Benalla Library What's On - August

AUGUST 2025 WHAT'S ON

SIR EDWARD 'WEARY' DUNLOP LEARNING CENTRE

WHAT'S ON AROUND THE GLOBE THIS MONTH

DonateLife Week

Library and Information Week

MS Readathon

National Family History Month

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day

Dental Health Week

National Landcare Week

Jeans4Genes Day

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

National Science Week

Bullying No Way Week

Rail Safety Week

International Youth Day

World Elephant Day

Children's Book Week

Vietnam Veteran's Day

Keep Australia Beautiful Week

Daffodil Day

40 Hour Famine

Wear It Purple Day

28 July - 3 August

28 July - 3 August

1 - 31 August

1 - 31 August

4 August

4 - 10 August

4 - 10 August

7 August

9 August

9 - 17 August

11 - 15 August

11 - 17 August

12 August

12 August

16 - 23 August

18 August

19 - 25 August

21 August

22 - 24 August

29 August

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.

WHAT WE RECOMMEND BOOKS, DVDS & MAGAZINES

COMEDY

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile 2022

Josh Primm struggles to adjust after his family moves to New York City. That changes when he discovers Lyle, a singing crocodile who loves music, baths, and caviar. Lyle helps Josh find joy and confidence, but when their neighbour Mr. Grumps threatens Lyle’s safety, the Primms must unite to protect him and embrace unexpected family.

Carl's Doomsday Scenario

Matt Dinniman

The dungeon gets more dangerous each day. But in a grinder designed to chew up and spit out crawlers by the millions, Carl and Princess Donut need to work harder than ever just to survive. They call it Dungeon Crawler World. For Carl and Donut, it's anything but a game.

Sky Country

Karlie Noon & Krystal De Napoli

This book uncovers the sophisticated astronomical knowledge of Aboriginal peoples, showing how the stars guide environmental awareness, seasonal change, and cultural practices rooted in ancient traditions.

Let us know what you think or give us program ideas with our satisfaction survey.

click&click& collect collect available 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!)

Talk to your kindergarten, play group, or school about organising a special visit to your local library!

Online Services

Find stories read aloud on Story Box Library or eAudiobooks anytime on BorrowBox, Hoopla, Libby, and uLibrary!

WHAT’S ON ONGOING

Early Years

Take Home Packs

Early Years Take Home Packs can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime! These packs are designed to aid in early learning.

MondayTuesday

Cushion Concert

6 months - 3 years

10.30am - 11am

Friday

Rhyme Time

0 - 3 years

10.30am - 11am

We know family is your child's first teacher. These programs can help supplement your child's learning at home and encourage social development.

Story Time

3 - 6 years 10.30am - 11am

Please note: Ongoing Early Years programs take a break during school holidays.

SKYPE A SCIENTIST

Saturday 9 August 2025

10am - 11am

Join Astrochemist Katherine Rose Gold for a question and answer session suitable for all ages. Please ensure that questions are submitted ahead of time and see event poster or Facebook for more details.

REACHING FOR THE STARS

5.30pm - 6.30pm with author Krystal De Napoli and artist Aunty Cheryl Cooper

Wednesday 13 August 2025

Gomeroi author and astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli and Proud Aboriginal textile artist Aunty Cheryl Cooper will explore themes from Krystal’s book ‘Astronomy: Sky Country’ through conversations, presentations, and art. See event poster or Facebook for more details.

BENALLA ASTRONOMY CLUB

Friday 15 August 2025 4pm - 5pm

Discover the wonders of telescopes with Astronomy Benalla Inc. Learn how your phone can assist with star mapping, explore beginner gear, and connect with passionate stargazers. A welcoming evening for anyone curious about the cosmos and local astronomy.

Events for all ages

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

Wednesdays on even numbered weeks Express Interest for Next Term 4pm – Group 1 Free – Please RSVP

& Young Adults 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!

Teen Recommended Reads

MS Readathon

Reading can take kids on incredible journeys of discovery, awaken their imagination, and build confidence. It’s always a good time to help them find inspiration and motivation to pick up a book.

The MS Readathon has been inspiring kids to read more for 47 years, and this August, it will be more fun than ever before. We have authors and ambassadors who can share their stories, incentives, and prizes to motivate kids.

If that is not enough, all the money raised will help support families living with MS, and neurological conditions in Australia.

Help Australian families living with MS and neurological conditions access the support they need for their health, wellbeing and daily lives. Access to critical services is essential for helping people with neuro conditions live well and maximise their independence. All funds raised will help fund vital support and services so every Australian family living with MS and neurological conditions can connect to a better life wherever they are.

