WHAT'S ON
WHAT'S ON AROUND THE GLOBE THIS MONTH
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Red Feb - Heart Health Month
World Tutu Day
World Wetlands Day
International Pizza Day
Healthy Lunchbox Week
Safer Internet Day
Anniversary of National Apology Day
Library Lovers Day
National Condom Day
Valentines Day
Chinese New Year Celebrations Ramadan
Rare Disease Day 1 - 28 Feb
Feb - 3 Mar
17/18 Feb - 19/20 Mar 28 Feb
Come in and participate with our selected displays and activities.
Breastfeeding welcome here
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work and pay our respect to their Elders past and present.
Benalla Library respects patron pronouns and celebrates all patron identities.
WHAT WE RECOMMEND BOOKS, DVDS & MAGAZINES
THRILLER
The Tenant
Freida McFadden
When a newly unemployed man takes in a charming tenant to make ends meet, his once safe home becomes unrecognisable. Rotting smells, late night disturbances, and hostile neighbours suggest something is terribly wrong. As fear mounts, he realises someone may know—and be exploiting—his darkest secrets, leaving him trapped in his own house.
MEMOIR
Nobody’s Girl
Virginia Roberts Giuffre
A confronting memoir tracing a young woman’s exploitation by influential abusers, her desperate escape, and her transformation into a determined advocate who fights for justice, transparency, and the protection of other survivors, ensuring her courage and voice continue to influence meaningful change.
Gathering Moss
Robin Wall Kimmerer Through interwoven essays grounded in botany, lived experience, and Indigenous wisdom, this work reveals the overlooked brilliance of mosses and demonstrates how their patient, interconnected existence serves as a meaningful model for living well.
Let us know what you think or give us program ideas with our satisfaction survey.
RAMEY’S PICK PICK
Give your child the best start to life through reading.
Children aged 0-2 years, living in Benalla Rural City will receive a FREE, highquality, age-appropriate book in the mail each month.
The library that Dolly built now available in Benalla The library that Dolly built now available in Benalla
Enrol now!
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Pick up on-shelf in the magazine area, place on hold at hcln.vic.gov.au, or go on the reservation list to get the newest edition when it arrives!
NEW NEW
Ages 9-14. Each month kids explore a new topic and engage in experiments to foster their growth critical thinking skills and scientific understanding.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Science, Critical Thinking
Ages 6-10. AdventureBox is specifically tailored to enhance the skills of young readers just starting independent reading.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Creative Writing, Imagination
Ages 9-14. AdventureBox Max aims to encourage critical thinking.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Creative Writing, Imagination, Critical Thinking, Analysing Persuasive Writing
Ages 3-6. Bluey based on the worldwide hit show.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Vocabulary, Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Regulation, Empathy, Imaginative Play, Creative Thinking
Ages 7-12. Whether your child dreams of becoming a historian, vet or astronaut, there’s something for everyone!
Educational Focus –Literacy, Science, Problem-Solving, History, Maths, Natural World
Ages 6-18. HorseWyse is Australia's No. 1 horse magazine aimed primarily at the young horse lover.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Animal Awareness, Horse Information
Ages 8-14. Bursting with stories, drawings, poems, jokes, and curious ideas from creative kids all across Australia.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Critical Thinking, Creative Writing, Curiosity
Ages 3-6.
Packed with vibrant photos, adorable animals, and engaging activities to enhance early learning.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Language, World Awareness, ProblemSolving, Maths
Ages 7-11. Discover the wonders of nature and space, incredible inventions, logic puzzles, and basic physics.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Science, Problem-Solving, Curiosity, Critical Thinking
Ages 12-18. High-quality content that asks questions, provokes debate, and generates ideas.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
Ages 4-9. Packed with fairy tales, classic stories, animals, myths, legends, puzzles, games, and colouring-ins.
Educational Focus –Literacy, Vocabulary, Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Awareness
ONLINE SERVICES
Find junior TV, movies, books, audiobooks, music, and comics for free through BorrowBox, Libby, Hoopla, and uLibrary
WHAT'S ON junior ONGOING
BOARD GAMES, CARD GAMES, AND PUZZLES AVAILABLE ANYTIME
(JUST ASK AT THE COUNTER)
Benalla Social Knitters and Benalla Library present:
Tuesday Knitting!
Taking Expressions of Interest
We know knitting is relaxing and fun, but it also helps improve fine motor skills, concentration, and problem-solving skills, while also promoting creativity and self-expression!
Mondays, fortnightly on odd numbered weeks during school terms Express Interest for Next Term Group 1: 4pm-5pm Regular programming for younger patrons to look forward to weekly. Bookings required. Are you interested in junior chess? We would love to run weekly or fortnightly sessions. Let us know! ?
