DECEMBER 2025 WHAT'S ON
Drawing by Olivia J.
WHAT'S ON AROUND THE GLOBE THIS MONTH
World AIDS Day
International Day of People with a Disability
International Volunteer Day
Human Rights Day
International Migrants Day
UN International Human Solidarity Day
Summer Solstice Christmas New Years Eve
Come in and participate with our selected displays and activities.
Breastfeeding
welcome here
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work and pay our respect to their Elders past and present.
Benalla Library respects patron pronouns and celebrates all patron identities.
WHAT WE RECOMMEND BOOKS, DVDS & MAGAZINES
JUNIOR FANTASY JUNIOR DVD NON-FICTION
Wings of Fire: The Dragonette Prophecy
Tui T. Sutherland
Five dragonets, taken from their families and raised underground for a prophecy, escape captivity to stop a catastrophic war. Facing betrayal, danger, and impossible choices, they discover the meaning of friendship, courage, and destiny while struggling to unite Pyrrhia’s divided tribes and survive against overwhelming odds.
Wonka (2023)
Willy Wonka – chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time – is proof that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York Andrew Lownie
An investigative biography uncovering the Yorks’ lavish lifestyles, fractured marriage, and shocking connections, revealing the vulnerabilities and excesses behind their royal façade.
Let us know what you think or give us program ideas with our satisfaction survey.
KAY’S PICK KAY’S PICK
PICK SHELLEY’S PICK
NEW!!
Early years, junior, and teen magazines now available in the magazine section of the library.
Ranging from educational to entertaining, we hope everyone finds what they are looking for!
Ages 9-14. Each month kids explore a new topic and engage in experiments to foster their growth critical thinking skills and scientific understanding.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Science, Critical Thinking
Ages 6-10. AdventureBox is specifically tailored to enhance the skills of young readers just starting independent reading.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Creative Writing, Imagination
Ages 9-14. AdventureBox Max aims to encourage critical thinking.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Creative Writing, Imagination, Critical Thinking, Analysing Persuasive Writing
Ages 3-6. Bluey based on the worldwide hit show.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Vocabulary, Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Regulation, Empathy, Imaginative Play, Creative Thinking
Ages 7-12. Whether your child dreams of becoming a historian, vet or astronaut, there’s something for everyone!
Educational Focus –Literacy, Science, Problem-Solving, History, Maths, Natural World
Ages 6-18. HorseWyse is Australia's No. 1 horse magazine aimed primarily at the young horse lover.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Animal Awareness, Horse Information
Ages 8-14. Bursting with stories, drawings, poems, jokes, and curious ideas from creative kids all across Australia.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Critical Thinking, Creative Writing, Curiosity
Ages 3-6.
Packed with vibrant photos, adorable animals, and engaging activities to enhance early learning.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Language, World Awareness, ProblemSolving, Maths
Ages 7-11. Discover the wonders of nature and space, incredible inventions, logic puzzles, and basic physics.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Science, Problem-Solving, Curiosity, Critical Thinking
Ages 12-18. High-quality content that asks questions, provokes debate, and generates ideas.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
Ages 4-9. Packed with fairy tales, classic stories, animals, myths, legends, puzzles, games, and colouring-ins.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Vocabulary, Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Awareness
ONLINE SERVICES
Find junior TV, movies, books, audiobooks, music, and comics for free through BorrowBox, Libby, Hoopla, and uLibrary
WHAT'S ON junior ONGOING
BOARD GAMES, CARD GAMES, AND PUZZLES AVAILABLE ANYTIME
(JUST ASK AT THE COUNTER)
Benalla Social Knitters and Benalla Library present:
Tuesday Knitting!
Taking Expressions of Interest
We know knitting is relaxing and fun, but it also helps improve fine motor skills, concentration, and problem-solving skills, while also promoting creativity and self-expression!
Are you interested in junior chess? We would love to run weekly or fortnightly sessions. Let us know! ?
Is there something you would like to see here?
