Image by Veronika Andrews from Pixabay
WHAT'S ON AROUND THE GLOBE THIS MONTH
Chinese New Year - Year of the Snake
Red Feb - Heart Health Month
National Sustainable Living Festival Tutu Day
World Wetlands Day
World Pizza Day
Healthy Lunchbox Week
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Safer Internet Day
World Radio Day
Library Lovers Day
Valentines Day
International Condom Day
International Mother Language Day
Rare Disease Day 29 Jan - 4 Feb 1 Feb - 28 Feb 1 Feb - 28 Feb 2 Feb 2 Feb 9 Feb 9 Feb - 15 Feb 11 Feb 11 Feb 13 Feb 14 Feb 14 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 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
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
Hank
Green
April May discovers a mysterious sculpture, "The Carl," and becomes an overnight celebrity after her video goes viral. As similar sculptures appear worldwide, she grapples with sudden fame, strained relationships, and the quest to understand the Carls' purpose, all while navigating the complexities of internet culture, media scrutiny, and the impact of fear, uncertainty, and dehumanisation in the public eye.
System Collapse
Martha Wells
Rescue ships and SecUnits are dispatched to a threatened colony, but the corporation's motives are sinister. Murderbot, malfunctioning and under pressure, must quickly diagnose its issues. With limited help from ART’s crew and Preservation humans, it races against time to protect the colonists from becoming corporate pawns.
If Everyone Cared Enough Margaret Tucker
Margaret Tucker's autobiography reveals her experiences, from a joyful childhood to hardships at the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home, her activism, and lifelong fight for Aboriginal rights, now restored to her original voice.
Let us know what you think or give us program ideas with our satisfaction survey.
ASHLEY’S ASHLEY’S PICK PICK
RAMEY’S PICK PICK
JAMES’ JAMES’ PICK PICK
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
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.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
The library that Dolly built now available in Benalla
Enrol now!
ONLINE
Find junior TV, movies, books, audiobooks, music, and comics for free through BorrowBox, Libby, Hoopla, and uLibrary
WHAT'S ON junior ONGOING
SERVICES Regular programming for younger patrons to look forward to weekly. Bookings required.
BOARD GAMES, CARD GAMES, AND PUZZLES AVAILABLE ANYTIME (JUST ASK AT THE COUNTER)
Are you interested in junior chess? We would love to run weekly or fortnightly sessions. Let us know! ?
Dungeons and Dragons
Mondays, fortnightly on odd numbered weeks during school terms Express Interest for Next Term Group 1: 4pm-5pm
D&D improves all sorts of learning skills, including maths, as well as social-emotional skills... but not to mention, is great fun!
Is there something you would like to see here?
Please note: Ongoing Junior programs take a break during school holidays
JUNIOR JUNIOR JUNIOR DIGITAL DIGITAL DIGITAL PROGRAMS PROGRAMS PROGRAMS EXPRESSIONS EXPRESSIONS EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OF INTEREST OF INTEREST
Do you have ideas for digital junior programs? We would love to run weekly, fortnightly, or monthly programs. Let us know and we will see what we can do!
ONGOING &
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!
Rare Disease Day
Rare Disease Day is the globallycoordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease.
Since its creation in 2008, Rare Disease Day has played a critical part in building an international rare disease community that is multidisease, global, and diverse– but united in purpose.
Though Rare Disease Day is patient-led, everyone, including individuals, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, clinicians, policy makers, industry representatives and the general public, can participate in raising awareness and taking action today for this vulnerable population who require immediate and urgent attention.
Teen Recommended Reads
Rare Diseases
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 Rare Disease Day, we are choosing from books that provide insight into the lives of people living with rare diseases for this month's Teen Recommended Reads. Choose a book from this theme and let us know what you think.
More book suggestions can be found at tinyurl.com/5duv5t3n
Approximately 80% of rare diseases are of genetic origin, and although each rare disease affects fewer than five in 10,000 people, around two million Australians live with a rare disease.
BEAT THE HEAT BEAT THE HEAT AND 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. Cold filtered water available in foyer.
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 AM - 12 PM
Please note: Super Senior Sessions take a break during school holidays. Conditions below.
BOOKABLE
SATURDAYS
SESSION 1: 9.05 - 9.50AM
SESSION 2: 10.05 - 10.50AM
SESSION 3: 11.05 - 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.
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
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
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.
LEGO
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 UPCOMING
Please RSVP to save your place and help ensure the success of these free events.
DARRY FRASER
Monday 3 February, 10.30am
Welcome back bestselling author Darry Fraser as she returns to share insights into her latest novel, The Night on the Darling River.
This captivating historical drama is a gripping tale of love, survival, and resilience set against the turbulent backdrop of 1894.
