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The Brain Gym
Want to keep your mind sharp and engaged? These brain boosting activities and problem-solving games support mental wellbeing and are perfect for adults looking to keep their minds active, build meaningful connections, and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Hear from a guest speaker about what other programs and events are on offer in your community. Stay after the session to have a cuppa and a chat with new friends. Join us on the second Friday of each month starting 9 January, 10 am to 11 am (excluding public holidays) Cove Civic Centre
Biblio Banter
Immerse yourself in the world of literature! This group is a haven for passionate booklovers who relish in the art of reading. Share what you are currently reading, engage in lively discussions and uncover hidden literary gems. A welcoming space to connect with fellow bibliophiles, explore literature and swap recommendations. Join us on the second Monday of each month starting 12 January, 4 pm to 5 pm (excluding public holidays) Cultural Centre Library
287 Diagonal Road, OAKLANDS PARK 5046
FREE! No need to book, just come along
Hears A Book
Love stories, ideas, and a good chat?
Hears a Book is a welcoming book club for people with vision impairment. Members borrow audiobooks through BorrowBox and come together at the library to share their thoughts, swap recommendations, and enjoy lively conversation. New listeners always welcome!
Supported by Beyond Blindness.
Join us on the third Monday of each month starting 19 January
10 am to 11 am
(excluding public holidays)
Cove Civic Centre
1 Ragamuffin Drive, HALLETT COVE 5158
FREE! No need to book, just come along
Line,
Pattern, Colour and Flow:
A Relaxing Art Toolkit
Spend your morning with Joy from Made with Joy and find your flow with artistic techniques that calm and inspire. Spark imagination and explore your artistic style in this adults workshop, using a variety of techniques that include zentangle, neurographic art and inky lines. Elevate your colouring practices and see imagery in flowing patterns, all the while discovering how to integrate this toolkit of skills into your creative practice and for your ongoing relaxation and artistic enjoyment.
Saturday 31 January, 9:45 am to 12:30 pm Park Holme Library 2a Duncan Avenue, PARK HOLME 5043
Cost $10 Payable at time of booking BOOK ONLINE
marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Creative Connections
A welcoming and creative gathering where crafters of all skill levels come together with their own projects and supplies. Whether you’re into knitting, scrapbooking or any other craft, you’ll find a community to share ideas, inspiration and conversation. As you work on your projects side by side, you’ll have the opportunity to exchange tips and enjoy the company of fellow artisans. Please bring your own projects and supplies.
Join us on the first Monday of each month starting 2 February, 10 am to 12 pm (excluding public holidays)
Cove Civic Centre
1 Ragamuffin Drive, HALLETT COVE 5158
FREE! No need to book, just come along
Lunchtime Lit:
World Read Aloud Day
Flash fiction is back to celebrate World Read Aloud Day for Lunchtime Lit. These are stories that prove brevity can be breath-taking: sharp, funny, moving, and unforgettable in just a few minutes. There’s something rare and special here too: as adults, we’re seldom read to aloud. Audience members often say how much they enjoy simply listening, letting the words wash over them. So bring your lunch, take a pause in the day, and let a handful of tiny stories surprise you with how big they can feel.
Wednesday 4 February, 12 pm to 1 pm
Cultural Centre Library
287 Diagonal Road, OAKLANDS PARK 5046
FREE! Bookings essential BOOK ONLINE marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
A Guide to the Office for Ageing Well Programs and Services
Learn about the work of the Office for Ageing Well and how its programs support older South Australians to stay active and connected. Learn about the Seniors Card Program, the Retirement Villages Unit, community grants and the Adult Safeguarding Unit, and how each contributes to ageing well in our communities.
Monday 9 February, 10 am to 11 am
Park Holme Library 2a Duncan Avenue,
PARK HOLME 5043
FREE! Bookings essential BOOK ONLINE marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Digital Basics: How to Prepare a Digital Legacy Plan What happens to all your online accounts when you die? Everything from your Facebook and online banking accounts to your photos in the cloud, so much of our lives are now spread across digital space. Leaving a clear digital legacy plan gives you peace of mind and saves your loved ones from having to deal with tricky tasks at a difficult time.
2 SESSIONS:
Wednesday 11 February, 10 am to 11 am Marion Cultural Centre – Sturt Room
Friday 20 February, 10 am to 11 am Cove Civic Centre
Bookings essential
Digital Basics: How to Use Libby and BorrowBox
Did you know your library has a collection of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and even newspapers that you can read online? And it's totally free with your library card!
