What's On -Autumn 2024 by Your Library

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” - Jim Bishop

Welcome to autumn! 2024 is well and truly established, and it is time to explore some of the great programs and events we have planned for autumn. We have a rich collection of authors coming to take us behind the pages of their books, including voices from those who have just published their first book, as well as the return of firm favourites like Heather Morris, Tony Birch, Karen Viggers and Kate Mildenhall. For history buffs, we have a range of talks from subjects and places far away, to those in our own backyard, including prisoners of war in Rowville, the historic buildings of Knox, and the transformation of Healesville. For those who are looking at their own family history, we are offering one-on-one assistance with family and local history research at all locations this year. As always, there is art and craft, food and music, as well as new skills to learn and fun times to share. We look forward to seeing you - and don’t forget to come and visit us in the new library at Knox! Sarah Hopkins Corporate Manager Customer Experience

Bookings are required wherever this icon appears

Inside this issue Our community

Behind the book

Bookchats + Bookclubs

Write now!

Tech 101

Careers + volunteering

Your money

Savvy seniors

Our history

Health + lifestyle

Sustainable living

Home + garden

Creative + crafty

Live music + exhibitions

Fun + friendship

Browse events by library

How to book into an event: Visit events.yourlibrary.com.au or scan the QR code and select desired event. Where there is a cost indicated, payment is required at time of booking. You can also visit your local branch and ask a staff member to book you into the event of your choice, or call 1300 737 277.

OUR COMMUNITY Come together with the local community, attend exciting events and get involved in some home grown initiatives!

Celebrate Mooroolbark Festival Sun 17 March, times TBA Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come along and be a part of the Celebrate Mooroolbark Festival! We’ll be hosting storytimes and activities, plus, you can check out various competitions, entertainment, market stalls, food and drink, and more in Hookey Park as part of the festival. FREE

Knox Festival at Ferntree Gully Library Sat 2 March, 10am - 5pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Unleash your rhythm, embrace the culture, and join us on a journey of joy and connection. Multi-skilled traditional African master drummer, Kofi, of Kofi Kunkpe Music, will be performing live on the Ferntree Gully Library deck at 11am. Take a photo with Rusty Arnold, our favourite library bear and attend storytime with Melissa. Stick around for some craft activities. FREE

Biggest Morning Tea at Your Library Wed 22 May, 10am - 12pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Thu 23 May, 10am - 12pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Thu 23 May, 10am - 12pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Thu 23 May, 10am - 12pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Date TBA Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us at Your Library for a cuppa and a sweet treat for the cost of a gold coin donation! All proceeds will be donated to Cancer Council Victoria

Community Lunch at Healesville Library Thu 18 April, 12:30pm - 2pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come and enjoy a nourishing lunch centred around social connectedness and friendship making. With the generous support of donations, we are able to present a friendly lunch at Healesville Library. All are welcome to this free event, be sure to book so that we know you are coming! FREE

BEHIND THE BOOK Be enlightened, entertained and inspired by amazing authors who will share the story behind their latest work and answer your burning questions!

Meet the Author: Karen Kirsten in conversation

It’s all connected - authors talk on International Women’s Day Fri 8 March, 2pm-3:30pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au In celebration of International Women’s Day, join fiercely feminist authors Pauline Hopkins, Patricia Sykes, Angela Costi, and Robyn Bishop, as they describe their experience of contributing to an anthology of poems and short stories that explore how It’s all connected; the stories, the families, the country, the River. Their book includes stories that draw on mythic traditions rewritten for our time. There are thieves, grandmothers, teenagers breaking out, dark caves to explore and real estate to sell; there are mysteries from the grave, experiments that go wrong, road trips, a circus, an opera, families that break and families that hold together; there are birds and animals and babies, and there is the pandemic. There is stillness and movement; closeness and distance. FREE

Wed 6 March, 2pm - 3pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Karen Kirsten is a genocide educator and refugee advocate. Raised in Australia by a Holocaust survivor mother and grandparents who silenced her questions about extermination camps, Karen lectures around the world on hatred and reconciliation. Her book, Irena’s Gift, weaves together a mystery, history, and memoir to tell the story of a family torn apart by war, and explores the extraordinary resilience of three generations of women. FREE

At the foot of the cherry tree: Meet the Author, Alli Parker Thu 14 March, 2pm-3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Meet the Author: Donna M Cameron Sat 9 March, 10am-11am Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Donna M. Cameron at Belgrave Library as she talks about the unpredictable journey she undertook in the writing of her second novel, The Rewilding. An exhilarating and unforgettable love song for our world in the form of an electrifying cat-and-mouse-chase and an odd couple love story, The Rewilding captures the essence of what it means to be alive today on the cusp of change, pulsing with possibilities. It is a passionate intimation of hope. Donna is a playwright and AWGIEnominated radio dramatist who now writes novels. Her first novel, Beneath the Mother Tree was listed as a top Australian fiction read for 2018. The manuscript of The Rewilding, won her a KSP Fellowship, was runner-up in a Writing NSW award, and gained her a 2021 Varuna Fellowship. FREE

Come and listen as Alli Parker speaks about her debut historical fiction novel that captures the true story of Australia’s first Japanese war bride, Alli’s grandmother, Nobuko ‘Cherry’ Sakuramoto. Alli’s novel explores Gordon’s fight to bring his wife and children home to Australia in the face of the “White Australia Policy” and a xenophobic and war-scarred government. FREE

Meet the Author: Ted O’Hare Sat 16 March, 11am-12pm Rowville Library - 9800 6443 events.yourlibrary.com.au Ted O’Hare is a musician, an experienced professional, and now an author. Diagnosed in his late 40s with an uncommon neurological condition, he recounts his experience with humour and practicality in his book The View from my Wheelchair. Never letting a moment go to waste, he shares his story of living with hereditary spastic paraplegia and how it has shaped his life and his future. FREE

Book launch Banksia Close by Cass Rowe Sat 16 March, 10:30am-11:30am Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Five neighbours. One virus. A city in lockdown, and a single illegal dinner party. What happens when conspiracy meets rationality? Who gets hurt the most when loyalty is tested? How far can you fall, before you become completely irretrievable, and who pays the biggest price? Banksia Close could be anyone’s address, and as you find yourself, or even someone you know, lingering within the pages, you may begin to wonder if you’re even reading fiction. Join us at Belgrave Library for the launch of Banksia Close, the debut novel by local author Cass Rowe. Cass, with a BA in English, resides in the Dandenong Ranges and is currently pursuing a graduate diploma in psychology. FREE

Greek Actually - Author talk with Penny Zagarelou-Mackieson Thu 21 March, 2pm-3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come and listen to author Penny Zagarelou-Mackieson (featured on SBS’s Every family has a secret) as she speaks about her recently released book, “Greek, Actually”. In her book, Penny explores her extraordinary story of being accidentally swapped at birth before being adopted, and her 20 year reunion with the wrong birth mother before she finally discovered the truth. Penny will speak about her battle to learn about her origins, the legacy of Australia’s forced and closed adoptions, and her desire to see widereaching reforms to Australian adoption laws. FREE

