NOVEMBER 2024 WHAT'S ON
WHAT'S ON AROUND THE GLOBE THIS MONTH
DINOvember
Movember Day of the Dead
Food Safety Week
Remembrance Day
World Nursery Rhyme Week
National Recycling Week
World Kindness Day
Transgender Awareness Week
International Men's Day
World Toilet Day
Universal Children's Day
World Hello Day
Social Inclusion Week
National Fairy Bread Day
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
Computer Security Day 1 - 30 Nov 1 - 30 Nov 2 Nov 9 - 16 Nov 11 Nov 11 - 15 Nov 11 - 17 Nov 13 Nov 13 - 19 Nov 19 Nov 19 Nov 20 Nov 21 Nov 23 Nov - 1 Dec 24 Nov 25 Nov 25 Nov - 10 Dec 30 Nov
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
BIOGRAPHY
Paris: The Memoir Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton’s memoir delves into her complex journey, offering a confronting yet empowering look at fame, trauma, and resilience. She opens up about struggles with abuse, the weight of a public persona, and finding her own voice amidst constant scrutiny. Her candid storytelling reveals both the darkness behind her “It Girl” image and her fight for control, challenging perceptions and encouraging readers to embrace authenticity.
Exit Strategy
Martha Wells
A thrilling sci-fi novella where a rogue security unit grapples with its identity while protecting its human companions.
The story blends action, humour, and introspection, culminating in a gripping conclusion.
Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook
The updated “D&D Player's Handbook” brings fresh content, refined rules, and streamlined gameplay for both new and experienced players. With expanded character options and re-imagined lore, it offers an inclusive, enriched experience for every adventurer.
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
Hidden Gems
Benalla Festival Special Story Time Fri 8 Nov, 10.30am
Come join our special themed Story Time for Benalla Festival. Ages 3 - 6, but all welcome
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.
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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 SERVICES
Find junior TV, movies, books, audiobooks, music, and comics for free through BorrowBox, Libby, Hoopla, and uLibrary
WHAT'S ON junior ONGOING
CREATIVEWRITINGGROUP
Takehomepacks uponrequest Ages:8-13
BOARD GAMES, CARD GAMES, AND PUZZLES AVAILABLE ANYTIME (JUST ASK AT THE COUNTER)
Regular programming for younger patrons to look forward to weekly. Bookings required.
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! Are you interested in junior chess? We would love to run weekly or fortnightly sessions. Let us know! ?
Please note: Ongoing Junior programs take a break during school holidays Is there something you would like to see here?
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!
Random acts of kindness have scientifically proven benefits that extend beyond the giver and receiver.
Witnessing kind acts can boost mood and inspire others to “pay it forward,” creating a ripple effect of positivity.
These acts can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while fostering community connections and a sense of belonging. By promoting empathy and compassion, random acts of kindness can inspire positive change, making kindness a powerful tool for enhancing mental well-being and social cohesion.
Teen Recommended Reads
Topic: World Kindness Day
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 World Kindness Day, we are choosing from books reveal kindness, compassion, care and hope for this month's Teen Recommended Reads. Choose a book from this theme and let us know what you think.
We recommend
More book suggestions can be found at readbrightly.com/books-about-kindness-for-teens
Kindness strengthens social bonds, fosters community, and encourages cooperation, creating a positive atmosphere and enhancing social cohesion. DID YOU KNOW?
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: 9.10 - 9.55AM
SESSION 2: 10.10 - 10.55AM SESSION 3: 11.10 - 11.45AM
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.
NATURE JOURNALLING
Saturday 23 November 2024; and Monday 25 November 2024
10am - 12pm
Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop Learning Centre 2 Fawckner Drive, Benalla
Free – Please RSVP 03 5762 2069
Nature journalling, led by Eve Williams from Mental Health & Wellbeing
Local, invites participants to slow down and rediscover awe in the natural world.
This guided experience will introduce journalling prompts that inspire curiosity and observation, capturing moments through writing and sketching.
From noticing the light on leaves to hearing birdsong, each prompt helps participants connect with nature and deepen their sense of well-being. The session concludes with an opportunity to share entries, potentially displaying them to inspire others.
A fulfilling blend of mindfulness and creativity, nature journalling requires no prior experience and can be taken anywhere! All materials are provided; just bring an open mind and a sense of wonder.
Please visit the library or call 03 5762 2069 during business hours to reserve your spot and to help ensure this event's success.
Monday
Morning
Mah-jong
10am - 12noon
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.
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.
Tuesday
Chatty Cafe Communi-tea
10am - 12noon
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.
ADULTS What’s On
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 each month’s uLibrary audiobook. Cuppa and chat in the library following the last Thursday walk. BYO listening device, water, weather/sun protection.
Wednesday Online Library Help Session
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.
ONGOING
Regular programming to look forward to. Everyone welcome.
