Kingston Libraries - What's On January - March 2023

January - March 2023

We’re kicking off 2023 with an exciting range of activities and events on offer for all ages at Kingston Libraries.

Discover a world of fun, learning and entertainment at your local library.

Join in our one-off special events including an upcoming discussion on reducing waste in your home, and a special introduction to visual storytelling from a graphic novelist (see page 3-5).

Our regular programs are also back in action along with new features like our Family History Group (see page 10).

LIBRARY WEBSITE NEW!

With a focus on accessibility, functionality and simplicity, the site is your one stop destination for everything libraries across our city.

CHECK IT OUT NOW AT library.kingston.vic.gov.au

For the kids, we’ve got school holiday activities involving plenty of craft, games and special guests.

Join BIG Summer Read for a chance to win fantastic prizes (see page 6). We’ve got new programs where you can learn how to play Dungeons and Dragons or chat about your favourite graphic novels in Comic Club (see page 13).

Our Library of Things also has plenty of gadgets available to loan to help you digitise old media, reduce energy usage in your home and get creative (see page 8-9).

With so much on for 2023, make sure to come down and explore Kingston Libraries.

Cr

Hadi Saab Mayor, City of Kingston

All What’s On events are free. To book events: Online: library.kingston.vic.gov.au/events | Call: 1300 135 668 | In person at any library branch.

Programming is subject to government health regulations. Programs listed as in-branch may revert to online or be placed on hold if regulations require.

WHAT’S ON FOR YOU

Buying right for a low-waste future with the Urban Nanna

Cheltenham Library

Wednesday 8 February 6–7.30pm

Explore solutions to reduce waste output by making informed decisions when you shop. Includes practical examples of how to buy, store and use different household consumables, a “shopping audit” template to assist you in making future decisions, and lowwaste alternatives to your shopping needs.

Bookings required. Online library. kingston.vic.gov.au/ events_urbannanna

Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

Power-Mates

/ thermal cameras & what to do next

Chelsea Library

Thursday 16 February 2–3pm

Power-Mates help assess power usage of household appliances and thermal cameras help you detect draughts where air is escaping or entering your home. Learn how to use these devices and how to make your home efficient to cool, heat and power.

Presentation by Kingston Council Sustainability Team.

Bookings required. Online library. kingston.vic.gov.au/ events_powermate

Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

Find out more about Power-Mates and thermal cameras on page 8.

Introduction to electric vehicles

Parkdale Library

Monday 20 February 6–7.15pm

Join EV transition consultant and writer for TheDriven.io, Bryce Gaton, for an introduction to electric vehicles.

Bryce will provide:

• a guide to the basic technologies

• systems and charging options for EVs

• an overview of the current and emerging Australian choices for buying new and second-hand EVs

• how to evaluate which EV suits your needs - or how long it might be until one hits our shores.

Bookings required. Online library.kingston. vic.gov.au/events_ electricvehicles

Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

WHAT’S ON FOR YOU

The power of chook

Dingley Library

Saturday 25 February 10–11.30am

Harness the power of chook and get them making compost, fertilising the garden, and doing pest and weed control - all while improving the quality of their lives. This workshop also covers the basics of chook care and Kingston local laws. Presentation by Very Edible Garden Bookings required. Online library.kingston. vic.gov.au/events_chook

Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

Cheltenham Library Wednesday 8 March 6.30–7.30pm

Sarah has taught drawing and cartooning to students from all walks of life, from professional women looking to express their ideas in a fresh way to emerging filmmakers and animators. Join Sarah to discover the hurdles to good drawing that our brain creates and tips for overcoming these challenges so that you can tell a story in pictures.

Suitable for all ages.

Bookings required. Online library. kingston.vic.gov.au/ events_sarahhowell

Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

Growing in to Autism with Sandra Thom-Jones

Chelsea Library Wednesday 15 March 6.30–7.30pm

Sandra Thom-Jones is an autistic author, artisan, academic and advocate. She is the author of Growing in to Autism (MUP, 2022), the mother of two adult autistic sons, and a passionate champion for the inclusion of autistic people in all aspects of society.

As a university professor, she has undertaken numerous research projects in partnership with the autistic community. These include the experiences of autistic people and the knowledge and attitudes towards autism in the community.

Bookings required. Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/events_autism

Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

International Women’s Day – meet Sarah Howell: graphic novelist and illustrator

TRAVELLING OVER SUMMER?

Friday 24 March 11am-12:30pm

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging. Emerald Leung is an ikebana practitioner, certified Sogetsu teacher and former librarian who’ll be guiding you through this hands-on workshop. You’ll learn a bit about the history of ikebana, see some classic arrangements and make your own, beautiful arrangement in a teacup (or mug) to take home.

BYO cup or mug. Fresh materials provided.