Meet the Author: Heather Morris Thu 21 March, 6:30pm-7:30pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au The captivating new novel from the multimillion-copy bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Three Sisters and Cilka’s Journey, Sisters under the Rising Sun is a story of women in war: a novel of resilience, bravery and friendship in the darkest of circumstances. Drawing upon their real-life experiences, Heather Morris chronicles the powerful bonds of sisterhood among the 500 Australian, English, Dutch and New Zealand women who struggled and survived together for nearly four years. The result of Heather’s passionate commitment to ensuring that the bravery of these nurses, mothers and daughters is recognised, Sisters under the Rising Sun has all the elements loved by her millions of readers: strong women, courage against the odds and the power of friendship and community. FREE

Kylie Orr: Her journey to The Eleventh Floor Wed 27 March, 10:30am-12pm Montrose Library - 9800 6490 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us as Melbourne author Kylie Orr shares her experiences and journey to publishing The Eleventh Floor. Kylie is an author of dark and twisty contemporary fiction. Her debut novel Someone Else’s Child was longlisted for the Richell Prize and published by HarperCollins in 2022. Through her books, Kylie delves into the complex stories of everyday people and their secret lives behind closed doors. A prolific writer for twenty years, Kylie’s feature articles have appeared in The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, and News Ltd. Her short stories have been recognised in numerous awards including Apollo Bay Word Fest & Stuart Hadow Short Story Competition. Her Whose? series of children’s books was released with Lake Press in 2017. FREE

Young Adult Author: Rebecca Lim Exploring diversity and culture Fri 5 April, 11am-12pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au This session will explore how growing up across cultures as Singaporean-Australian has influenced Rebecca’s work, and how important the empowerment of girls and women can be in books for teenagers. If you’re looking to broaden your understanding of writing, literature, and the world, make sure you’re there! FREE Meet Rebecca Lim Fri 5 April, 2pm-3pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Rebecca will share her passion for storytelling and discuss her latest books, including Tiger Daughter, Mercy, and The Relic of the Blue Dragon. You’ll learn about her writing process and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create unforgettable stories that resonate with readers. FREE

Book chat with the Young Adult Author: Rebecca Lim Fri 12 April, 2pm-3pm Rowville Library - 9800 6443 events.yourlibrary.com.au Gather round for a cozy book chat with Rebecca. If you’ve got a book rave or book rant to share, make sure you save it for one of our best teen authors! Rebecca will also let you know her favourite books, what’s inspired her, and what she’d love to see more of. Pop your name down for a super chill hangout about all things bookish!! FREE

Meet the author: Tony Birch Wed 17 April, 2pm-3pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us to hear from Tony Birch about his latest novel, Women & Children, a powerful, personal novel which explores the love and courage between two sisters, and a sudden loss of childhood innocence. Tony Birch is an award-winning writer of short fiction, novels and essays. He is also an educator and teacher of writing and history. FREE

Meet the Author: Melanie Kanicky Thu 18 April, 2pm-3pm Yarra Junction Library - 9800 6462 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us to hear Melanie discuss her writing process, experiences entering the publishing industry, and all about her first fantasy novel, followed by a signing. Melanie is a Melbourne-based author with previous short stories appearing in two anthologies, and has been shortlisted for the 2022 Tasmanian Writers’ Prize. With a love for literature and reading, Melanie currently manages a bookstore and is completing her Masters in Writing and Literature. FREE

Romance Author panel Thu 18 April, 6pm-7:30pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Dive into an enchanting evening of romance and suspense with Melbourne’s finest authors! Hosted by Destiny Davin, and featuring: • Sandra Carmel (steamy romance) • Michelle Somers (romantic suspense) • Savannah Blaize (paranormal romance) • Esther Del Zuanne (paranormal romantic comedy) Captivating discussions, thrilling readings, and an interactive Q&A. Don’t miss this chance to connect with these romance authors and get your books signed. A night of literary magic awaits! FREE

Meet the Author: Kate Mildenhall Thu 18 April, 6:30pm-7:30pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us at the Belgrave Library as Kate presents her eagerly awaited third book, The Hummingbird Effect. Kate Mildenhall, a writer, teacher, and podcaster, is celebrated as one of Australia’s most cherished authors. Renowned for her unique ability to blend thrilling ideas with dynamic prose, she gained recognition when her debut novel, Skylarking was longlisted for the Voss Literary Prize 2017 and the Indie Book Awards 2017. Following this success, Kate’s second novel, The Mother Fault, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2020. FREE

Craft-along Author Talk with Kate Solly Fri 3 May, 2pm-3:30pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join local author Kate Solly for a craftalong author talk. Books and crafting! What more could you want? Bring your crochet, knitting, needlework, or just your good self, and listen to Kate talk about her debut novel, Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance, a tale of friendship, community and yarn-based subterfuge.

Meet the Author: Karen Viggers Tue 23 April, 2pm-3pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us at Knox Library for an afternoon with author Karen Viggers as she discusses her latest novel, Sidelines, a story that delves into the ongoing conversation about socially acceptable behaviour from parents on the sidelines of the sporting field. Karen Viggers is a novelist, wildlife and domestic animal veterinarian, and podcaster who loves nature, bushwalking and animals. She is the author of The Stranding, The Lightkeeper’s Wife, The Grass Castle and The Orchardist’s Daughter. Her books have been translated into several languages and have enjoyed great success in France where she is a bestselling author and has won a literary award. Sidelines is her fifth novel. FREE

Books will be available for purchase on the day and you can help yourself to tea and coffee too! FREE

Meet local Author: Barbara McCarthy Tue 14 May, 2pm-3:30pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Meet Barbara McCarthy, local author of Just a Hint of Autumn and My windows, my views...my life and travels. Barbara will be talking about her new book, Never Just Anybody, which is due for release early in 2024. Barbara will also answer questions about the art of publishing. FREE All books will be on sale after the event.

Meet the Author: Lesley McGee at Preschool Storytime Tue 14 May, 11am-12pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Author and Illustrator Lesley McGee is launching her debut picture book The Fabulous Fruit Shake Mystery at Knox Library! Come along to a special storytime for children where we will read Lesley’s new book and enjoy some themed activities. There will also be a chance to meet Lesley, and get your own signed copy of The Fabulous Fruit Shake Mystery! Lesley McGee, a versatile Melbournebased creative, is an illustrator, designer, writer, and photographer. Noteworthy books include “Evie is all Ears” (2020) and “Night Lights” (2021), shortlisted for the International Rubery Awards. In 2023, “Emma’s Freckles” and “The Fabulous Fruit Shake Mystery” were released, the latter marking her debut as an Author/ Illustrator. FREE

From breakdown to book release: How I rebuilt my life through embracing writing and self-publishing with Author Leanne Margaret Fri 31 May, 2pm-3:30pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Leanne Margaret, author of The Love of The Universe, and Multidimensional Meditation, as she talks about her writing journey and what happens when you suddenly, surprisingly, have time to write. Enjoy a guided meditation to help you discover a cast of characters that can enrich your own writing. You will also learn how to start preparing to be a writer, long before you feel ready to start. FREE

