WINTER 2024: What's On at the Library

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.

Contents Announcements

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Special Events

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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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Announcements

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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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

Rainbow Portraits Exhibition Launch

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.

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.

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 6

Opening Saturday 22 June 10-11am Sebastopol Library

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

How to Write a Travel Memoir with Laura Waters

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.

Do you think you have a book in you but have no idea where to start in writing it?

Wednesday 19 June 5.30-7pm Ballarat Library Bookings required

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 7

Special Events

Writing Dialogue Workshop For stage, page and screen

Black out Poetry with Megan J Reidl

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.

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.

Saturday 20 July 10am-12pm Ballarat Library Bookings required

Wednesday 31 July 6-7pm Ballarat Library Bookings required

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Special Events

Convict Love Tokens Exhibition

Trace Your Convict Ancestry Workshop

“When this you see remember me.”

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.

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

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

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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

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

Album Club Like a book club, but for music!

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.

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!

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

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Wednesday 26 June Wednesday 24 July Wednesday 21 August 6-7pm Ballarat Library Bookings required

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

Be Creative

Join us for free movie screenings featuring classic cinema, indie films and documentaries. Stay afterwards for a cuppa and chat with other movie buffs.

Be Creative with other crafters.

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

Summertime Thursday 4 July 1pm Sebastopol Library Bookings required

Mona Lisa Smile (PG) Thursday 1 August 1pm Sebastopol Library Bookings required

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

LEGO® 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.

Show off your imaginative building skills at LEGO® Club.

Complete a series of themed challenges using LEGO® blocks and a lot of imagination.

We encourage you to attend all sessions.

Ages 8-13 Every Friday 4.30–5.30pm Ballarat Library Bookings required

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.

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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

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.

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 5-7

Ages 12-18

Monday 5 August Monday 12 August Monday 19 August Monday 26 August 3.45–5pm

Tuesday 23 July Tuesday 20 August 4–5.30pm Ballarat Library Bookings required

Wendouree 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

Family Storytime

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

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.

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 Drive - Greenhalghs Road, Delacombe

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 20

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

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

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

Thursday 18 July 1.30pm

Wednesday 14 August 2pm

Ballarat Library Bookings required

Wendouree Library Bookings required

Password management Thursday 15 August 1.30pm Ballarat Library Bookings required

Wednesday 21 August 2pm Sebastopol Library Bookings required

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Technology Hub

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

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.

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

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:

Thursday 22 August 1-3pm Sebastopol Library Bookings required

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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