New events, new adventures: spring has sprung! 🌼

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Read online

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Hello and welcome to your September newsletter!

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Spring has sprung, and so has our excitement for the incredible events coming your way!

Discover a world of inspiration and learning in our brand-new What's on guide. From captivating author talks and engaging workshops to sustainable living and gardening tips, there's something for everyone this September.

Highlights include:

Literary delights: Connect with acclaimed writers and immerse yourself in the world of poetry at the Blossom & Verse Spring Poetry Festival.
Culinary adventures: Elevate your cooking skills with workshops at Realm and Healesville libraries.
Sustainable living: Learn about energy efficiency with author Tim Forcey and prepare for a bountiful summer harvest at Ferntree Gully Library.

Stay tuned for our spring school holiday program, coming next week! We'll keep you updated on our social media and website.

Enjoy the sunshine and some sensational spring reads!

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**Our sensational spring 🌼 What's on has hit the libraries!**

Grab a copy from your favourite branch and start booking into an exciting selection of spring events. now.

Can't get to a branch? Browse the digital guide instead.

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Take a look

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Blossom & Verse
Spring Poetry Festival
Mon 2 Sep - Fri 29 Nov
Miller's Homestead

Come and visit Miller's Homestead this spring for a very special poetry event. Alongside inspiring workshops and exciting special guests, Miller's invites you to come and get creative on our "wall of words", or to add a piece of your own making to the Miller's "Poet-tree", with a fresh theme each month.

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Events include:

• Slam poetry Workshop with Emilie Zoey Baker
• Children's Creative Writing Workshop (Ages 9-18) with Cameron Semmens
• Poetry Slam with guest Emilie Zoey Baker
• Book Launch – The Complete Anthology of My First Kisses by Cameron Semmens
• Creative Writing Workshop For Adults: "Poems from around the world” with Cameron Semmens
• Words Aloud poetry and spoken word session
• Blackout Poetry Workshop

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More info + bookings

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Explore thousands of digital comics, graphic novels and manga with Comics Plus!

This great new resource is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; on your computer, tablet, or phone! No holds. No wait lists. No limits.

Get started today with the Comics Plus app or via the Your Library website.

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Learn more

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FOR READERS + WRITERS

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Hallow Spooky Zines:
Author talk with Alex e Clark

Thu 5 September, 4pm-5pm, Healesville Library
Zine author, Alex e Clark, would like to show you her Halloweeny zine collection from the last decade of running Hallozeen, the annual group launch for Halloween-themed zines. Hear how she writes zines, read some zines and find out why zines and Halloween are Alex's favourite things. (FREE) Bookings required

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Meet the author of Grace & Marigold, Mira Robertson

Wed 11 September, 2pm-3pm, Realm Library

Mira Robertson has written a beautiful story set in 1970s London about 20 year old Grace who arrives determined to shrug off her Australian past and reinvent herself. While embracing her new life in the Free Republic of Beltonia, a street of communal squats, she’s haunted by the unbearable thought that she might be a lesbian – a fate she considers almost worse than death. (FREE) Bookings required

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Meet the author of No Buts,
Margaret Chipperfield

Thu 19 September, 2pm-3pm, Lilydale Library
Come and hear about Margaret Chipperfield's book, No Buts – Twelve inspiring stories from men who changed their violent or abusive behaviour. Eleven years ago, Margaret became a co-facilitator of Men’s Groups at Anglicare Victoria. No Buts is based on these experiences. (FREE) Bookings required

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Meet the author of Broke,
Sam Drummond

Sat 21 September, 10:30am-11:30am, Belgrave Library
Discover the compelling narrative of love, resilience, and hope in Broke, as author Sam Drummond shares his insights at Belgrave Library. In this poignant memoir, Sam, a lawyer and disability advocate, explores the intricate layers of life's challenges on the fringes of society. From broken families to broken systems, Broke unveils the harsh realities faced by vulnerable Australians, offering a raw and compassionate exploration of downward mobility and the enduring strength found in hope. (FREE) Bookings required

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Meet the author of The Desert Knows Her Name, Lia Hills

Sat 21 September, 11am-12pm, Mooroolbark Library

Rich in detail of the land and its nonhuman inhabitants, Lia Hill's newest novel, The Desert Knows Her Name, is the story of a girl who walks out of a Wimmera desert, barefoot and unable to speak. The arrival of the mysterious ‘desert girl’ unsettles the community and old tensions erupt, leading to the revelation of a terrible crime. Join us as Lia shares her writing journey in conversation with Emma, Mooroolbark Library Team Leader. (FREE) Bookings required

Meet the authors: Fleur Blüm and Efthalia

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Meet authors, Fleur Blüm and Efthalia

Thu 26 September, 6:30pm-7:30pm, Knox Library | Ngarrgoo
Australian romance authors Fleur Blüm and Efthalia will share their stories and experiences as writers. Fleur Blüm, a Melbourne-based writer, performer, and musician, crafts fiction with a romantic twist, infused with feminist and sex-positive themes. Balancing light and dark, she adds humour to narratives exploring topics like abusive relationships. Based in Sydney, Efthalia writes fantasy and paranormal romance. She loves nothing more than getting lost in the world of Greek gods, drool-worthy vampires, and knock your socks off werewolves who risk everything for spunky and courageous heroines. (FREE) Bookings required