Meet the Author: Megan Rogers Thu 23 May, 6pm-7pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come and meet Megan Rogers, bestselling author of The Heart is a Star, at Bayswater Library. When her debut novel, The Heart is a Star, was sent to Australian publishers it caused a heated auction and was eventually signed with Catherine Milne at HarperCollins Australia. Then, when released in May 2023, it hit number four on the Australian bestseller list. Megan has subsequently signed a two book deal with Harper Collins and her next book The Anatomy of Tears will be released in 2025. FREE

BOOK CHATS + CLUBS Share your current favourite reads at a friendly bookchat, or join a bookclub where everyone reads and discusses the same book. BOOKS AND BEYOND 1st Tue of the month, 2pm-3pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 HEALESVILLE BOOK CHAT 3rd Tue of the month, 2pm-3pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497

NOVEL-TEAS BOOKCLUB* 4th Wed of the month, 11am-12pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 MOOROOLBARK BOOKCHAT* 4th Wed of the month, 2pm-3pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 ONE MORE PAGE BOOKCLUB 1st Thu of the month, 2pm-3pm Featuring LGBTQIA+, Indigenous and culturally diverse authors (Ages 16+) Realm Library - 9800 6430

PAGETURNERS BOOK CHAT 3rd Tue of the month, 2pm-4pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448

BAYSWATER BOOK LOVERS* 2nd Thu of the month, 6pm-7pm (Ages 16-25) Bayswater Library 9800 6498

AROUND WORDS* 1st Wed of the month, 11am-12pm Yarra Junction Library - 9800 6462

BAYSWATER BOOK CHAT* 3rd Thu of the month, 1:30pm-3pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498

REALM READERS BOOK CHAT* 2nd Wed of the month, 2pm-3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430

FRENCH BOOKCLUB* 3rd Thu of the month, 6:30pm-7:30pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489

BELGRAVE BOOK CHAT 3rd Wed of the month,10:30am-11:30AM Belgrave Library - 9800 6489

NOVEL IDEA BOOK CHAT* Last Thu of the month, 6:30pm-7:30pm Realm Library - 9800 6430

LILYDALE BOOK CHAT* 3rd Wed of the month,10:30am-11:30AM Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 FERNTREE GULLY BOOK CHAT* 3rd Wed of the month, 2pm-3:30pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 BOOKISH: THE LILYDALE LIBRARY BOOKCLUB* 4th Wed of the month, 10:30am-11:30am Lilydale Library - 9800 6457

March session will run on 21/3/24 & April session on 18/4/24, due to public holidays.

KNOX BOOK CHAT* 4th Fri of the month, 10am-11am Knox Library - 9800 6470 TAO TE CHING READING CIRCLE 1st Sat of the month, 2pm-3pm Rowville Library - 9800 6443 *Bookings required where indicated. Please contact hosting library for more information.

WRITE NOW! Calling all writers and those wondering how to begin... head to the library and learn from the experts! Be supported by fellow writers and gain confidence to begin your writing practice today.

So, you want to be an editor… Wed 13 March, 6pm - 7pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Editor Pauline Hopkins shares what is involved in the art and craft of editing and the book production process. Suitable for budding editors, established and would-be writers, and anyone interested in publishing and books. All welcome! FREE

The vault of errors: 5 mistakes to avoid when writing your debut novel Tue 26 March, 10am - 11am Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Drawing on what she learnt after many rejections from publishers before landing a 2-book deal with Penguin Random House and international publishers, and from many conversations with fellow authors, Lyn Yeowart is unlocking her “vault of errors”, so you won’t make the same mistakes! FREE

How to self-publish a book with Rania Battany Thu 28 March, 6pm - 7:30pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Multi-published author, Rania Battany, will show you how to successfully selfpublish your book, from uploading on various global distribution platforms, to marketing, to understanding royalties, and much more. A Q&A discussion will follow. FREE

An introduction to structural editing with writer Pauline Hosking Sat 20 April, 10am-12pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Learn how to use structural editing techniques to find the strengths and identify the weaknesses in your novel, short story, or work of non-fiction. This practical, hands-on workshop is offered by local writer Pauline Hosking. Pauline has lectured in editing for the Diploma of Arts (Professional Writing and Editing) at Chisholm Institute of TAFE Berwick and Frankston campuses, run many writers’ workshops, published two children’s books, and had five plays professionally produced. FREE

Creative storytelling Sat 20 April, 10:30am-12:30pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au Interested in telling a personal story? Learn how to craft your own 5 to 7 minute story using art supplies to make it fun and easy. Hosted by Cora Zon, professional storyteller, zine maker and member of Healesville Toastmasters, and cartoonist, Danny Zemp. FREE

Upgrade your writing + editing skills with Young Adult Author, Rebecca Lim Editing your writing Fri 5 April, 4pm - 5pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 events.yourlibrary.com.au A key aspect of being able to write well is being able to edit well. But what do you scrap, what do you change, and what do you keep? If you’re an aspiring writer or editor, come along to this workshop with Rebecca as she shares her insider knowledge. FREE

Write your food memoir with Ruth Kenrick-Smith Tue 23 April, 2pm-3pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au Do you have a story to tell about your family recipes? A memory of a fantastic meal, a family tradition, or a personal journey of discovering ingredients while travelling? In this workshop with Ruth, you will learn how to use the power of food to write a memoir that is personal, sparks the senses, and uses the power of cookery and deliciousness to tap into your history. FREE

Writing workshop Fri 12 April, 11am-12:30pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Aspiring writers, get your creativity hats on! You’ll learn how to craft memorable characters, create compelling plots, and develop your own unique writing voice. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to connect with other young writers and get inspired by one of Australia’s most talented authors. Stick around after the workshop to enjoy a light lunch provided by the library. FREE

Storytelling in 100 Words Fri 26 April, 2pm-3pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au You don’t have to write a novel to tell a story - in fact, you can fit a story into just 100 words! Join Emma’s fiction workshop to try this bite-sized writing style. Short stories are perfect for the busy person who wants to stretch their creativity and write for their own enjoyment, without the pressure of a novel-length wordcount. FREE

Celtic mythology & storytelling workshop with Melanie Blacksmith Sat 4 May, 11am-12:30pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us in a workshop drawing forth ancestral wisdom through the invocation of 9,000 year old myth. Local storyteller Melanie Blacksmith invites you to sit in circle in the way of our Ancestors, where we awaken bone memory through story, creative expression, and the deep listening of sharing circle. Through the insights of this workshop, we invite you to discover ‘what is the next right step’ to support deeper meaning and living from deeper knowing, and the joy and sustenance found in engaging in ancient traditional wisdom. Participation is absolutely voluntary and by invitation. The space is a warm and welcome embrace, celebrating you as you are in this moment. FREE

Words Aloud: poetry and spoken word sessions 1st Wed of the month, 6pm -8pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au Calling all wordsmiths, poets, spoken word artists, short story, letter, speech and song lyric writers! Share your words, stories and art with others in the intimate, cosy setting of The Parlour at Miller’s Homestead. These sessions are a place for you to connect and be inspired by other wordsmiths and have a chance to perform your works to a respectful and inclusive audience. Not a writer but would love to hear the writing of others? Please join us, as an audience member. Each session will begin with a guest performer and will be followed by an open mic session. (Suitable for ages 15 - 100) FREE Help yourself to tea and coffee during the session.

