Winter 2023: What's On at the Libraries

What’s on at the Libraries WINTER 2023

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 commited 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.

Contents Announcements

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Special Events

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Local and Family History

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Adult Programs

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Young People

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Kids and Families

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Technology Hub

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KEY Target Audience Time and Date Location

Email Newsletters Keep up-to-date with events, programs and service announcements with our online newsletters.

Coming Up What’s on at the Ballarat Libraries Off the Shelf Books, reading recommendations, programs and events Scan the QR code or sign up online: eepurl.com/dMfZj2

Bookings Bookings are essential wherever you see this symbol Online Follow Ballarat Libraries on Humanitix to be notified of new events and programs as soon as tickets go live.

Visit Ballarat Libraries on Humanitix: events.humanitix. com/tours/ballarat-libraries Scan the QR code to visit Ballarat Libraries on Humanitix In person go to your local library, and staff will book on your behalf

By Phone Ballarat Library 03 5338 6850 Sebastopol Library 03 5335 7985 Wendouree Library 03 5339 3505

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Annoucements King’s Birthday Public Holiday Closure

Council COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Program

All City of Ballarat Libraries and the Library Outreach will be closed on Monday 12 June for the King’s Birthday Public Holiday.

The City of Ballarat is distributing FREE Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to all Victorians, regardless of age or health condition. This will assist with early detection and treatment of COVID-19.

You can collect as often as required, while stocks last.

If you have symptoms or have recently tested positive for COVID-19, please do not collect RATs until you are well. Under these circumstances you are welcome to arrange for someone else to collect tests on your behalf.

After hours returns are available at the Sebastopol and Wendouree Libraries. After hours returns at the Ballarat Library at Town Hall are available during the Visitor Centre Opening Hours.

Online services will be available during this time, including the library’s downloadable collection.

Visit the library website: centralhighlandslibraries.org.au Monday 12 June 2023

Ballarat Libraries at the Eureka Centre The next time you put an item on hold with the Ballarat Libraries, you can choose to pick it up from the Ballarat Research Hub at Eureka (BRHAE) at the Eureka Centre!

BRHAE is a pickup point during opening hours, for all Ballarat Libraries holds, making it a convenient and accessible spot to collect books in Ballarat East.

You can also search and place a hold on books at: centralhighlandslibraries.org.au Monday to Thursday 10am–4.30pm Eureka Centre 102 Stawell Street South Ballarat East 4

Monday 9.30am–5pm Tuesday 9.30am–5pm Wednesday 9.30am–5pm Thursday 9.30am–8pm Friday 9.30am–5pm Saturday 9.30am–12pm Sunday Closed Sebastopol Library Monday to Friday 8.30am–5pm City of Ballarat Customer Service - Phoenix Building 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat Central

Announcements Fine Free Libraries

Inter-Library Loans We are pleased to announce Central Highlands Libraries has joined with libraries around Victoria to recommence inter-library lending on Monday 1 May 2023.

Library patrons are able to request items from other libraries and borrow from within the Libraries Victoria network for free.

In order to maintain the longterm viability of this service, some changes have been made statewide.

To see the detail of these changes, visit our website: centralhighlandslibraries.org.au

From Saturday 1 July 2023, Ballarat Libraries are proudly becoming fine free.

No matter how late your item is, you won’t be charged overdue fines if you return the item.

Replacement costs still apply for items that are damaged or lost while on loan.

Unsure about your library account?

Visit or call any City of Ballarat Library to speak to our friendly staff or email us at ballaratlibraries@ballarat.vic.gov.au For more information, visit that Ballarat Libraries website: centralhighlandslibraries.org.au Saturday 1 July Ballarat Library at Town Hall Sebastopol Library Wendouree Library Library Outreach

Monday 1 May 2023

Document Signing Station Do you need a Justice of the Peace for document signing? Visit this free service at the Sebastopol Library.

No appointments necessary.

