Once again, we have pulled together an exciting list of what our great libraries have to offer.
This winter we are big on reading. Whether you’re into crime, romance, history, intrigue or travel we’ve got something for you.
We are celebrating Australian authors with author talks, panel discussions and even a how-to-write-juniorfiction workshop. Have a look too at our annual reading challenge details.
When reading is not what you feel like, try Nicole Jenkins’ fashion presentation at Chelsea Library, meet new people and learn about allthings digital at ‘Tea & Tech’ in Westall Library or treat the kids to our engaging and fun Twisted Science events as part of National Science Week.
In fact, there is an array of entertainment and lively learning for our younger residents in our libraries. Interactive musical adventures, a writing comp and, of course,
We’re a few weeks in but its not too late to join the state-wide annual reading challenge, where we encourage you to take more time to curl up with a great read every week.
Track your reading using Kingston Libraries’ Beanstack, or a reading journal, until August 31, and go in the running
our school holiday program will keep young brains sharp and young bodies active.
In short, Kingston Libraries have something for everyone. So, come on in out of the cold, or jump online and explore what’s on offer. It’s a world of resources, information and activity.
Cr Hadi Saab Mayor, City of Kingston
to win bookish prizes! Not sure what to read next? Grab a bookmark from a branch for some great reading recommendations to see you through the winter. Have fun with the reading challenges!
More information: library.kingston.vic.gov. au/warm-winter-read
ALL WHAT’S ON EVENTS ARE FREE! Book events in person at any library branch or online at library.kingston.vic.gov.au/events, or phone 1300 135 668.
The City of Kingston proudly acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land, and we pay our respect to their Elders, past and present and emerging.
Join us for a feast of local literary talent this July.
See pages 4-8 for more details.
For bookings and to see the full program online go to library.kingston.vic.gov.au/aussie-authors
When Tuesday 11 July
6.30-7.30pm
Where Kingston Arts Centre Theatre
979-985 Nepean Hwy
Moorabbin
Three crime novelists talk to award-winning author Vikki Petraitis about their wildly different but entertaining approaches to plotting, characters, time periods, atmosphere, and sleuths.
Panel discussion followed by supper and book signing from 7.30-8.30pm.
Writing professionally for more than 20 years, Amanda Hampson is the author of two non-fiction books, numerous articles and seven novels.
Her latest novel The Tea Ladies (Viking) is a wickedly witty crime novel set in Sydney in the swinging sixties. Tea ladies Hazel, Betty and Irene become accidental sleuths, in search of a young woman believed to be in danger.
Book sales courtesy of Benn’s Books, Bentleigh.
Bookings required. Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/aussie-authors
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any library branch
Nilima Rao is a Fijian Indian Australian who has always referred to herself as “culturally confused,” but has since learned that we are all confused in some way and has been published on the topic, so now feels better about the whole thing.
A Disappearance in Fiji, Rao’s charming and atmospheric debut mystery, features a 25-year-old Indian police sergeant investigating a missing persons case on a cane plantation in colonial Fiji.
Louisa Bennet writes humorous mysteries starring Monty the Dog Detective and his ‘hooman’ pal, Rose Sidebottom. In her tenth novel in this series, Monty and Rose have only just set up their PI business when they’re asked to solve a cold case. The previously ignored witness is a dog called Panda and Monty sets off to find her. This book is an adult and YA read.
Vikki Petraitis is best known for her 18 true crime books including the best-selling The Frankston Murders and her first book, The Phillip Island Murder, which has been featured in several TV shows and podcasts. Her latest podcast, The Frankston Murder, was released in April and within a month had a million downloads.
Vikki’s PhD novel, The Unbelieved, won the inaugural Allen & Unwin Crime Fiction Award and was published in August 2022 to much acclaim.
Cheltenham Library
Wednesday 12 July
6-7pm
Bookings required.
2-3pm
Bookings required.
Dr Susan White is a writer and doctor, who, as a clinical geneticist, hunts for answers to undiagnosed genetic conditions in children.
Susan’s novel Cut is a thrilling, provocative tale set against the backdrop of a major Melbourne hospital’s surgical team.
