What’s on at the Libraries
SUMMER 2024/25
Acknowledgement of Country
The City of Ballarat acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we live, work, learn and play on. Within our Council boundaries, the Wadawurrung People are the Traditional Owners south of the Great Dividing Range and to the north the Dja Dja Wurrung People are the Traditional Owners. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their respective Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
The City of Ballarat Libraries also acknowledges and respects the rich history of tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and storytelling.
We are committed to providing culturally safe public spaces and services in the City of Ballarat Libraries for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and we recognise and understand our responsibility in relation to the sensitivity and significance of some of our collection materials.
Bookings
Bookings are essential wherever you see this symbol
For what’s on at Ballarat Libraries, including programs and events for all
Off the Shelf
For books, reading recommendations, programs and events for adult readers. Sign up online libraries.ballarat.vic.gov.au/whatson/email-newsletters
To book, scan QR code above, visit libraries.ballarat.vic.gov.au or call 5338 6800.
Announcements
Public Holiday Closures
Festive Season Opening Hours
Ballarat Library will close at 3pm on Tuesday 24 December and reopen at 9.30am on Thursday 2 January 2025.
Sebastopol Library will close at 3pm on Tuesday 24 December and reopen at 9.30am on Friday 27 December. Sebastopol Library will be closed on Wednesday 1 January 2025.
Wendouree Library will close at 3pm on Tuesday 24 December and reopen at 9.30am on Monday 6 January 2025.
Library Outreach (Buninyong and Lucas) will close from Friday 20 December and recommence from Tuesday 28 January 2025.
January 26 Public Holiday
All City of Ballarat Libraries will be closed on Monday 27 January for the public holiday.
After-hours return chutes are available at Ballarat Library, Sebastopol Library and Wendouree Library.
Our Digital Library is always available: libraries.ballarat.vic.gov.au
Latest News
Keep an eye on the Ballarat Libraries website for up-to-date news and service announcements. Our Latest News blog is regularly updated with special programs, new exhibitions, dates of significance and more.
Make sure to bookmark it: libraries.ballarat.vic.gov.au
Parent Place
Christmas Party
We can’t wait to celebrate together! It’s a combined effort from City of Ballarat’s Parent Place and Supported Playgroups to bring you a free, fun event for your little ones!
Engage in a story time session with Ballarat Libraries from 11am. Explore and have some physical fun with Balance Play from Ballarat Leisure and Aquatic Centre. There will be opportunities for Christmas themed play and craft!
Parent Place, Central Ballarat will be open from 9.30am-2.30pm, however our Christmas party at Djila-tjarriu will replace our usual craft session at 11am.
We can’t wait to see familiar and new faces there.
Tuesday 17 December 10am-12pm
Djila-tjarriu Community Hub 18 Donegal Drive, Alfredton No Bookings required
Community Group Tours of Ballarat Library
Discover the wonders of the newly renovated Ballarat Library with your community group. Learn all about the vast library collection, amazing new Maker Space and explore all the new spaces Ballarat Library now offers.
Reserve your spot now and one of our friendly library staff will take your group on a free guided tour, answer all your burning questions and help your members discover what they can do at the library.
Enjoy tea or coffee in one of our comfortable seating areas at the conclusion of the tour.
Flexible scheduling is available if these times don’t suit your group. For queries, email ballaratlibraries@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Every Wednesday in December and February 2-3pm
Ballarat Library Bookings required
Public Tours of Ballarat Library
Discover the wonders of the newly renovated Ballarat Library. Learn all about the vast library collection, amazing Maker Space and explore all the new features Ballarat Library now offers.
Reserve your spot now and one of our friendly library staff will take you on a free guided tour, answer all your burning questions and help you discover what you can do at the library.
Enjoy tea or coffee in one of our comfortable seating areas at the conclusion of the tour.
Every Tuesday in December and February 10-11am
Ballarat Library
Bookings optional. Register to receive a reminder.
Special Events
1 December – 31 January
Join. Borrow. Read. Win!
If you are aged 0-18, join the BIG Summer Read for your chance to WIN!
Take part in the state-wide competition and be in the draw to win some fantastic prizes or take part in our local Big Summer Read competition for your chance to win, and to be nominated Ballarat’s Biggest Reader!
Register online or collect a paper reading journal at your closest library.
Register here readbooks.com.au/bsr
The competition starts on 1 December 2024 and closes on 31 January 2025.
