Unforgettable authors and unmissable events

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Read online

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Hello and welcome to your November newsletter!

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Dear Library Community,

I am delighted to join you as the new CEO of our beloved library services. It is an honour to carry forward the legacy of our former CEO, Joseph Cullen. Joseph's dedication to our mission has laid a strong foundation, and I am committed to continuing this tradition of excellence as we serve our diverse communities.

This month, we have an exciting lineup of programs designed to engage and inspire. We are proud to present the acclaimed Embrace documentary screenings, which delve into body positivity and self-acceptance. Our Urban Nanna sustainability talks will offer valuable insights into eco-friendly practices that benefit our community and the planet.

For our younger patrons, we have enchanting Storytime sessions, including Beyond Sparkles and Superheroes, which encourages imaginative exploration, and a special story time titled To Stir with Love, led by the talented Kate Mildenhall. The public programs exemplify our commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering a love of reading and knowledge.

As always, our library remains dedicated to providing access to a vast array of information services, programs, and our extensive collection of books—both digital and in hard copy. We look forward to continuing to serve you and to making our libraries a vibrant hub for learning and community engagement.

Thank you for welcoming me into this wonderful community.

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Embrace Kids:
Film screening

We are very excited to have the opportunity to screen Embrace Kids at a number of Your Library locations throughout November! Embrace Kids is an uplifting, documentary-style film for school-aged children and their parent/s and carers. The Embrace Kids film runs for 79 mins, and is perfect for sharing with your young person.

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Tue 12 November, 6pm - Realm Library
Thu 14 November, 5pm - Healesville Library
Thu 28 November, 4pm - Knox Library | Ngarrgoo

Author, speaker, and body-image advocate, Taryn Brumfitt, Director of Embrace (2016), has brought together a vibrant collection of stories from young people and famous friends alike, sharing their experiences about body-image, bullying, advocacy, gender identity, representation and lots more. (Ages 9-14 years) FREE - Bookings required

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Book now

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The BIG Summer Read is coming!

Borrow. Read. Win.
1 DEC - 31 JAN
The BIG Summer Read encourages children and teens (0-18 years) to keep up with reading over the summer, while being in the running for BIG reading prizes! Attend our exclusive launch parties for a chance to win door prizes, plus, a limited-edition BSR launch activity pack!

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Registrations open soon! Keep an eye on our Facebook page for all the details.

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Learn more

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Beyond Sparkles and Superheroes storytimes

Mon 25 November, 10am - Yarra Junction & Mooroolbark libraries
Fri 29 November, 9:30am - Healesville Library

Join Your Library, in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council, for a spectacular Beyond Sparkles and Superheroes Storytime, as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. This storytime will feature books that challenge gender stereotypes, and celebrate equality and individuality. Come along to enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and craft. Suitable for families with children aged 0-6 years. (FREE) no need to book!

Beyond Sparkles & Superheroes Storytimes

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Croydon Library is going rainbow!
Sat 16 November, 10:30am - Croydon Library
Join us for a special storytime presented by magician and story-teller, Em Chandler, who will be reading books about diverse families. The session will be followed by colouring and play, and families are welcome to stay afterwards to socialise in the children's area. We encourage attendees to wear bright coloured clothing to celebrate our diverse community. Suitable for families with children aged 0-6 years. (FREE) no need to book!

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LOTE4Kids: Storytime in your own language

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Help your kids learn a language and engage with reading. Choose from thousands of picture books in 70+ languages.

Every book is fully animated, with English or LOTE subtitles, and fully-voiced narration. New books and languages added every week!

Available in libraries, schools and at home!

1. Visit our website to learn more.
Or find Your Library at www.lote4kids.com.
Or download the free LOTE4Kids App.
2. Log in using your library card number or access code.
3. Find a book in your language, and enjoy!