Dungeons and Dragons
Mondays, fortnightly on odd numbered weeks during school terms Express Interest for Next Term Group 1: 4pm-5pm Regular programming for younger patrons to look forward to weekly. Bookings required.
D&D improves all sorts of learning skills, including maths, as well as social-emotional skills... but not to mention, is great fun!
Please note: Ongoing Junior programs take a break during school holidays
video game play video game play
DO YOU LOVE VIDEO GAMES OR DO YOU WANT TO GIVE IT A GO?
Numerous studies have demonstrated that playing video games can boost cognitive function. People who play video games have shown better problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and multitasking capacity. Moreover, video games can improve reaction times, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, mood, and reduce stress!
COME GIVE IT A GO JUST FOR FUN, OR LEVEL UP YOUR SKILLS TO CHALLENGE YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS!
THURSDAY 10.30AM - 11.30PM
Please note: Super Senior Sessions take a break during school holidays. Conditions below.
BOOKABLE
open sessions open sessions
SATURDAYS
SESSION 1: 9.05AM - 9.50AM
SESSION 2: 10.05AM - 10.50AM
SESSION 3: 11.05AM - 11.50AM
Please arrive 10mins before your session to choose game and check items to your card. Age 7+ (All players under 15 must have parental supervision). Max 4 players per session. Players and parents/guardians accept responsibility for damaged or lost equipment. No back-to-back bookings. All games are G or PG and cannot be loaned out. Any loud, disruptive, or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated and sessions will be cancelled immediately.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
Teens
Wednesdays on even numbered weeks Express Interest for Next Term 4pm – Group 1
& Young Adults REGULAR PROGRAMS FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO. BOOKINGS REQUIRED.
Free – Please RSVP
FIND TV, MOVIES, MUSIC, BOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS, AND COMICS FOR FREE THROUGH BORROWBOX, LIBBY, HOOPLA, AND ULIBRARY ANYTIME ANYWHERE!
Please note: Ongoing Teen programs take a break during school holidays DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR A NEW PROGRAM OR EVENT? LET US KNOW! WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS!
International Day of People with a Disability
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations observance held annually on 3 December to promote awareness, understanding, and inclusion of people with disability.
Established in 1992 by the UN General Assembly, the day highlights the need to remove physical, technological, and attitudinal barriers. Each year, the UN sets a theme to guide global efforts. The 2025 theme is Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress, emphasising fairness, equal opportunities, accessible healthcare and education, and full participation in all aspects of life.
Australia supports this through collaboration among governments, schools, businesses, and communities, aiming to create an inclusive society for 5.5 million Australians with disability. The Australian Government funds national programs and implements Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031, prioritising leadership roles for people with disability. IDPwD is an opportunity to contribute to a diverse and equitable community.
More information can be found at idpwd.com.au
DID YOU KNOW?
Some persons with disabilities die up to 20 years earlier than those without disabilities.
Teen Recommended Reads
Topic: Communication Challenges
Each month, Teen Recommended Reads explores a central theme or topic of discussion. Teens are encouraged to find an age-appropriate novel that shares this topic and discuss how this novel relates to the theme and general questions. In recognition of International Day of People with a Disability, we encourage teens to read a book which includes a character who has a disability.
We recommend
More book suggestions can be found at tinyurl.com/ya-disability
Draw our Cover
Must include: Links to one of the monthly themes Links to our library (e.g. library venue, books, magazines, people listening to audiobooks)-
Your drawing here on the front cover of the Whats On!
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
We are looking for creative locals to draw our front cover! ALL AGES WELCOME
Collect a template from the front counter and get creative!!!
This could be YOU Chose from the options provided or let us know your idea! Just make sure it has a link to our library and a link to the theme
Name: Month/Theme: How it fits brief: By submitting your work, you acknowledge this work could be used in promotional materials and/or displays for Benalla Library. No digital art, please.
ADULT EASY READ READERS
LITERACY SUPPORT
Around 44% of Australian adults, about 7 million people, have significant literacy gaps*.
