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 Discovery Sessions on repurposing ribbons and meal planning. Our Meet the Author events this month include Colin Barnett AC discussing his first book Out West and Jess Michael discussing her book Defying the Diagnosis.
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.
Adult events
Discovery Session - Ribbons and Bows
Wednesday 1 July, 2-4pm | Whitford Library
Spend an afternoon learning to make beautiful crafts from ribbons. Learn to repurpose and recycle materials you already have at home to make beautiful ribbon bookmarks, decorative bows and gift tags. This workshop requires basic hand sewing.
Cost $10. Book and pay online.
Digital Drop-in –
Digitising Slides and Films
Friday 3 July, 10am | Woodvale Library
Woodvale’s Digitisation Station has expanded. Learn how to digitise your slides and film and share your precious memories with friends and family.
Note: This is an information session however you can bring your own laptop.
No cost. No bookings required – just drop in!
Meet the Author - Colin Barnett
Tuesday 7 July, 6-7:30pm
Redmond Theatre, Prendiville Catholic College
The longest serving Premier of WA’s modern era, Colin Barnett, reflects on leadership, power and economic development in Australia’a big state, small town. In conversation with Ben Harvey, Colin Barnett will discuss his first book Out West, tracing the modern history of Western Australia through the lens of his life and career in politics and beyond.
Cost $15 or $40 for ticket and book.
Book and pay online.
Discovery Session - Basic French
Mondays 5-6pm | Joondalup Library
20 week course: 20 July-7 December
This basic 20-week introduction to the French language begins with “bonjour” and will give you some basic vocabulary and rules to start your journey towards learning this beautiful language.
Booking is for 20 weeks. New students only.
Cost $30 for full semester. Book and pay online.
Discovery Session - Meal Planning Workshop
Wednesday 22 July, 6-7pm | Whitford Library
Do you want to save time and money and make less decisions when planning meals? Then join Diana, the Kitchen Fairy founder, for tips and tools to make meal planning a weekly habit, while bringing calm and enjoyment back into the kitchen.
Cost $5. Book and pay online.
Discovery Session - Collage Workshop
Saturday 25 July, 9:30-11:30am | Duncraig Library
In this hands-on workshop you will learn valuable techniques to cut, tear, layer and assemble a mix of painted papers and collage elements to create your own unique design, while also sparking your creative confidence in a fun and relaxed environment.
Cost $15. Book and pay online.
Discovery Session - Computers Past Present and Future
Monday 27 July, 6-7pm | Woodvale Library
What is computer hardware? What is computer software? What is involved in being a programmer? These questions will be answered in this informative talk about how we use technology daily and where we might be heading with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.
Cost $5. Book and pay online.
Meet the Author - Jess Michael
Tuesday 28 July, 11am-midday | Joondalup Library
Join us for an inspiring author talk with Jess Michael as she shares the deeply personal story behind her memoir Defying the Diagnosis. Jess will speak candidly about her journey through a cancer diagnosis, treatment, fear and uncertainty alongside the practical, emotional and spiritual tools that helped her endure.
Cost $5. Book and pay online.
Discovery Session - War on the Sand Plain
Wednesday 29 July, 6-7pm
Joondalup Library Local History
The War on the Sand Plain book series stands as one of the most comprehensive examinations of Western Australia’s defensive preparations during the terrifying months of 1942-43, when the Japanese advance across the Pacific created a genuine fear that Australia would be invaded. Join author Graham McKenzie-Smith as he focuses on the brigade groups stationed at Wanneroo and Gingin.
Cost $5. Book and pay online.
Children’s events
July School Holidays
Saturday 4 - Sunday 19 July
Free activities
There are lots of free activities that do not require bookings, including Holiday Time sessions, the Winter Treasure Hunt, Family Time, Toddler Time at Woodvale Library and STEAMing into Story Time at Whitford Library. Check the websie for days and times.
School Holiday Program
The July School Holiday Program is packed with activities that will inspire creativity and encourage curiosity. Cost $5 per child, per activity. Book and pay online. Bookings open online on Monday 22 June at 9am.
Learning to read can be fun!
We believe that every child deserves a fantastic start to their reading journey. That’s why we’ve developed a range of free, borrowable literacy packs designed to support families at every stage of learning.
Reading Ready Packs (ages 4-6 years)
Created in consultation with literacy experts from the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation, these kits are perfect for kindy and pre-primary children learning to read independently. Each pack includes:
• a helpful parent guide on how children learn to read
• four decodable books
• a rhyming picture book
• a phonics-based game
• rhyming playing cards.
Literacy Playtime Packs (ages 2-4 years)
These fun and practical packs designed to help your child read, talk, sing, write and play. Each pack contains:
• engaging books to share
• a felt story to spark imagination
• a hands-on game or activity
• a cuddly literacy buddy to encourage playful learning.
These kits were developed thanks to the generous support of the State Library of Western Australia’s Better Beginnings program.
Regular children’s programs
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.
Find out more by scanning the QR code or visiting our website at joondalup.wa.gov.au
Upcoming and City events
Community SessionsCommunication and Dementia
Tuesday 4 August, 9:30am-midday
Understanding Dementia Changes in Behaviour
Thursday 20 August,9:30am-12:30pm
Woodvale Library
Children’s Book Week
Opening and closing events
Puppet Playtime
Saturday 15 August
Story Time and Book Week Parade
Saturday 22 August
Meet the Author - Tess Woods
Sunday 30 August, 4-5:30pm
St Stephen’s School Theatre
Special launch event showcasing her latest book, The Cairo Bridal Shop. Cost $15 or $40 for ticket and book. Book and pay online.
Ticket sales now open
Festival of Fiction
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November
Ticket sales open at 8am on Saturday 18 July.
Joondalup Local History Library
The Joondalup Local History Library preserves a rich and growing collection of historic resources, making local heritage accessible to everyone - from curious residents to researchers and students.
Family History Programs
Family History Help
Family History Help is a free program, delivered with the Local History team and our skilled and experienced volunteers, to assist people who are researching their family tree.
We have a vast collection of resources to help you with your research.
Woodvale Library
• Every Tuesday, 9:30am-12:30pm
Joondalup Library (Local History)
• Every Wednesday, 9am-midday
• Third Saturday of the month, 1-3pm
Writing your Family History
Join our experienced Family History researcher and published author, Heather Thomson, for help writing your family history. No cost. No need to register.
Joondalup Library (Local History)
• First Saturday of the month, 1pm
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.