Dungeons and Dragons
Is there something you would like to see here?
D&D improves all sorts of learning skills, including maths, as well as social-emotional skills... but not to mention, is great fun!
Please note: Ongoing Junior programs take a break during school holidays
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
Teens & Young Adults
Wednesdays on even numbered weeks Express Interest for Next Term 4pm – Group 1
Free – Please RSVP
REGULAR PROGRAMS FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO. BOOKINGS REQUIRED.
FIND TV, MOVIES, MUSIC, BOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS, AND COMICS FOR FREE THROUGH BORROWBOX, LIBBY, HOOPLA, AND ULIBRARY ANYTIME ANYWHERE!
DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR A NEW PROGRAM OR EVENT? LET US KNOW! WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS!
Please note: Ongoing Teen programs take a break during school holidays
This year, Safer Internet day is on Tuesday 10 February 2026. Safer Internet Day is a global day of action that brings together communities, schools, organisations and families across more than 160 countries to promote online safety and work towards a safer internet for everyone.
In Australia, the day is led by eSafety. Established in 2004 through the EU SafeBorders project and adopted by the Insafe network in 2005, Safer Internet Day has grown into a key event in the online safety calendar worldwide. Each year, it focuses on emerging and ongoing issues such as cyberbullying, social networking and digital identity, encouraging informed and responsible online behaviour.
In Europe, Safer Internet Centres deliver education campaigns, operate helplines and work closely with young people to ensure evidence-based approaches. Beyond Europe, Safer Internet Day Committees support coordinated global promotion. The Safer Internet Day website provides a platform for sharing events, resources and ideas, empowering young people, educators, families and leaders to make safer and more positive use of online technologies.
DID YOU KNOW?
Nearly 6 in 10 Australian teens aged 13–17 have experienced cyberbullying, compared with fewer than half of younger children?
Teen Recommended Reads
Topic: Safety on the Internet
Each month, Teen Recommended Reads explores a central theme or topic of discussion. Teens are encouraged to find an age-appropriate novel that shares this topic and discuss how this novel relates to the theme and general questions.
In recognition of Safer Internet Day, for this month's Teen Recommended Reads we encourage teens to read a book which includes online safety and digital citizenship.
We recommend
More book suggestions can be found at tinyurl.com/yc3rf2md
Draw our Cover
Must include: Links to one of the monthly themes Links to our library (e.g. library venue, books, magazines, people listening to audiobooks)-
Your drawing here on the front cover of the Whats On!
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
We are looking for creative locals to draw our front cover! ALL AGES WELCOME
Collect a template from the front counter and get creative!!!
This could be YOU Chose from the options provided or let us know your idea! Just make sure it has a link to our library and a link to the theme
Name: Month/Theme: How it fits brief: By submitting your work, you acknowledge this work could be used in promotional materials and/or displays for Benalla Library. No digital art, please.
BEAT THE HEAT AND BEAT THE HEAT AND
Stay Cool Stay Cool
AT THE LIBRARY THIS SUMMER AT THE LIBRARY THIS SUMMER
Come in and just sit, relax, and cool down. Read a magazine or flip through a book while you’re here. Board games, card games, puzzles, LEGO, colouring-in, Wi-Fi, and Free-toair TV playing on our projector are also available to while away the hours during the upcoming school holidays. Cold filtered water available in foyer.
What’s On
ADULTS
Discover more!
Explore our regular programs and discover activities that spark creativity, connection, and learning. From games and crafts to digital help and social meetups, there’s always something happening at Benalla Library.
Monday & Thursday
Morning Mah-jong
9.45am - 11.45am
Mah-jong has been associated with improvements in short term memory, attention, and logical thinking, but most of all it is fun. Join us for a weekly competition and socialise with friends.
Tuesday
Chatty Cafe Communi-tea
10am - 12pm
Each Tuesday morning the Biography section will turn into a Chatty Cafe. Come have a cuppa, conversation, and connect with someone. Conversation starters and board games available.
All events are free to attend.
Tuesday & Thursday
Walking TalkingBook Club
9am - 10am
Starting at the back of the library, join us for either a 2.4km (approx. 35min) walk or a 4.25km (approx. 55min) walk while listening to an eAudiobook. Cuppa and chat in the library following the last Thursday walk. BYO listening device, water, weather/sun protection.
Wednesday
Digital-Library Help
4pm - 4.30pm
Need help with BorrowBox, Hoopla, Libby, uLibrary, or Story Box Library? Ask questions and find tips and tricks in this weekly session. Bring your device and login details for a speedier session.