Based in the time before the #metoo movement, it was shortlisted for the Kill Your Darlings Unpublished Manuscript Award in 2017.
In a varied career Anthony has been a newspaper and television reporter, political journalist, antique dealer, speech-writer for Australia’s GovernorGenerals Bill Hayden and his successor Sir William Deane, and is now a full-time author and doting grandfather.
His latest book The Investigators is a novel of high adventure, exploration, shipwreck and survival, based on the life of Matthew Flinders’ cousin, fifteen-year-old midshipman John Franklin.
This workshop will cover:
Patterson Lakes
Community Centre
Saturday 15 July 10am-1pm
Bookings required.
• An overview of the children’s publishing industry in Australia.
• Tapping into your inner child and engaging your readers.
• The dos and don’ts of writing for children.
• Research.
So, you want to write for children? Well then, this is the workshop for you. Find out about the ins and outs of writing for kids.
• Thinking outside the box.
• Getting published.
George Ivanoff is a children’s author of over 100 books, including the interactive You Choose series, the Gamers trilogy, the RFDS Adventures, the OTHER WORLDS series and the non-fiction Survival Guide s, as well as a ton of school readers and educational books.
His latest publication is the middle-grade novel Monster Island
Divesh Sareen is an entrepreneur who loves solving problems.
Bookings required.
Born in India, then migrated to Australia at the young age of 21, his family background was one of extreme hardship and financial difficulties.
He wrote The Indian Mate volumes 1 and 2, chronicling his migration journey and the struggles of his forebears who shaped him, to motivate the underdogs and dark horses of the world.
Cheltenham Library
Monday 17 July
6.30-7.30pm
Bookings required.
Chelsea Library
Tuesday 18 July 6.30-7.30pm
Bookings required.
Join us to celebrate Christine Keighery’s latest novel The Half Brother, about loyalty, secrets and the insidious effects of narcissism and gaslighting. This is her first novel for adults.
Christine is the author of more than 35 novels for children and young adults, including 13 books in the best-selling Go Girl! series. Her work has been published in ten countries.
Join us for a discussion on all things romance.
Alison Stuart writes historical romance for Harlequin MIRA and Escape Publishing, and also publishes independently.
Sandy Barker is an Australian writer, traveller, and hopeful romantic.
Cheltenham Library
Wednesday 19 July
2-3pm
Bookings required.
Writing historical crime fiction requires a lot of research to create authentic and accurate depictions of the times. Laraine sets her Reggie da Costa Mysteries in the aftermath of the Great War and during the heady days of the 1920s, when gangs, sly-grog and gambling dens inhabited the back streets of Melbourne.
Laraine will talk specifically about the Brighton storm of 1918; the effects of the Great War, including ‘shell shock’; and the police strike of 1923. Drawing on her time as a volunteer guide at the Old Melbourne Gaol, she will reveal the fascinating and bizarre background to the pseudo-science of phrenology and the making of death masks.
Cheltenham Library
Tuesday 8 August 6-7.30pm
Bookings required. Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/bonsai
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any library branch
There is nothing like having a hobby to connect with our inner self. This workshop explores the ancient art of bonsai or ‘plant in a pot’, and how it feeds our inner spirit and helps to slow our pace of life. Each participant will work on their own bonsai to take home and continue the care and nurturing.
Cheltenham Library
Wednesday 30 August 6.30-7.30pm
Bookings required. Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/heading-south
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any library branch
Travel writer Tim Richards takes us on his epic train journey across the country in this fascinating presentation.
Join us for a tale full of entertaining anecdotes and interesting history, from the beginning of the journey in the remote
Annette Subhani from New Pathways Coaching & Education has a unique approach that will empower participants, while offering strategies to enhance holistic wellbeing.
town of Normanton, all the way to Bunbury where Tim was born.
Tim is the author of Heading South: Far North Queensland to Western Australia by Rail.