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Young Adult author events with Robyn Dennison

Readers and/or writers aged 11-19, come and meet the author of Blind Spot and learn the secret sauce to leveling up your own writing! (All sessions are FREE)

Meet Robyn -Thu 26 Sept, 12pm,
Bayswater BOOKINGS REQUIRED

Exploring the history of queer girls -
Thu 26 Sept, 2pm, Ferntree Gully BOOKINGS REQUIRED

Writing workshop - Thu 26 Sept, 4pm, Boronia BOOKINGS REQUIRED

Book chat - Fri 4 Oct, 11am,
Knox|Ngarrgoo BOOKINGS REQUIRED

Editing your writing - Fri 4 Oct, 2pm
Rowville BOOKINGS REQUIRED

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REVITALISE YOUR LIFE

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Introduction to Tai Chi

Tue 3 September, 2pm-3pm
Croydon Library
Tai Chi is a series of gentle flowing movements suitable for a wide range of abilities.
Join Yarrunga Community Centre for this special Adult Learners Week event, as they present an introduction to Tai Chi - perfect if you have always wanted to try it out. (FREE) Bookings required

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Dance class for adults

Sat 7 September, 11am-12pm, Belgrave Library
Join us for a fun beginner dance class to celebrate Adult Learners Week. This session is perfect for adults looking to explore the joy of dance in a welcoming and engaging environment. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to move! (FREE) Bookings required

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Reimagining exercise: transforming daily tasks into fitness opportunities

Mon 9 September, 10am-11am, Croydon Library
Occupational Therapists Nantzee and Paula will teach you which muscles are used in different activities, so you can use your knowledge to view household tasks like cooking, sweeping, vacuuming, and gardening as opportunities to exercise. (FREE) Bookings required

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Raw and ready at Realm Library!

This month at Realm, we’re getting 'raw and ready' for summer! Learn the secrets of creating perfect Rainbow Rice Paper Rolls, Mon 9 Sept, 2pm (Cost $10) or explore the Pros and Cons of a Raw Food Diet, Wed 18 Sept, 2pm, with local Naturopath, Aida Azari. (FREE) Bookings required

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Organise your life

Fri 13 September, 2pm-3pm, Lilydale Library
Improving and organising your space can improve your life, lower your anxiety, and build your confidence. Join Veronica from 'A Hand To Help - Professional Organising & Decluttering' to learn about the importance of organising your space. (FREE) Bookings required

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Quick and easy meals with Jill Hess

Thu 19 September, 2pm-4pm Healesville Library
No time to cook? No worries - you can still make nutritious meals in a rush. At this session, Jill Hess will show you how to make quick and easy meals that fit into your busy lifestyle. (FREE) Bookings required

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SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

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Introduction to indoor plants

Tue 3 September, 2:30pm-3:30pm, Bayswater Library

Join our expert gardener for a presentation on indoor plants. Learn the benefits of indoor greenery, how to choose the right plants, and essential care tips for watering, lighting, and humidity. Discover solutions to common plant problems and explore propagation methods. Perfect for all skill levels, this session will help you create a thriving indoor garden and enjoy the beauty and health benefits of indoor plants. (FREE) Bookings required

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Practical interior design

Sat 7 September, 11am-12pm, Mooroolbark Library
Sometimes the choices around renovating or decorating can be incredibly overwhelming. Join Tara from Cantwell Interiors to learn how you can make simple changes in your home to improve your mood, your sleep and overall sense of pride in your space. There will be time for Q&A if you have any questions about your home. (FREE) Bookings required

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Kevin Heinze and The People's Garden

Wed 11 September, 7:30pm-9pm, Montrose Library

Join Eddie to hear about Kevin Heinze and the history of The People's Garden. An enthusiastically received talk, returning by popular demand! (FREE) Bookings required

Gully Gardners: Preparing for Summer Veggies Workshop

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Gully Gardeners: Preparing for summer veggies - workshop

Sat 14 September, 10am-12pm, Ferntree Gully Library
This workshop, presented by Maria Ciavarella from My Green Garden, will cover how to get your soil to work for you, which veggies grow well over the warmer months, and how to get the best out of them. You will then get to have some fun, starting some veggies from seed to take home with you. (FREE) Bookings required

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Toy and book swap

Mon 16 - Fri 20 September
Ferntree Gully Library
Have you been left with toys, games and books in good condition that your children have grown out of, and are looking for some new ones? Empty those toy boxes and bookshelves and bring them down to Ferntree Gully Library to swap with others. Donations will be accepted from Monday 9th September 2024, or just bring them with you on the day. Any leftover goods will be donated to charity. (FREE) Bookings not required.

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Browse more events

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Stadium School Holiday programs

Calling all parents of active children aged 5 - 14! How much do your kids love sport? Would they enjoy a day in the School Holidays where they can practise their skills and have fun with other kids?

Ignite your child’s athletic potential with one day or multiple days of Netball, Basketball, Volleyball and more! Visit the Maroondah Leisure website to see the full range of sports, available dates, and book your kids a spot today.

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