Please select Central Highlands Libraries as your local library.
Please note to be eligible for the statewide competition participants must be registered online.
Terms and conditions can be found on libraries.ballarat.vic.gov.au Winners and their nominated Library Service will be notified via email. Terms and Conditions can be found at plv.org.au/projects/big-summer-read/
Special Events
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
25 November - 10 December
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that encourages individual and community action to end gender-based violence.
Pop into your local library and check out the 16 Days of Activism display with recommended books for kids, teens and adults and collect your free 16 Days of Activism merchandise from Ballarat, Sebastopol or Wendouree libraries.
Art Exhibition
View the 16 Days Hope of Tomorrow – Stories of Resilience
Art Exhibition at Ballarat Library and at Sebastopol Library.
25 November - 6 January
Ballarat Library
25 November - 6 January
Sebastopol Library
Gardens for Wildlife Workshops
Whether you have a big backyard, a tiny courtyard, a community garden, school veggie patch, or some pot plants on your balcony, everyone can contribute to the survival of wildlife by providing suitable habitat.
Learn about local community group, Gardens for Wildlife Ballarat, and gain valuable knowledge and inspiration. There will also be an opportunity to take home a selection of local native plants for your garden.
Garden Structures to Support
Native Wildlife
Sunday 1 December
2-3.30pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
Photo credit: Gardens for Wildlife Ballarat
Adult Programs
A Cheesy Little Christmas
How do you like your Christmas movies? Romantic, daggy, action-packed or extra cheesy? Join us for some light-hearted fun this December as we screen some Christmas titles from the library’s streaming service, Kanopy.
Christmas bikkies and mint hot chocolate included!
Feliz Navidad
A romantic comedy featuring a single father, an Arizona high school principal, who is matched with an out-of-town musician on a dating app.
Thursday 5 December 1pm
Sebastopol Library Bookings required
Christmas with a Crown
With universal themes of love, family and following your heart, this charming and heartwarming movie will surely put you in the holiday spirit.
Wednesday 11 December 10.30am
Sebastopol Library Bookings required
12 Dogs of Christmas
This holiday tale has all the elements of a classic heart warmer - cuddly dogs, small town spirit and even a full-fledged Christmas pageant.
Thursday 19 December 4.30pm
Sebastopol Library Bookings required
Adult Programs
Thursday Movie Screenings
Join us for free movie screenings, featuring classic cinema, indie films and documentaries. Stay afterwards for a cuppa and chat with other movie buffs.
Radioactive (M)
A 2019 British biographical drama film starring Rosamund Pike as Marie Curie.
Thursday 2 January 1pm
Sebastopol Library Bookings required
Two is a family (M)
Starring Omar Sy (The Intouchables), this comedy-drama film was the world’s most popular French-language film of 2017.
Thursday 6 February 1pm
Sebastopol Library Bookings required
Book Chats
Do you love talking books?
Join library staff and other keen readers to discuss all things books and reading. Find your next favourite read at these casual and welcoming sessions.
Wednesday Evening Book Chat
Wednesday 4 December
Wednesday 29 January
Wednesday 26 February 6-7pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings optional. Register to receive a reminder.
First Friday Book Chat
Friday 6 December
Friday 7 February 10.30-11.30am
Sebastopol Library
Bookings optional. Register to receive a reminder.
Third Friday Book Chat
Friday 20 December
Friday 21 February 2-3pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings optional. Register to receive a reminder.
Adult Programs
Album Club
Like a book club, but for music!
Each month we get together to discuss what we have been listening to and talk about our chosen album of the month. Join us to discover new music and share recommendations. If you enjoy talking about the music that means the most to you - now there is a club for you!
Wednesday 11 December
Wednesday 5 February 6-7pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings optional. Register to receive a reminder.
Analogue Hour
Take the time to relax at Analogue Hour each month. Leave your phone in your bag and work on a creative project, pick away at a puzzle or unwind with a book. Come alone or bring a friend—it’s up to you.
Art materials are supplied.
Wednesday 22 January
Wednesday 19 February 6-7pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings optional. Register to receive a reminder.
Family History Drop-In
Whether you are just starting your family history research or have hit a wall on your journey, the Ballarat and District Genealogical Society can support your research at these drop-in sessions. They can even help you analyse your genealogical DNA results.
Friday 6 December
Friday 7 February 2-4pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings optional. Register to receive a reminder.