Literacy skills are valuable in everyday life, as well as at work, including reading and understanding medical advise, recipes, or financial information and contracts.
Benalla Library now has a collection of adult readers to assist patrons build their literacy skills.
Level 1
Yellow covers. 100 words long, 60 unique words.
Level 2
Red covers. 200 words long, 150 unique words.
Level 3
Blue covers. 300 words long, 200 unique words.
Level 4
Green covers. 600 words long, 300 unique words.
Level 4+
Light Green (sage) covers. Longer word count, 300 unique words.
What’s On
ADULTS
Discover more!
Explore our regular programs and discover activities that spark creativity, connection, and learning. From games and crafts to digital help and social meetups, there’s always something happening at Benalla Library.
Monday & Thursday
Morning Mah-jong
9.45am - 11.45am
Mah-jong has been associated with improvements in short term memory, attention, and logical thinking, but most of all it is fun. Join us for a weekly competition and socialise with friends.
Tuesday Chatty Cafe Communi-tea
10am - 12pm
Each Tuesday morning the Biography section will turn into a Chatty Cafe. Come have a cuppa, conversation, and connect with someone. Conversation starters and board games available.
All events are free to attend.
Tuesday & Thursday
Walking TalkingBook Club
9am - 10am
Starting at the back of the library, join us for either a 2.4km (approx. 35min) walk or a 4.25km (approx. 55min) walk while listening to an eAudiobook. Cuppa and chat in the library following the last Thursday walk. BYO listening device, water, weather/sun protection.
Wednesday
Digital-Library Help
4pm - 4.30pm
Need help with BorrowBox, Hoopla, Libby, uLibrary, or Story Box Library? Ask questions and find tips and tricks in this weekly session. Bring your device and login details for a speedier session.
ONGOING
Regular programming to look forward to. Everyone welcome.
Bookings required
Monday & Wednesday
Card Game Club
2pm - 3pm
Who doesn’t love the humble deck of cards?
Come join us for weekly card games! Half an hour will be dedicated to learning a new game each week for a month, then half an hour for a game of our choice!
Bonus points if you can teach us a new game!
Friday Thursday
Creative Cuppa
10am - 11am
Inspired by Memory Cafes, Creative Cuppa is a welcoming program designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, brain disorders, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and their support people.
Basic craft activities, tea, and coffee will be provided, so participants can have an outing and engage with others and connect.
Crafternoons 1pm - 3pm
Crafting is a fantastic way to relax and alleviate stress, build satisfaction and self-esteem, and improve your cognitive and fine-motor skills. Bring your current project and work creatively with others. Beginner to intermediate. Craft materials available, if you don’t have a project to bring along.
Thursday
Social Scrabble
10am - 12pm
Scrabble helps improve well-being, bonding, cooperation, and confidence while building your vocabulary, strategic thinking skills, and creativity.
Thursday
Super Seniors
PS5 Sessions
10am - 12pm
Numerous studies have demonstrated that playing video games can boost cognitive function. Come give this a go for cognitive benefits, fun, or just to impress your grandkids! Terms and conditions apply.
Spintronics
First Tuesday 3pm - 4pm
Spintronics is a game where players build mechanical circuits to solve puzzles. Perfect for keeping problem-solving and engineering skills fresh or building these skills!
Resume Assistance
Third Thursday 10am - 12pm
Looking for a bit of guidance while putting together a job application? Reserve a 30 minute session for one-onone help with creating or editing your Cover Letters, CVs, and Key Selection Criteria responses.
Family History Research Support
Second Friday 2pm - 3pm
Come with your family names and places prepared for some helpful hints on using Ancestry Library.
All events are free to attend.
Library Lovers Social
Second
Wednesday 5pm - 6pm
As a way to combat loneliness and isolation, patrons are invited to come chat and relax in the librarycasual unstructured social event.