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 the MS Readathon we encourage you to sign up and get reading.

Let us know what books you chose and how many you read!.

We recommend

More book suggestions can be found at tinyurl.com/y3py28hf

Last year Aussie kids read a huge 198,490 books DID YOU KNOW? More information can be found at msreadathon.org.au

ADULTS What’s On

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.

AUTHOR TALKS

Please RSVP to save your place and help ensure the success of these free events.

REACHING FOR THE STARS

WITH AUTHOR KRYSTAL DE NAPOLI AND ARTIST AUNTY CHERYL COOPER

Wednesday 13 August, 5.30pm

Please join us for an official National Science Week event, presented with the support of the Inspiring Victoria program! Discover old stories about our night sky with the help of Gomeroi astrophysicist, radio presenter, and author Krystal De Napoli who will be joined by proud local Aboriginal textile artist Aunty Cheryl Cooper.

KIRSTY HARRIS

Thursday 11 September, 2.30pm

Based on author Kirsty Harris’ CEW Bean Prize-winning PhD thesis, this is a book that is far removed from the ‘devotion to duty’ stereotyping offering an intriguing and sometimes gut-wrenching insight into the Australian Army Nursing Service during World War I.

JADE MILES

Saturday 13 September, 10am

Local food advocate Jade Miles shares insights from Huddle, expanding on her first book Futuresteading to explore how community connection, sustainability, and shared values can shape a more resilient and meaningful future.

PETER MITCHELL

Thursday 25 September, 2.30pm

Drawing extensively from unpublished and previously unseen written accounts, oral histories, letters, and archival materials, Under the same Moon offers a deeply personal exploration of the lesserknown Australian campaign in the Middle East.

GABRIEL BERGMOSER

Wednesday 22 October, 5.30pm

Gabe has established himself as a dynamic storyteller with a knack for gripping, cinematic thrillers. Known for crafting fast-paced plots, layered characters and explosions of raw emotion and action, High Rise takes his signature style to the next level.

LIBRARY TALKS

Please RSVP to save your place and help ensure the success of these free events.

COMMUNITY BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Tuesday 19 August, 2pm - 4pm

This Community Breast Cancer Awareness Session aims to increase knowledge, promote early detection, raise awareness of a local cancer support group, and encourage proactive health behaviours related to breast cancer among older community members. The event is held in celebration of Daffodil Day, an annual campaign run by the Cancer Council.

LETS TALK DEMENTIA WITH KYLIE LADD

Thursday 4 September, 2pm

Kylie is a popular author, but also has a PhD and 30 years experience in the Dementia and memory field! Come for a chat and ask any questions you have around dementia, early signs, and anything else within this field. A fantastic opportunity not to be missed!

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

PLEASE HELP US KEEP THE LIBRARY A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL PATRONS. ALWAYS AVAILABLE:

OUR WALKING TALKING-BOOK CLUB

NEW WALKERS ALWAYS WELCOME.

11,800 METERS WALKED IN JUNE

157 MINUTES LISTENING TO OUR AUDIOBOOK TOGETHER

16,187 STEPS WALKED IN JUNE

TUESDAY & THURSDAY, 9AM

Benalla Library’s “Walking Talking-Book Group” listens to a monthly book club title (next page) while taking in some fresh air, getting some vitamin D, and improving our heart health. In June, we listened to a book of our choosing on one of the digital platforms to discuss. This is a great way to share the books we love with other audiobook listeners!

AUGUST

Odelia and the Varmint

Jenny Moore

Two pirates escape their book, turning Odelia’s lonely life into a wild Victorian adventure filled with chaos, treasure, and unexpected truths.

Storm Child Michael Robotham

Evie’s buried trauma resurfaces when seventeen bodies wash ashore, linking her past to a deadly present she must now confront.

Brissenden

A wildfire uncovers a murder. A returning detective must expose corruption in her hometown —or risk everything to stay silent.

Tales from the Cafe

Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Four visitors revisit the past in a magical Tokyo café, confronting regrets and finding peace through timetravel and heartfelt memories.

HOME LIBRARY

HOME LIBRARY SERVICE HOME SERVICE

Benalla Library is a welcoming and inclusive place for all, including those who are unable to attend in person.

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.

Items available for delivery include: BOOKS, MAGAZINES, DVDS, LARGE-PRINT & AUDIOBOOKS.

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.

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

Discover more at your library:

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