Chelsea Library
Wednesday 13 September 2-3pm
Bookings required. Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/fashion-florals
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any library branch
When Christian Dior introduced his ‘New Look’ silhouette to ladies fashion in 1947, his vision was woman as flower: a return to an elegant and structured femininity of the Edwardian era. But not all flowers are placid, soft pastel shades and Australian women increasingly rebelled against his restrictive style and reached for the vibrancy of textures and shapes that were part of our post-war optimism, creating our own new look.
Chelsea Library
Tuesday 19 September 6.30-7.30pm
Bookings required. Online library.kingston. vic.gov.au/healthy-sleep
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any library branch A Chelsea Tuesdays event.
Z Z Z
Join us in a conversation about the importance of sleep, especially in terms of healthier ageing.
Dr Moira Junge, the CEO of Sleep Foundation, was born and educated in the Cheltenham/Mentone area and now specialises in raising awareness of the importance of sleep.
Topics that will be covered include:
understanding the basic science of sleep, understanding sleep deprivation and why it’s a concern, sleeping well as we get older, looking out for sleep apnoea and snoring, and how important sleep is for healthy brain function.
Wanting to preserve your analogue records and memories?
Cheltenham Library’s self-serve digitisation station allows you to convert photos, slides, cassettes, VHS tapes and vinyl records to digital files. Bookings are for up to 3 hours, one per week per person (morning or afternoon session).
Express your interest via the waiting list on the library website below. You will be contacted when a time becomes available.
Bookings required.
Online library.kingston.vic.gov.au/digitisation-station
Phone 1300 135 668 In person at any library branch
Always wanted to try ebooks or online magazines, but not sure where to start? Come along to one of our sessions! BYO device or use one of ours.
Chelsea Library
Monday 31 July 2-3pm
Cheltenham Library
Thursday 7 September 10.30-11.30am
Chelsea Library
Thursday 3 August 2-3pm
Cheltenham Library
Monday 4 September 10.30-11.30am
Bookings required.
eBooks library.kingston.vic.gov.au/books-online
Magazines library.kingston.vic.gov.au/magazines-online
Phone 1300 135 668 | In person at any library branch
Dingley Village Library
Harold Box Hall
Saturday 12 August 10.30-11.30am
Ages 4-104
Bookings required. Numbers limited. Bookings will open 11am Wednesday 26 July.
Westall Library
Sunday 13 August 3-4pm
Ages 5-12
Bookings required. Numbers limited. Bookings will open 11am Thursday 27 July.
STEAM PUNK CLUB
Chelsea Library
Tuesday 15 August 4-5pm
Ages 5-12
Bookings required. Numbers limited. Bookings will open 11am Friday 28 July.
Our annual short story and poem writing competition commences Monday 10 July and closes Sunday 17 September.
Winners will be announced on Friday 27 October.
For ages 5-16 with 4 age categories: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-16.
Prizes include Westfield vouchers and winners will be published in our 2023 Story Lines book.
To enter: Entry forms will be available from Monday 10 July at all library branches, or at library.kingston.vic.gov.au
Clarinda Library
Saturday 26 August 11am-12pm
Suitable for ages 5-12. Bookings required. Bookings will open 11am
Wednesday 9 August.
More information: library.kingston.vic.gov.au/ way-too-cool
Celebrate Children’s Book Week (19-25 August 2023) with Perform! Education’s new musical WAY TOO COOL!
A highly interactive musical adventure that explores situations that every audience member, regardless of their age or background, will be able to relate to.
Join a great cast of characters through the twists and turns of mapping out a way to solve their differences using empathy, kindness and a strong sense of humour.
Keep an eye out me hearties for the September School Holiday booklet, coming soon.
From Monday 18 September to Friday 29 September Kingston Libraries will be running holiday activities at a variety of branches. It’ll be a treasure trove of fun and frivolity including a guest event with Cross Bones author Jack Henseleit.
Check out some fantastic new reads to see you through the shortest day of the year and into warmer weather.
For more great reads visit library.kingston. vic.gov.au/catalogue
Cheltenham Library
Tuesday 12 September
2-3pm
A presentation by Services Australia to help you recognise the signs of a scam and protect yourself.