Last Friday 2pm, 2.20pm, 2.40pm Need one-on-one help working out how to reset a password or download an app? Book one of our 20min oneon-one help sessions.
Note: Staff are unable to assist with larger tasks or sensitive information.
Anytime ONGOING
Board Games
Ask at counter
Engaging in board games allows us to unplug from our digital devices, be social, and be fully present in the moment. The immersive nature of board games requires concentration and focus, which promotes mindfulness while connecting with others.
Ask at counter
LEGO is not just amazing for children’s developments, it is fantastic for adults too! They're fun, creative, and offer a great sense of satisfaction when completed. LEGO can help reduce stress, improve cognitive function and problemsolving skills, and can even delay dementia symptoms!
Regular programming or activities to look forward to.
Everyone welcome. Bookings required for scheduled events
Puzzles
Ask at counter
Studies have shown that jigsaw puzzles can help improve visual-spatial reasoning, short-term memory, and problemsolving skills as well as combat cognitive decline, which can reduce risk of developing dementia. There are also mental health and social benefits to puzzling... not to mention, it’s fun!
Ask at counter
Card games engage a variety of cognitive skills, such as concentration, attention, and critical thinking, as well as facilitating beneficial social interactions. By regularly exercising these skills through card games, people can keep their minds sharp and maintain mental health.
Borrow books, audiobooks, comics, magazines, scholarly articles, and shows through our supported apps.
AVAILABLE HERE.
Pads and tampons aren't a luxury. They are essential to health and wellbeing. Victorians should be able to access them whenever and wherever they need to. That’s why the Victorian Government is making free pads and tampons available across the state. The Benalla Library is participating in the Free Pads & Tampons program. You can find the Free Pads and Tampons Vending machine in the ladies toilets inside the library foyer. To find more vending machine locations and to learn more about the program, visit freepadsandtampons.vic.gov.au.
SENSORY- FRIENDLY QUIET HOUR
THURSDAYS,9.30AM–10.30AM
TO ASSIST PATRONS WITH SENSORY NEEDS, WE ARE MAKING THE LIBRARY A CALMER AND QUIETER ENVIRONMENT.
DURING THIS TIME, WE ARE:
AVOIDING LOUD PROGRAMS
REDUCING LIGHTS USING SOFT VOICES AND NO MUSIC AVOIDING STRONG FRAGRANCE
PLEASE HELP US KEEP THE LIBRARY A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL PATRONS.
ALWAYS AVAILABLE:
BookClubs
FREE to join and use
Join one or create your own!
Book Clubs through Benalla Library are free and easy!
We all know, after the last few years, connecting with people is extremely important to our mental health and overall well-being. Book Clubs are a great way to relax and connect with friends regularly or meet new people.
Sign up to our Benalla Library "Library Lovers" 2025 Book Club and meet new people or gather a group of friends to enjoy reading with! Alternatively, you could join our “Walking Talking-Book Club”!
Plan your year and choose from over 70 Book Club sets to get you going. Each set comes with ten books, most containing one Large Print copy, and suggested questions.
Physical books not your thing? Try digital clubs on Hoopla, Libby, or uLibrary!
DECEMBER
The Midnight Swan
Catherine Fisher
Seren and Tomos face magical dangers, unravel secrets, and confront the Midnight Swan’s mysterious desire in a perilous midsummer adventure.
Art Hour At The Duchess Hotel
Three women at a grand hotel rediscover art, friendship, and courage to reclaim their long-lost dreams.
Targeted by killers, Martin escapes into the desert, confronting a violent family feud, shocking secrets, and a decades-old mystery that threatens his life.
Working for a dating app that ruined her life, Liberty faces a secret mission and unexpected chemistry with her boss during a highstakes trip.
BEAT THE HEAT AND BEAT THE HEAT AND
Stay Cool Stay Cool
AT THE LIBRARY THIS SUMMER AT THE LIBRARY THIS SUMMER
Come in and just sit, relax, and cool down. Read a magazine or flip through a book while you’re here. Board games, card games, puzzles, LEGO, colouring-in, Wi-Fi, and Free-toair TV playing on our projector are also available to while away the hours during the upcoming school holidays. Cold filtered water available in foyer.
