Western Downs Libraries - Spring 2023 Newsletter

WESTERN DOWNS LIBRARIES

SPRING 2023

MEET THE TEAM

DELIGHTFUL DALBY LIBRARY

NEW & NOTEWORTHY FRESH NEW SPRING READS

SHOUT OUT! UNBREAKABLE STORYTELLING COMPETITION

WHAT'S ON THIS SPRING SEED LIBRARY LAUNCH, WRITING WORKSHOPS & MORE!

FROM THE LIBRARIAN

As the vibrant colours of spring bloom around us, it is my pleasure to welcome you to this edition of our library magazine. Spring is my favourite time of year, and our libraries are abuzz with exciting programs and activities to match the vibrant atmosphere.

Step into spring with the launch of our Seed Library! Just as flowers bloom around us, we are excited to introduce this new initiative where you can borrow, sow, grow, save and share seeds. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or trying your green thumb for the first time, our Seed Library is for you.

Don't miss the chance to raise your voice in our Shout Out! Storytelling Competition. Let's celebrate stories of strength and resilience that echo through our communities. Six lucky finalists will have their stories professionally produced into short films, premiering at Words Out West 2024.

In honor of Mental Health Week, our library becomes a haven for growth and healing. Join us in nurturing children's self-esteem through empowering workshops and enhancing your emotional wellbeing in our thought-provoking masterclass for adults.

The September School Holidays are brimming with creativity and exploration. From Paper Mache workshops that unleash young imaginations to the cutting-edge Rugged Robot coding sessions, we're fostering a love for learning through fun and engaging activities.

The pages come alive with stories as we welcome the enchanting performance of 'Aladdin and his Magic Smart Watch'. Brace yourselves for a captivating tale woven with modern twists and timeless magic.

Journey deeper into our library as we introduce the faces behind the scenes - the Dalby Library Staff. Discover their passions, quirks and the magic they bring to our shelves.

For the bookworms among us, feast your eyes on our collection of hot new reads - the perfect companions for spring afternoons.

As we welcome spring, let's embrace the many opportunities our libraries offer. From learning to laughter, exploration to connection. It's all here waiting for you.

Hope to see you soon,

CHRIS BERMINGHAM LIBRARY SERVICES COORDINATOR

WHAT'S ON THIS SPRING

FOR KIDS!

School holidays are just around the corner and we have plenty of fun activities to keep the kids entertained!

SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS

Lego Minifigure Hunt Dalby All School Holidays Opening Hours

Tape Painting on Canvas Wandoan All School Holidays Opening Hours

Monday 18 September

Paper Mache Creator Dalby

Spring Crafts Chinchilla

Rugged Robots Tara

Lego Masters Jandowae

Sea Glass Windchimes Jandowae

Create Wearable Art! Miles

SPOOKY STORYTIME

TARA LIBRARY

TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER 5pm - 7pm

Monday 25 September 9.30am

Wednesday 20 September

Thursday 28 September 10am

Wednesday 20 September

Wednesday 27 September 2pm

Thursday 21 September 10am

Tuesday 26 September 10am

Tuesday 26 September 10am

HEAD TO PAGE 8 FOR OUR SPRING ADULT ACTIVITIES!

BUILDING SELF - ESTEEM

Join us for an engaging and empowering 1.5-hour workshop with Proud Peacock during Mental Health Week! Designed especially for children, this interactive session focuses on nurturing self-esteem. Through exciting games and activities, youngsters will explore the essence of self-esteem, discover the power of their inner voice, and delve into the wonders of mindfulness. Proud Peacock will guide them on a journey of self-discovery, teaching them how kindness can positively impact their lives.

Chinchilla Libary

Dalby Library

Wednesday 11 October 3.30pm

Thursday 12 October 3.30pm

ALADDIN AND HIS MAGIC SMART WATCH

Aladdin was sick and tired of his boring old lamp, so he traded it for a brandnew Smartwatch!

The smartwatch was great, but it came with a very strange Genie who was always getting things wrong. Aladdin wished for a really big HOUSE and got a really big MOUSE…What the? His Mum wasn’t happy either. Aladdin hasn’t been doing his homework, or his chores. He has become very lazy!

Aladdin plans to make the Genie do all the jobs he doesn’t want to do… including his homework! Be careful what you wish for Aladdin!

Join us for a humorous tale of wishes-gone-wrong and lessons learned in Jally Entertainment's lively twist on a classic!

Leichhardt Centre Miles

Chinchilla Cinema

Dalby Events Centre

Friday 10 November 10am

Monday 13 November 10am & 2pm

Tuesday 14 November 10am & 2pm

FEATURE EVENTS

STAY CONNECTED WORKSHOPS

Combat isolation through a halfday writing event, building skills, friendships and community ties. No experience needed – just fun and participation.

Morning tea will be provided.

This workshop is held in partnership with Queensland Writers Centre.