Bookings required. Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/events_ikebana Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

Aged Care with Services Australia

Cheltenham Library Tuesday 28 March 6–7.30pm

Hear expert information about aged care and your options, including:

• determining care needs

• residential aged care fees and charges

• help at home

• home care fees and charges

Information provided is general in nature. Please consult an expert for tailored advice that suits your needs.

Bookings required. Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/events_agedcare Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

Into Iraq Michael Palin

The Stories of my Life James Patterson

Limberlost Robbie Arnott

Murder in Williamstown Kerry Greenwood

Check out these suggested reads from us.

BIG SUMMER READ

Join BIG Summer Read, a free program running until 31 January 2023 for independent readers aged 5 to 16. There are great prizes on offer including a Nintendo Switch Lite. Prizes are also drawn weekly.

For more information visit library. kingston.vic.gov.au/big-summer-read

Use Beanstack to keep track of your books and to enter all the prize draws!

Create an account via the free app or at kingstonlibraries.beanstack.com

Supporting parents with children on the autism spectrum

Cheltenham Library | Saturday 18 March, 11am-12pm

Listen to Kate Johnson share some of her extensive knowledge of raising children on the spectrum and how to access tools and resources to support you and your family.

Bookings required. Online library.kingston.vic.gov.au/events_autismspectrum

Phone 1300 135 668 In person at any library branch

From Monday 9 to Friday 20 January Kingston Libraries will be running holiday activities at a variety of branches. Come down for craft, games and special guests!

In the first and fourth weeks of January we will have Lego®, simple craft and other drop-in activities in the Library.

Collect a school holiday program

Visit the library or visit the website library.kingston.vic.gov.au

DOLLY DIAMOND’S STORYTIME

A fabulous, loud and proud event for families with young children, and the young at heart. Dolly (also known as Michael Dalton) is a cabaret performer, comedian and storyteller. Dolly has been visiting libraries for some time and it’s Kingston’s turn to enjoy the fun.

Reading stories exposes children to new and different experiences to help them understand the world around them and embrace diversity, tolerance and acceptance as they grow. Enjoy picture book stories such as My Unicorn Farts Glitter and Macca the Alpaca. CHELTENHAM

Includes face painting

Dress up in your favourite colour & meet Dolly Diamond!

OUR LIBRARY OF THINGS

Check out these cool gadgets you can loan from the library.

FLIR TG 165-X MSX THERMAL CAMERAS

Use these cameras to locate cool and hot spots and identify draughts so you can better seal your home and insulate to maintain a comfortable temperature.

To find on the catalogue search under “thermal camera”.

POWER-MATES

Use a Power-Mate Lite to find out which appliances in your home are high energy consumers.

To find on the catalogue search under “Powermate”.

KODAK MOBILE FILM SCANNER

This is a portable device designed to use with your smartphone that allows you to scan your film and slides into digital files. The scanner is used alongside the mobile app.

To find on the catalogue search under “mobile film scanner”.

COMING SOON DIGITISATION STATION

Revisit your memories at Cheltenham Library.

Protect and share photos, slides, cassettes, VHS tapes and vinyl records by converting them to digital files at the Digitisation Station in Cheltenham Library. Find out more online at library.kingston. vic.gov.au/digi-station

RASPBERRY PI 400

Raspberry Pi is a lowcost portable personal computer. Ideal for home study and for learning computing concepts like programming, physical computing, and networking.

To find on the catalogue search under “Raspberry Pi 400”.

Search the catalogue at: library.kingston.vic.gov.au/catalogue

MAKEY MAKEY KITS

For children aged 8 to infinity to enhance their STEAM skills. Connect Makey Makey to the world of things around you to make a banana piano, create game controllers, invent musical instruments, make voting machines, light up paper circuits and more.

To find on the catalogue search under “Makey Makey”.

QPIX DIGITAL FILM AND PHOTO SCANNER

Use this 4 in 1 scanner to digitise photos, slides, negatives and name cards.

To find on the catalogue search under “photo scanner”.

CRICUT MACHINE

Craft with Cricut at Parkdale Library. Create cards, labels, jewellery, scrapbooks, decorations & more.

Our Cricut machine can accurately cut a variety of materials like paper, card, vinyl, and stickers using a digital .svg file.

A 5-minute induction is required for first time users. Pop into Parkdale Library and ask our staff about the Cricut. For ages 15+.

Regular Library Programs

Our regular programs resume in February unless otherwise noted.

NEW!

Tea and Tech

Westall Library

Weekly on Mondays 10.30–11.30am

Come for a cuppa and a chat. Meet new people and explore the digital world in a comfortable and safe environment. Gain new skills and confidence in using your own device, and explore different types of technologies like Virtual Reality, mBots and more.

No bookings required. Tea and coffee provided.

Novelty Writers

Chelsea Library

Second & fourth Friday of the month 10.30-11.30am

Starting 10 February Bookings required. Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/novelty-writers

NEW! Family History Group

Parkdale Library Third Tuesday of the month 21 February & 21 March 2–3pm

Unlock your family history with the new group at Parkdale Library. Bring your questions and discoveries to share and learn from one another. Staff will share latest news and how-to hints. Bring your own device, phone, tablet or laptop.