Last Tuesday Writers Group Last Tue of the month, 2pm - 3pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au Calling local writers, whatever your skill level, and whatever your chosen genre, to join us every month for feedback, support, inspiration, and lively conversation. All welcome! FREE

Emerald Ladies Writing Group

Mountain Ash Chapter

2nd Wed of the month, 6pm -8pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au

2nd Sat of the month, 10am - 12pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 Bookings: bit.ly/macbelgrave

A semi-formal group dedicated to writing (and chatting) about life in general. Some are published authors and continue writing their novels, others are still figuring out what their next piece of writing is to be about. The group is largely about writing but on occasion, read aloud and critique fragments of their work. Please join us if you would like to meet new writing buddies. Bookings not required.FREE

Mountain Ash Chapter is offering an inclusive space for the writing community of the Dandenong Ranges. Hosted by Belgrave Library, each facilitated session will be an opportunity for writers to connect with each other, be inspired, practice their craft and gain valuable feedback. Fees apply

Knox Writers Every Thu night, 5pm - 8pm Knox Express - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au A group where people meet weekly to write and chat together. Feel free to join us for some company while you are writing! Bookings not required. FREE

Lilydale Lakeside Writers Group 4th Fri of the month, 4pm - 5pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au We invite writers of any genre, published or unpublished, to join us each month for lively discussion, feedback and inspiration. FREE

Realm Writers Group Last Sat of the month, 10am - 11am Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come and join an encouraging community of beginner and experienced writers. Together we will: • Learn about different writing styles and techniques, • Listen as group members speak on areas of interest, • Engage in writing exercises to hone specific writing skills, and • Take opportunities to critique one another’s writing. New members are encouraged to come along and see for themselves what the group has to offer. FREE

TECH 101 Learn how to make the most of our free resources, receive expert help in getting started with your new device, or discover something new! Tech support one-to-one

Laptop essentials Every Tuesday, 10am-12pm (during school terms) Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au This course is for learners with very limited computer skills wanting to learn more, with step-by-step instructions and plenty of time to practice. Please bring your own laptop. Proudly presented by Mountain District Learning Centre. FREE

Available at all libraries Book on 1300 737 277 or events.yourlibrary.com.au Book a 45 minute one-to-one session with Your Library’s Tech Support team! They can assist you with: • Connecting your smartphone to the library’s huge online collections of free books, audiobooks, magazines and streaming content • Learning a new skill online • Understanding social media, including Facebook and WhatsApp • Setting up and managing an email account • Grasping the basics of your mobile phone, iPad/Android device, or laptop • Navigating government services on MyGov • Getting answers to basic tech support questions, and helping you understand the next steps

FREE

Technology Club Every Wednesday, 2pm-4pm Rowville Library - 9800 6443 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us every week for an exciting exploration of all things tech. Whether you’re a beginner curious about the digital world or a seasoned enthusiast looking to expand your knowledge, this is the perfect space for you. Trainers from Rowville Community Learning Centre will be here each week to answer your questions and help with whatever you need. FREE Bring your own smart phone, tablet or laptop. Presented in partnership with Rowville Community Learning Centre.

Smartphone Workshops Getting to know your iPhone Fri 1 March, 9:30am-10:30am Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Thu 16 May, 2pm-3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Want to learn more about your smartphone? Join us for an introductory session all about Apple iPhones. We will go through the basics of your phone, how to use it, discuss useful apps, and address any questions you may have. FREE

How smart is your smartphone? Sat 2 & 23 March, 20 April + 4 May, 10am - 12pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 events.yourlibrary.com.au Do you have a smart phone and want to learn more about how to use it? Come to this workshop and find out what your smart phone can do for you! We can help you with specific questions and issues. FREE

Where’s That Photo? Find, organise and share photos on your phone Tue 16 April, 2pm-3:30pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au Learn how to locate photographs on your phone, how albums work, and how to manage your photo gallery. We’ll also walk you through ways you can share your photos with friends and family, including email, messaging, and social media. FREE

Getting to know your phone Thu, 16 May, 2pm - 3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Want to learn more about your tablet or smartphone? Join us for an introductory session on Apple and Android mobile phones. We’ll go through the basics on your mobile, including the most common apps. There will be time to assist you with your own device, and answer any questions you may have! FREE

Phone photography basics Tue 19 March, 2pm-3:30pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Downloading apps Fri 17 May, 2pm-3pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au

We’ll teach you the basics of the camera app on your phone, and you’ll have a chance to practise your new photography skills as we go along. FREE

Come along to this group event where we will be teaching you the basics of downloading apps onto your phone or tablet. FREE

Getting to know your Android phone Fri 15 March, 9:30-10:30am Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Getting to know your Android tablet Fri 10 May, 9:30-10:30am Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Want to learn more about your tablet? Join us for an introductory session all about Android tablets. We will go through the basics of your tablet, how to use it, discuss useful apps, and address any questions you may have. FREE

Thu 30 May, 2pm-3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Want to learn more about your smartphone? Join us for an introductory session all about Android phones. We will go through the basics of your phone, how to use it, discuss useful apps, and address any questions you may have. FREE

Read, watch, listen Cloud storage 101 Tue 12 March, 2pm-3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Thu 2 May, 2pm-3pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au What is the cloud? How does it work? Is it safe? We will cover all these questions and more in this cloud storage introduction session. Find out how you can use the cloud to manage the files on your device, increase your device storage, and safely back up your photos and documents. We will explain cloud terminology including ‘data’ and ‘storage’, and will provide practical advice to set up and use your cloud. FREE

Fri 15 March, 2pm-3:30pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Are you wanting to get more use out of your device? Join Isabell to learn about many of the different options for reading books, watching TV, and listening to audiobooks and music on your device. This event will consist of an hour-long presentation, followed by an optional 30-minute workshop where you can try the digital options on your own device, and ask any questions you may have. FREE

Transferring your files Mon 18 March, 2pm-3pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Fri 24 May, 9:30am-10:30am Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Want to learn more about managing and transferring your files? Join us for an introductory session all about file management. We will go through the basics of moving, managing, and organising your files, and address any questions you may have.. FREE

Eat and learn with Tracey Fri 22 March & 17 May, 2pm-3pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 events.yourlibrary.com.au Ever wondered what to cook for a person with diabetes, or a person who is celiac? Come to these tech events with a difference! Find out about apps and other sources of information about dietary requirements, while taste-testing some recipes with Tracey. FREE

Email basics Thu 21 March, 2pm-3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Fri 12 April, 9:30-10:30am Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au

An introduction to Artificial Intelligence Tue 26 March, 11am - 12pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Want to learn more about how to use your email? Join us for an introductory session all about email!