In this session we will show you how to use Libby and BorrowBox to access these collections and give you hands on assistance to get them set up on your phone.
Tuesday 17 February, 10 am to 11 am
Park Holme Library 2a Duncan Avenue, PARK HOLME 5043
Bookings essential
Digital Basics: Get Yourself a Password Manager
Keep forgetting your passwords? With so many online accounts to manage, keeping track of all those logins can be overwhelming. Join us and learn what password managers are, how they work, and why they’re one of the easiest ways to keep your passwords safe while simplifying your digital life.
2 SESSIONS:
Thursday 12 March, 10 am to 11 am
Cove Civic Centre
Tuesday 31 March, 10 am to 11 am
Holme Library
10 Minute Tech Help
Tech help is aimed at a beginner level to assist with your basic tech help questions. These sessions are designed for people who need help connecting to Wi-Fi, using apps such as Libraries SA, Libby or Kanopy, protecting yourself online and basic phone troubleshooting.
Please note: Tech Help sessions are not suitable for lengthy queries or consults such as setting up email accounts, phones, tablets and laptops etc.
No appointment necessary. Thursdays 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Natural Cleaning Products Workshop
Join Tanya from Massage or Inner Health to learn how easy it is to make your own natural cleaning products at home, free from toxic chemicals. During this session you will get to make your own cleaning spray and toilet bombs to take home.
Smell essential oils, use herbs from the garden and learn about how these can be used everyday to support health and wellbeing, reducing chemical and toxins in your body and home!
Support your health with cleaning that doesn't leave you with a chemical headache or breathing issues.
Thursday 12 February, 5 pm to 6:30 pm
Marion Cultural Centre – Sturt Room
287 Diagonal Road, OAKLANDS PARK 5046
Cost $10 Payable at time of booking
Break Out of a Virtual Escape Room!
Can you escape the Egyptian tomb in under 15 minutes?
Put on the virtual reality headset and play Escape Simulator, a game that is just like playing in a real escape room but entirely virtual!
Pick up and examine clues, break objects, solve locks, and decipher puzzles to escape! Play in teams of two and try to beat the clock in this challenging series of rooms!
**Please note for safety reasons this virtual reality experience is strictly for participants aged 8 and older.**
Saturday 28 February, 12 pm to 3 pm Cove Civic Centre
1 Ragamuffin Drive, HALLETT COVE 5158
FREE! Bookings essential BOOK ONLINE marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Age Pension Information Session
Are you looking to access the Age Pension? Join Financial Information Officer Mark from Services Australia - Centrelink for an informative session covering income and assets, deeming, the Work Bonus, concession cards and other online services. Learn how these programs can support your financial wellbeing and make the most of what’s available to you. Thursday 5 March, 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Library Luminaries: Marsupial Evolution and Extinction on the Australian Continent
Join Dr Gavin Prideaux, Director of Palaeontology at Flinders University, for an engaging talk on the evolution and extinction of Australia’s remarkable mammals. Discover how climate shifts shaped ecosystems and learn about the latest research into the ecology and extinction of Australia’s megafauna.
While you’re here, don’t miss the diprotodon bone on display from the SA Museum, available for the public to view alongside the talk.
Wednesday 11 March, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm Cove
Cyanotype Printing
Learn how to create stunning blue prints using the cyanotype process. During this workshop, you’ll discover the magic of this historical photography technique.
Join Donna from Stitch Paint Burn Studio as she guides you through the process, from preparing the cyanotype solution to exposing and developing your prints. Experiment with different materials and techniques to unleash your creativity!
Participants are welcome to bring along items from gardens or objects that cast interesting shadows, however this is not essential.
Saturday 14 March, 10 am to 12 pm Cove Civic Centre 1 Ragamuffin Drive, HALLETT COVE 5158
Cost $10 Payable at time of booking BOOK ONLINE marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Safeguarding Adults: Knowing Your Rights and Support
Find out how South Australia's Adult Safeguarding Unit supports adults at risk and helps promote safety, dignity, and wellbeing. This session covers what safeguarding means, how the Unit works, and what support is available – whether for yourself, someone you care about, or your community.
Monday 16 March, 10 am to 11 am Park Holme Library
2a Duncan Avenue, PARK HOLME 5043
Many Cultures, One Earth
Celebrate culture, creativity and community with global performances, food, workshops and family fun – an allages festival full of music, colour and connection!