Bookings required. Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/familyhistorygroup Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

Chelsea Tuesdays

Chelsea Library Weekly on Tuesdays 6.30–8pm

Week 1: Movie night Week 2: Games night – old & new Week 3: Tuesday 21 February Author talk with crime writer Colin King. Tuesday 21 March Debut novelist Kerryn Mayne in conversation with Amy Suiter Clarke. Week 4: Book Chatters Week 5: Board games

Bookings only required for author talks. Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/chelsea-tuesdays Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

Digital literacy classes for seniors

Chelsea Library

Mondays 6-27 February 2–3.30pm

Westall Library

Tuesdays 7-28 March 10.30am-12pm

Cheltenham Library Mondays 20 March – 17 April (excludes 10 April) 10-11.30am

A set of 4 workshops for people aged 55+ with little experience with devices. An Apple iPad will be loaned. Content includes using apps, online safety, and important websites.

Bookings required. Online library.kingston. vic.gov.au/events_ digital_literacy

Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch.

Brain Training

Dingley Library Weekly on Mondays, 10.30am

Cheltenham Library Weekly on Mondays, 2pm

Chelsea Library Weekly on Wednesdays, 1pm

Come along and give your brain a workout with activities such as quizzes, memory puzzles and word search. No bookings required.

Tech Help

Chelsea Library Weekly on Fridays, 2–3pm

Need help using your phone, tablet or laptop, or accessing a government service such as MyGov? Drop in for free, friendly assistance from Library staff.

Book Chatters

Drop into our book chatters group to share a cuppa with fellow book lovers.

Cheltenham Library 6.30–7.30pm

Fourth Wednesday of the month 22 February & 22 March

Parkdale Library 10.30am–11.30am

First Friday of the month 3 February & 3 March

Chelsea Library 6.30–7.30pm

Fourth Tuesday of the month, 28 February & 28 March

More information: Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/book-chatters Phone 1300 135 668 In person at any library branch

Regular Library Programs

YA CHAT YOUNG WRITERS GROUP

Parkdale Library

First Tuesday of the month 7 February, 7 March 4.30–5.30pm

Are you keen to hang out with like-minded young adults? Come and chat about pop culture, music, TV, books … anything really!

Program runs during school terms only. Supported by Kingston Youth Services and the Victorian Government.

Snacks provided. No bookings required.

More information: Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/Youth/YA-Chat

Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

Cheltenham Library

Wednesdays, 5–6pm

1 February 15 February 1 March 15 March

A fortnightly activity for teens aged 13 to 17 years old, interested in developing their creative writing. Develop your writing skills, share your work, and meet with other young writers. Program runs during school terms only.

More information: Online library.kingston. vic.gov.au/Youth/ Young-Writers-Group Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

BOOK GROUPS

We run book groups across various branches. Book sets are supplied by the library. Contact us to check group availability and to join.

Visit out website for more information: library.kingston.vic. gov.au/book-groups

External book club sets

We have book sets of 10 per title available to loan to external book clubs. Check out our website to see a list of titles.

For more information: Online library.kingston. vic.gov.au/independentbook-groups Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

Children’s Programs

Storytimes and Tiny Tots will recommence from Monday 30 January. Our after-school activities are back from February. From games to movies, science and technology, we have something to offer every child.

NEW IN 2023

Comic Club

Westall Library

Weekly on Mondays 4–4.45pm Ages 6–12

Chat about your favourite comics and get creative to design your own comic using guided prompts. No bookings required.

Dungeons & Dragons

Parkdale Library Fortnightly on Mondays starting 30 January 4–6pm Ages 12–17

Learn to play D&D and join us for a series of epic adventures in a relaxed atmosphere.

Bookings required. Online library.kingston. vic.gov.au/events_ dungeons_dragons Phone 1300 135 668

In person at any library branch

Kingston Miners

Parkdale Library

Weekly on Tuesdays 4-5pm Ages 8-12

Minecraft for beginners and intermediate players. Work collaboratively and solve problems as you work through the maps.

Minecraft is still happening weekly on Mondays at Patterson Lakes and Fridays at Clarinda.

Bookings required. Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/events_miners Phone 1300 135 668 In person at any library branch

DON’T FORGET OUR DIGITAL LIBRARY

Access a world of information and free resources.

NoveList PLUS Recommendations crafted by experts for discovering your next great read.

LinkedIn Learning Access lessons in business, software, technology and creative skills.

Movie Streaming

Kanopy provides a selection of over 30,000 local, world and awardwinning movies, documentaries and informational videos.

eBooks & eAudiobooks

BorrowBox has hundreds of adult, young adult and junior books to borrow.

Digital newspapers & magazines

Libby offers over 1000 popular titles in English, Italian, Chinese and other languages.

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.