Thursday 23 January
Thursday 27 February 1-3pm
Sebastopol Library
Bookings optional. Register to receive a reminder.
Adult Programs
Be Creative
Be Creative with other crafters. Bring along something you’re working on and meet new people at this casual catch up.
Thursday 12 December
Thursday 9 January
Thursday 13 February
1-3pm
Sebastopol Library
Bookings optional. Register to receive a reminder.
Tea in the Garden
Potter in the garden, drink tea, chat gardening and help with garden tasks such as seed counting and harvesting herbs. Gardeners are welcome to bring any excess produce to share.
Thursday 19 December
Thursday 16 January
Thursday 20 February
1-2pm
Sebastopol Library
Bookings optional. Register to receive a reminder.
Adult Programs
Learn Together: LinkedIn Learning Excel Essential Training
Get up to speed with Microsoft Excel, the world’s most popular spreadsheet program, using online video instruction from LinkedIn Learning. Over five weeks, we will learn how to enter and organise data, perform calculations with simple functions, and format the appearance of rows, columns, cells and data.
Bring your laptop if possible. In the first session we will download exercise files to practise with as the course progresses.
Each session will build on skills over the five-week program. While participants are encouraged to book into all five sessions, this is not essential.
Limited library laptops available. Please let us know when you book if you require a laptop.
Thursday 13 February
Thursday 20 February
Thursday 27 February
Thursday 6 March
Thursday 13 March
2-3pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
One-on-One Resume Writing Tutorial
Ready to land your dream job? Join our personalised resume writing tutorial and make your resume shine!
What you’ll learn:
Professional Summary: Craft an eye-catching summary.
Achievements and Skills: Highlight your best accomplishments.
Customisation:
Tailor your resume for specific job applications.
Unique Selling Points: Showcase what makes you stand out.
These tutorials are perfect for everyone—first-time job seekers, career changers and those aiming for promotions. Transform your resume into a powerful tool that opens doors to new opportunities!
Every Thursday (6 February - 3 April)
1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm and 3pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
Young People
These sessions run during school terms.
Learn and Play Together
Enjoy exploring and discovering together. All sessions for children under 12 are designed to be co-learning activities where parents and carers participate as core support for their child.
LEGO® Club
Show off your imaginative building skills at the Ballarat Libraries’ LEGO® Club. Complete a series of themed challenges using LEGO® blocks and a lot of imagination.
Ages 8+
Wednesday 4 December
Wednesday 8 January
Wednesday 5 February
3.45-4.45pm
Wendouree Library
Bookings required
Ages 8+
Thursday 20 February
Thursday 27 February
Thursday 6 March
Thursday 13 March
Thursday 20 March
Thursday 27 March
4-4.45pm
Buninyong Outreach
Bookings required
Comic Creators
Learn the secrets of creating your own comic adventures in this hands-on, after-school program that covers the whole range of comic creation from idea to publication.
Ages 8-12
Wednesday 29 January
Wednesday 5 February
Wednesday 12 February
Wednesday 19 February
Wednesday 26 February
4-5.30pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
Code Club
Learn how to create games, animations and applications at Code Club. Code Club is a fun way to develop valuable digital skills as well as logic, creativity, collaboration and communication.
We encourage you to attend all sessions.
Ages 8-13
Friday 6 December
Friday 13 December
Friday 20 December 4-5pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
Young People
These sessions run during school terms.
LEGO® Robotics
Get ready to dive into the world of LEGO® Robotics! In this program, children will build fantastic LEGO® robot models and learn to program sensors, motors, and lights to bring them to life.
Ages 8-13
Thursday 6 February
Thursday 13 February
Thursday 20 February
Thursday 27 February
Thursday 6 March
4–5pm
Ballarat Library Bookings required
YArtistry
Let your creativity flow in this art session for all skill levels. Paint, draw, make and create in a variety of mediums including digital and multi-media.
Ages 12-18
Tuesday 11 February 4–5.30pm
Ballarat Library Bookings required
Beyond the Book
Are you someone who loves reading and discussing books with friends? Join Beyond the Book club! Each month, we’ll explore a new book and dive deep into its themes and characters. You will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and insights with other book lovers your age. Plus, there will be fun activities and snacks to enjoy!