Bookings required. Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/identify-scams
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any library branch
We've refreshed our Chinese book collection, with over 140 additional titles in simplified Chinese script - available at our Clarinda and Westall branches. More information: library.kingston.vic.gov.au/ chinese-collection
Chelsea Library
Thursday 17 August 2pm
Bookings required. Online library.kingston. vic.gov.au/centrelinkpayments
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any library branch
Join us for a presentation by Services Australia about various payments such as Jobseeker, Parenting, Special Benefit and the Youth Allowance.
Fractal Noise Christopher Paolini Not Like Other Dads Sean Szeps Love Language: a memoir of family, music and pasta Linda Marigliano Queen Charlotte Julia Quinn Yellowface Rebecca F Kuang The Lie Maker Linwood BarclayWestall 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. Tea and coffee provided. No bookings required.
Dingley Library
Weekly on Mondays
10.30-11.30am
Chelsea Library
Weekly on Wednesdays
1-2pm
Cheltenham Library
Weekly on Mondays
2-3pm
Come along and give your brain a workout with activities such as quizzes, memory puzzles and word searches.
No bookings required.
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 some free, friendly assistance from Library staff.
Chelsea Library – Weekly on Tuesdays – 6.30-8pm
Week 1: Movie Night
Week 2: Games Night – Old & New
Week 3: Special Events
Week 4: Book Chatters
Week 5: Board Games
Bookings only required for special events
Online library.kingston.vic.
gov.au/chelsea-tuesdays
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any library branch
Parkdale Library
3rd Tuesday of the month
2-3pm
18 July
15 August
19 September
Unlock your family history. 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/family-historygroup
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any branch
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.
Classes are scheduled periodically throughout the year. To express your interest in joining a class please contact the library via:
Phone 1300 135 668
Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/digital-literacy
In person at any library branch
Cheltenham
4th Wednesday of the month
6.30-7.30pm
26 July
23 August
27 September
Parkdale
1st Friday of the month
10.30-11.30am
7 July
4 August
1 September Chelsea
4th Tuesday of the month
6.30-7.30pm
25 July
22 August
26 September
We run a writing group bi-monthly at Chelsea Library on the second and fourth Friday of the month from 10.30-11.30am.
To check group availability and for more information:
Online library.kingston.vic.gov.au/novelty-writers
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any branch
Drop into our book chatters group to share a cuppa with fellow book lovers.
No bookings required.
More information:
Online library.kingston.vic.gov.
au/book-chatters
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any library branch
Parkdale Library
Fortnightly on Tuesdays
4:30-5:30pm
18 July
1 August
15 August
29 August
12 September
Are you keen to hang out with like-minded young adults? Come and chat about pop culture, music, TV, books…anything really!
Snacks provided. No bookings required. Program runs during school terms only.
Supported by Kingston Youth Services.
Kingston City Council acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
More information:
Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/ya-chat
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any branch
Cheltenham Library
Fortnightly on Wednesdays
5-6pm
19 July
2 August
16 August
30 August
13 September
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/young-writersgroup
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any branch
We run book groups across various branches. Book sets are supplied by the library. Contact us to check group availability and to join.
More information:
Online library.kingston.vic. gov.au/book-groups
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any branch
We have book sets of 10 per title available to loan to external book clubs. See a list of available titles on our website.
More information:
Online library.kingston. vic.gov.au/independentbook-groups
Phone 1300 135 668
In person at any branch
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.
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. For children’s Digital Library resources click on the Kids tab.
Scan the QR code to see the cool gadgets we have for loan including film scanners, thermal cameras and more.
SMARTPHONE
Attach your smart phone to this hand-held stabiliser to record smooth video.
BBC MICRO:BITS
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.
FIND YOUR NEAREST BRANCH
Chelsea: 1 Chelsea Rd
Cheltenham: 12 Stanley Ave
Clarinda: 58A Viney St
Dingley Village: 31C Marcus Rd
Highett: 310 Highett Rd
Parkdale: 96 Parkers Rd
Patterson Lakes: 54 Thompson Rd
Westall: 35 Fairbank Rd Clayton South
PLEASE NOTE:
Kingston Libraries Mobile App Library in your Pocket
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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.
20 | Kingston Libraries | What’s On | July - September 2023