Bookings required
Monday & Wednesday
Crafternoons
1pm - 3pm
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
Silent Reading Sprints
10am - 11am
Feel like you need help reaching your reading goals? Maybe “Reading Sprints” are for you!
Come join a group for a quick chat and cuppa, then read for 25mins straight, then if you want to go for another round - all the better! Share what you’re reading and enjoy meeting your reading goals!
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 - 12noon
Scrabble helps improve well-being, bonding, cooperation, and confidence while building your vocabulary, strategic thinking skills, and creativity.
Saturday
COMING SOON In partnership with Mental Health and Wellbeing LocalBenalla Nature Journalling
Chess Club
First Tuesday
2pm - 4pm
Come once a month to our chess social and organise games throughout the month - leading to an end of year Chess Tournament in December. Winners names to be memorialised within the Benalla Library.
Family History Research Support
Third Thursday
10am - 11am
Come with your family names and places prepared for some helpful hints on using Ancestry Library.
Spintronics
Second Friday 2pm - 3pm
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!
ADULTS What’s On Monthly
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. * 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.
UPCOMING AUTHOR TALKS
Please RSVP to save your place and help ensure the success of these free events.
Refreshments provided.
Ken Haley
Wednesday 20 November, 5.30pm
Join us for an enthralling author talk with Ken Haley as he delves into his book, "The One That Got Away: Travelling in the Time of COVID."
Ken's narrative captures his audacious journey through the Caribbean and Central America during the unpredictable COVID lockdowns.
As a “pioneer wheelchair traveller”, his stories are not just about the places he visited, but the unpredictable adventures and the resilience required to navigate them.
Ken's engaging storytelling blends humour with insightful observations into a world coping with crisis.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE LIBRARY
ENDING
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
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
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
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
Meet the library team and set-up times/days
WANT A WANT A HEALTHIER HEALTHIER WAY TO WAY TO LISTEN TO LISTEN TO YOUR BOOKS? YOUR BOOKS?
NEW WALKERS ALWAYS WELCOME.
33,284 METERS WALKED IN SEPTEMBER
385 MINUTES LISTENING TO OUR AUDIOBOOK TOGETHER
42,238
STEPS WALKED IN SEPTEMBER
TUESDAY & THURSDAY, 9AM
Benalla Library’s “Walking TalkingBook Group” listens to uLibrary’s monthly book club while taking in some fresh air, getting some vitamin D, and improving our heart health.
In September, we listened to “Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year” by Joanna Bell
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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" 2024 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!
Discover Creativebug with your library card!
Enjoy FREE access to thousands of art and craft video classes.
From knitting to painting, there's something for all skill levels with new classes weekly.
Not a member yet? Visit our library to get started. Unleash your creativity today!
Follow these steps to get started
1. Enter your library card number and PIN.2.
Visit the Creativebug website through the link on our online library page: https://tinyurl.com/hclnonline
Enter some basic information to create your account .3.
https://tinyurl.com/hclnonline
Start exploring on the web or in the app! You can browse classes by category, skill level, or instructor. 4.
Thank you Wangaratta Library for sharing this amazing resource with the network!
Search 'Creativebug' in your app store, or scan the QR Code. You must create an account using the steps above before logging into the app.
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
HOME LIBRARY
DELIVERED THE BOOKS YOU LOVE BROUGHT
WHO WHAT WHY
AGED CARE AND HOME BOUND BENALLA RESIDENTS CAN ACCESS THIS FREE MONTHLY SERVICE WITH THEIR LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP
LIBRARY STAFF TAILOR SELECTIONS BASED ON EACH PATRONS PREFERENCES BOOKS LARGE-PRINT DVDS AUDIO-BOOKS MAGAZINES
BENALLA LIBRARY IS A WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE PLACE FOR ALL, INCLUDING THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND IN PERSON
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!)
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
Text magnifiers available for loan
Vision impaired chess and Sudoku games available for use
Dyslexic friendly children's books available (like this font)
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
Have you seen our Inclusion, Diversity, and Access brochure? Drop into the library to see how we can support you in our library.
Any inclusive, access-friendly, and diversity strengthening ideas encouraged!
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Please lets us know via QR code below or feedback box in library
We’re always looking for feedback on what we’re doing right and what we could improve on, ideas for new programs we could run, better ways we can support early learning, ideas for tackling loneliness in our community, and ways we can be more inclusive.
Or, just send us some reasons why you love our library! We would love to hear it!
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.
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.
Hang out in our children’s area and watch StoryBox Library story-time any time of day.
Play a board game, create with LEGO, discover new card games, or piece together a puzzle.
Borrow a graphic novel or manga comic book.
Borrow a DVD film or TV series or get us to clean your discs on our machine.
Borrow a 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
9.30am - 6pm 9.30am - 6pm 12noon - 7pm
9.30am - 6pm 9.30am - 5pm 9am - 12noon
Closed 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