Welcome to your monthly guide to special events at City of Joondalup Libraries.
Our libraries are at the heart of the community. They are welcoming spaces where people of all ages can come together to learn, share and grow.
This month’s events include two free dementia support sessions, four events to celebrate Local History Month and the opening and closing events for Children’s Book Week. All this accompanied by our usual raft of Discovery and Parenting sessions.
Join us for the opportunity to learn something new, meet new people and engage in your community.
Our libraries also hold many regular programs, clubs and groups for all ages and interests. From Story Time and Rhyme Time for little ones to book clubs, craft groups and tech help for adults, there’s something for everyone. Check out our free Programs, Clubs and Groups booklet for further information.
Whatever your interests, Joondalup Libraries are here to inspire you and support your journey.
Scan the QR code for further information or to book or call 9400 4751.
Image Credit: Maurice Sendak - Where the Wild Things Are
Adult events
Community SessionCommunication and Dementia
Tuesday 4 August, 9:30am-midday
Woodvale Library
This session provides information on dementia, the way we communicate and how changes in communication can occur as a result of dementia. Presented by Dementia Australia for family carers and family members of people living with dementia.
No cost. Register online.
Community Session - Understanding Dementia Changes in Behaviour
Thursday 20 August, 9:30am-12:30pm
Woodvale Library
This session provides an introduction to dementia and changes to the brain, effects on behaviour and the impacts of changed behaviour. It will introduce problem solving models, including strategies to minimise and respond to changed behaviour. Presented by Dementia Australia for family carers and family members of people living with dementia.
No cost. Register online.
Digital Drop-in –
The Fuel Support Payment
Friday 7 August, 10am | Woodvale Library
From 1 July 2026, the Fuel Support Payment of $100 will be available via the ServiceWA app. The Fuel Support Payment is a cost-of-living measure to help Western Australians with fuel costs. Learn if you are eligible for the payment and how to claim it.
No cost. No bookings required – just drop in!
Parenting Workshop - First Aid Heartbeat Club
Friday 7 August, 9:30am-12:30pm Duncraig Library
This training session facilitated by Royal Life Saving aims to increase parents’ skills and confidence in CPR and First Aid on infants and children. Topics covered include first aid for common child injuries including burns and scalds, choking and drowning as well as information on how to perform infant and child CPR.
Cost $10. Book and pay online.
Community Session - LUMA: Stress Cascade
Tuesday 11 August, 6-7:30pm | Joondalup Library
This session explores the impact of chronic stress on hormonal balance in women, particularly cortisol and its effects on sleep and cardiovascular health. Participants will learn to identify how stress influences the body and gain practical strategies to reduce its impact, improve rest and protect long-term wellbeing. Presented by LUMA, specialising in women’s health and wellbeing. No cost. Register online.
Discovery Session - What’s that Bird?
Wednesday 12 August, 6-7pm Whitford Library
Do you love getting out in nature to enjoy your local bushland reserve or National Parks, but you don’t know how to identify the flora and fauna you see? This National Science Week talk will help you find information on what to look for in your favourite spot and how to get a good ID for an animal or plant you don’t know the name of.
Cost $5. Book and pay online.
Discovery Session - Famous Churches and Cathedrals Around the World
Wednesday 19 August, 10-11am | Whitford Library
This photo presentation by local photographer David Nicolson includes locations as diverse as Washington, Turkey and Paris. See the remarkable architecture of the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and the breathtaking interior of Melk Abbey in Austria, just to name a few.
Cost $5. Book and pay online.
Discovery Session - Ball Point Pen Drawing
Saturday 22 August, 9:30-11:30am
Duncraig Library
Marguerite Andel is a qualified art teacher and practicing artist who will teach you the joy and freedom of drawing with a ball point pen. This gestural drawing workshop aims to develop your confidence and observation skills and is suitable for beginners or for those who are more experienced with drawing.
Cost $10. Book and pay online.
Launch Event: The People’s Poetry Wall
Tuesday 25 August, 10-11am | Joondalup Library
Join us for the launch of The People’s Poetry
Wall, a vibrant community project presented by Peter Cowan Writers Centre in collaboration with Joondalup Library. This interactive display invites local readers to discover and celebrate the beauty of storytelling through poetry. Includes poetry readings by writers featured in the exhibition.
No cost. Register online.
National Family History Month
August is National Family History Month and there’s no better time to delve into researching your family history. at joondalup.wa.gov.au
Family History Discovery Morning
Thursday 13 August | Woodvale Library
10-11:00am: Introduction to Family History
Tracing your family history has been a favourite pastime for many, but where do you start? Learn how to begin researching your family tree and explore useful family history resources.
11-11:30am: From the Old Bailey to a new life
The incredible journey of Susanna Lallemont - from conviction to shipwreck to a new life in Australia.
11:30am - midday: WeAre.XYZ an Introduction to Digital Family Archive
Give your past a future by transforming your research into a living archive for the whole family No cost. Register online.
Family History - Smash the Brick Walls
Saturday 22 August, 1pm-3:30pm
Joondalup Library - Local History
Bring your laptop along with your family history research questions. Learn which websites to cross reference to help you smash your brick walls. No cost. Register online.
Discovery
Session - Put it in Print
Wednesday 26 August 6-7pm Joondalup Library - Local History
Turn your research into a lasting legacy. Join this practical session to learn how to organise your family stories, write engaging narratives and prepare your work for print. Discover simple tools and tips for formatting, editing and self-publishing your own family history book. Perfect for beginners and experienced researchers alike. Leave with the confidence to share your story in print.
