What’s on at the Libraries
WINTER 2024
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.
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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 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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Bookings
Announcements 4 Special Events 5 Adult Programs 11 Young People 15 Kids and Families 18 Technology Hub 20 Contents
Public Holiday Closures
All City of Ballarat Libraries and the Library Outreach will be closed on the following public holidays: King’s Birthday Monday 10 June
Online services will be available during this time, including the library’s downloadable collection.
After hours return chutes are available at Ballarat Library Doveton Street, Sebastopol Library and Wendouree Library.
Full details are available at centralhighlandslibraries.org.au
LinkedIn Learning available now!
LinkedIn Learning is a premier online learning resource that bridges the gap between the career you want and the skills you need. It offers online courses and tutorials in business, technology, creative skills development, personal development and more. These courses will help you develop your skills, up-skill or even help you to start or develop your business.
LinkedIn Learning is free with your library card. All courses are available via a web browser or through the LinkedIn Learning app. When using for the first time, enter ballaratlibraries as your Library ID.
Get started today: linkedin.com/learning-login/go/ ballaratlibraries
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Announcements
Special Events
Warm Winter Read
Reading is vital to a healthier, happier, more connected nation. Reading for pleasure has significant benefits, and may reduce depression, loneliness and dementia. It builds empathy, selfesteem and awareness of other cultures.
The Warm Winter Read aims to encourage adult readers (16+) across Victoria to create healthy reading habits. Participants are encouraged to track their reading in June, July and August 2024. As the temperature drops, we want you to make time for yourself and your chosen story every day.
It’s easier to find time to read than you think. Listen to an audiobook on your commute to work, while walking the dog, or while completing household chores; swap scrolling time for reading time; or simply replace one episode of a binge-watch with a chapter (or two) of a great book.
We’ll even help you find your next great read by celebrating 40 fantastic books recommended by authors you love!
While reading is its own reward, you’ll also be in the running to win some great bookish prizes!
Saturday 1 June
– Saturday 31 August
All City of Ballarat libraries
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Special Events
Pride Month Community Movie
Come and join the Ageing Well Services Team at the Sebastopol Library as we celebrate Pride Month with a special screening of Pride (M). Free event with morning tea provided.
Thursday 6 June 10am
Sebastopol Library
Bookings required
Ageing with Pride Morning Tea
Ageing with Pride Q & A: Bring your questions, queries and concerns about aged services in Ballarat and join Tiny Pride and Community Connectors from Ageing Well Services, City of Ballarat for a cuppa, cakes and conversation.
Thursday 20 June 10am
Ballarat Library
Rainbow Portraits Exhibition Launch
Local photographer, Cheryl Szöllősi, is the powerhouse behind both Rainbow Coffee and Uncoordinated Queers. Every week she takes stunning photos of the LGBTIQA+ folks and allies that come to Rainbow Coffee. This exhibition highlights some of those images and people.
Opening Saturday 22 June 10-11am
Sebastopol Library
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Special Events
Mastering the Art of Storytelling
A series of writing workshops and presentations covering a variety of writing styles for different audiences and interests. The workshops will take place Wednesday evenings and Saturdays at Ballarat Library during Winter.
Write Here Write Now with Megan J Reidl
A guided creative writing workshop designed to get the creative juices flowing in a fun, pressure-free environment. Writing exercises, prompts and creative group activities to overcome the terror of the blank page and experiment with new forms and themes.
Wednesday 19 June 5.30-7pm
Ballarat Library Bookings required
How to Write a Travel Memoir with Laura Waters
Do you think you have a book in you but have no idea where to start in writing it?
A decade ago, Laura Waters felt the same way. Now she is now the author of the award-winning travel memoir Bewildered, as well as a freelance travel writer for national publications such as Escape, Australian Traveller, Explore, Australian Geographic Adventure and many more.
In this presentation, Laura shares what she’s learned about writing an engaging travel memoir, including such aspects as the importance of storytelling, writing techniques (developing characters, building suspense and conflict, foreshadowing, setups, flashbacks), and the overall process from writing to editing and publishing.