HOME LIBRARY
to join and use
Benalla Library is a welcoming and inclusive place for all, including those who are unable to attend in person.
HOME LIBRARY SERVICE HOME SERVICE
Items available for delivery include: BOOKS, MAGAZINES, DVDS, LARGE-PRINT & AUDIOBOOKS.
Aged care and homebound Benalla residents can access this free monthly service with their library membership.
Patrons whom have significant mobility issues, disability, temporary disability and injury, new infants, and aged related barriers are able to access this service within their own home or care facility.
Library staff and volunteers tailor selections based on each patrons preferences and deliver these items to the patrons monthly. Contact us for more information.
THE BOOKS YOU L VE DELIVERED
Supporting people with print disabilities
A print disability is a difficulty or inability to read printed material due to a perceptual, physical or visual disability. The reasons for print disability vary but may include: vision impairment or blindness, dyslexia, physical dexterity problems such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, arthritis or paralysis. Ways we can help:
Print disability friendly accessibility options on all public computers, including text magnifier, contrast, and screen reader
Accessible computer available with large print keyboard, bone conductive headphones, and ergonomic mouse
Braille children's books available LEGO Braille Bricks available for learning braille
Text magnifiers available for loan
Vision impaired chess and Sudoku games available for use
Dyslexic friendly children's books available (like this font)
VOX Books available for juniors
eBooks with increased font size or dyslexic friendly font
Large print fiction and non-fiction books available, including light weight options
Audiobooks and eAudiobooks available
eAudiobook book clubs available and large print copies available in most physical book club sets
Textmagnifiers availableforloan
Braille children’s books available
Disability is not a barrier at your local library
INCLUSIVE ACCESS COMPUTER
Libraries serve as essential, inclusive spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can learn and connect. As accessible community hubs, we offer quiet, safe environments for everyone to engage with materials and each other. Recognising the importance of accessibility, our library ensures that everyone has the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow together.
Accessible additions:
Large print, high contrast keyboard
Ergonomic trackball mouse
Wrist-rest mouse pad
Bone conduction headphones
Ease of Access display options
Let us know how we could support you more
Your Library App Libraries Victoria
Enjoy your library, anywhere, anytime on any device! Download the Libraries Victoria App to your phone or tablet.
The Libraries Victoria App has some handy information but even more exciting is if you sign into your local library you will find all the information from your local library. If you stay signed in, then every time you open the App you will go directly to your own library.
Key Features:
Use your phone as a library card – the app has your library barcode stored just swipe up where you see My Barcode at the bottom of the screen. Search the catalogue of your home libraries and place holds. Find eBooks and audiobooks from your library catalogue. Manage all your loans and holds from the My Account screen.
Search 'Libraries Victoria' in your app store, or scan the QR Code.
Enjoy our climate control in the heat or cool.
Book into our free programs and events.
Book in and use one of our free computers or use our free Wi-Fi 24/7. Print, scan, photocopy, or fax from our equipment.
Research topics that interest you in library or online on CloudSource OA. Get creative with our free colouring in sheets and junior take-home packs. Chill in our children’s area and watch StoryBox Library story-time.
Play a board game, build with LEGO, learn braille with LEGO Braille, discover new card games, get inspired with CreativeBug, or piece together a puzzle.
Borrow a graphic novel or manga comic book.
Borrow a DVD film or TV series.
We can clean your personal DVD discs on our machine for a small fee.
Borrow an audiobook on CD, MP3, or digitally.
Read our selection of newspapers and magazines physically or digitally. Check out our online resources listed below!
OPENING HOURS
2 Fawckner Drv, Benalla 03 5762 2069
www.hcln.vic.gov.au
www.benalla.vic.gov.au
library@benalla.vic.gov.au facebook.com/benallalibrary