Dalby 1 November 9am

Tara 8 November 9am

EMOTIONAL WELLNESS MASTERCLASS

Discover the essential components of emotional wellness and how they influence our mental, physical, and social well-being. Learn practical strategies to identify and manage emotions effectively, fostering resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Join us with certified coach, Cathy Halat, for an enlightening session to prioritise your emotional health for a fulfilling life.

Dalby 9 October 10am

Jandowae 9 October 2pm Chinchilla 10 October 2pm Miles 10 October 6pm Tara 11 October 10am

WESTERN DOWNS SEED LIBRARY LAUNCH!

We're thrilled to announce a blooming new initiative is coming this October to Western Downs Libraries!

With twelve varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers, our goal is to cultivate a vibrant community of gardeners and seed savers, nurturing knowledge and promoting a culture of sharing.

Library members can 'borrow' seeds to sow and grow. Once the garden is flourishing seeds can be saved and returned to the library to keep the cycle going.

Sow, Grow, Save & Share!

Stay tuned for educational and fun workshops for all ages.

Let's sow the seeds of a greener tomorrow, together!

All Branches - October

CHINCHILLA REOPENING

Get ready for an exciting November as we unveil the all-new Chinchilla Library!

Bring your family and your friends and immerse yourself in a day of fun and exploration. Check out the transformation and experience the revamped precinct.

From captivating books to cutting-edge technology - the magic of knowledge and culture awaits your discovery at Chinchilla Library.

Chinchilla - November

ADULT WORKSHOPS

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

TEEN WORKSHOPS

LIFE AFTER TED BY R.D. FENELEY

A tragic accident tests the strength of family ties. Ted McCall is a legend among Bondi lifesavers. When he is killed in a surfing accident, his death exposes long-held family secrets and sets in motion a series of revelations and betrayals.

IN THE LIVES OF PUPPETS BY TJ KLUNE

In a strange little home built into the branches of a grove of trees, live three robots - and a human, Victor Lawson. They're a family, hidden and safe, until the day Vic salvages and repairs an unfamiliar android labeled "HAP". A dark past is revealed, and amid conflicting feelings, Vic must decide himself: Can he accept love with strings attached?

THE FALL BETWEEN BY DARCY TINDALE

On a hot November morning, the first body lies in a cattle trough . . . It will be another two hours before rigor mortis sets in. Until then, the slim fingers will float below the water's surface, gently bobbing, beckoning Detective Giles to come and find her.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (DVD)

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.

ATLAS: THE STORY OF PA SALT BY LUCINDA RILEY

1928, Paris. A boy is found, moments from death, and taken in by a kindly family. Gentle, precocious, talented, he flourishes in his new home, and the family show him a life he hadn't dreamed possible. But he refuses to speak a word about who he really is. 2008, the Aegean. The seven sisters are gathered together for the first time, on board the Titan, to say a final goodbye to the enigmatic father they loved so dearly.

In this epic conclusion to the 'Seven Sisters' series, everything will be revealed.

MODERN DAY CASTAWAY BY MICHAEL ATKINSON

With the cyclone season fast approaching, Alone Australia contestant and solo adventurer, Mike Atkinson, sets sail on an extraordinary 1500-kilometre journey to the northern tip of Australia. His aim: to live entirely off the land and sea.

KOOKABURRA COTTAGE BY MAYA LINNELL

Limestone Coast horticulturalist April Lacey is determined to lead her family's winery into the future. She dreams of opening a bed and breakfast at Lacewing Estate, but soon discovers the crumbling historic building and her father's reluctance to join the food tourism revolution are just the beginning of her uphill battle.

LIES WE SING TO THE SEA BY SARAH UNDERWOOD (YA)

In the cursed kingdom of Ithaca, each spring brings the hanging of twelve maidens, a gift to the vengeful Poseidon. But when Leto awakens from her death on the shore of a long-forgotten island, its enigmatic keeper Melantho tells her that there's only one way the curse can be broken. Leto must kill the last prince of Ithaca...

DALBY LIBRARY

Welcome to Dalby Library, a vibrant hub of knowledge, creativity, and community. Located in the heart of Dalby, this modern and welcoming space offers a treasure trove of resources and services for all ages.

Step inside Dalby Library, and you'll be greeted by a team of passionate and knowledgeable staff members who are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for every visitor. Whether you're a curious child searching for exciting picture books, a student in need of academic support, or an adult seeking the latest bestseller - our friendly library staff (Janette, Nicole and Angie) are always on hand to assist you in finding exactly what you're looking for.

Dalby Library fosters community togetherness through events and workshops.

Let's hear from Dalby Library staff a little more about Dalby Library...

WHY DO YOU LOVE YOUR JOB?

Apart from working with a lovely team, I find joy in helping customers, especially the elderly. The smiles and gratitude you receive when assisting them with a task brings a sense of fulfillment - Angie

It's the people who make it . When you talk to customers and their face lights up because someone caresyou give them a book that they may not have noticed, or you reserve a magazine for them. These simple gestures make their day and brings me satisfaction - Janette

Friendly customers and there is always something new to learn - Nicole

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN LIBRARIES?

Janette has been in libraries for 7 years, Nicole 3 years, and Angie is enjoying the career change to libraries she made earlier this year.

