Cover Art by Nangi
WHAT'S ON AROUND THE GLOBE THIS MONTH
Veganuary
New Year’s Day Public Holiday
Sci-fi Day
World Introvert Day
World Braille Day
Earth Rotation Day
Winnie The Pooh Day
Popcorn Day
World Hug Day
International Day of Education
Australia Day
Yabun: Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
International Day of Clean Energy
Holocaust Memorial Day
Triple J Hottest 100 Day
National Lego Day
Puzzle Day 1 Jan - 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 2 Jan 4 Jan 8 Jan 18 Jan 19 Jan 21 Jan 24 Jan 26 Jan 26 Jan 26 Jan 27 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 29 Jan
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
COOKING
Boustany
Sami Tamimi
A homage to Palestinian food and culture, Boustany, is the first solo cookbook from Sami Tamimi, Ottolenghi co-founder and champion of Palestinian food and culture. Boustany translates from Arabic as 'My Garden', and the down-to-earth, relaxed and plentiful recipes are reflective of Sami's signature style and approach to food. Bold, inspiring and everevolving, These are the dishes he has known, loved, cooked and shared with friends.
The Mercy of Gods
James S. A. Corey
When a hive-like alien empire enslaves humanity, Dafyd Alkhor’s unexpected abilities make him central to a cosmic struggle. Amid unimaginable stakes, he faces a harrowing choice: become humanity’s champion or its greatest betrayer in a war beyond comprehension.
The Serviceberry
Robin Wall Kimmerer
As Indigenous scientist and author of Braiding Sweetgrass Robin Wall Kimmerer harvests serviceberries alongside the birds, she considers the ethic of reciprocity that lies at the heart of the gift economy. How, she asks, can we learn from indigenous wisdom and the plant world to reimagine what we value most?
Let us know what you think or give us program ideas with our satisfaction survey.
RAMEY’S PICK PICK JAMES’ PICK JAMES’ 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!
WHAT’S ON ONGOING
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
KIDS’ CARD MAKING
Wednesday 21 January 1pm - 1.45pm
Sit down with Rhonda and explore the art of card-making! This hands-on workshop invites you to bring your creative ideas and learn how to transform them into beautiful, personalised cards for friends and family. All equipment is supplied, making it easy and fun for everyone.
Ages 10+. Children under 12 must have a carer present to supervise or assist.
KIDS’ SEWING SESSION
Friday 23 January 10.30am - 11.15am
Join this fun, hands-on sewing workshop for school-aged children! Participants will learn four simple stitches using felt or cotton, gaining confidence in basic sewing techniques. Safety is keychildren must be comfortable with scissors and able to handle needles responsibly. All equipment provided.
All ages. Children must have a parent or carer join them per session.
OCEAN WONDERS POP-UP
Tuesday 13 January 1pm - 2pm
Imagine yourself as a marine biologist while exploring the wonders of ocean life. Touch real museum specimens, fossils, and taxidermied animals, including a green sea turtle and tiger shark jaw. Learn about shells, sharks, and ancient marine creatures that lived millions of years ago in this interactive program.
All ages. Children must have a parent or carer join them.
FAMILY D&D
Multiple Sessions, Express Interest
D&D is a great activity to play alongside your children! It is a great way to limit screen time, helps develop and retain penmanship, rewards reading and math skills, encourages imagination and storytelling, reinforces lateral thinking in problem solving, and it only requires teamwork.
All ages. Children must have a parent or carer join them per session.
THE QUIET YEAR
Multiple Sessions, Express Interest
The Quiet Year is a collaborative map-making game, where players will sit down together to build an imaginary kingdom through their creative choices, in game prompts, and feedback from others at the table. The rules are simple: respect others’ choices and create a shared story. No screens used and no experience needed!
Ages 10+. Children under 12 must have a carer present to supervise or assist.
Bookings required. Spaces limited!
SCHOOL
HOLIDAYS
FILM FEST
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
BASIC SNACKS PROVIDED FOR EACH SCREENING
CHILDREN UNDER 12 MUST HAVE A CARER PRESENT.