Ages 10-14
Friday 6 December
Friday 7 February
4–4.45pm
Sebastopol Library Bookings required
Phone Sebastopol Library on 5335 7985
Out of this World Spec-Fiction YA Club
For fans of all things cool like comics, manga, fantasy, sci-fi, superheroes and horror in books, movies and graphic novels. Join our monthly get-togethers to meet, chat and share with like-minded enthusiasts.
Ages 12-18
Tuesday 28 January
Tuesday 25 February
4–5.30pm
Ballarat Library Bookings required
Young People
These sessions run during school terms.
Dungeons and Dragons
Step into a world of adventure and imagination with Dungeons and Dragons at the library.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, our staff facilitated D&D sessions offer a space to explore new worlds, battle fierce monsters and forge friendships. Join a campaign or learn how to be a Dungeon Master and run your own game. Our community of adventurers welcomes all who are ready to embark on an epic quest!
Ages 14-18
Fortnightly during school terms
Tuesday 10 December
Tuesday 4 February
Tuesday 18 February 4-6pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings optional. Register to receive a reminder.
Monday 9 December
Monday 3 February
Monday 17 February 3.45–5pm
Wendouree Library
Bookings optional. Register to receive a reminder.
Kids and Families
These sessions run during school terms.
Learn and Play Together
Enjoy exploring and discovering together. All sessions for children under 12 are designed to be co-learning activities where parents and carers participate as core support for their child.
Parent Place
Enjoy free activities, a safe, inclusive place to play, and the opportunity to find out about services and support for families with young children, including kindergarten registration, playgroups and more.
The Parent Place Facilitator will remain available during this time for any questions or support. Contact Parent Place staff via Facebook Messenger or phone 5320 5165
Every Monday 9.30am-2.30pm until 16 December recommencing in Term 1 2025.
Sebastopol Library
Baby Bounce
A gentle session of song, music, rhyme and storytelling for babies.
Ages - Babies
Every Monday
10.30am
Sebastopol Library
Every Tuesday 10.30am
Wendouree Library
Every Wednesday 10.30am
Ballarat Library
Every Thursday 2pm
Ballarat Library
Little Languages
Where will we travel to this week?
Open your magical suitcase and travel to a different country and culture each session, learning and sharing through story, song, and dance. This family-based Storytime celebrates inclusion and diversity in a fun and accessible way.
Every Friday 10.30am
Djila-tjarriu Community Hub 18 Donegal Drive, Alfredton
Kids and Families
These sessions run during school terms.
Wriggle and Rhyme
A fun-filled session of stories, songs, rhythm and movement.
Ages - Toddlers
Every Monday
10.30am
Ballarat Library
Every Tuesday 2pm
Ballarat Library
Every Tuesday 10.30am
Lucas Community Hub 17 Coltman Plaza, Lucas
Every Wednesday
10.30am
Sebastopol Library
Every Thursday
10.30am
Eureka Centre
Stawell Street South, Ballarat East
Every Friday 10.30am
Wendouree Library
Wriggle and Rhyme
Supporting 16 Days of Activism
Join us for a special Wriggle and Rhyme session to support 16 Days of Activism.
Monday 9 December
10.30am
Ballarat Library Bookings not required.
Family Storytime
Family Storytime is an opportunity for your child to discover the world of books and develop a love of reading, while connecting with other families in your community.
Filled with stories and rhymes, children will enjoy these fun and engaging sessions.
All ages
Every Wednesday 10.30am
Wendouree Neighbourhood Centre
Wendouree Recreation Reserve, Holly Grove
Tech Hub
Tech Q&A
Increase your digital skills and knowledge. Book in for a one-onone 30-minute session to learn about using your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or the internet.
Please bring relevant passwords, passcodes, and email addresses if you have them.
Please note we are unable to help with financial, legal, public housing, citizenship, or immigration forms.
Bookings essential. Session times vary - contact your local library to book in.
Every Monday
Every Tuesday
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
Every Wednesday
Sebastopol Library
Bookings required
Every Monday
Wendouree Library
Bookings required
Digital Forms and Services Assistance
Book in for a one-on-one 45-minute session and get assistance with completing online forms and applications.
Please bring any relevant passwords, passcodes and email addresses, if you have them.
Please note we are unable to help with financial, legal, public housing, citizenship or immigration forms.
Bookings essential. Session times may vary - contact your local library to book in.