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Learn more

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MEET THE AUTHORS

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Anthony Smith

Wed 6 November, 1:30pm-2:30pm, Mooroolbark Library
Should depression and anxiety be automatically addressed with medication? Or should we be doing more to address the causes of mental illness? Join us to find out about Anthony's work, the process of writing Default Depression, and the future of Australian research into distress and depression. There will be time for a Q&A, or to share your personal experience with depression, diagnosis, and medication in a safe space. (FREE) Bookings required

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Loretta Smith

Wed 6 November, 2pm-3pm, Realm Library
Come and listen as author Loretta Smith, bestselling author of biography, A Spanner in the Works: The extraordinary story of Alice Anderson and Australia’s first ‘all-girl’ garage, talks about her new book, Corpus in Extremis, where she shares the details of her own fascinating life. She has negotiated pain, physical restrictions, and the medical interventions of Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. (FREE) Bookings required

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Michael Earp

Wed 13 November, 6pm-7pm, In celebration of Transgender Awareness Week, author Michael Earp joins us at Croydon Library to discuss their journey to becoming a writer, the importance of trans voices in storytelling, and their involvement as co-editor of Avast! Pirate Stories From Transgender Authors.(FREE) Bookings required

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David Eastham

Mon 18 November, 2pm-3pm, Yarra Junction Library
Come and meet David Eastham and hear about his book, Shooting the Black Dog. David was in his late 20s when he experienced a significant mental breakdown. Having benefited from photography as a therapeutic tool, he sets out to equip readers with practical and accessible knowledge to help them take charge of their wellbeing through photography as a creative outlet. (FREE) Bookings required

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Kate Mildenhall

Tue 19 November, 11am-12pm, Belgrave Library
Join Kate Mildenhall, multi-award-winning author of The Mother Fault and The Hummingbird Effect, for a special storytime. She will be sharing her delightful new picture book, To Stir with Love, a heartwarming tale about grandmothers, celebrations, and the family bond created through food. (FREE) Ages 3-6. Bookings not required.

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Tricia Stringer

Fri 29 November, 2pm-3:30pm, Lilydale Library
Tricia Stringer is the best-selling Australian author of many books, and is appearing at Lilydale Library to promote her latest release, Head for the Hills. Delving into life experiences, our relationships with family and friends, and what makes us the people we are, are topics she finds delicious! Find out why a sense of place in her stories is so important. (FREE) Bookings required

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Book launch: Taronga -
Big Book of Animals by Amandine Thomas

Sat 30 November, 10:30am-11:30am, Belgrave Library

Join local illustrator, Amandine Thomas, as she unveils the secrets of the natural world with this stunningly illustrated tribute to the animal kingdom, crafted by the world-class wildlife experts at Taronga. A book to treasure and share, destined to become a childhood classic. (FREE) Bookings required

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More author talks

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Do you know someone who needs help with...

• reading?
• writing?
• spelling?
• numeracy?

1 to 1 literacy support is available for adults at Your Library.

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Leap into Literacy is a free one-to-one literacy tutoring program for adults who would like support with reading, writing or numeracy. Our trained volunteers are matched with you to work on your own specific goal. The focus of our program is goals-based. There are no tests, and all sessions are tailored to the needs of the learner.

Contact Mel on 0408 379 026 to find out more, or get in touch online.

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Learn more

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NOVEMBER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

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Urban Nanna:
Sustainability talks

Are you looking to reduce your waste and live more sustainably? Join the amazing Urban Nanna for a FREE 90-minute workshop this November! Brought to you by Knox City Council. Bookings required.

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Low Waste Celebrations
Sat 9 November, 10:30am, Ferntree Gully Library

Buy right for a low-waste future
Thu 14 November, 11am, Rowville Library

Waste less: effectively managing your waste systems
Sat 16 November, 10:30am, Boronia Library

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Book now

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Boronia Craft Exchange

Thu 7 November, 10am-12pm, Boronia Library
Meet other craft-minded people and share ideas, experiences, and your latest craft project. Share what you know about a craft and learn about new ones from other group members. Bring your spare materials, such as fabric, wool, sealed clay and paints to swap with other people, plus, your projects and your ideas! (FREE) no need to book!