Kensuke's Kingdom (2024) Monday 5 Jan 2.30pm - 84 mins
Stranded on an island, Michael befriends Kensuke, a reclusive man, as they unite against looming threats.
Paddington in Peru (2024) Friday 9 Jan 2.30pm - 106 mins
Paddington visits Aunt Lucy in Peru, sparking a thrilling mysteryrainforestthrough and towering mountains.
YourHowtoTrain (2025)Dragon
2.30pmMonday12Jan -125minsbefriendsAVikingboyadragon, defyingtraditionand fear.
TheLostTiger (2025)
2.30pmFriday16Jan-82mins Teofollowsvisionsto rediscoverrootsand savehomeland.
Flow(2024) 2:30pmMonday19Jan -85mins flood,Alonecatsurvivesa animalsjoiningdiverse onaboat, learningcooperationto endureadrastically changedworld.
DogMan(2025)2:30pmFriday23Jan-89minssurgeryAfterabizarrefusesacop andhisdog,DogMan Cat’sbattlesPeteythe whileevilschemes worth.provinghis
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
video game play video game play
DO YOU LOVE VIDEO GAMES OR DO YOU WANT TO GIVE IT A GO?
Numerous studies have demonstrated that playing video games can boost cognitive function. People who play video games have shown better problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and multitasking capacity. Moreover, video games can improve reaction times, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, mood, and reduce stress!
COME GIVE IT A GO JUST FOR FUN, OR LEVEL UP YOUR SKILLS TO CHALLENGE YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS!
THURSDAY 10.30AM - 11.30PM
Please note: Super Senior Sessions take a break during school holidays. Conditions below.
BOOKABLE
open sessions open sessions
SATURDAYS
SESSION 1: 9.05AM - 9.50AM
SESSION 2: 10.05AM - 10.50AM
SESSION 3: 11.05AM - 11.50AM
Please arrive 10mins before your session to choose game and check items to your card. Age 7+ (All players under 15 must have parental supervision). Max 4 players per session. Players and parents/guardians accept responsibility for damaged or lost equipment. No back-to-back bookings. All games are G or PG and cannot be loaned out. Any loud, disruptive, or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated and sessions will be cancelled immediately.
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
Clashing Clothes Day
Just for a little fun, Clashing Clothes Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in January every year. On this day, people are encouraged to dress in clashing clothing items from head to toe. Anything that is in a neutral colour like white, black, or grey is a no-go today! Navy and brown also match with most colours, and therefore they aren’t welcome on Clashing Clothes Day! Today is merely a day to have fun with your outfit and show up in the brightest, silliest of hues, without the fashion police raining on your parade. Mix colours, prints, and textures, and you’ll be clash-tastic in no time.
DID YOU KNOW?
Wearing vibrant colours and patterns on clothes can boost your mood!
Teen Recommended Reads
Topic: Communication Challenges
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. For a bit of fun this school holidays, this month's Teen Recommended Reads we encourage teens to read a book which includes a character makes or designs clothes... or has clashing clothes.
We recommend
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
Various Times
Dungeons and Dragons
One-shots to be announced for in-person sessions with digital submissions always available. Express interest and give us your availability today! Whether you are experienced or completely new to the game, join us for some collaborative storytelling.
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.
BENALLA LIBRARY
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 December, we listened to Of Steel and Scale by Kerri Arthur on Hoopla.
We gave it a
JANUARY
Freddy vs. School
Neill Cameron
Freddy’s an awesome robot with superpowers, but school rules forbid him from using them – creating hilarious chaos and unexpected challenges.
Dinner with the Schnabels
Toni Jordan
Simon’s life unravels after business failure, family pressure, and secrets collide during a week-long landscaping job for his inlaws.
Ben’s Book Club takes a break in January
Titles will be available February onwards
My Big Greek Holiday
Lisa Darcy
Claudia’s Santorini getaway with friends turns chaotic when secrets, ambitions, and unexpected romance challenge their plans for relaxation and renewal.
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