Saturday 28 March, 5 pm to 9 pm
Marion Cultural Centre Plaza
287 Diagonal Road, Oaklands Park
No need to book, just come along
A great place to play
EPISODE 86
Christmas Wrap Up 2025
Search City of Marion Libraries wherever you get your podcasts and stream or download it.
RECENT EPISODES EPISODE 83 EPISODE 84 EPISODE 85
Meet the Authors: South Australian Storytellers
Join us for an evening of local literary talent with authors Sandra Kanck, Leanda Herring and Bronwyn Stuart.
Kanck’s Nothing and Everything is a memoir interwoven with 1950s and 60s social history, a raw story of surviving an unrelenting Broken Hill childhood which included tough corporal punishment based on religious moralism.
In Herring’s Beneath Her Lies, a body is discovered at the bottom of a popular tourist summit in the Flinders Ranges. Detective Sergeant Bianca Mills teams up with clinical psychologist Jack Collins to investigate the mysterious death.
In Stuart’s Along Came Audrey, war hero Callum West lives a
quiet, self-imposed exile on his Murray River houseboat, that is until Hollywood runaway Audrey Hobson shatters his solitude. As their pasts surface, two damaged souls must decide whether they can heal each other, or be dragged under by their own demons.
Books available for purchase and signing Wednesday 25 March, 6:30 pm to 8 pm (followed by book signing)
Did you know you can read our What's On booklet online? You can download a copy to your phone or device for quick and easy access on the go.
Visit marion.sa.gov.au/whats-on to access an online copy and find out more about all our exciting programs and events.
Family Lego Challenge: Design, Plan, Build!
Time to get the family together for a fun LEGO challenge!
Book a table and build an adventure! Whether it's real or imaginary, bring your space to life with LEGO.
Design your build to fit in a special case which will be displayed in the library as part of a scavenger hunt.
Join fellow LEGO enthusiasts and make new connections
Stay the three hours or drop in as you like.
Monday 12 January, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cultural Centre Library
287 Diagonal Road, OAKLANDS PARK 5046 FREE! Bookings essential
marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Bookings open 29 December 2025
A fun interactive session for babies up to 18 months with action songs, nursery rhymes and bubbles! Come for your baby, stay to meet other parents and caregivers.
Tuesdays, 9:30 am Cove Civic Centre
Wednesdays, 9:30 am Park Holme Library
Thursdays, 9:30 am Cultural Centre Library
Do you have a child aged 18 months to 3½ years who is always on the go? Join us for a special, engaging half hour session developing early literacy and gross motor skills, with dancing, singing and fun just for toddlers.
Wednesdays, 9:30 am NEW DAY/TIME Cove Civic Centre
Thursdays, 9:30 am Park Holme Library
Not quite ready to go home after Toddler Time? We have you covered! You are welcome to stay and play with your toddler, meet new people and make new friends. Toys set up each week for children to explore.
No need to book, just come along! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
A wonderful opportunity for children ages 3½ to 5 years to engage with early literacy, while developing listening, oral language and fine motor skills through stories, games and craft!
Tuesdays, 11 am Cove Civic Centre
Wednesdays, 10:30 am Park Holme Library Thursdays, 10:30 am Cultural Centre Library
Every week during the school term
Mandarin Family Morning @ Park Holme
Join us for a morning of learning in Mandarin at Park Holme Library.
A fun session for children aged 5–9 to develop their understanding of Mandarin through story and craft.
Children will build listening, speaking, and fine motor skills while learning new words.
Saturday 24 January, 10 am to 11 am
Park Holme Library
2a Duncan Avenue, PARK HOLME 5043
FREE! Bookings essential
BOOK ONLINE
marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Bookings open 29 December 2025
Little Bang Discovery Club
Little Bang Discovery Club is a hands-on program for preschool aged children that combines everyday objects and experiences with methods of genuine scientific enquiry.
Children will borrow a Little Bang Discovery bag from the library to take home each week, with exciting items and activities to explore between sessions.
Please note that you are committing to 4 sessions by booking this program.
Suitable for ages 31/2 to 5 years.
Adult support and supervision is required.
Weekly for 4 sessions starting
Monday 2 February, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Cove Civic Centre
1 Ragamuffin Drive, HALLETT COVE 5158
FREE! Bookings essential
BOOK ONLINE
marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Bookings open 29 December 2025
Creative Kids Club
Calling all aspiring artists! Join us for Creative Kids Club, an after-school program that gives you opportunity to learn new skills, try out different media and most importantly have fun while being creative. Each week covers different topics including drawing, painting, design and collage. All materials provided.
