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WHAT'S ON AROUND THE GLOBE THIS MONTH
Mental Health Month
Seniors Month
International Day of Older People
World Smile Day
World Space Week
World Animal Day
International Day of Non-Violence
Banned Books Week
World Cerebral Palsy Day
World Habitat Day
International Lesbian Day
World Post Day
World Homeless Day
World Mental Health Day
Headspace Day
Anti-Poverty Week
Get Online Week
National Nutrition Week
International Day of the Girl Child
World Food Day
International Pronouns Day
International Day for Eradication of Poverty
Children’s Week
Asexual Awareness Week
International Stuttering Awareness Day
Intersex Awareness Day
- 31 October
October
October
- 10 October
October
Grandparents Day Halloween 1 - 31 October
Come in and participate with our selected displays and activities.
Breastfeeding
welcome here
October 5 - 11 October 6 October 7 October 8 October 9 October 10 October 10 October 10 October 13 - 19 October 14 - 20 October 14 - 20 October 11 October 16 October 16 October 17 October 18 - 27 October 20 - 26 October 22 October 26 October 27 October 31 October Benalla Library respects patron pronouns and celebrates
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work and pay our respect to their Elders past and present.
WHAT WE RECOMMEND BOOKS, DVDS & MAGAZINES
FANTASY FICTION HISTORICAL FICTION
The Gate of The Feral Gods
Matt Dinniman
Welcome, Crawlers, to the fifth floor of the dungeon.
Surviving in a multilevel dungeon, that also happens to be the galaxy’s most watched game show, has taught Carl and Donut that they can only count on each other. It was supposed to be easy. One bubble. Four castles. Fifteen days. Capture each one, and the stairwell is unlocked.
It's never easy. Carl and Donut can't go it alone. They must rely on the help of the low-level, I-can'tbelieve-these-idiots-are-still-alive crawlers trapped in the bubble with them. But can they be trusted to survive?
The Watervale Ladies' Writing and Firefighting Society
Mette Menzies
International lawyer Tilly Marr’s detour to Watervale Downs turns into a transformative stay. Through friendships, writing, firefighting, and confronting secrets, she and three local women face pivotal choices as bushfire season looms and lives are reshaped.
The Jame Maker Mary-Lou Stephens
Harriet Brown grows up in Hobart’s slums, disguising herself to work in a jam factory.
As she climbs toward a better life with Henry Jones, she’s forced into deeper deception.
With secrets mounting, Harriet must choose between truth and survival in a story of ambition, danger, and historical intrigue.
Let us know what you think or give us program ideas with our satisfaction survey.
INGRID’S PICK INGRID’S PICK
PICK KAY’S PICK
Talk to your kindergarten, play group, or school about organising a special visit to your local library!
Grandparents Day Story Time 0 - 6 years + grandparents Wednesday 29 Oct, 2pm
WHAT’S ON ONGOING
Years
3 - 6 years 10.30am - 11am
Find stories read aloud on Story Box Library or eAudiobooks anytime on BorrowBox, Hoopla, Libby, and uLibrary!
We know family is your child's first teacher. These programs can help supplement your child's learning at home and encourage social development.
Please note: Ongoing Early Years programs take a break during school holidays
Story Box Library, established in 2013, is committed to promoting storytelling to enhance children's language and literacy skills during their early developmental years. Through our platform, children can access a diverse array of engaging
Whether used for bedtime, classroom discussions, or as a read-aloud model, Story Box Library serves as a valuable resource to improve children's lives. Our goal is to ignite children's enthusiasm for reading, stimulate their imaginations, and make exploring stories a fun and enriching experience. Regular reading aloud positively impacts language and literacy development, addressing the gap for children who may not receive frequent read-aloud opportunities. storytellers from various backgrounds, including sportspeople, musicians, grandparents, teenagers, comedians, and actors, all sharing past and present book titles through the medium of film.
Search 'StoryBox' in your app store, or scan the QR Code.
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!
Please note: Ongoing Teen programs take a break during school holidays DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR A NEW PROGRAM OR EVENT? LET US KNOW! WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS!