Every Wednesday 11.30am
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
Tech Hub
Get Techy, Get Ready –Emergency Preparedness
Learn how to be more prepared for emergencies at this Get Techy, Get Ready session, where you will learn how to use technology more effectively in emergency planning and preparedness. In this session, get assistance to download and use apps that can help you stay informed, report hazards and more.
Thursday 5 December 11am-12.30pm
Ballarat Library Bookings required
iClub
Get to know all things Apple
iClub is an informal club for Apple users to learn more about the features and functions of the iPad and iPhone. Bring your Apple device and enjoy a free, fun and informative group session. Afternoon tea provided.
Apples are Fun
Learn how you can use your Apple device for fun and creativity.
Thursday 19 December 1.30-2.30pm
Ballarat Library Bookings required
Get to Know Your Device
Learn about connectivity, data, IOS updates, Apple ID, face recognition, Apple Wallet, alarms, App Store, reminders, notes and more.
Thursday 20 February 1.30-2.30pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
Tech Hub
Tech Café
Tech Café offers a range of technology-related and digital learning presentations, hosted by Ballarat Libraries Technology Hub and a range of community partners. Participants are invited to share their own technology experiences, learning and questions in an informal social atmosphere.
Preparing for Emergencies and Power Outages with the NBN Community Ambassador
Join us to learn how to get prepared for emergencies and power outages.
Thursday 12 December 11am-12pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
All About Council Apps
Learn all about Ballarat Council’s digital apps and how to use them.
Thursday 13 February 11am-12pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
DIGITAL LIBRARY
Access to our great range of e-resources, including ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers and video streaming, is provided free with your library membership.
Download these free apps on Apple or Android or visit our website libraries.ballarat.vic.gov.au/ borrow/digital-library
When selecting your library service, please choose ‘Central Highlands Libraries’.
Bolinda BorrowBox
BorrowBox is a vast library of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers available for download to your computer or mobile device.
Libby
Libby is a vast library of ebooks and audiobooks available for download. Use the Libby app to access the collection on your mobile device. uLibrary
Discover a new way to experience your favourite books. uLibrary has a range of audiobooks to listen to on your mobile device or computer.
PressReader
With over 6,000 publications from over 100 countries in 60+ languages, PressReader provides access to magazines and newspapers on your mobile device or computer.
Kanopy
Kanopy offers more than 30,000 of the world’s best films and TV series, including award-winning documentaries, world cinema, indie and classic films.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is a premium online learning platform with thousands of hours of video training courses, covering a huge range of business, computing/IT and creative subjects.
StoryBox Library
StoryBox Library features engaging Australian children’s stories read by some of Australia’s finest storytellers. Their stories are a little bit cheeky, a little bit charming and a whole lot of fun!
Libraries Victoria App
Easily search our catalogue, manage your account, virtually store your library card and access our Digital Library, all from the Libraries Victoria app.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR BALLARAT LIBRARIES MEMBERSHIP
With a Ballarat Libraries membership you can:
Borrow
Up to 100 items at a time, including books, audiobooks, magazines and DVDs.
Access
Up to 2.5 million items, thanks to the Libraries Victoria network.
Not yet a member?
Browse
Our Digital Library, featuring ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, film streaming, and more.
Reserve
The items you want at a time and place that suits you.
Print, Scan, Copy
Documents using your own device or one of our PCs.
Join Online
You can sign up for a digital or full membership online and access our Digital Library now.
Sign up at: libraries.ballarat.vic.gov.au/ services/join-the-library
Join at the library:
Head to any Ballarat Libraries branch with your ID and proof of address. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian might need to sign up on your behalf.
Scan the QR code below
Ballarat Libraries
Libraries.ballarat.vic.gov.au
ballaratlibraries@ballarat.vic.gov.au
@ballaratlibraries
@ballaratlibraries
Ballarat Library
5338 6850
178 Doveton Street North, Ballarat
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30am-6pm
Wednesday 9.30am-7pm
Saturday 9.30am-4pm
Sunday 1-4pm
Sebastopol Library
5335 7985
181 Albert Street, Sebastopol
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 9.30am-5pm
Thursday 9.30am-8pm
Saturday 9.30am-12pm
Sunday closed
Wendouree Library
5339 3505
Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre
Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 9.30am-12pm Sunday closed
Library Outreach
Lucas
Lucas Community Hub Coltman Plaza Tuesdays 10am–12pm
Buninyong
Buninyong Community House
407 Warrenheip Street Thursdays 2–5pm