May - June 2025
FREE EVENTS
Welcome!
Welcome to this edition of What’s On at Kingston Libraries! Our libraries continue to be vibrant hubs of learning, connection, and inspiration - and this season’s program is no exception. Whether you’re a regular visitor or discovering us for the first time, I encourage you to explore everything on offer.
From our popular Expert Series, which brings insightful conversations with industry leaders, to the return of the always exciting King Con—a celebration of pop culture, creativity and community—there’s something for every age and interest.
You’ll also find fantastic reading recommendations handpicked by our librarians to keep your shelves stocked and your imagination sparked.
So come along, get involved, and discover what’s new at your local library. There’s never been a better time to connect, learn and be inspired.
Enjoy the season ahead!
Cr Georgina Oxley Mayor, City of Kingston
Congratulations to our Cover the Cover competition winner, Milla B. with When the Stars and I Meet!
We hosted this exciting art competition during the month of March, seeking submissions to feature on the cover page of our What's On Booklet. Artists of all ages submitted their amazing artworks. Thank you to all who participated!
The City of Kingston acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land, and pay respects to their Elders past and present.
For more information and to book: Online library.kingston.vic.gov.au/events Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any library branch
Please note some regular library programs run during school terms only.
Spotlight
Eurovision 2025 Grand Final Live Watch Party!
Cheltenham Library
Sunday 18 May 5:00am – 9:00am
Did you know Eurovision once featured singing turkeys and vampire rock bands? Expect the unexpected as we bring the magic of Eurovision 2025 live from Basel, Switzerland!
Join fellow fans for an early-morning watch party filled with music, drama, and outrageous costumes.
Come dressed in your Eurovision best, bring some breakfast nibbles, and get ready to sing, cheer, and celebrate the world’s most fabulous music party!
No bookings required.
Debut Author Spotlight: Deborah Pike
Cheltenham Library
Thursday 1 May 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Join Deborah Pike as she discusses her debut novel, The Players
One summer, university students rehearse a play in an orchard, forging friendships, rivalries, and passions that shape their futures across Perth, Paris, and Cambridge.
Deborah, an English Literature professor with global experience, brings her expertise to this compelling debut.
Bookings required.
Women's Health
3 Keys to Thriving in Motherhood
Parkdale Library Wednesday 7 May 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Modern motherhood isn't easy. If you'd like to experience more thriving than surviving, this 1-hour session will help you gain clarity, confidence, and tools to help you be the mother and woman you want to be.
Join More to Mum for a presentation on compassion and self-acceptance, letting go of guilt and comparisons and feeling more confident. Bookings required.
Mastering Menopause:
An introduction to perimenopause and menopause
Cheltenham Library Tuesday 6 May 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Join Women’s Health in the Southeast (WHISE) for a free, friendly session. Learn what perimenopause and menopause are, common symptoms, and how they affect your body and mind.
Discover practical strategies to manage symptoms, explore treatment options, and find out where to access help and support.
Bookings required.
Read these!
Search our catalog for more
Sydney Writers' Festival
Thursday 22 May
Parkdale Library
Markus Zusak: Three Wild Dogs and the Truth
10:00am - 11:00am
Sydney Writers' Festival Live & Local FREE Livestream
Sydney Writers’ Festival is one of Australia’s most loved forums for literature, ideas and storytelling. And we're bringing it to you live and for free at Parkdale Library!
Get access to these inspiring talks at no cost, and connect with other like-minded literature lovers. This is a unique opportunity to engage locally with thoughtprovoking debates and inspiring storytelling.
There are live Q&As at each session, and we'll provide tea, coffee, and biscuits!
Bookings required.
In conversation with Richard Glover.
Gina Chick: We are the Stars
12:00pm - 1:00pm With Rosemarie Milsom.
David Nicholls: You are Here
2:00pm - 3:00pm
In conversation with Jennifer Byrne on his latest love story.
Friday 23 May
Parkdale Library
The Moriarty Sisters
10:00am - 11:00am
Moriarty sisters, Jaclyn, Liane and Nicola in discussion with writer and broadcaster Sarah Macdonald.