SCOTT HAMILTON & STUART KELLS
Saturday 22 February, 10.00am
Join us for an interview with climate change and natural resource management expert, Scott Hamilton, as well as award winning author and historian, Stuart Kells.
We will be discussing their 2021 book ‘Sold Down the River: How the Robber Barons and Wall Street Traders Cornered Australia’s Water Market,’ which was listed among the top 10 books on Australian politics in 2022.
STEPHEN WHITESIDE
Wednesday 5 March, 5.30pm
Join Stephen Whiteside as he discusses Snow, Fire and Gold, exploring the remarkable lives of Bill Spargo and Evelyn Piper.
Discover their extraordinary stories, set against the rugged beauty of Australia’s alpine wilderness.
JESS MCFARLANE & SAMANTHA L .VALENTINE
Friday 28 March, 3pm
We’re thrilled to welcome back Jess McFarlane and introduce Samantha L. Valentine to help us celebrate Women’s History Month. Jess’s vivid fantasy Woman of Wolves and Samantha’s sapphic contemporary fiction Normal Functioning Adult are sure to captivate.
Join us for an inspiring session exploring their creative processes, unforgettable characters, and the journeys that shaped these remarkable stories.
A must-attend event for all book lovers!
ALLREADINGIS ALLREADINGIS GOODREADING GOODREADING
DITCHTHEGUILTANDJUSTENJOY!
Reading braille words requires remarkable motor sensitivity and precision
Reading for as little as 5 minutes per day can be as beneficial in reducing stress as 10,000 steps per day!
Since 2022, romance subgenre readership has grown by over 80%
Books of all lengths are valid and important!
Did you know...
Listening to an audiobook activates many of the same areas of the brain as reading written text!
On average, graphic novels contain more difficult words than novels of the same level!
Kodak Mobile Film Scanner
We’re excited to offer our patrons the Kodak Mobile Film Scanners for loan! This handy gadget transforms old 35mm slides and negatives into digital images using just your smartphone.
Please note: you will need your own Apple or Android mobile phone to use this scanner.
Say goodbye to expensive conversion fees and bulky equipment—this portable, easy-to-use scanner makes preserving your memories a breeze.
Key Features:
Compatible with 35mm black & white, colour film negatives, and colour slides.
Easy operation with a built-in LED backlight. Free app for editing and sharing photos, available for both Android and Apple devices. Perfect for digitising old family photos and sharing them instantly on social media.
Simply assemble the scanner, insert your film, and capture stunning digital images in seconds.
Visit us today to borrow one and start your journey down memory lane!
Search 'Kodak Mobile Film Scanner' in your app store, or scan the QR Code.
NEW WALKERS ALWAYS WELCOME.
18,580 METERS WALKED IN DECEMBER
245 MINUTES LISTENING TO OUR AUDIOBOOK TOGETHER
25,019 STEPS WALKED IN DECEMBER
TUESDAY & THURSDAY, 9AM
Benalla Library’s “Walking TalkingBook Group” listens a monthly book club (see next page) while taking in some fresh air, getting some vitamin D, and improving our heart health.
In December, we listened to our own choice of audiobook.
FEBRUARY
World Weavers
Sam Gayton
Sisters confront pasts, power, and love in a hidden world, redefining strength through kindness and resilience.
Sewing Moonlight
Kyle Mewburn
Wilhelm seeks acceptance, builds a utopia, and faces war, love, and loss in 1928 New Zealand.
Leave the Girls Behind
Jacqueline Bublitz
Haunted by the past, Ruth investigates a serial killer's secrets, uncovering startling truths and unexpected connections.
Six rulers battle curses, secrets, and love in a deadly Centennial game of betrayal and survival.
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!
HOME LIBRARY
Benalla Library is a welcoming and inclusive place for all, including those who are unable to attend in person. Items available for delivery include: BOOKS, DVDS, LARGE-PRINT, AUDIOBOOKS, AND MAGAZINES.
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 LOVE 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.
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
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE LIBRARY
HOME LIBRARY ASSISTANCE
Collect and deliver items to homebound patrons
Assist patrons place holds on items via their device
Chat and spend time with homebound patron
Return items to Library
ENDING LONELINESS TOGETHER TEAM
Attend allocated programs with patrons
Assist library staff where needed
Connect with program participants
Chat and spend time with patrons in library
Help grow connectedness
MARKETING & PROGRAMS ADMIN AND CRAFT
Assist packing “take-home” packs
Cut, laminate, or create items for wall displays
Deliver marketing materials to places around the community
Attend outreach events with staff and assist delivery
Contact council to express interest in volunteering or apply on council website
Fill required documents, including Working With Children Check, and meet with Volunteer Development Coordinator
Meet the library team and set-up times/days
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
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!)
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
Sundays and Public Holidays
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