Artificial Intelligence is becoming more and more prevalent in our everyday lives. It’s important to know how it works for you now, and what it might look like going forward.

We will go through the basics of your email account, how to send and receive emails, and address any questions you may have. FREE

Join us for this discussion on the basics of AI as it works now, including taking a look at ChatGPT, and what AI could mean for us in the future. FREE

Take a walk in virtual reality with Laura Mon 22 April + Tue 23 April 1pm-2pm & 2:30pm-3:30pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of VR. In this 60 minute session, you’ll be able to experience virtual reality and explore interesting new worlds using one of our VR headsets. FREE

Scam safety Wed 1 May, 2pm-3pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Fri 10 May, 1:30pm-2:15pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Would you like to become more aware of your online surroundings? In this informative presentation, we will give you some basic tips on how to remain safe online, how to recognise a scam, and understanding common phishing techniques. FREE

Learn to use Google Drive Tue 21 May, 2pm-3:30pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Getting to know your iPad Fri 26 April, 9:30-10:30am Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Want to learn more about your tablet? Join us for an introductory session all about Apple iPad. We will go through the basics of your tablet, how to use it, discuss useful apps, and address any questions you may have. FREE

Learn how to use Google Drive and its suite of free alternatives to Word, Excel and Powerpoint. We’ll teach you how to access Google Drive with a free Google account and take you through the basics of using the apps, organising your drive and sharing documents with friends and family. Google Drive is a cloud-based service that allows you to work on files on different devices and is a free alternative to programs such as Word. Ideal for creatives, writers, community organisations and more! FREE

CAREERS + VOLUNTEERING Time for a career change? Always wanted to volunteer? We have you covered at these informative sessions!

Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor - information session Thu 21 March, 6pm-7pm Rowville Library - 9800 6443 Wed 10 April, 11:30am-12:30pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 Wed 8 May, 2:30pm-3:30pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455

Drop in one-to-one career service 1st Fri of the month, 10am-12pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au 3rd Mon of the month of the month, 1pm, 2pm + 3pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au A qualified Career Practitioner from the Swinburne Skills and Jobs Centre will be on hand to provide free 1:1 career services, including: - Individualised career planning sessions - Resumé assistance - Job search assistance - Interview coaching - Impartial course + training information

Tue 21 May, 10am-11am Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 Sat 25 May, 10:30am-11:30am Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 Are you interested in sharing your love of reading and writing? Do you have skills or knowledge that could help others? We need volunteer adult literacy tutors! No experience necessary - initial and ongoing training and support provided. Come to our next volunteer information session to find out more! FREE Visit yourlibrary.com.au/volunteers for more information.

Bookings not required for Bayswater sessions. FREE

YOUR MONEY We’ve partnered with the experts to help you make informed choices about your finances, and to arm you with the knowhow to avoid scams Making your money work for you in retirement Thu 14 March, 10am - 11am Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Are you retired, or looking to retire, and want to make sure you’re utilising your finances effectively? Join Lara from Services Australia to learn about preparing for retirement, the ins and outs of superannuation, and your different income stream options for retirement. FREE

Wills and estate planning - with Oliver Beaumont Mon 18 March, 2pm - 3:30pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join local lawyer and Mooroolbark Library neighbour, Oliver Beaumont, of Beaumont Lawyers, to learn about the ins and outs of wills and estate planning. Oliver will share his invaluable experience and give you all the information that you need to feel confident in constructing your will and arranging your affairs. FREE

Planning your future with Lawyers, Johnstone and Reimer Wed 10 April, 11am - 12pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join local lawyers, Johnstone and Reimer, to learn the ins and outs of Wills, Estate Planning and Powers of Attorney. They will share their invaluable experience and give you all the information that you need to understand this important task. FREE

Choosing + using financial experts Mon 15 April, 10am - 11am Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Services Australia’s Financial Advisors Lara and Wayne and Aged Care Specialist Armardeep, will explain what to look for when choosing financial experts and how to safely use the information they give you. FREE

How to retire successfully with Andrea Jenkins Tue 30 April, 6pm - 7:30pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Understanding the various options available to you is the first step towards living a lifestyle of choice and independence upon retirement. Andrea Jenkins, Certified Financial Planner and Principal of Jenbury Financial, will share valuable insights. FREE

SAVVY SENIORS Come along to these talks with seniors in mind, helping you to live your best life towards retirement and beyond!

Death Café Mon 18 March, 11am - 12pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come along, grab a cuppa and a bickie, and join in Realm’s first Death Café. A Death Café is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. FREE

Navigating the Aged Care system with Care Finder

Wiser Driver: Refresher course for over 50s Wed 6, 13, 20 & 27 March 10:30am - 12:30pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us at this free refresher course designed to help people over 50 to stay safe on the road in a friendly, informal thought provoking program with no testing. In 4 x weekly sessions, we will cover : • Changes to road rules • Vehicle & driver roadworthiness • Handling challenging road conditions • Building confidence and awareness FREE

Thu 18 April, 2pm-3:30pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Tue 23 April, 1:30-2:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Mon 27 May, 10am-11am Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Some older people need extra support to access aged care services and other supports in the community. In these situations, a care finder may be able to help. Please join your local care finder who will explain: • Who can use the care finder service? • How does the care finder service work? • What help can a care finder provide? • How do I contact a care finder organisation? FREE

Get-togethers for seniors We would love you to come and join us for a chat and a cuppa - what a nice way to meet new people! Tea / coffee is provided. All welcome - no need to book! FREE

Connecting you to Aged Care services

Seniors chat & coffee

Wed 15 May, 10am - 11am Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Seniors morning tea

An Aged Care Specialist from Services Australia will be at Croydon Library to help you navigate the My Aged Care system and get the help you need at home or at a residential aged care facility. FREE

1st & 3rd Wed of the month, 1:30 pm - 2:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498

Every Fri, 11am - 12pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488

Home + accommodation options with Services Australia Wed 22 May, 1:30pm-2:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au A representative from Services Australia will join us to discuss accommodation and downsizing. Home equity access loans: Find out how you and your partner may be able to use this scheme to supplement your retirement income if you have real estate assets. This scheme lets older Australians get a voluntary non-taxable loan from us. Gifting: If you give away your income or assets, they may still count towards your income and assets test. This also applies if you sell them for less than they’re worth. Understand how gifting impacts finances. Downsizing: learn how downsizing your home or granny flat impacts you. FREE

Lilydale Seniors Computer Club Every Monday, 1pm-2pm + 2pm-3pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au A computer help session for seniors run by volunteers from the Lilydale Seniors Computer Club. FREE Please note this is not a one-to-one session. Our friendly volunteers will attempt to assist you as soon as possible during this 1 hour session.

OUR HISTORY slv.vic.gov.au

Begin or further your family or military history research, and enjoy fascinating events about remarkable people and places. Family + local history help Make an appointment at a library near you with our specialised staff. Receive help with local or family history research, newspaper articles, library databases and any other research questions. FREE

slv.vic.gov.au

Visit events.yourlibrary.com.au for dates and locations or call 1300 737 277 to make a booking.