Helen Garner: The Season
12:00pm - 1:00pm
In conversation with David Leser.
Alan Hollinghurst: Our Evenings
2:00pm - 3:00pm
In conversation with Georgina Godwin.
Adults Programs
Signed Sealed
Delivered: The Gentle Art of Letter Writing Workshop
Cheltenham Library
Monday 2 June 10:30am – 12:30pm
Is there a letter you’ve always wanted to write but didn’t dare? What would you say in a letter to your younger self, or someone you care about?
Letters can communicate emotions, explain actions, reveal secrets, and help to heal wounds.
Explore the therapeutic pleasures of writing. We'll examine how authors use letters as a literary device and what makes a memorable missive.
Dr. Prior, author of Shy and Childless, teaches at RMIT, leads writing workshops, and has been a columnist for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, plus an ABC radio presenter. Bookings required.
Sea Shanty Session for Men's Mental Health Week with Longbeach Ukes Ukulele Group
Chelsea Library Saturday 14 June 11:30am - 12:30pm
Celebrate Men's Mental Health Week, with a performance by the men of The Longbeach Ukes - Lukes.
Join us as they play their beloved ukuleles and sing up a Sea Shanty storm.
No bookings required.
Drop-in Craft Sessions: Safe Homes for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Everyone deserves the right to a safe, warm home. On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we’re standing in solidarity to raise awareness and advocate for the dignity and protection of older people.
Join our creative dropin sessions, where you can craft your own symbolic home.
These unique creations will later be showcased in a special touring exhibition, highlighting the importance of security and respect for elders in our communities.
Drop in at
• Cheltenham Library
• Parkdale Library
• Chelsea Library
Between Sunday 1 June and Saturday 7 June.
No bookings required.
Crime Stoppers - Community Safety Sessions
Chelsea Library
Tuesday 6 May 10:30am - 12:00pm
Dingley Village Library
Friday 23 May 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Highett Library
Tuesday 27 May 10:30am - 12:00pm
Bookings required.
In these sessions, you’ll learn how to identify and report suspicious activity, protect yourself and your neighbourhood, and play an active role in crime prevention.
Gain practical safety tips, understand how anonymous reporting works, and discover ways to contribute to a safer community.
Scan here to see all our events!
For more information and to make a booking: Online library.kingston. vic.gov.au/events
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any library branch
EXPERT SERIES
Bryce Gaton: Electric Vehicles
Parkdale Library
Monday 12 May 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Join Bryce Gaton, a leading EV transition consultant and writer, for an engaging talk on electric vehicles.
With 15+ years of experience, Bryce will explain EV technology, charging needs, and debunk myths—like whether EVs can handle long trips!
Whether you're thinking about buying your first EV or just exploring your options in Australia,
Bryce covers everything from new and used models to trusted resources.
Don’t miss this chance to learn about the future of sustainable transport and get expert insights on making the switch to electric.
Bookings required.
The Expert Series is a free monthly event at Parkdale Library featuring engaging talks by leading experts on trending topics like health, finance, gardening, and more.
On Being Dad: Relationships
Australia
Parkdale Library Monday 23 June 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Join Steven Taylor from Relationships Australia Victoria for an insightful session on fatherhood, mental health, and resilience.
With nearly 20 years of experience in community support and family well-being, Steven will explore the vital role of dads, different parenting styles, and the power of connection.
Gain practical tools and expert guidance to navigate the challenges of fatherhood while maintaining your mental well-being.
Bookings required.
For Animal Lovers
Attracting Native Butterflies and Bees
Chelsea Library
Wednesday 28 May 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Join this workshop to explore the fascinating world of native bees and butterflies!
You’ll learn about their crucial role as pollinators, how to create a habitat to attract them, and why chemical-free gardening benefits these vital creatures. Discover the best plants to support them, practical tips for building bee hotels, and common mistakes to avoid.