Please note that you are committing to 8 sessions by booking this program.
Children must be 8+
Weekly on Mondays during school term starting Monday 2 February, 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm
Build Buddies
Get ready to build, imagine, and create! Join us for Build Buddies, an after-school program to explore the world of LEGO through hands-on challenges and themed builds. Each week introduces a new theme, designed to spark creativity and problemsolving skills. Just bring your imagination! All materials provided.
Please note that you are committing to 8 sessions by booking this program.
Children must be 7+
Weekly on Wednesays during school term starting Wednesday 4 February, 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm
Bookings open 12 January 2026
Bookings open 12 January 2026
Wayward Words
Wayward Words is a writing club for young people that will help get their ideas on the page! Each week there will be a new and fun writing challenge to help express creativity and build writing skills. This is also a chance to meet other kids who love writing. Together they will work toward creating their own zine to be put on our shelves.
Please note that you are committing to 8 sessions by booking this program.
Children must be 8+
Weekly on Wednesdays during school
term starting Wednesday 4 February, 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm
Cultural Centre Library
287 Diagonal Road, OAKLANDS PARK 5046
FREE! Bookings essential
BOOK ONLINE
marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Bookings open 12 January 2026
Headset Heroes: Afterschool Virtual Reality
Learn how to create virtual experiences that make a difference with Headset Heroes! Participants will explore cutting edge VR technology, creativity and sustainability.
Please note that you are committing to 3 sessions by booking this program.
Presented by Reality Bytes Media.
Open to youth ages 10 to 16 years. All equipment provided.
3 sessons:
Thursday 5 March, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Thursday 12 March, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Thursday 19 March, 3:30 pm to 6 pm
Cove Civic Centre
1 Ragamuffin Drive, HALLETT COVE 5158
FREE! Bookings essential
BOOK ONLINE
marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Bookings open 12 January 2026
holidays School
Design Your Own Library Bag
Decorating a library bag is a fun way for kids to start the school year with style! Using markers, stickers, and a little imagination, they can create a unique design that reflects their personality.
A perfect back-to-school craft!
Children must be 5+
Wednesday 14 January, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Park Holme Library
2a Duncan Avenue, PARK HOLME 5043
FREE! Bookings essential
Holidays are here! Make your way to any of our Marion Library branches with family and friends to browse, read and borrow from our collections. Or simply use our spaces to hang out!
BOOK ONLINE
marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Bookings open 29 December 2025
Scratch Jr Mini Coders
Curious about coding? Come and try Scratch Jr — a fun and simple way for young learners to explore the basics of coding through stories, games and animations. This hands-on session is perfect for beginners, offering a playful introduction to sequencing, problemsolving and creativity using iPads. No experience needed — just bring your imagination!
Children must be 7+
Thursday 15 January, 10 am to 10:45 am Cove Civic Centre
1 Ragamuffin Drive, HALLETT COVE 5158
FREE! Bookings essential
BOOK ONLINE
marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Bookings open 29 December 2025
Meet Children's Author Liam Kelly and Celebrate Stories and Young Writers
Join us for a fun children’s author workshop where we will be giving out prizes to the winners of our Just Write for Kids competition and Summer Reading Club!
Get tips on how to write great stories from children’s author Liam Kelly, meet other young writers and celebrate the power of stories with some fun activities.
Suitable for ages 7+
Tuesday 20 January, 10 am to 11 am Cove Civic Centre
1 Ragamuffin Drive, HALLETT COVE 5158
FREE! Bookings essential BOOK ONLINE marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Bookings open 29 December 2025
CLUB
These holidays, we want to know what you’re reading!
Log the books you enjoy over summer, then tell us — in 50 words or less — which one was your favourite and why and you’ll go in the draw to win an exciting prize pack in collaboration with Good Reading!
It’s easy to join, just head to marion.sa.gov.au/ summer-reading-club to log your reads and submit your entry.