ONGOING
Regular programming to look forward to. Everyone welcome.
Bookings required
Monday & Wednesday
Card Game Club
2pm - 3pm
Who doesn’t love the humble deck of cards?
Come join us for weekly card games! Half an hour will be dedicated to learning a new game each week for a month, then half an hour for a game of our choice!
Bonus points if you can teach us a new game!
Friday Thursday
Creative Cuppa
10am - 11am
Inspired by Memory Cafes, Creative Cuppa is a welcoming program designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, brain disorders, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and their support people.
Basic craft activities, tea, and coffee will be provided, so participants can have an outing and engage with others and connect.
Crafternoons 1pm - 3pm
Crafting is a fantastic way to relax and alleviate stress, build satisfaction and self-esteem, and improve your cognitive and fine-motor skills. Bring your current project and work creatively with others. Beginner to intermediate. Craft materials available, if you don’t have a project to bring along.
Thursday
Social Scrabble
10am - 12pm
Scrabble helps improve well-being, bonding, cooperation, and confidence while building your vocabulary, strategic thinking skills, and creativity.
Thursday
Super Seniors
PS5 Sessions
10am - 12pm
Numerous studies have demonstrated that playing video games can boost cognitive function. Come give this a go for cognitive benefits, fun, or just to impress your grandkids! Terms and conditions apply.
Spintronics
First Tuesday 3pm - 4pm
Spintronics is a game where players build mechanical circuits to solve puzzles. Perfect for keeping problem-solving and engineering skills fresh or building these skills!
Resume Assistance
Third Thursday 10am - 12pm
Looking for a bit of guidance while putting together a job application? Reserve a 30 minute session for one-onone help with creating or editing your Cover Letters, CVs, and Key Selection Criteria responses.
Family History Research Support
Second Friday 2pm - 3pm
Come with your family names and places prepared for some helpful hints on using Ancestry Library.
All events are free to attend.
Library Lovers Social
Second Wednesday 5pm - 6pm
As a way to combat loneliness and isolation, patrons are invited to come chat and relax in the librarycasual unstructured social event.
Last Friday 2pm, 2.20pm, 2.40pm Need one-on-one help working out how to reset a password or download an app? Book one of our 20min oneon-one help sessions.
Note: Staff are unable to assist with larger tasks or sensitive information.
Anytime ONGOING
Board Games
Ask at counter
Engaging in board games allows us to unplug from our digital devices, be social, and be fully present in the moment. The immersive nature of board games requires concentration and focus, which promotes mindfulness while connecting with others.
Ask at counter
LEGO is not just amazing for children’s developments, it is fantastic for adults too! They're fun, creative, and offer a great sense of satisfaction when completed. LEGO can help reduce stress, improve cognitive function and problemsolving skills, and can even delay dementia symptoms!
Regular programming or activities to look forward to.
Everyone welcome. Bookings required for scheduled events
Puzzles
Ask at counter
Studies have shown that jigsaw puzzles can help improve visual-spatial reasoning, short-term memory, and problemsolving skills as well as combat cognitive decline, which can reduce risk of developing dementia. There are also mental health and social benefits to puzzling... not to mention, it’s fun!
Ask at counter
Card games engage a variety of cognitive skills, such as concentration, attention, and critical thinking, as well as facilitating beneficial social interactions. By regularly exercising these skills through card games, people can keep their minds sharp and maintain mental health.
Borrow books, audiobooks, comics, magazines, scholarly articles, and shows through our supported apps.
ADULT EASY READ READERS
LITERACY SUPPORT
Around 44% of Australian adults, about 7 million people, have significant literacy gaps*.
Literacy skills are valuable in everyday life, as well as at work, including reading and understanding medical advise, recipes, or financial information and contracts.
Benalla Library now has a collection of adult readers to assist patrons build their literacy skills.
Level 1
Yellow covers. 100 words long, 60 unique words.
Level 2
Red covers. 200 words long, 150 unique words.
Level 3
Blue covers. 300 words long, 200 unique words.
Level 4
Green covers. 600 words long, 300 unique words.
Level 4+
Light Green (sage) covers. Longer word count, 300 unique words.
BookClubs
FREE to join and use
Join one or create your own!
Book Clubs through Benalla Library are free and easy!
We all know, after the last few years, connecting with people is extremely important to our mental health and overall well-being. Book Clubs are a great way to relax and connect with friends regularly or meet new people.
Sign up to our Benalla Library "Library Lovers" 2025 Book Club and meet new people or gather a group of friends to enjoy reading with! Alternatively, you could join our “Walking Talking-Book Club”!