Knox Genies at Miller’s Homestead 2nd Tue of the month, 9:30am - 12pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join this friendly group of enthusiastic family historians to swap research tips and share stories and advice, over a cup of tea. People starting out on their family history journey are most welcome. FREE

Healesville Family History Research Group 1st Wed of the month, 10am-12pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come and join an informal local history group. Facilitated by Elizabeth Church from the Healesville Historical Society, this group will help each other discover family history. FREE Please bring your own devices (laptops or tablets) or use the library’s computers.

How the Gaels lost their Indigeneity with Dr Colm McNaughton Sat 16 March, 10:30am-12pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au Learn how the Gaelic speaking tribal folks of Ireland and Scotland (the Gaels) lost so much of their connection to land, language, stories and ancestors. Dr Colm McNaughton will explore how the descendants of these peoples can tend these ancestral wounds and learn how to reconnect to land, culture and their own bodies. FREE

Women in History Elizabeth Gould Tue 19 March, 10am - 11am Montrose Library - 9800 6490 events.yourlibrary.com.au An incredibly talented artist, Elizabeth Gould was the woman who drew and painted all the bird images for her husband John’s books. Join us to hear the story that history has forgotten. FREE

Elizabeth Austin Fri 22 March, 10am - 11am Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au The name Austin is synonymous with many developments in Victoria’s early history. Elizabeth Austin was an incredible woman who forged her path through adversity and was a trail blazer for all women. Join us to hear Elizabeth’s story and how she helped shape Melbourne’s history and its future. FREE

slv.vic.gov.au

Dame Nellie Melba Fri 22 March, 2pm-3pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Dame Nellie Melba was one of Australia’s earliest and much loved Opera Singers. Join us for a biographical journey into her life and achievements. FREE

Edith Dickenson Tue 26 March, 10am-11am Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Renowned as being Australia’s first female war correspondent, Edith Dickenson was truly an inspiring woman. Join us to hear her story. FREE

Healesville: from weatherboards and timber to tourism and wine Thu 21 March, 2pm-3pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come and experience the life of a country town doctor with Dr Elroy Schroeder. Dr Schroeder spent much of his life as a doctor in this small community. He has seen many changes in medicine and the town itself and will share stories of his fifty years in Healesville. FREE

History of the Yarra Valley Railway Fri 22 March, 11am-12pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Jimmy Sharman’s Boxers Mon 15 April, 2pm-3pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join the author of Jimmy Sharman’s Boxers, Stephen McGrath, to learn about Jimmy Sharman and his boxing troupe, who toured Australia during World War I. Based on extensive research of real people and real events, this story tells how Jimmy Sharman managed to continue touring throughout the war. Sharman created an unbeatable boxing troupe of white, Chinese and Indigenous boxers, training them to be the most famous of all the Australian Travelling Boxing Troupes. FREE Copies of the book will be available for purchase after the event.

Join Rachael from the Yarra Valley Railway to hear about the interesting history of the railway on the Healesville-Yarra Glen line and the ongoing repair work being undertaken to restore the line. FREE

Women in the shadows of Streeton, Roberts and McCubbin Wed 27 March, 2pm-3pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au This talk will shine a light on the many women in the shadows of the great male artists of the Australian Impressionist movement. It was Queen Victoria and her love of art and culture that inspired many women to explore their creative abilities. Come and learn more about the many women who paved the way for today’s women artists and their contribution to Australian art. FREE

Running Rabbits: Military History Talk Tue 16 April, 2pm-3:30pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Graham Hutchings, military history enthusiast from the Running Rabbits History Museum, for a talk about our ANZAC history. FREE

Family History & DNA

Join our family history team to learn what DNA is, and how it works to assist you in locating those elusive family connections. FREE

From Pilgrim to Piper Tue 23 April, 6pm -7pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au A soldier, parachutist, and piper, Iain Townsley served in the British Army for 25 years. After undertaking a personal journey to reclaim his Scottish heritage, today he performs as a piper at many local military ceremonies, and has told his story in his book, From Pilgrim to Piper. As we approach ANZAC Day, we invite you to join us at Croydon Library to hear first-hand from Iain about his many experiences. FREE

English records Fri 26 April, 2pm-3pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 events.yourlibrary.com.au Are you looking for information on your English ancestors? Not sure where to look, or have hit a brick wall? Join us for an informative look at English Records - what is available and where to find them. FREE

slv.vic.gov.au

Fri 19 April, 2pm-3pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au Have you ever wondered about DNA and how it can assist you in researching your family?

Historical Buildings of Knox Sat 27 April, 10:30am-12pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Tue 7 May, 10am-11am Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au What is the oldest building in the Knox area? Join us for a fascinating look at the history of some of Knox ‘s historical buildings. From schools to hotels to churches to houses, many buildings have defined the Knox area for over 100 years. We will look at the history of the buildings which were built in a bygone era and have stood the test of time. FREE

Tales from the grave Tue 30 April, 10am-11am Montrose Library - 9800 6490 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join our family history team for a fascinating look at cemeteries and the the graves within them.We will discover the stories of some of the people that are buried beneath the headstones in some of Australia’s graveyards and cemeteries. FREE

Ancient Egypt - archaeological dig with Karen Thomas

Ancestry - personal subscriptions hands-on workshop

Thu 2 May, 2pm-3pm Yarra Junction Library - 9800 6462 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Tue 14 May, 11:30am-1pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au

What is a ‘dig’ in Egyptology/archaeology terms? It’s a lot of hard work and not always a lot of return for it, BUT to those of us involved in a dig, it’s unbelievably rewarding in a different way. Join us to hear about what actually happens, what tools and equipment are used, as well as the sorts of things we find, and what happens to them afterward. FREE

Do you want to learn more about how to fully utilise your personal subscription to Ancestry? Join our family history team in this hands-on workshop, and learn all the tips and tricks to make the most of your subscription. Family historians of all skill levels welcome. FREE Personal access to a current, paid subscription to Ancestry and basic computer skills are essential for this event.

History of the Montrose CFA Sat 4 May, 10:30am-12pm Montrose Library - 9800 6490 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Eddie at Montrose Library to hear about his wealth of knowledge and first hand experience and learn about the history of the Montrose CFA. FREE

Rowville’s Italian prisoners of war Sat 18 May, 11am-12pm Rowville Library - 9800 6443 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Ancestry Library Edition hands-on workshop Tue 14 May, 9:30am-11am Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join our family history team to learn all the tips and tricks to master Ancestry Library Edition. This is a hands-on workshop for family historians of all skill levels. FREE

In March 1946, the war was over. The Italian prisoners of war who had been interned in camps around Australia were waiting to be returned home. Join local author Darren Arnott as he shares his discoveries about the Rowville Camp. Allegations of assaults, reckless firing of weapons, drunkenness, stolen goods and possible murder. Darren will have copies of his book No regard for the truth for sale. FREE

HEALTH + LIFESTYLE Explore new paths to a happier and healthier lifestyle, guided by knowledgeable local experts.

