Festive fun starts now! 🎉

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Hello and welcome to November at Your Library!

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As the first hint of tinsel appears and we wonder how it can possibly be November already…we invite you to take some time to relax and unwind with us at our fun and festive events! Create your own greeting cards and decorations, make your mouth water at an Italian Christmas sweets demonstration, decorate gingerbread cookies, meet Santa, and so much more.

In a matter of days, kids will love jumping back into The Big Summer Read, returning with a brand-new look and a simple plan: Join. Borrow. Read. Win. Registration opens Monday, 6 November.

Come and marvel at the The Suitcase – a travelling exhibition of beautiful textiles at Realm, meet fascinating local author, Liz Ainsworth, at Healesville, and take in some jazz at Rowville. With Remembrance Day just around the corner, hear from Iain Townsley, at Montrose Library, and Vietnam War Veteran, Rob, at Mooroolbark Library, who will share their Military History knowledge and personal stories.

We can’t wait to see you at Your Library!

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Put the fun back into the festive season this year!

Join us at Your Library for loads of great activities - there's something for all ages! Here's just a small sample of what's on offer:

• Italian Christmas sweets demonstration
• Sustainable gift and decoration workshops
• Card making workshops
• Book folding
• Christmas community lunch
• Gingerbread cookie decorating
• Meet Santa!
• Storytimes & carols
• Bauble hydro-dipping
and more!

You can also help support families who are doing it tough, by donating gifts and/or non-perishable food items at Bayswater Library, Miller's Homestead, and Yarra Junction Library. See branch for donation details.

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Take a look

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Something BIG is coming soon to Your Library!

Join. Borrow. Read. Win!

The Big Summer Read starts Friday, 1 December 2023 for children and youth. Registration opens Monday, 6 November 2023.

There are a number of ways to register:
• Download the Beanstack app
• Pick up a Big Summer Read bookmark at your local library and scan the QR code
• Visit plv.beanstack.org

The Big Summer Read is a statewide program delivered in partnership with Public Libraries Victoria, Bolinda BorrowBox, Story Box Library and School Library Association Victoria.

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FOR READERS + WRITERS

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Writing with the senses - presented by copywriter and editor, Ana Tinc

Thu 16 November, 6pm - 7:30pm, Croydon Library
Use tactile, aromatic, unusual and edible objects to inspire writing. Whether you are a new or experienced writer or a stressed-out creative, this session will provide you with a supportive environment where you can connect with like-minded people and share your observations, writing and reflections. (FREE) Bookings required

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Write your life (including the curly bits!)
with Spiri Tsintziras

Fri 24 November, 2pm - 3pm
Lilydale Library
Experienced memoirist, Spiri Tsintziras, takes you through the principles of writing your life story. Suitable for those interested in life writing – either as readers or writers, but particularly for those who want to:
• compile interesting anecdotes or personal history for loved ones
• work towards writing a longer length work for publication
• write difficult material but don’t know where to start (or how to keep going). (FREE) Bookings required

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Meet the author, Liz Ainsworth

Thu 30 November, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Healesville Library
Join local author, Liz Ainsworth, as she shares her father's story, a man she thought she knew. However, in researching and writing about his life, she learnt so much more. Alec Doherty was a well known Melbourne musician, teacher, mentor and music lover. During his life, Alec met and befriended many famous artists including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr, Judy Garland and Eartha Kitt.
Alec's story lives on in his daughter's book, Swimming for Scotland. (FREE) Bookings required

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FOR MIND + BODY

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Come and be inspired at Realm this November!

Feeling tired or unmotivated? We’ve got you covered with our fun, creative, and uplifting events, designed to give you the boost you need! Take a look at a travelling exhibition of beautiful textiles, attend a demonstration of upcycled sewing, find your Ikigai to a long and healthy life, be entertained by tales of Debbie’s European adventures, discover how to plan for the retirement you want, or learn the dos and don’ts of effective recycling. With something for everyone, Realm is the place to be! Bookings required for all events.

