of Ancestry. Family historians of all skill levels are welcome. Basic computer skills are required.
*Personal access to a current, paid subscription to Ancestry is essential for the 11:30am session. (FREE) Bookings required

‌

Rowville's Italian prisoners of war

Sat 18 May, 11am-12pm
Rowville Library
In March 1946, the war was over. The Italian prisoners of war who had been interned in camps around Australia were waiting to be returned home. Join local author, Darren Arnott, as he shares his discoveries about the Rowville camp. Allegations of assaults, reckless firing of weapons, drunkenness, stolen goods and possible murder. Copies of Darren's book, No regard for the truth, will be available for purchase. (FREE) Bookings required

‌

Browse more events

‌

FEATURED RESOURCE

‌

Your Library app:
Access Your Library anywhere, anytime.

The Your Library app lets you manage your account, search the catalogue, check-out items from your device, reserve items, renew items, search and book into events, and so much more!

A new update brings many additional features including a brand new user interface, improved item displays, wish list functionality and a reading tracker. Easy to use and navigate, the app is an alternative to using our website on a mobile device.