Partners: Ballarat Branch, Royal Victorian Association of Honoury Justices Second and fourth Thursday of the month 10am–1pm Sebastopol Library 5

Special Events Book Tasting Join us for an enriching ‘Book Tasting’ afternoon, where you can indulge in a diverse range of literary flavours. Discover something new to savour and borrow a book of your choice to relish at your own pace.

Wednesday 7 June 2–3pm Wendouree Library Bookings required

Jock Serong In Conversation We’re excited to welcome acclaimed author Jock Serong back to Ballarat after his success facilitating our much loved Ann Cleeves event last year. Jock will be In Conversation with debut author, Lyn Yeowart.

Don’t miss this chance to see this engaging speaker live.

Wednesday 14 June 6.30–8pm Humffray Room, Ballaraat Mechanics’ Institute Sturt Street, Ballarat Central Bookings required

Attracting Birds to Your Garden with Libby Robin Join Libby Robin, author of What Birdo is That? as she discusses ways you can entice a variety of local birds to your garden by making it attractive to them.

What Birdo is That? explores the interplay between knowing about birds and caring about their future.

Bird-people are motivated in different ways, but they all love birds. For many, birds are a way they understand the more-thanhuman world. Birds and their people can be funny, intriguing and surprising.

Followed by book sales and signing.

Saturday 17 June 2–3pm Ballarat Town Hall Bookings required

World Refugee Day Flag Raising Ceremony Join us for a flag raising event on World Refugee Day to celebrate and honour refugees from around the world.

Intercultural Follow Ambassador Program for event details closer to the date.

Tuesday 20 June Queen Victoria Square Sturt Street, Ballarat Central

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Special Events Lise Rodgers A Day with Jane

Meet the Author Maya Linnell

Step back in time and spend A Day with Jane Austen, as acclaimed actor Lise Rodgers brings the beloved author to life before your very eyes!

Spend the afternoon with bestselling Australian rural fiction author, Maya Linnell. Maya’s writing career hit the spotlight in 2019 with her first novel Wildflower Ridge. She has since published a further four novels, and in this session, she will discuss her latest, Kookaburra Cottage.

Join us for a captivating journey through the life and times of Jane Austen, as Lise Rodgers transforms into the literary icon and shares her insights on how Jane spent her days. From her writing process and inspirations, to her daily routines and personal experiences, you’ll discover the fascinating world of one of the most beloved authors of all time.

Tuesday 20 June 6.30–7.30pm Ballarat Town Hall Bookings required

National NAIDOC Week 2023 For Our Elders The 2023 National NAIDOC Week theme is For Our Elders, celebrating the important role Elders have played and continue to play, in family and community.

Various events to be held during NAIDOC Week.

Ballarat Koorie Follow Engagement Action Group (KEAG Ballarat) for event details closer to the date.

Sunday 2–9 July

Maya’s books will be available to purchase and light refreshments will be served. Bookings essential.

Bookings: ballaratmi.org.au/event/ meet-the-author-maya-linnell Friday 30 June 2–3pm Ballaraat Mechanics’ Institute Sturt Street, Ballarat Central

Meet the Author A J Lyndon A J Lyndon is the author of historical fiction, set during the English Civil Wars. This is an opportunity to hear the author discuss the latest in the series, The Tawny Sash.

The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute are hosting this event.

Ticket fees apply and light refreshments will be served.

Bookings: ballaratmi.org.au/event/ meet-the-author-aj-lyndon Tuesday 4 July 7pm Ballaraat Mechanics’ Institute Sturt Street, Ballarat Central 7

Special Events

Winter Warmers Winter Warmers is a series of workshops to support participants with self-care this winter. Annette Subhani from New Pathways Life Coaching facilitates hands on sessions that support participants to achieve their goals, adapt to changing environments and find a sense of inner strength and wellbeing.

Bookings are separate for each workshop and attendees may sign up for as many or as few as they like.