Saturday 22 June 2-3pm
Ballarat Library Bookings required
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Special Events
Writing Dialogue Workshop
For stage, page and screen
Explore techniques for writing dialogue that is powerful, effective and says what you need it to say! Great hands-on session for playwrights, screen writers and writers of creative fiction.
Saturday 20 July
10am-12pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
Black out Poetry with Megan J Reidl
Discover forms of found poetry such as blackout, erasure, and cut-out. You will use ephemera to create visually arresting pieces of writing by removing, rearranging and changing words from existing pieces of text. Add to your literary collage masterpiece with images, colour or cut-out words in this fun hands-on workshop.
Wednesday 31 July 6-7pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
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Special Events
Convict Love Tokens Exhibition
“When this you see remember me.”
Convict tokens are a powerful link to Australia’s past. They represent an enduring connection between the convicts who made them and those they left behind.
Engraved with personal details and rhymes of separation, they were an emotional response to an uncertain future. Often, they were a final farewell.
This is a traveling exhibition to Ballarat from the National Museum of Australia.
Tuesday 16 July -Wednesday 21 August
During library opening hours
Ballarat Library
Trace Your Convict Ancestry Workshop
In this workshop, you will learn about the convict records held by Public Record Office Victoria and how to search for your ancestor online. You will also learn about convict records available on Ancestry and tips and tricks to use in your family history research.
A partner event using the resources of the Australiana Research Collection and PROV.
For all enquires and to book your ticket, email simonjacks@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Wednesday 7 August 2-3pm
Ballarat Research Hub at Eureka Stawell Street South Bookings required
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Special Events
Winter Reading Party
Treat yourself to a pleasurable evening of reading, sampling gin and snacking at our Winter Reading Party at Kilderkin Distillery. Come along with some friends or lock in some you time and come alone. Bring your current read, e-books and audio welcome, and settle in for a cosy night.
Drinks are at bar prices.
Ages 18+
People under the age of 18 are to be supervised by an adult.
Thursday 8 August 6-7pm
Kilderkin Distillery
14a Hill Street, Mount Pleasant
Bookings required
Seniors Exercise Park Group
Join these free weekly sessions with an encouraging and experienced instructor. Don’t let the winter months put you off as a heated indoor space is available right around the corner during rainy days!
Every Thursday 1.30pm
Mount Pleasant Reserve Morton Street, Mount Pleasant
Bookings essential Call the Ageing Well Services Team on 5320 5500
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Adult Programs
LinkedIn Learning
With thousands of online courses available, watch videos to upskill, find your next career and try a new hobby. Learn about how to access with your library membership and navigate LinkedIn Learning.
LinkedIn Learning for Creatives
This session will highlight the amazing range of creative courses available on LinkedIn Learning.
Thursday 13 June 11am
Ballarat Library Bookings required
Introduction to LinkedIn
This session will help participants understand how to set up an account, browse and search for topics, and take courses.
Thursday 11 July
Thursday 8 August 11am
Ballarat Library Bookings required
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Adult Programs
Family History Drop-in Sessions
Are you starting your family history research or have you hit a wall with your research? The Ballarat and District Genealogical Society (B&DGS) provides support and workshops to help.
Thursday 27 June
Thursday 25 July
Thursday 22 August
1-3pm
Sebastopol Library
Friday 7 June
Friday 5 July
Friday 2 August
2-4pm
Ballarat Library
Album Club
Like a book club, but for music!
Each month we get together to discuss what we’ve been listening to and to 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 26 June
Wednesday 24 July
Wednesday 21 August 6-7pm
Ballarat Library Bookings required
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Adult Programs
Books and Bubs’ Book Chat
Looking for a break from baby talk?
Our monthly book chat is the perfect escape for parents who love to read. Share your thoughts on the latest books, audiobooks, and podcasts you’ve enjoyed, and connect with other parents who share your interests. While this is an adult-focused group, babies are more than welcome to join you. Come for the conversation, stay for the community.