Plan your year and choose from over 70 Book Club sets to get you going. Each set comes with ten books, most containing one Large Print copy, and suggested questions.
Physical books not your thing? Try digital clubs on Hoopla, Libby, or uLibrary!
GET SOME STEPS INTHIS SUMMER
TUESDAY & THURSDAY, 7AM
Benalla Library’s “Walking Talking-Book Group” listens to a monthly book club title while taking in some fresh air, getting some vitamin D, and improving our heart health.
In January, we listened to My Big Greek Holiday by Lisa Darcy on Hoopla.
We gave it a
Call Me Lion
Camilla Chester
Leo loves dancing but struggles with selective mutism. A new friend’s secret sparks courage, testing dreams, friendship, and self-belief.
The Thinning
Inga Simpson
Fin’s off-grid life unravels when an evolved human arrives, forcing her into a perilous mission to restore Earth’s fragile ecosystems.
The Long Night
Christian White
A mother and daughter confront past trauma and relentless danger after a masked kidnapper shatters their fragile lives in one terrifying night.
Earls Trip
Jenny Holliday
An earl’s annual getaway turns chaotic when childhood friends join, sparking scandal, unexpected desires, and a daring proposal that challenges tradition.
SENSORY- FRIENDLY QUIET HOUR
THURSDAYS,9.30AM–10.30AM
TO ASSIST PATRONS WITH SENSORY NEEDS, WE ARE MAKING THE LIBRARY A CALMER AND QUIETER ENVIRONMENT.
DURING THIS TIME, WE ARE:
AVOIDING LOUD PROGRAMS
REDUCING LIGHTS USING SOFT VOICES AND NO MUSIC AVOIDING STRONG FRAGRANCE
PLEASE HELP US KEEP THE LIBRARY A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL PATRONS.
ALWAYS AVAILABLE:
HOME LIBRARY
to join and use
Benalla Library is a welcoming and inclusive place for all, including those who are unable to attend in person.
HOME LIBRARY SERVICE HOME SERVICE
Items available for delivery include: BOOKS, MAGAZINES, DVDS, LARGE-PRINT & AUDIOBOOKS.
Aged care and homebound Benalla residents can access this free monthly service with their library membership.
Patrons whom have significant mobility issues, disability, temporary disability and injury, new infants, and aged related barriers are able to access this service within their own home or care facility.
Library staff and volunteers tailor selections based on each patrons preferences and deliver these items to the patrons monthly. Contact us for more information.
THE BOOKS YOU L VE DELIVERED
Your Library App Libraries Victoria
Enjoy your library, anywhere, anytime on any device! Download the Libraries Victoria App to your phone or tablet.
The Libraries Victoria App has some handy information but even more exciting is if you sign into your local library you will find all the information from your local library. If you stay signed in, then every time you open the App you will go directly to your own library.
Key Features:
Use your phone as a library card – the app has your library barcode stored just swipe up where you see My Barcode at the bottom of the screen. Search the catalogue of your home libraries and place holds. Find eBooks and audiobooks from your library catalogue. Manage all your loans and holds from the My Account screen.
Search 'Libraries Victoria' in your app store, or scan the QR Code.
AVAILABLE HERE.
Pads and tampons aren't a luxury. They are essential to health and wellbeing. Victorians should be able to access them whenever and wherever they need to. That’s why the Victorian Government is making free pads and tampons available across the state. The Benalla Library is participating in the Free Pads & Tampons program. You can find the Free Pads and Tampons Vending machine in the ladies toilets inside the library foyer. To find more vending machine locations and to learn more about the program, visit freepadsandtampons.vic.gov.au.
Enjoy our climate control in the heat or cool.
Book into our free programs and events.
Book in and use one of our free computers or use our free Wi-Fi 24/7. Print, scan, photocopy, or fax from our equipment.
Research topics that interest you in library or online on CloudSource OA. Get creative with our free colouring in sheets and junior take-home packs. Chill in our children’s area and watch StoryBox Library story-time.
Play a board game, build with LEGO, learn braille with LEGO Braille, discover new card games, get inspired with CreativeBug, or piece together a puzzle.
Borrow a graphic novel or manga comic book.
Borrow a DVD film or TV series.
We can clean your personal DVD discs on our machine for a small fee.
Borrow an audiobook on CD, MP3, or digitally.
Read our selection of newspapers and magazines physically or digitally. Check out our online resources listed below!
OPENING HOURS
2 Fawckner Drv, Benalla 03 5762 2069
www.hcln.vic.gov.au
www.benalla.vic.gov.au
library@benalla.vic.gov.au facebook.com/benallalibrary