Chair Yoga with Healesville Connect Mon 18 March, 15 April & 13 May, 12pm-1pm Healesville Library (Please call Anne Ulcoq - 0417 634 093 for more information or bookings) Join us for an hour of free, fun, gentle and relaxing chair-yoga where you don’t have to get on the floor! No mat required, just comfy clothing. Join us for coffee afterwards- it’s a wonderful way to meet new friends! FREE Chair Yoga with Ramki Mondays, 10am-11am (Mon 8 April - 27 May) Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Yoga sessions Yoga at the library Every Friday, 9:30am - 10:15am (During school terms) Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Jo at the Belgrave Library and practice Yoga and meditation in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Jo is a passionate and dedicated yoga teacher who specialises in teaching hatha and vinyasa style to students of all levels. Classes are run on a donation basis during the school term. BYO yoga mat. FREE

Join Ramki, qualified yoga instructor from the reputed Svyasa University of Yoga in Bangalore, in these Chair Yoga sessions in the parlour at Miller’s. Ages 15 - adult. COST $10 per session. Chair Yoga with Bree Wed 22 May, 11am-12pm Yarra Junction Library - 9800 6462 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Bree, an experienced remedial soft tissue specialist who lives and breathes everything health and wellness. Chair yoga is a form of yoga that has adapted traditional mat yoga, to bring the asanas up to the chair. Though it may not look the same as a traditional floor mat asana, the principles, feelings, and benefits are the same. FREE

Laughter yoga and meditation with Lynette 4th Tue of the month, 2pm-3pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au 1st Sat of the month, 11am-12pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 events.yourlibrary.com.au 3rd Sat of the month, 11am-12pm Rowville Library - 9800 6443 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Regular meditation sessions Sahaja yoga meditation Every Tue, 6:30pm - 7:30pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Relax your mind and body and find balance in these free weekly meditation sessions. Dr Akshay and his team will introduce you to the meditative practice of sahaja yoga. FREE

Join Lynette, from the Ferntree Gully Laughter Club, for a fun workshop on Laughter Meditation. Through a series of playful exercises, Lynette will help you tap into your inner child and find your sense of humour. You’ll learn how to breathe deeply, release tension, and experience the physical and emotional benefits of laughter. FREE

Please note: this session will not involve the performance of physical movements or yoga postures (asanas).

Love, Peace, Harmony meditation Every Thu, 10:30-11:30am (during school terms) Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Bev for the Love, Peace, Harmony meditation to bring greater health, happiness, and success to your life. Meditation includes listening to music, positive mantras, and whole-body relaxation. Bookings not required. FREE

Wellbeing at Boronia

Just for Carers Carer’s Cuppa 3rd Mon of the month, 10am-12pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448 Come and enjoy a cuppa with Different Journeys at Croydon Library. Learn from a carer peer support worker with lived experience about the many support services available, explore your opportunities, and take a moment to connect with other carers. Bookings not required. FREE Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided.

Pathway for Carers 4th Sat of the month, 1pm-3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 If you are a carer of an older person, someone with a disability or a mental illness, join Pathways for Carers at Realm Library. Carers will enjoy a walk together, commencing at 1pm for approximately one hour, before returning to the library for a cuppa and a short presentation by different guest walkers who will talk about the services and programs their organisations offer carers and the people they care for. If you would like to listen to the presentation and have a cuppa and a chat with other carers but don’t feel up to the walk, feel free to arrive at 2pm. Bookings not required. FREE This event is proudly presented in partnership with Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH).

Every Fri, 11am - 1pm (during school terms) Boronia Library - 9800 6488 events.yourlibrary.com.au Explore creative activities, gentle fitness exercises, gratefulness and mindfulness to help meet the challenges of everyday living. Bookings not required. FREE

Parkinson’s Support Group 1st Fri of the month, 1pm - 2pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 Do you have Parkinson’s disease and would like to meet other people? Join our monthly relaxed support group, share your stories, find out information and spend time with other people who understand your experiences. Bookings not required. FREE

2024 Wood Dragon Feng Shui & Solar Astrology Wed 6 March, 10am - 12pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come along to Ferntree Gully for a workshop presented by Salwa Abboud. In this session, Salwa will explain what the Wood Dragon will bring to the world, your home, and your life. At the time of booking, please provide your date of birth as Salwa is preparing a personalised reading for all attendees. FREE

Free hearing checks with Hearing Australia Fri 1 March, 12pm-4pm Mon 18 March, 2pm-4pm Fri 5 April, 1pm-3pm Fri 19 April, 11am-1pm Fri 10 May, 1pm-4pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 events.yourlibrary.com.au Wed 6 March, 10am-11am Montrose Library - 9800 6490 events.yourlibrary.com.au Tue 19 March, 1:30pm-4pm + Wed 29 May, 1:30pm-4pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Tue 23 April, 10:30am-12pm Includes a presentation on hearing aids - troubleshooting tips & new technology Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Fri 3 May, 1:30pm-3:30pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us at one of the above libraries for a free hearing check and wax check conducted by Hearing Australia. Take the first step toward rediscovering the sounds you love! FREE

Inside outside afternoons at Miller’s Thu 16, 23, 30 May & 6 June, 4pm-5pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us for this unique and fun 4 week course for kids (ages 8-13) and their parent/caregiver. Together we will explore our inside world (the body, thoughts, and emotions) and our outside world (nature and relationships) using simple and practical mindfulness tools. This will bring about a greater sense of calm and ease in body and mind, and connection to self and the people and world around us. Week 1: Setting the scene with awareness of the body through movement Week 2: Calming practices using the breath and the senses Week 3: Getting curious about thoughts and feelings Week 4: Bringing awareness to your relationships to build stronger connection The qualified facilitators, Mandy and Mel, have been friends for years. They are both parents and long time meditators with a love for the great outdoors. They love sharing helpful tools to support families to be more connected to themselves, each other, and the wider world around them. FREE

A nutritional approach to weight loss

Wayapa at Healesville Wayapa for wellbeing Thu 7 & 21 March, 18 April + 2, 16 & 30 May, 5:30pm-6:30pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 Wayapa for Wellbeing - Earth Connection Practice at Healesville Library is a sharing space for people who have previously attended an Introduction to Wayapa Workshop and would like to continue to explore and deepen their practice. These autumnal sessions will include sharing personal observations of and encounters with the elements, cultural stories and the Wayapa Wurruk embodiment practice. Facilitated by Licenced Wayapa Practitioner Sharni Steel. FREE Introduction to Wayapa Sat 23 March, 10:30am-12pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 Wayapa Wuurrk is an accredited wellness modality that draws from ancient cultural wisdom to create Earth, Mind, Body and Spirit wellbeing. This workshop will guide you through what Wayapa is, what it can do for you and how you can practice it. Facilitated by Licenced Wayapa Wuurrk Practitioner Sharni Steel. Following on from the introductory workshop, during autumn 2024, there will be the opportunity to come together to explore and deepen the practice, further incorporating it into your self-care routine and lifestyle. FREE