Presented by Sustainable Gardening Australia, this session will help you bring more colour, movement, and biodiversity to your garden!
Bookings required.
Purrfect Care: The Feline Care
Toolkit
Parkdale Library
Tuesday 10 June 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Join Naomi Thomson, an expert animal behaviorist from RSPCA Victoria, for a workshop on improving feline welfare.
This workshop will cover essential topics like managing aggression, fostering harmony in multi-cat households, and addressing common issues like litter tray problems.
Whether you're a cat owner, foster carer, or industry professional, Naomi will provide valuable insights and practical tools to create a healthier, happier environment for your feline friends.
Bookings required.
May the Fourth Be With You
Star Wars Day: LEGO Star Wars Movie Screenings
Cheltenham Library Sunday 4 May 3:00pm – 3:45pm Rated G Ages 6+
May the Fourth Be with You, pew, pew!
Celebrate Star Wars Day with a fun LEGO Star Wars double minimovie event. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the galaxy far, far away.
Join us for an entertaining adventure filled with humour and action.
Bookings required.
Drop-in Activity: Space Scratch Art
All Open Libraries Sunday 4 May 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Create stunning spacethemed designs by scratching away dark surfaces to reveal bright colours underneath. Perfect for young artists!
Drop-in session. No bookings required.
National Simultaneous Storytime
Special Storytime with millions of others!
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is an annual event where over 2.3 million Australians read the same book together!
Hosted by the Australian Library Information Association (ALIA), NSS promotes literacy, encourages a love of reading, and highlights the importance of storytime.
Join us for the 24th NSS event featuring The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell - a heartwarming story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and finding home. Some cats live in houses, but Tinka lives everywhere!
Storytime will be followed by a simple craft activity.
No bookings required.
Aspendale Gardens Community Centre 103-105 Kearney Drive
Wednesday 21 May 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Watch stories by Australian authors and illustrators, read aloud by amazing storytellers - sparking kids’ imagination and love for reading!
Login with your library membership!
Get ready for King Con!
Comic Book Drawing Workshop
Cheltenham Library
Wednesday 14 May 4:00pm – 5:00pm Ages 7+
Ready for a creative adventure? In this fun workshop, kids will learn to design their own comic book, combining visual art and storytelling.
They’ll explore sketching techniques, develop engaging stories, and bring their ideas to life in a unique way.
Perfect for budding artists and writers, this hands-on class encourages imagination and creativity. Let your child discover the exciting world of comic creation!
Bookings required.
Don’t forget to get your comic competition entry forms in by May 4.
Winners will be displayed at King Con!
Cosplay Craft with Lumin's Workshop
Cheltenham Library
Tuesday 20 May 6:00pm – 7:30pm Ages 12-112
Learn about crafting cosplay pieces out of foam in this handson workshop, as you make your very own cosplay armour piece!
Bookings required.
SEE MORE COMICS, GAMES & POP CULTURE AT KING CON!
Saturday 24 May
Cheltenham Library
Create & Cartoon with Adam Wallace!
Cheltenham Library
Saturday 24 May 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Come along for creative fun with Adam Wallace, worldwide bestselling author of Fartboy and the How to Catch series.
Plan out an entire story and start creating your character, then get some cartooning tips as well so you can write and illustrate your very own amazing book, comic or whatever you like!
Adam Wallace is a children's author and cartoonist with a mini-golf course in his backyard. Adam loves afternoon naps, has sold over 12 million books, spoken to over 1200 schools, and writes and draws every single day!
King Con event. Book on the day.
Storytelling in Pictures with Mandy Ord
Cheltenham Library
Saturday 24 May 1:15pm – 2:15pm
Join award-winning cartoonist Mandy Ord for a deep dive into visual storytelling. Learn how she brings characters to life, from her acclaimed books Rooftops, Chalk Boy, and Bulk Nuts.
Discover her creative process and get inspired to craft your own illustrated stories in this engaging workshop!
King Con event. Book on the day.
What's on at King Con!
A Day of Creativity, Fun & Fandom!