Wellbeing Conversations Exploring Kindness Uncover the foundations of wellbeing. This one-of-a-kind workshop provides the opportunity for connection and purposeful conversation on core foundations of life and wellbeing. We will discover how kindness strengthens our health by exploring writings, quotes and stories, and philosophical discussion.

Participants will feel empowered, with a change in perspective to improve wellbeing.

Wednesday 7 June 11am–12.30pm Wendouree Library Bookings required 8

Turning Sleep into Wellbeing Who is getting enough sleep? Why can’t we wake up feeling fresh and ready for the day ahead?

Uncover the science of sleep and its impact on our conscious and subconscious mind, the power of the natural ‘body rhythm’ and how sleep allows for the healing of heart, mind, body and spirit.

Gain new insights and steps to improve your sleep hygiene, and take home a personal Sleep Diary to assist in making a change.

Friday 16 June 10–11.30am Ballarat Library at Town Hall Bookings required Thursday 3 August 5.30–7pm Sebastopol Library Bookings required

Special Events Prioritising My Self-Care Choices are a big part of life and prioritising your personal health and wellbeing can be the greatest challenge. Enhancing our awareness about ‘what works for us’ is vital, as we all tend to give up quickly when the going gets tough and change does not bring about results.

Explore the power of routines, reflect on mental health issues, uncover obstacles to wellbeing, and plan for new approaches to self-care and holistic wellbeing in this workshop.

Thursday 20 July 1.30–3pm Ballarat Library at Town Hall Bookings required

Wellbeing Through Storytelling and Creativity Join this workshop as we use pen, paper and colour to tap into our story of life and uncover our strengths, achievements, challenges and regrets.

We will explore how these and the stories we tell ourselves impact on our wellbeing. We will turn the page and create an illustration of new hopes, dreams and opportunities. Come along and tap into your creativity!

Monday 17 July 11am–12.30pm

The Art of Bonsai to Find Inner Peace There is nothing like having a hobby to connect with our innerself. This workshop explores the ancient art of bonsai or ‘plant in a pot’, and how it feeds our inner spirit and helps to slow our pace of life.

Each participant will work on their own bonsai to take home and continue the care and nurturing.

Thursday 17 August 5.30–7pm Sebastopol Library Bookings required

Winter Reading Party at Kilderkin Distillery Join us for a unique and cozy Winter Reading Party at Kilderkin Distillery in Ballarat! Sip on a delicious drink while immersing yourself in a captivating winter read, during the Ballarat Winter Festival.

BYO reading material.

Nibbles provided, drinks are at bar prices.

Thursday 13 July 6–7pm Kilderkin Distillery 14A Hill Street, Mt Pleasant Bookings required

Wendouree Library Bookings required 9

Local and Family History Ballarat Research Hub at Eureka

Discovering the Treasure That is Trove

Ballarat Research Hub at Eureka (BRHAE) presents the combined resources and services of the Ballarat Libraries’ Australiana Research Collection, the Public Record Office Victoria’s Ballarat Archives Centre and the Ballarat and District Genealogical Society.

Explore the many resources of Trove, the National Library of Australia’s contribution to family research.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 4.30pm For information: Australiana Research Collection, 5333 0306 Ballarat Archives Centre, 5329 1628 Eureka Centre Ballarat

Exploring Find My Past and British Newspapers Expand your knowledge of British family history research especially with the newspaper index.

Please bring along your laptop or tablet.

Bookings are essential as numbers are limited.

Email Simon Jacks at simonjacks@ballarat.vic.gov.au Wednesday 21 June 2–3.30pm Ballarat Research Hub at Eureka

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Please bring along your laptop or tablet.

Bookings are essential as numbers are limited.

Email Simon Jacks at simonjacks@ballarat.vic.gov.au Wednesday 19 July 2–3.30pm Ballarat Research Hub at Eureka

Using Social Media for Family History Find out how social media can help you find information and records, and make connections with fellow researchers.