Monday 24 June
Monday 29 July
Monday 26 August
11am–12pm
Wendouree Library
Bookings required
Book Chats
Want to discuss your latest reading adventures? Meet other readers? Get some reading inspiration? Join us for an opportunity to talk about reading, connect with other readers, and have a cuppa and chat.
Wednesday Evening Book Chat
Wednesday 19 June
Wednesday 17 July
Wednesday 14 August 6-7pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
First Friday Book Chat
Friday 7 June
Friday 5 July
Friday 2 August 10.30-11.30am
Sebastopol Library
Bookings required
Third Friday Book Chat
Friday 21 June
Friday 19 July
Friday 16 August 2-3pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
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Adult Programs
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.
Summertime
Thursday 4 July 1pm
Sebastopol Library
Bookings required
Mona Lisa Smile (PG)
Thursday 1 August 1pm
Sebastopol Library
Bookings required
Be Creative
Be Creative with other crafters. Bring along something you’re working on and meet new people at this casual catch up.
Thursday 13 June
Thursday 11 July
Thursday 8 August 1–4pm
Sebastopol Library
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 20 June
Thursday 18 July
Thursday 15 August 1–4pm
Sebastopol Library
Bookings required
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Young People
These sessions run during school terms.
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
Every Friday
4.30–5.30pm
Ballarat Library Bookings required
LEGO® Club
Show off your imaginative building skills at LEGO® Club. Complete a series of themed challenges using LEGO® blocks and a lot of imagination.
Ages 8+
Wednesday 5 June
Wednesday 3 July
Wednesday 7 August
4–4.45pm
Wendouree Library Bookings required
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Young People
These sessions run during school terms.
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 7 June
Friday 5 July
Friday 2 August
4–4.45pm
Sebastopol Library
Bookings required
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 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!
All sessions fortnightly during school terms.
Staff Facilitated Sessions
Ages 12-18
Monday 27 May
Monday 24 June
Monday 8 July
Monday 22 July
Monday 5 August
Monday 19 August
3.45-5pm
Wendouree Library
Staff Facilitated Sessions
Ages 14-18
Tuesday 4 June
Tuesday 18 June
Tuesday 2 July
Tuesday 16 July
Tuesday 30 July
Tuesday 13 August
Tuesday 27 August 4-6pm
Ballarat Library
Participant-run Program
Ages 14-18
Thursday 6 June
Thursday 20 June
Thursday 4 July
Thursday 18 July
Thursday 1 August
Thursday 15 August
Thursday 29 August 4-6pm
Sebastopol Library
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Young People
These sessions run during school terms.
Drawn
Learn new ways to create images through the art of drawing. Develop your own style and the skills to put your ideas on paper in this 4-week course.
Ages 8-13
Wednesday 10 July
Wednesday 17 July
Wednesday 24 July
Wednesday 31 July 4–5pm
Wendouree Library
Bookings required
Little Bang Science Club
This 4-week course gives you and your child a way to discover science together. Hands-on activities and a Discovery Box and book loaned for the duration of the club as you work towards a science fair in the final week.
Ages 5-7
Monday 5 August
Monday 12 August
Monday 19 August
Monday 26 August
3.45–5pm
Wendouree Library
Bookings required
Out of this World Spec-Fiction YA Club
For fans of all things cool like Comics, Manga, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, Superheroes and Horror in books, movies and graphic novels come join our monthly gettogethers to meet, chat and share with likeminded enthusiasts.
Ages 12-18
Tuesday 6 August
Tuesday 3 September
4–5.30pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
YArtistry
Let your creativity flow is our monthly Young Adult art sessions for all skill levels. Paint, draw, make and create in a variety of mediums including digital and multi-media.
Ages 12-18
Tuesday 23 July
Tuesday 20 August
4–5.30pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
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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.
Play and Sing with Coco Sounds
Enjoy singing songs from around the world and playing rhythms with your body in these engaging sessions.
Every Friday 10am
Ballarat Library
Baby Bounce
A gentle session of song, music, rhyme and storytelling for babies. Babies
Every Monday 10.30am
Sebastopol Library
Every Tuesday 10.30am
Wendouree Library
Every Wednesday 10.30am
Ballarat Library
Every Thursday 2pm
Ballarat Library
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Kids and Families
These sessions run during school terms.