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Reiki with Sally

Mon 6 November, 3pm - 4pm
Bayswater Library
Join Sally Carmichael, Reiki and Meditation teacher, and discover how you can transform pain, anxiety, and emotional difficulty with this potent Japanese energetic-spiritual practice. (FREE) Bookings required

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Wayapa for wellbeing

Thu 9 + 23 November, 5:45pm - 6:45pm
Healesville Library
So what is this Wayapa thing? It's a mindfulness, movement, and earth connection practice based on indigenous wisdom. Come try it out at our fortnightly sessions, and make it a part of your self-care routine. Ages 12 - adult. (FREE) Bookings required

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NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

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Spot the pollinators -
Citizen Science workshops

Sat 11 November, 10:30am - 11:30am
Healesville Library, and
Thu 16 November, 4pm - 5pm
Miller's Homestead
Discover the fascinating world of pollinators and learn how you can contribute to their conservation efforts in an exciting family-friendly workshop. “Friends with Honey” will introduce you to the concept of Citizen Science, using the iNaturalist app, and show you how to actively participate in the Australian Pollinator Count. Ages 8 - adult (FREE) Bookings required

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Making recycling work for you

Wed 15 November, 10am - 11am
Croydon Library
Join Sarah Winkler, author of Recycling for Dummies, and founder of Everyday Recycler, in an exploration of the challenges of recycling. Learn practical and actionable recycling tips we can all use to help make recycling work. (FREE) Bookings required

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Patchwork & sewing with the Basin Community House

Fri 17 November, 2pm - 3pm
Boronia Library
Have you always wanted to learn patchwork? Have you tried it in the past and have questions? Come to our low-key and fun event with Sue from The Basin Community House to learn or brush up on the basics of patchwork. Ages 15 - adult. (FREE) Bookings required

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Learning photography with play and toys

Sat 18 November, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Knox Express
Understand the basic elements of photography, such as visual composition and camera settings of ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. You will be able to practise the things you learn with play and toys. Bring your own camera or phone and practise your new skills. Bring your own toys - LEGO, action figures, pop vinyls, figurines - or use ours. Ages 5 - adult. (FREE) Bookings required

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Women for the Ocean: Daughters of the Deep

Sat 18 November, 10:30am - 11:30am
Belgrave Library
Daughters of the Deep are making a difference, giving women an opportunity to be involved in marine science, become leaders, and protect the ocean. Kate will be sharing her passion for the initiatives that Daughters of the Deep are working on to encourage women to get involved. Ask questions and check out the merchandise on the day! (FREE) Bookings required

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Empower for change - PLEDGE and gender equality event

Sat 18 November, 11am - 12:30pm
Ferntree Gully Library
Empower for Change is a pivotal event by PLEDGE, taking place during the 16 Days of Activism. We gather to celebrate the progress made in promoting gender equality and to highlight its crucial role in reducing family violence. (FREE) Bookings required

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Concert with the Australian Jazz Museum

Sat 18 November, 11am - 12:30pm
Rowville Library
Step into a world of enchanting melodies and soulful rhythms and join us for an intimate morning, filled with the timeless allure of live jazz music, performed by volunteers from the Australian Jazz Museum. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a curious newcomer, our small jazz concert promises to leave you refreshed and inspired. (FREE) Bookings not required.

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Superannuation and downsizing your home

Mon 20 November, 2pm - 3pm
Yarra Junction Library
Lara, from the Financial Information Service (FIS), will explain the connection between superannuation and downsizing your home for retirement. FIS, part of Services Australia, is a free program providing education, information, and support, helping Australians make informed financial decisions for over 30 years. (FREE) Bookings required

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How to create a butterfly friendly garden

Fri 24 November, 1pm - 2pm
Miller's Homestead
Butterfly lovers are welcome to join the Butterfly Enthusiasts Club at Miller's. Share your knowledge, and learn more about our precious local butterfly population, at a series of monthly meetings. Ages 15 - adult. (FREE) Bookings required

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OUR HISTORY

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From Pilgrim to Piper

Wed 8 November, 10:30am - 11:30am
Montrose Library
As we approach Remembrance Day, we invite you to join local resident, Iain Townsley, and hear his story. Iain will tell his story - years on the front line with the British Army, reclaiming his Scottish heritage, and becoming a piper who has performed at many local military ceremonies. Iain's book, From Pilgrim to Piper, will be available for sale. (FREE) Bookings required

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The Australian History of the Vietnam War

Tue 14 November, 10am - 11am
Mooroolbark Library
Join us to hear Vietnam War veteran, Rob, talk about the history of the Vietnam War and Australia's involvement in it. (FREE) Bookings required

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Explore more events

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FEATURED RESOURCES

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Story Box Library

Story Box Library is your home for Australia’s premier storytellers.Enjoy books by your favourite authors, read to you by Australian actors, authors, illustrators, and comedians. Stories come to life and are yours to watch anywhere.Start watching today.

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The New York Times

Read The New York Times for free.Read, watch, and listen to original reporting by 1,700 journalists in over 160 countries. From breaking news and live updates to investigations and cultural commentary, The New York Times helps you understand the events shaping the world.Start reading now.

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Visit our digital library

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Proposal for new library subleases

Knox City Council is proposing new subleases with Your Library, to continue delivering the same quality services at Bayswater, Rowville and Knox libraries.
Learn more