Celebrate your summer of reading with fellow book lovers at our Liam Kelly Children's Author event on Tuesday 20 January – see pg 23
ENTRIES OPEN: Monday 15 December, 2025
CLOSE: Sunday 18 January, 2026
Weaving Workshop
Join the local Southern Elders Weaving Group to discover the joys of weaving. During this experience, you and your child will learn the traditional skills and techniques used to complete the art of Aboriginal weaving. Used in the creation of baskets, jewellery, nets and other materials, weaving is an integral skill for Aboriginal people. This program requires adult support; each individual child must be accompanied by an adult.
Children must be 6+
Wednesday 21 January, 10 am to 11:30 am
Marion Cultural Centre – Sturt Room 287 Diagonal Road, OAKLANDS PARK 5046 FREE! Bookings essential BOOK ONLINE marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Bookings open 29 December 2025
Character Drawing Workshop
Learn the basics of character design with local comics creator Georgina Chadderton (a.k.a. George Rex Comics)! Practice penciling and inking like a professional and find out the different ways you can illustrate your character’s personality.
This workshop is perfect for budding comic makers looking to practice creating characters through shapes, poses and emotions. All materials and take-home booklets included.
Suitable for children aged 8-12 years.
Friday 23 January, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Park Holme Library 2a Duncan Avenue, PARK HOLME 5043
Cost $5 Payable at time of booking
BOOK ONLINE marionlibraries.eventbrite.com
Bookings open 29 December 2025
Enter here
marion.sa.gov.au/just-write
T&Cs apply. AI-generated stories will not be accepted — we want to hear your voice!
Does your child have a wild imagination and a way with words?
Our popular Just Write for Kids short story competition is back for these summer holidays! This is the perfect opportunity for young writers to flex their creative muscles, dive into storytelling, and sharpen their writing skills.
Entry is FREE!
Enter online at marion.sa.gov.au/just-write for your chance to win a fabulous prize pack.
Celebrate your summer of writing with fellow book lovers at our Liam Kelly Children's Author event on Tuesday 20 January – see pg 23
Age categories: 8–10 years | 11–13 years
OPENS: 15 December, 2025
CLOSES: 18 January, 2026
Cardboard Critters with Sair
Bean
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll dive into the world of weird, wild, and wobbly creatures made entirely from upcycled cardboard. By the end of the session, you’ll have your very own Cardboard Critter to take home; a one-of-a-kind creature straight from your imagination.
Thursday 22 January, 11 am and 1 pm
Marion Cultural Centre
– Domain Theatre
287 Diagonal Road,
OAKLANDS PARK 5046
Cost $10 per child
BOOK ONLINE
marion.online.red61.com.au
Brit Parade presented by The Crew
Join top Adelaide band The Crew on a timetraveling journey through the UK’s greatest hits. Relive the magic of Top of the Pops and the unforgettable tunes that once ruled the airwaves.
Brit Parade is a nostalgic countdown of British pop classics — bringing back the songs you love and the memories that never fade.
Get ready to sing, dance, and celebrate the soundtrack of a generation. It’s time for the Brit Parade!
Tuesday 10 February, 11 am
Marion Cultural Centre
– Domain Theatre
287 Diagonal Road, OAKLANDS PARK 5046
Cost $22
BOOK ONLINE marion.online.red61.com.au
It Takes Two! Legendary Duets Live!
It Takes Two! Legendary Duets Live! celebrates the songs that prove some things really are better together. Starring Rohan Watts and Melanie Smith, this award-nominated show brings to life classic duets from across decades of pop, rock and soul. With powerful vocals, lighthearted storytelling and chemistry to match the music, It Takes Two! shows why iconic duets never go out of style.
Tuesday 10 March, 7:30 pm
Marion Cultural Centre
– Domain Theatre
287 Diagonal Road, OAKLANDS PARK 5046
Cost $35
BOOK ONLINE
marion.online.red61.com.au
Thunder Road - Bruce Springstein Tribute
Get ready for two hours of electrifying Springsteen hits as Thunder Road pays tribute to “The Boss” with passion and precision. This powerhouse lineup of seasoned local musicians brings decades of experience and a deep love for Springsteen’s iconic catalogue.
Friday 10 April, 7:30 pm Marion Cultural Centre
– Domain Theatre
287 Diagonal Road, OAKLANDS PARK 5046
Cost $35
BOOK ONLINE
marion.online.red61.com.au
Adelaide Fringe:
20 February to 22 March
Adelaide Fringe is back at the Domain Theatre in 2026!
Get ready for over 30 dazzling performances — from giggles and grooves to drama and delight. Comedy, kids’ shows, music, theatre, and surprises galore… it’s all happening right here!