Cheltenham Library
Saturday 24 May 10:00am - 4:00pm
Get ready for an action-packed day filled with exciting activities for all ages!
• Meet Special Guests: Authors & Illustrators
• Explore the Artist Alley & support local talent
• Cosplay Parade & Competition
• Board Games & D&D Adventures
• Mario Kart & Minecraft Sessions
• Storytime & Family Fun
• Food Trucks & Face Painting
• Cape Making
From pop culture enthusiasts to curious newcomers, there’s something for everyone.
Cosplay Parade: Unleash Your Inner Hero!
Cheltenham Library
Saturday 24 May 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Get ready to step into the spotlight and show off your love for comics, anime, and pop culture at our epic Cosplay Parade!
Whether you're channelling a fearless superhero, a mischievous villain, or your favourite anime icon, this is your chance to bring your character to life and celebrate with fellow fans.
Cosplayers of all ages are welcome, with categories for:
• Junior: under 11s
• Youth: 12 – 17 years
• Adult: 18+ years
• Groups: all ages
PRIZES TO BE WON!
Teens and Young People
Check out these titles and more on ComicsPlus!
Roll your investigation checks and search for our Dungeons and Dragons content on Comics Plus!
Included with your free Kingston Libraries membership. Scan the QR for more info.
Try Comics Plus
D&D Beginners Workshop
Parkdale Library Wednesday 25 June 6:30pm - 7:45pm Ages 12+
Ready to embark on your first adventure? Join us for a step-by-step guide to Dungeons & Dragons!
Our expert Dungeon Master, Raize, will walk you through the basics, answer FAQs, and help you navigate character sheets.
You'll even get to experience some mini adventures to bring your journey to life.
Perfect for new players looking to dive into the world of D&D!
Bookings required.
Chelsea Tuesdays
May Lineup
Movie Night
6 May 6:00pm Pizza snack provided.
June Lineup
Movie Night
3 June 6:00pm Pizza snack provided.
Arts & Crafts Night
13 May 6:30pm
Create and design your own bookmark.
Games Night
10 June 6:30pm
Enjoy a night of fun games!
Mend Your Winter Woolies*
20 May 6:00pm Bookings essential.
Book Chatters
27 May 6:30pm
Chat with fellow book lovers and share tips about to read next. All Welcome!
Closed Terrariums*
17 June 6:00pm Bookings essential.
Book Chatters
24 June 6:30pm
Chat with fellow book lovers and share tips about to read next. All Welcome!
Your Weekly Night of Fun, Learning and Connection
Join Chelsea Library every Tuesday night for fun workshops, talks, creative activities, and social events!
Explore new skills, connect with others, and enjoy our facilities: free Wi-Fi, computers, a vast collection of books and media, 3D printing, and quiet spaces for study or relaxation.
Don’t miss out—make Chelsea Tuesdays your go-to spot for learning, fun, and community!
*Bookings required for some events.
Find out more here!
Learning
Digitisation Station Presentation
Parkdale Library Friday 9 May 11:00am - 12:00pm
Join us for an informative event about the Digitisation Station!
Learn how to preserve your memories and valuable media by converting photos, slides, cassettes, VHS tapes, and vinyl records into digital formats.
Attend our information session to discover how you can bring your old treasures to life in the digital world.
Don’t miss this opportunity to preserve your memories for the future!
Bookings required.
What can I do with the Digitisation Station?
Cheltenham Library and Parkdale Library have a self-serve digitisation station available for bookings.
Use the station to convert photos, slides, cassettes, VHS tapes and vinyl records into digital files.
Book the Digitisation Station
3D Printing Workshop
Cheltenham Library Monday 30 June 10:30am - 11:30am
Come and learn how to print a fabulous 3D design of your choosing!
In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn the basics of how to choose, edit and print a simple design that you will be able to keep.
Our staff will guide you through essential techniques and printing strategies, making it perfect for beginners.
By the end, you'll feel confident in selecting and printing your own awesome 3D prints!
Bookings required.