Please bring along your laptop or tablet.

Bookings are essential as numbers are limited.

Email Simon Jacks at simonjacks@ballarat.vic.gov.au Wednesday 16 August 2–3.30pm Ballarat Research Hub at Eureka

Adult Programs Chatty Café

Be Creative

Looking for an activity to get out of the house that’s relaxed and fun? Come along to the Chatty Café at the Wendouree and Sebastopol Libraries on Thursday afternoons.

Be Creative with other crafters.

Bring along something you’re working on and meet new people at this casual catch up.

Brighten your day with a chat and cuppa. Bookings not required.

Every Thursday 2–3pm Wendouree Library

The Sebastopol CWA will be at the sessions to provide inspiration and share their craft skills.

Thursday 8 June Thursday 13 July Thursday 10 August 1–3pm Sebastopol Library

Every Thursday 6–7pm

Puzzles and Games

Sebastopol Library

Unwind and connect at the library.

Try something new and have fun exploring board games or solving a puzzle with others.

First Friday Book Chat Want to discuss your latest reading adventures? Meet other readers? Get some reading inspiration?

Join us at Sebastopol Library on the first Friday of the month for an opportunity to talk about reading, connect with other readers, and have a cuppa and chat.

Friday 2 June Friday 7 July Friday 4 August 10.30am Sebastopol Library Bookings required

Feel free to bring along your favourite game to share or use the games available from the library.

Thursday 15 June Thursday 20 July Thursday 17 August 1–3pm Sebastopol Library

Migrants’ Morning Tea We welcome everyone to these fun mornings with lots of stories, tea, and quite often a dance!

Last Wednesday of the Month 10.30am–12pm Ballarat Welcome Centre 25-39 Barkly Street, Ballarat 11

Adult Programs Movie Screenings Join our free movie screenings featuring classic cinema, indie films and documentaries. Stay afterwards for a cuppa and chat with other movie buffs.

Mrs Brown (PG) Dramatisation of one of history’s most unusual love stories. Queen Victoria is grieving over her husband’s death and finds herself unable to carry out public duties.

John Brown is summoned from Balmoral to walk the Queen’s pony in the hope that she will start to become herself again.

He quickly becomes the Queen’s most trusted companion.

Thursday 1 June 1–3pm Sebastopol Library Bookings required

Healing (M) Inspired by true events, Healing is a story of redemption, the discovery of hope and the healing of the spirit - in the most unlikely place for the most unlikely of men.

Thursday 6 July 1–3pm Sebastopol Library Bookings required

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Mr Holmes (M) A new twist on the world’s most famous detective. 1947, an aging Sherlock Holmes is grappling with the diminishing powers of his mind, coming to rely upon his housekeeper’s son, as he revisits the circumstances of the unsolved case that forced him into retirement, and searches for answers to the mysteries of life and love – before it’s too late.

Thursday 3 August 1–3pm Sebastopol Library Bookings required

Family History Drop-in Sessions Are you starting your family history research, or have you hit a wall with your research?

Drop-in to the Sebastopol Library to speak with a volunteer from the Ballarat and District Genealogical Society (B&DGS).

Thursday 22 June Thursday 27 July Thursday 24 August 1–3pm Sebastopol Library

Young People

Learn and Play Together

Murrup Art Workshops

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.

Join Jenna Oldaker from Murrup Art for an exciting and inspiring kids’ art workshop.

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’ll 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 Wednesday 5 July Wednesday 9 August 4–4.45pm Sebastopol Library Contact the Sebastopol Library to book

Jenna is a Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and Visual Artist who creates vibrant and contemporary artworks inspired by her ancestors and their spirits.

In this program, your kids will learn about Wadawurrung culture and Country while creating their own unique pieces using acrylic paints on canvas.