International Stuttering Awareness Day
It's estimated that around 1% of the world's population stutters. That's over 70 million people. Stuttering, also referred to as stammering in other countries, is relatively common in childhood with about 5% of children going through a period of stuttering. Around 80% of children will stop stuttering, with or without intervention, but for 20% of people, their stutter will continue into adulthood.
The International Stuttering Awareness Day, ISAD, (October 22) began in 1998, spear-headed by Michael Sugarman, Oakland, California. ISAD recognises the growing alliance between SLPs and consumers, who are learning from each other and working together to share, give support, and educate one another and the general public on the impact that stuttering has on individuals’ lives.
More information can be found at isad.live/
DID YOU KNOW?
Boys are more likely to stutter than girls.
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.
In recognition of International Stuttering Awareness Day this month's Teen Recommended Reads we encourage teens to read a book which includes a character who stutters.
We recommend
More book suggestions can be found at stutteringtreatment.org/blog/middle-gradenovels-about-stuttering-roundup-and-review
Maybe we will see a platypus!
EACH WEEK DAY DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Monday 22 - Thursday 25 Sept and Monday 29 Sept - Friday 3 Oct, 9am
Cuppa and Chat post walk, Thurs 25 Sept and Fri 3 Oct
Walks start at the back of the library, near the public toilets.
Everybody of every age welcome.
Bring your prams, scooters, trikes, or walking shoes and get active outside!
This school holidays we are listening to The Book Club Bank Heist by Ruth Quayle on uLibrary.
Don’t want to listen?
That’s okay, come and walk with us anyway!
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS WALKING TALKINGBOOK CLUB HOLIDAYS WALKING TALKINGBOOK CLUB
Walking and getting outside is fantastic for kids and adults alike, but when you combine that with audiobooks and other people it becomes a treasure trove of goodness!
Walking is beneficial for kids as it promotes physical and mental wellbeing, encourages independence, and helps them connect with their environment. Regular walking strengthens bones and muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life. It also boosts mood, reduces stress, and enhances cognitive function, making it easier for children to focus and learn.
Come start some good habits and get active this school holidays!
Join in the Aussie Bird Count from 20–26 October 2025! It’s a fun and easy way to connect with nature and contribute to real science. All you need to do is spend 20 minutes observing and counting the birds around you – whether that’s in your backyard, at the park, or walking around the lake. To help you get started, we’ve got bird-themed take-home activity packs available from the library. You can also join our Walking Talking-Book Club on Tuesday and Thursday mornings as we walk around the lake, spotting all kinds of wildlife together.
Download the free Aussie Bird Count app to record your sightings. Every count helps BirdLife Australia track trends in bird populations and understand the health of our environment.
Let’s get outside, enjoy spring, and count some birds.
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.
Light refreshments provided. Please ensure to book for catering purposes.
Super Seniors
Video Game Play
Thurs, 02 Oct 10am and 11am
LiveUp Program! Session One
Weds, 08 Oct 5pm
Crafternoons
Mon, 13 Oct 1pm - 3pm
AUTHOR TALK: Gabriel Bergmoser
Musical Interlude Fri, 03 Oct 2pm - 3pm
Super Seniors
Video Game Play
Thurs, 09 Oct 10am and 11am
Super Seniors
Video Game Play
Thurs, 16 Oct 10am and 11am
Crafternoons Mon, 06 Oct 1pm - 3pm
LiveUp Program! Session Two Thurs, 09 Oct 10.30am
Crafternoons Mon, 20 Oct 1pm - 3pm
Super Seniors
Video Game Play
Weds, 22 Oct 5.30pm Crafternoons Mon, 27 Oct 1pm - 3pm
Thurs, 23 Oct 10am and 11am
Super Seniors
More information can be found at seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival and in the Seniors Month booklet For bookings, please call us on 03 5762 2069
Video Game Play
Thurs, 30 Oct 10am and 11am
AUTHOR TALKS
Please RSVP to save your place and help ensure the success of these free events.
GABRIEL BERGMOSER
Wednesday 22 October, 5.30pm
Gabriel has established himself as a dynamic storyteller with a knack for gripping, cinematic thrillers. Known for crafting fastpaced plots, layered characters and explosions of raw emotion and action, High Rise takes his signature style to the next level.