WHAT MAKES YOUR JOB DIFFERENT?

This job gives me the chance to engage and know more about people in our community - Angie

The variety in my job, it can change from one day to the next - Nicole

COLLECTION RECOMMENDATION

Lifestyle collection that gives our readers up to date materials about crafts, finance and personal livingAngie

7 Sisters series by Lucinda RileyNicole

Definitely the craft section, including the magazines, they offer so much inspiration - Janette

Sometimes you wanna go

Where everybody knows your name And they're always glad you came

- Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart-Angelo

Visit Dalby Library today and immerse yourself in a world of ideas, creativity, and connection. Discover the wonders that await within its walls and experience firsthand how this cultural cornerstone enriches the lives of those it serves.

JANETTE NICOLE ANGIE

THE TECH DEN

Our libraries offer many different types of technology products and services for our members to explore and enjoy. From the cutting edge tech available in our Makerspaces to Virtual Reality and STEM Workshops, there's something to tickle the fancy of every technoid.

Studio in a Box

Our nine library branches span across 38,000 square kilometres, and delivering workshops in remote locations was once geographically challenging.

Now, with Studio in a Box, everyone can participate, connect, and

experience interactive workshops together, anywhere in the Western Downs. It's shrinking the distance and bringing our community closer than ever.

Studio in a Box is a portable kit with high-quality video, audio and seamless communication.

Thanks to State Libraries Queensland's Strategic Priorities grant, the Studio in a Box empowers our community, making learning and entertainment accessible to all.

We've only scratched the surface of possibilities with Studio in a Box - be sure to tune in at a library near you!

Image: Moonie Residents tuning in to Beginner Bee Workshop hosted at Dalby.

eRESOURCE SPOTLIGHT CLOUD LIBRARY

Dive into a world of multilingual stories with CloudLibrary Language Collection.

CloudLibrary is a collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks in Languages Other Than English (LOTE) on a digital platform.

Provided by the State Library of Queensland, the platform hosts content in over 25+ languages for both adult and junior readers. 1000's of titles are available and feature bestselling and trending titles.

CloudLibrary LOTE collection caters to individuals with a passion for language, culture, and diverse literary experiences, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to expand their horizons through literature.

Get started at www.westerndownslibraries.com/lote

As parents and caregivers, we play a crucial role in our children's development, and there's no better way to stimulate their growing minds than with interactive activities that engage their senses.

Create a sensory adventure at home! This can be a captivating experience which merges sensory exploration with imaginative play. With a simple setup of play sand, water, and assorted toys, your child's senses will come alive as they embark on a world of wonder.

As your child delves into the sensory adventure, their imagination takes flight. Plastic animals transform into daring explorers, and toy cars become

champions in exhilarating races. Through open-ended questions, you nurture their language skills and creativity, laying the foundation for early literacy.

To deepen the experience, you could read books such as The Rainbow Fish where children learn the value of sharing and friendship, or I Feel the World which gently imparts emotional intelligence. These tales compliment the sensory play, enriching their learning journey.

First 5 Forever celebrates the blend of sensory play and storytelling, igniting a love for reading and exploration. So join in on a sensory adventure today, and let the magic shape your child's early literacy journey.

Happy reading and playing!

TREVOR ' S BOOKSHELF

Trevor the Library Dog has an impressive bookshelf — and he has pawsome picks for spring!

CAN YOU HEAR ME? BY EKATERINA TRUKHAN

Discover this poetic riddle that solicits all your senses! This book is about the importance of our connection with nature. Can you smell the spring wildflowers? How does it feel when you stroke the rough tree bark? What about the sight of fluffy clouds? Nature surrounds us all. But are we really paying attention?

MY BUTTERFLY BOUQUET BY NICOLA DAVIES

This dazzling picture book introduces young readers to one of nature's most magnificent and essential insects: the butterfly. See how a little girl recovering from poor health finds wonder in nature and delights in planting a garden with her father to attract a fascinating array of butterflies. Exploring the life stages of butterflies, their importance to our ecosystems and the revitalising power of nature, this book is a heart-warming information story for children who love the outdoors and all its incredible creatures.

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OUR BRANCHES

BELL LIBRARY

71 Maxwell Street

Bell 4408

07 4663 1113

CHINCHILLA LIBRARY

27 Bell Street

Chinchilla 4413

07 4660 7270

DALBY LIBRARY

Level 1, 69 Drayton Street

Dalby 4405

07 4679 4474

JANDOWAE LIBRARY

22 George Street

Jandowae 4410

07 4668 4480

MEANDARRA LIBRARY

Sara Street

Meandarra 4422

07 4665 6147

MILES LIBRARY

Dogwood Crossing, Miles

81 Murilla Street

Miles 4415

07 4628 5330

MOONIE LIBRARY

Leichhardt Highway

Moonie 4406

07 4665 0189

TARA LIBRARY

31 Day Street

Tara 4421

07 4678 7881

WANDOAN LIBRARY

6 Henderson Road

Wandoan 4419

07 4558 3045