Cost $5. Book and pay online.
Family
History Help Pop-up
Thursday 6 August, 2-5pm | Whitford Library
Monday 17 August, 2-5pm | Duncraig Library
Curious about your family roots? Visit our family history help stall for friendly, one-on-one assistance with researching your ancestry. Drop in, no bookings required, and take the next step in your family history journey!
More Family History sessions running every month:
Family History Help
Every Tuesday, 9am | Woodvale Library
Every Wednesday, 9am | Joondalup Library
Third Saturday of the month, 9:30am | Joondalup Library
Family History Writer’s Group
First Saturday of the month, 1-3pm | Joondalup Library
Adult events
Meet the Author - Tess Woods
Sunday 30 August, 4pm-5:30pm
St Stephen’s School Theatre
Joondalup Libraries, Dymocks Karrinyup and Penguin Books Australia are delighted to invite you to the launch of Tess Woods’ highly anticipated next novel, The Cairo Bridal Shop. Tess will be in conversation with fellow author Sasha Wasley, sharing insights into her writing process, the inspirations behind the novel and her successful journey in the literary world.
Cost $15 (ticket only) $40 (ticket with book). Book and pay online.
Libby READS online book club
We’re excited to announce the title for August is Resurrection Bay by Emma Viskic. From 11–25 August, Resurrection Bay will be available in eBook and audiobook in the Libby app, with no waitlists or holds, so everyone can dive in at the same time.
Tax Help
• Joondalup Library - Reference Library Tuesdays, 2-6pm, call 9400 4740 to book.
• Duncraig Library Wednesdays, 9am-midday, call 9400 4790 to book.
• Woodvale Library Mondays 9am-1pm, call 9400 4180 to book. Tax Help is a free service run by the Australian Taxation Office and staffed by trained volunteers. If you are eligible for Tax Help, you will need a myGov account linked to the ATO. If necessary, the volunteer can help you create your MyGov account and link it to the ATO.
Children’s Book Week
Join us for two exciting events to celebrate Book Week 2026!at joondalup.wa.gov.au
Opening Event - Puppet Playtime
Saturday 15 August | Whitford Library
Session 1: 10-11am
Session 2: 11:30am-12:30pm
Suitable for ages 3-6 years
Regular children’s programs
Help us kick-off Children’s Book Week celebrations alongside the creative people from Spare Parts Puppet Theatre. Join in the roaring rumpus at one of our Puppet Playtime sessions to nurture your little one’s creativity and love for storytelling, through the magic of Maurice Sendak’s classic, Where the Wild Things Are. Cost $5. Bookings essential. Book and pay online.
At Joondalup Libraries, we believe every story is a seed that helps little minds grow. Our regular children’s programs, like Story Time and Rhyme Time, create a gentle, welcoming space where families can connect, laugh and learn together. Through songs, rhymes and delightful tales, we nurture early literacy skills and spark a lifelong love of reading and language. These moments aren’t just fun; they’re building blocks for your child’s future.
Closing Event - Children’s Story Time
and Book Parade
Saturday 29 August, 10-11am | Joondalup Library
Suitable for ages 2-6 years
Find out more by scanning the QR code or visiting our website at joondalup.wa.gov.au
Join us for a magical story time adventure with children’s author and illustrator, Katie Stewart. Take part in our inaugural Children’s Book Week Parade through the library shelves! Dress up as your favourite book character and show off your costume for the chance to win a prize!
No cost. Online registration essential.
Upcoming and City events
Discovery Session – The Bunning Brother
Wednesday 2 September, 6-7pm
Joondalup
Library – Local History
Tom Bunning helped make Bunnings one of the great successes of WA private enterprise and a household name nationwide. Tom joined Bunnings on the eve of the Great Depression and helped save the company from collapse. Cost $5. Book and pay online. Ticket sales open on 17 August.
Community Session -
LUMA: Fuel Yourself First
Wednesday 9 September, 6-7.30pm
Whitford Library
This Women’s Health Week join a LUMA specialist in women’s health and wellbeing. This session promotes practical sensible eating without feeling overwhelmed or restricted. No cost. Register online.
Festival of Fiction
21 & 22 November 2026
Ticket sales opened on 18 July.
The September Events Guide will be released on Thursday 13 August.
Mon 9am-7pm 9am-6pm Tue 9am-7pm 9am-7pm 9am-6pm 9am-7pm Wed 9am–6pm Thu 9am-7pm 9am-6pm 9am-7pm 9am-7pm Fri 9am-6pm Sat 9:30am-4pm 9:30am-1pm Sun 1-5pm Closed
Local History 9400 4746 Mon-Fri Sat Sun 9am-5pm 9:30am-12:30pm Closed
Library locations Woodvale – 9400 4180 5 Trappers Dr
Joondalup – 9400 4707 102 Boas Ave
Duncraig – 9400 4790 Cnr Warwick Rd and Marmion Ave
4870
All City of Joondalup libraries also hold regular free programs, clubs and groups, including story time events for children, craft groups, art groups, book clubs and games groups for people of all ages. Please refer to our free Programs, Clubs and Groups booklet for full details or scan the QR code.
Scan the QR codes above to subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter and social media pages for early event notifications and reminders.
For further information visit joondalup.wa.gov.au/events to view our events calendar or book and pay for events or call 9400 4751 Some of our events incur a small fee and others are free.
For those who prefer to pay in cash, please visit any of our branches.
Acknowledgement of Country
The City of Joondalup acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We recognise the culture of the Noongar people and the unique contribution they make to the Joondalup region and Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This document is available in alternative formats upon request.