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Sustainable Christmas table ideas

Tue 12 November, 10am-11am, Montrose Library
Want to find out how to create a beautiful Christmas table and wrap gifts in a more sustainable way? Join Sally to explore a range of ideas that will see you celebrate Christmas with more benefits to the environment and your hip pocket! (FREE) Bookings required

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Make a fabric collage quilted bookmark

Wed 13 November, 11am-3pm, Belgrave Library
Join Natasja van Wyk for a creative session on learning how to combine various fabric pieces into unique, quilted bookmarks. The process includes layering, sewing, and quilting techniques to secure the collage, resulting in a personalised, durable bookmark. Suitable for all skill levels, offering a hands-on experience in fabric art and quilting basics. (COST $10) Bookings required

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Bee for Biodiversity

Wed 13 November, 4pm-5:30pm, Miller's Homestead
Calling bee lovers of all ages! Celebrate National Pollinator Week with us and join Helen from 'Friends With Honey' for an engaging, family-friendly workshop, delving into the captivating world of bees. We'll explore ways to support these vital pollinators and finish with a honey tasting from Helen's hives. Brought to you by Knox City Council's Gardens For Harvest Program. (FREE) Bookings required

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Armchair travel - on the Ghan

Sat 16 November, 11am-12pm, Healesville Library
Our presenter will take you aboard the Ghan to tell you about one of the world's great train journeys. In this trip, we will take you from Darwin to Adelaide. Sit back and enjoy the Australian Outback. (FREE) Bookings required

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Thriving in retirement: overcoming barriers to joining new activities

Mon 18 November, 10am-11am, Realm Library
Adjusting to life without the routine of work or a busy family home can leave you feeling a bit lost. Join Nantzee, Occupational Therapist and Daniel, Social Support Coordinator, to learn ways to step out of your comfort zone, try new activities and stay socially connected in retirement. (FREE) Bookings required

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Self-care during the holiday season

Mon 18 November, 1:30pm-2:30pm, Mooroolbark Library
Are the holidays a time of stress, rather than relaxation? Are you waiting for everything else to be done and everyone else’s needs to be met before you take care of your own?
These feeling are all too common during the holiday season, especially for mums. Join Louise East, who is a Motherhood, Life and Leadership Coach, to find out how you can reduce your stress and practice self-care during the holiday season.(FREE) Bookings required

Financial difficulties & mental health - what to do?

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Financial difficulties and mental health - what to do?

Wed 27 November, 1:30pm-3pm, Bayswater Library
We frequently see the significant impact of financial hardship on a person’s well-being and the huge stress it places on them. Such things as being in denial, procrastination, gambling, anxiety, and the impact on families all come into play. Join the team from EACH to hear some possible solutions to this growing issue in our community. (FREE) Bookings required

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Ferntree Gully Art Society - Group Exhibition at Miller's Homestead

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Browse more events

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HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

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Life so full of promise:
with author Ross McMullin

Wed 6 November, 2pm-3pm, Croydon Library
Join award-winning biographer, Ross McMullin, to be enlightened, entertained and moved as he brings extraordinary yet unknown Australians back to life. In Life So Full of Promise, Ross has combined prodigious research and narrative flair in a collection of interwoven family stories about forgotten Australians who had radiant potential. The rich cast of characters includes a popular doctor, a brilliant cricketer, and a potential prime minister, with a fervent love story in the mix. (FREE) Bookings required

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Ancestors that served

Fri 29 November, 9:30am-10:30am, Rowville Library
Did one of your ancestors go to war? When and where did they serve? What did they do? Were they decorated for their service? Join us to learn how to find the answers to these and many other questions about your ancestor's time at war. (FREE) Bookings required

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