New Releases
Can't wait for your favorite author's next release?
Here's a sneak peek to add to your 2025 reading list.
Find more new releases here
Huddle: Wisdom, Skills and Recipes for Building a Tomorrow of Togetherness
Money-Saving Meal Plans with Chelsea Chelsea Goodwin
Great Big Beautiful Life
Emily Henry
Nightshade
Michael Connelly
Till Death Do Us Part
Lauren Zonfrillo
My Next Breath
Jeremy Renner
Sunrise on the Reaping
Suzanne Collins
Air
John Boyne
Jade Miles
Vanish Shelley Burr
Weathering the Storm Shelley Burr
Author Talks
Everyday Permaculture
with Anna The Urban Nanna Cheltenham Library
Monday 5 May 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Join sustainability educator Anna Matilda, aka The Urban Nanna, for a discussion on her book Everyday Permaculture
Perfect for renters, homeowners, and apartment dwellers, this guide offers practical tips for sustainable living, from organic waste management to ‘scraptastic’ cooking and self-care.
Learn simple, adaptable solutions to reduce stress, cut costs, and help the planet!
Bookings required.
Discovering Australia’s Black Convicts with Santilla Chingaipe
Parkdale Library Tuesday 3 June 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Join historian and author Santilla Chingaipe for an enlightening session on Australia’s Black convicts.
Discover the untold stories of African-descended convicts like bushranger John Caesar and South African chief David Stuurman.
Santilla will explore the hidden links to slavery, empire, and race, and how these forces shaped Australia’s early history.
Don’t miss this chance to rethink Australia’s past!
Bookings required.
Winter Reading
Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book, and we’ve got plenty of options to inspire you!
Whether you want to connect with others through our Virtual Book Club, create your own book group with our Book Club Kits, or enjoy a reading challenge, we’ve got something for everyone.
With free access through your library membership, it’s the ideal time to cozy up, get reading, and maybe even win some bookish prizes!
JOIN A LIBRARY BOOK CLUB – YOUR WAY!
Love books? Want to connect with fellow readers?
Kingston Libraries offers a variety of book clubs to suit every reader’s preference—all free with your library membership!
TRADITIONAL BOOK CLUBS
Join a classic book club where everyone reads the same book and gathers to discuss themes, characters, and ideas.
Engage in lively conversations, share perspectives, and discover new favourites.
Perfect for those who enjoy deep dives into a shared story.
Check out our book groups
Prefer a more flexible approach? Join Book Chatters, where there’s no assigned reading!
Simply come along and talk about whatever you’re reading. It’s a great way to get recommendations and share your love of books in a relaxed setting.
library.kingston.vic.gov.au/ reading-writing-groups
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any branch
Follow us on socials for updates, events and book recommendations!
VIRTUAL BOOK GROUP
READ ANYTIME, JOIN ONLINE, NO WAITING!
Busy schedule? No problem!
With our Virtual Book Group, you can download the chosen book instantly— no waiting lists—and join the discussion on Facebook at your convenience.
BOOK CLUB KITS
START YOUR OWN GROUP
Want to run a book club with friends? We’ve got you covered!
Our Book Club Kits include sets of eight books with over 100 titles to choose from. Borrow a kit and start reading together!
Everything is free with your library membership! Find your perfect reading community today!
Read and participate on your own time!
Virtual Book Group!
COSY UP WITH A GOOD BOOK THIS WINTER FALL IN LOVE WITH READING!
The Warm Winter Read initiative encourages adults (16+) across Victoria to cultivate healthy reading habits. By exploring their current reading practices, participants can find more time to enjoy books throughout June, July, and August 2025
Whether it's listening to an audiobook, flipping through a graphic novel, browsing a magazine, or finding time to sit down and read a bookreading comes in many forms, and it's easier to find time to read than you think.
We'll help you get started with recommendations from authors you love, and you'll also be in the running to win some great bookish prizes!
The Warm Winter Read campaign runs between 1 June and 31 August.
Family History Group
Come along to learn about the resources available for researching your family history.