Light refreshments provided.
Carers represent a diverse range of cultures, ages, experiences and responsibilities, but all of them balance of caring responsibilities with other responsibilities like work, study and their physical and mental health.
To show our support, the Benalla Library will be lit up in red, white and blue throughout the week. Reach out to a carer you know – let them know they’re seen, appreciated, and ask if there’s something you can do to make their life a little easier.
National Carers Week, from 12 - 18 October, is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness about Australia's 3 million carers.
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:
FOLLOW OUR WALKING TALKING-BOOK CLUB
NEW WALKERS ALWAYS WELCOME.
24,168 METERS WALKED IN AUGUST
326 MINUTES LISTENING TO OUR AUDIOBOOK TOGETHER
33,488 STEPS WALKED IN AUGUST
TUESDAY & THURSDAY, 9AM
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 August, we listened to The Little Provence Book Shop by Gillian Harvey on Hoopla.
We gave it a
Witchstorm
Tim Tilley
Will searches for lost witch treasure to uncover his mother’s fate, battling storms, spells, and dark forces threatening his home and the natural world.
The Tea Ladies Of St Jude’s Hospital
Joanna Nell
Three women volunteer at a hospital café, discovering friendship, purpose, and the power of kindness.
Whisky Valley
Joan Sauers
Historian Rose McHugh investigates a missing violinist amid rising floods, uncovering secrets, lies, and danger in the Southern Highlands.
When the Moon Hatched
Sarah A. Parker
A captured assassin and a grieving dragon rider unite to uncover secrets that threaten their world, igniting a powerful bond and a path of destruction.
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!
FREE Learner's Test and Driving Test Practice
Just like the real thing. Better than the manual.
Did you know that as many as 1 out of 4 people fail the knowledge test the first time they take it? Aussie Driver increases your chances of passing the driving test. Practise our simulated driver knowledge tests and learners tests online for free as many times as you need - until you're ready to take the real thing.
Aussie Driver, available on Benalla Library’s public computers.
Access on your own device at aussie-driver.com
click& collect available click& collect available
Feeling unwell, but need some library items to help you through recovery? We still offer click and collect for patrons who may be infectious or are nervous about entering spaces with other people.
Place items on hold via website, app, or over the phone
Wait for items to become available or until the allotted time
When available, come to library and call us to notify that you are in the carpark
Pick your preferences and wait for them to become available OR allow staff to pick for you from on-shelf items and have collection ready in under an hour!
Wait in your car for us to deliver the items to your door (please wait for staff to walk away before opening the door!)
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
Supporting people with print disabilities
A print disability is a difficulty or inability to read printed material due to a perceptual, physical or visual disability. The reasons for print disability vary but may include: vision impairment or blindness, dyslexia, physical dexterity problems such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, arthritis or paralysis. Ways we can help:
Print disability friendly accessibility options on all public computers, including text magnifier, contrast, and screen reader
Accessible computer available with large print keyboard, bone conductive headphones, and ergonomic mouse
Braille children's books available LEGO Braille Bricks available for learning braille
Text magnifiers available for loan
Vision impaired chess and Sudoku games available for use
Dyslexic friendly children's books available (like this font)
VOX Books available for juniors
eBooks with increased font size or dyslexic friendly font
Large print fiction and non-fiction books available, including light weight options
Audiobooks and eAudiobooks available
eAudiobook book clubs available and large print copies available in most physical book club sets
Textmagnifiers availableforloan
Braille children’s books available
Disability is not a barrier at your local library
INCLUSIVE ACCESS COMPUTER
Libraries serve as essential, inclusive spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can learn and connect. As accessible community hubs, we offer quiet, safe environments for everyone to engage with materials and each other. Recognising the importance of accessibility, our library ensures that everyone has the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow together.
Accessible additions:
Large print, high contrast keyboard
Ergonomic trackball mouse
Wrist-rest mouse pad
Bone conduction headphones
Ease of Access display options
Let us know how we could support you more
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.
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!
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