Ages 5-12 Thursday 1 June Thursday 8 June Thursday 15 June Thursday 22 June Thursday 29 June 4–5pm Wendouree Neighbourhood Centre, Wendouree Recreation Reserve, Holly Grove Bookings required

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Young People Code Club

Anime Workshops

Learn how to create games, animations and applications at Code Club.

Do you want to draw your favourite anime characters or create your own?

Code Club is a fun way to develop valuable digital skills as well as logic, creativity, collaboration and communication.

Learn how to draw anime in this class led by a talented local youth facilitator. Tailored for beginners with no prior experience necessary, sign up now and watch your artistic skills blossom!

This is a co-learning activity where parents and carers provide support for their child to explore and discover together. Assistance from an accompanying adult is required.

Ages 8-13 Monday 29 May Monday 5 June Monday 19 June Monday 26 June 4–4.45pm Wendouree Library Bookings required Weekly Thursday 13 July – Thursday 31 August 4–4.45pm Library Outreach - Buninyong Bookings required

Ages 8-13 Weekly Thursday 1 June – Thursday 22 June 4–4.45pm Library Outreach - Buninyong Bookings required

Draw with Procreate Are you ready to unleash your inner artist? Explore a world of endless creative possibilities and digital art creation in this series of beginner digital art workshops where you’ll learn the basics of Procreate to create your very own masterpiece.

Please note: this is designed to be completed over a five-week series culminating in a printable art piece.

Ages 6-13 Weekly Wednesday 2 August – Wednesday 20 August 4–4.45pm Ballarat Town Hall Bookings required

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Young People Ghost Writers Want to learn how to write a tale that will make the blood of your readers run cold?

Ghostwriters is an intensive writing program, including several sessions facilitated by published authors, that will show you the secrets of writing in the horror genre.

Please note: this program is designed to be completed over two school terms, culminating in the publication of a spine-tingling short story collection.

Ages 13-17 Fortnightly during school terms Session 1: Tuesday 6 June 4–4.45pm Ballarat Town Hall Bookings required

Dungeons and Dragons Ever wanted to try Dungeons and Dragons or learn how to run a game and become a Dungeon Master? Perhaps you’re an experienced player looking for a group or a regular game?

Join us for D&D at the library.

Ages 14-18 Fortnightly during school terms Thursday 1 June - Thursday 24 August 4–6pm Sebastopol Library

Young Einstein’s National Science Week Celebrate National Science Week with a lively session of discovery where junior scientists can explore scientific concepts through hands-on fun from exploding volcanoes, oozy gooey slime plus many more fun experiments.

Assistance from an accompanying adult is required.

Ages 5-8 Monday 14 August 4–4.45pm Sebastopol Library Bookings open Saturday 1 July Thursday 17 August 4–4.45pm Wendouree Library Bookings open Saturday 1 July

Mad About Science: Liquid Nitrogen Show National Science Week What’s cooler than cool? Liquid nitrogen! Learn all about the states of matter and what happens when we heat things up and cool things down with our super cool chemical nitrogen.

Ages 7+ Tuesday 22 August 4–5pm St Alipius Parish Primary School, 106-108 Victoria Street, Ballarat East Bookings open Saturday 1 July

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Kids and Families

All sessions run during school terms.

Baby Bounce

Wriggle and Rhyme

A gentle session of song, music, rhyme and storytelling for babies.

A fun-filled session of stories, songs, rhythm and movement.

Babies

Toddlers

Every Monday 10.30am Sebastopol Library

Every Tuesday 10.30am Ballarat Library at Town Hall

Every Tuesday 2pm Wendouree Library

Every Tuesday 10.30am

Every Thursday 2pm

Every Wednesday 10.30am

Ballarat Library at Town Hall

Lucas Community Hub, Lucas

Sebastopol Library Every Friday 10.30am Salvation Army, Corner Warrina Drive and Greenhalghs Road, Delacombe

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Kids and Families

All sessions run during school terms.

Little Languages

Family Storytime

Where will we travel to this week?

Open the 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.

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.