Family History Group has a new topic each month to equip you to become confident in finding your family history.
Come for the series or drop in for a particular topic; everyone is welcome.
Find out more here!
May Topic: Make it big by keeping it small
Cheltenham Library Tuesday 20 May 2:00pm - 3:00pm
A microhistory focuses on a single person, place, object or event.
By looking at the small things, at day-to-day life, we can begin to understand the big things.
In this session we’ll think about family history research as uncovering microhistories.
Bookings required.
June Topic: Context matters
Parkdale Library Tuesday 17 June 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Time and place have an impact on people’s lives. People have an impact on time and place.
Let’s explore the history of ‘ordinary’ people as it appears in our family histories.
Bookings required.
Don’t forget our Digital Library
Access a world of information and free resources.
Access Australia
Explore credible, vetted news sources from across Australia to stay informed on events, people and issues. Features a variety of local, regional, and national news including The Australian, The Age, Herald Sun and Australian Financial Review.
LinkedIn Learning
Access lessons in business, software, technology and creative skills
eBooks and eAudiobooks, eMagazines & eNewspapers
Languagenut
Discover 70+ engaging ESL resources in 20+ languages!
Movie Streaming
Kanopy provides a selection of over 30,000 local, world and award-winning movies, documentaries and informational videos.
Digital Magazines
Libby offers over 1000 popular titles in English, Italian, Chinese and other languages.
ComicsPlus
Enjoy unlimited simultaneous access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga—24 hours a day, 7 days a week - on your computer, tablet, or phone. There are no holds, no wait lists, and no limits.
BorrowBox has hundreds of adult, young adult and junior books to borrow.
Flipster for Choice Magazine
Instant access to Choice magazine in an easy-to-read digital format.
Family history databases available for use in the Library library.kingston.vic.gov.au/family-history
Ancestry Library Edition provides international coverage for England, Scotland, Wales, US and Canada. FindMyPast has an extensive records collection for Australasia, UK, Ireland and US.
View the Digital Library webpage: library.kingston.vic.gov.au/digital-library or scan the QR. Have your library card and PIN handy to be able to connect. For children’s Digital Library resources click on the Kids tab.
LIBRARY OPENING HOURS
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Chelsea Library 1 Chelsea Rd, Chelsea
10am-8pm 10am-8pm 1pm-8pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-2pm 2pm-5pm
Cheltenham Library 12 Stanley Ave, Cheltenham
10am-8pm 10am-8pm 1pm-8pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-2pm 2pm-5pm
Clarinda Library 58A Viney St, Clarinda
10am-8pm 10am-8pm 1pm-8pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-2pm 2pm-5pm
Dingley Village Library 31C Marcus Rd, Dingley Village
10am-2pm 2pm-6pm Closed 10am-2pm 2pm-6pm 10am-2pm Closed
Highett Library 310 Highett Rd, Highett
10am-6pm 10am-6pm Closed 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-2pm Closed
Parkdale Library 96 Parkers Rd, Parkdale
10am-8pm 10am-8pm 1pm-8pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-2pm 2pm-5pm
Patterson Lakes Library 54 Thompson Rd, Patterson Lakes
2pm-6pm 10am-2pm Closed 2pm-6pm 10am-2pm 10am-2pm Closed
Westall Library 35 Fairbank Rd, Clayton South
10am-6pm 10am-6pm 1pm-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm Closed 2pm-5pm
PUBLIC HOLIDAY CLOSURES
All Libraries CLOSED Public Holidays
King's Birthday – Monday 9 June See our locations and hours
PLEASE NOTE:
Programs listed in this edition are correct at time of printing. Changes may be made as required. For further information visit library.kingston.vic.gov.au or ph 1300 135 668. Popular events may offer a waiting list. Speak to your friendly library staff for assistance.
TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT CONSIDER GETTING TO OUR EVENTS BY USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT IF AVAILABLE, CAR SHARING, OR WALKING OR CYCLING INSTEAD OF DRIVING.