Wriggle and Rhyme
A fun-filled session of stories, songs, rhythm and movement.
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 Friday
10.30am
Salvation Army
Corner Warrina DriveGreenhalghs Road, Delacombe
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
Every Thursday 10.30am
Eureka Centre Ballarat
Stawell Street South, Ballarat East
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
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Technology Hub
Technology Q&A
Increase your digital skills and knowledge. Book in for a 30-minute session to learn how to use your device or the internet. Please bring any relevant passwords, passcodes and email addresses, if you have them. Bookings essential. Session times vary - contact your local library to book in.
Every Tuesday
Every Wednesday
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
Every Wednesday
Sebastopol Library
Bookings required
Every Monday
Wendouree Library
Bookings required
Every Wednesday
Djila-tjarriu Community Hub
18 Donegal Drive, Alfredton
Bookings required
Every Tuesday
Lucas Community Hub
Coltman Plaza, Lucas
Bookings required
Digital Forms and Services Assistance
Book in for a 45-minute session for assistance in navigating online forms and applications. Always seek assistance from the relevant agency or provider first and please note that assistance can not be provided for financial, legal, citizenship or immigration forms .
Every Tuesday
Every Wednesday 11.30am
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
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Technology Hub
iClub
Get to know all things Apple
An informal club for Apple users to learn more about the features and functions of the iPad and iPhone. Bring your device and enjoy a fun group session.
Managing storage
Thursday 20 June
1.30pm
Ballarat Library Bookings required
Accessibility features
Thursday 18 July
1.30pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
Password management
Thursday 15 August
1.30pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
My Digital Library
A fun session aimed at those who want to explore Ballarat Libraries’ digital and online services. The session will provide an overview of the services and information on how to install apps such as Borrow Box, Kanopy, ULibrary, Libby, StoryBox and more.
Wednesday 7 August 2pm
Ballarat Library Bookings required
Wednesday 14 August 2pm
Wendouree Library Bookings required
Wednesday 21 August 2pm
Sebastopol Library Bookings required
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Technology Hub
Ballarat Libraries Tech Café
Tech Café is hosted by Ballarat Libraries Technology Hub and Community partners.
Tech Café will offer 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.
Using Ballarat Council apps
Learn about using the apps provided by the Ballarat Council. These include: Snap, Send, Solve; the Container Deposit Scheme app; Cello Parking; and Neuron Mobility.
Thursday 13 June 11am
Ballarat Library Bookings required
The Upside of Ageing
Learn all about the upside of aging with John from Live up. Participants will learn how to find suitable resources to assist with healthy ageing.
Thursday 11 July 11am
Ballarat Library Bookings required
Introduction to LinkedIn Learning
Learn about how to access free courses and resources with your library membership on LinkedIn Learning.
Thursday 8 August 11am
Ballarat Library Bookings required
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Technology Hub
Try One Thing – Ed Create
Start your Edventure with this introduction to coding and robotics for adults.
Learn how to construct and code an Edison Robot in this fun and interactive session.
Tuesday 30 July
2.30-4.30pm
Wendouree Library
Bookings required
Wednesday 14 August 5-7pm
Ballarat Library
Bookings required
Thursday 22 August 1-3pm
Sebastopol Library
Bookings required
Ballarat Library Maker Space Inductions
Unlesh your inner maker by joining the new Ballarat Library Maker Space. Book in to one of the induction sessions to access 3D printers, Cricut machine, heat press, sewing machines and overlockers, during Maker Space opening hours.
Library membership required.
Ages 15+
Book an induction session: centralhighlandslibraries.org.au
Or scan the QR code to book in:
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Ballarat Libraries
centralhighlandslibraries.org.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
Library Outreach
Lucas
Lucas Community Hub Coltman Plaza Tuesdays 10am–12pm
Buninyong
Buninyong Community House
407 Warrenheip Street Thursdays 2–5pm
Delacombe
Salvation Army
Corner Greenhalghs Road and Warrina Drive Fridays 10am–12pm