Preschoolers Every Friday 10.30am Wendouree Library

All ages Every Wednesday 10.30am Wendouree Neighbourhood Centre, Wendouree Recreation Reserve, Holly Grove Every Thursday 10.30am

CBCA Book Week Storytimes Get ready to READ, GROW, and INSPIRE at the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Week Storytimes!

Dress up as your favourite storybook character and immerse yourself in a world of adventure, wonder, and magic - the perfect opportunity to GROW your love for reading and INSPIRE your creativity.

19–25 August 2023 All City of Ballarat Libraries and Library Outreach sessions

Eureka Centre Stawell Street South, Ballarat East

Play and Sing with Coco Sounds Play and Sing with Coco Sounds at Eureka. Enjoy singing songs from around the world and playing rhythms with your body in these engaging sessions.

Ages 2–5 Every Wednesday until Wednesday 21 June 11.30am–12pm Eureka Centre Stawell Street South, Ballarat East

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Technology Hub

Technology Q&A Increase your digital skills and knowledge. Book in for a 30-minute session to ask any questions you may have about using your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or the internet.

Please bring your relevant passwords, passcodes, and email address if you have them.

Bookings essential Session times vary – contact your local library to book in.

Every Monday Wendouree Library Every Monday Every Tuesday Sebastopol Library Every Tuesday Every Wednesday Ballarat Library at Town Hall

Try One Thing Robotics Learn how to build and program a Fable Robot to perform tasks using Blockly & Python coding.

Thursday 20 July 5.30pm Sebastopol Library Bookings required 18

Digital Forms and Services Assistance Book in for a 45-minute session and get assistance with completing online forms and applications.

Session times vary – contact your local library to book in.

Every Tuesday Every Wednesday Ballarat Library at Town Hall Bookings required

iClub An informal club for Apple users to learn more about the features and functions of the iPad. Bring your iPad and learn all about its functions and features in a free, fun group session for all.

Afternoon tea provided.

Thursday 15 June Thursday 20 July Thursday 17 August 1.30pm Ballarat Library at Town Hall Bookings required

Technology Hub My Digital Library Explore Ballarat Libraries digital collections and eServices to access the library anywhere from your smartphone or device.

Wednesday 21 June 2pm

Tech Café Digital Health, eScripts and Telehealth This session will give you the information you need to navigate appointments, Medicare, and electronic scripts.

Thursday 8 June 11am

Wendouree Library

Ballarat Library at Town Hall

Bookings required

Bookings required

Wednesday 26 July 2pm Sebastopol Library Bookings required

Tech Café Services Victoria The one place to go for Government services. Learn how to access and manage the app.

Thursday 13 July 11am

Tuesday 8 August 10.30am

Ballarat Library at Town Hall

Library Outreach - Lucas

Bookings required

Bookings required

Tech Café Each month join a range of technology-related presentations, hands-on sessions, and demonstrations in collaboration with an NBN Community Ambassador and other external presenters.

Refreshments provided.

Tech Café Smart Home technologies Learn how to connect your appliances and devices to control your home via your screen or by voice commands.

Thursday 10 August 11am Ballarat Library at Town Hall Bookings required

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Ballarat Libraries centralhighlandslibraries.org.au ballaratlibraries@ballarat.vic.gov.au

@ballaratlibraries @ballaratlibraries

Ballarat Library at Town Hall 5338 6850 225 Sturt Street, Ballarat

Sebastopol Library 5335 7985 181 Albert Street, Sebastopol

Wendouree Library 5339 3505 Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre

Library Outreach Lucas Lucas Community Hub Coltman Plaza Tuesdays, 10am–12pm

Buninyong Buninyong Community House, 407 Warrenheip Street Thursdays, 2–5pm

Delacombe Salvation Army Cnr Greenhalghs Road and Warrina Drive Fridays, 10am–12pm

Ballarat Library at 178 Doveton Street Closed for redevelopment until late 2023.