Tue 12 March, 6:30pm-7:30pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Kathryn Messenger from Whole Naturopathy who will present a talk on the nutritional approach to weight loss. Catch up on what the science is saying about various nutrients, as well as some dietary myths from the past that have been proven wrong. Once you have learnt about which foods will help you lose weight and which don’t, you will be well equipped to make the nutritional choices you need. FREE

Organise your life Tue 19 March, 2pm-3pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Sometimes when our life changes, our homes can be slow to change with us. Improving and organising your space can improve your life, lower your anxiety, and build your confidence. Join Veronica from ‘A Hand To Help - Professional Organising & Decluttering’ to learn about the importance of organising your space, and take away some practical tips to try at home. FREE

NDIS Connection Desk

Pausing for calm, ease, and connection - with Mandy Mercuri

1st Wed of the month, 10am - 12pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Tue 26 March, 12pm-2pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Wed 6 March, 10am - 12pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Join Mandy Mercuri for a free 2 hour workshop where you’ll discover simple mindfulness practices you can do today, and every day, to help regulate your body’s stress-response system, restore balance, and feel calmer so you can reengage in work and play with more clarity, choice and connection. Notes and guided meditations provided afterwards. FREE

Wed 20 March, Mon 22 April & Fri 10 May, 10am - 12pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Thu 21 March & 16 May, 10am - 12pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au Thu 18 April, 10am - 12pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join the team from Latrobe Community Health Service to learn about the NDIS. If you need to find out about getting access, have questions about a current plan, or just want general information, come and have a chat. We’ll do our best to help you out! Bookings not required. FREE

Outdoor Tai Chi with Japara House Thu 4 April, 11am-12pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Reconnect with nature, your body, and your mind in this relaxing outdoor Tai Chi taster class, run next door to Mooroolbark Library in Hookey Park. Tai Chi is a great activity for all ages to stimulate the brain and exercise the body. It is beneficial for all ages and abilities, with an opportunity to meet new people. FREE Please wear comfortable clothes that you can move freely in.

Baby massage Wed 17 April, 2pm-3pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Plant-based cooking with Betty Chetcuti Fri 12 April, 11am-12:30pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join the author of My Vegan Cookbook, Betty Chetcuti, and learn how to create plant-based dishes that will satisfy, nourish, and nurture your body. Betty Chetcuti is an author and psychologist with a passion for cooking. She will inspire you with new ways to turn your favourite foods into plant-based dishes you will love. FREE

Mindfulness based stress-reduction course with Mandy Mercuri Tue 16 April - 18 June, 12:30pm-3pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au This free 8-week evidence-based program facilitated by Mandy Mercuri, explores formal and informal mindfulness practices to discover greater choices for managing and relating to stress, anxiety and difficult emotions. It involves 8 x 2.5 hour weekly sessions and includes a full day of mindfulness on Sun, 9 June, 10am-4pm at the Basin Community House. FREE The 8 sessions are free but some charges apply for optional resources. See events. yourlibrary.com.au for more information.

Deepen the connection with your little one through the art of baby massage. This session will cover gentle leg and arm strokes, as well as explore various holds and exercises designed to alleviate discomfort from gas and colic. Join Certified Infant Massage Educator, Stephanie Mapleson, in fostering a nurturing environment for both you and your baby. All essentials, including towels and oil, will be provided. For babies 0-6 months. FREE

Armchair travel talks Malta Armchair travel talk with Maltese food tasting Fri 19 April, 2pm-3pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 Did you miss out on Tracey’s wonderful talk on Malta? Come to this event to learn some tips about travelling, see Tracey’s travel video and enjoy a tasting of Maltese food. FREE Travel Tales: Costa Rica Adventures Mon 22 April, 11am-12:30pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 Join Nicole as she recounts her adventures in the incredible country of Costa Rica. From spotting sloths and other beautiful wildlife, amazing scenery to adventure activities like canyoning and zip lining. This country has it all! FREE

Self-healing practices to nourish the soul Sat 27 April, 10:30am-12pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Want to learn some simple strategies for self-healing and nourishing your energy? Let us show you how to restore harmony, balance, and energy with these simple breath, meditation, and sound healing practices. Discover the pathway to restoring natural balance and well-being; connecting with your heart & intuition; reclaiming your energy and healing the soul and spirit. FREE

Autumn wellness with Annette from New Pathways Coaching & Eduction Laughter is the best medicine Mon 29 April, 10:30am-12pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448 Laughter has a unique ability to change our thoughts and emotions, and to stimulate our organs and muscles. In this discussion based workshop, Annette will teach you about the power laughter has over your wellbeing, help you laugh until your sides hurt, and uncover new strategies to bring more joy, laughter and sense of purpose to your life. FREE Turning sleep into wellbeing Wed 1 May, 1:30pm-3pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480

NDIS: Your questions answered, and then some Mon 29 April, 11am-12pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come along and listen as Kim explains how to navigate the NDIS and have all your questions answered. In addition to working in the Victorian disability sector for 40 years, including as a residential support worker, a Care Coordinator and a Manager, Kim Henderson also has lived experience in family care, mental health and disability. For the last 7 years Kim has worked in the NDIS space and has a wealth of knowledge to share. FREE

Are you waking up refreshed and full of energy? If not, join this workshop for an opportunity to explore the science of sleep and its impact on our conscious and subconscious mind. Uncover the secrets of your natural ‘body rhythm’, and discover how sleep allows for the healing of heart, mind, body and spirit. FREE The power of gratitude on our health and wellbeing Thu 16 May, 1:30pm-3pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 There are many ways to unlock ‘gratitude power’ and participants will leave with ideas and strategies to bring about meaningful change. Join Annette who will facilitate a moving workshop to ensure each participant leaves with steps to bring about a life of gratitude. FREE

People pleasing: learning to say no, speak up, set boundaries and overcome the guilt

Quick and easy meals with Jill Hess Thu 2 May, 2pm-4pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Sat 4 May, 10:30am-11:30am Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au In this session, you’ll learn why we end up in a people-pleasing pattern and some practical strategies that will help you prioritise yourself, say no, speak up, set boundaries, and release the guilt. FREE

No time to cook? No worries - you can still make nutritious meals in a rush. At this session, Jill Hess will show you how to make quick and easy meals that fit into your busy lifestyle. FREE

Lose weight while eating your favourite food Fri 3 May, 11am-12pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Jo is a health and wellness coach trained in nutrition, the psychology of eating, and yoga. In this workshop, Jo will discuss: • The mind-body connection to weight loss and how working on your mindset is as important as diet and exercise. • Why diets don’t work long term and why most people regain most of their weight after quitting their diet. • How stress and holding onto emotions can impact weight and the ability to keep it off. • How to eat in a healthy and sustainable way without restricting certain foods or giving up on favourite foods.

FREE

What do I say? What do I do? Support after suicide workshop Tue 7 May, 11am-1pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au This 2 hour workshop is designed to increase understanding of suicide bereavement and provide basic support skills. This session is designed to: • increase understanding of the impact of suicide; • increase knowledge and skills on how to support those impacted by suicide; and • encourage self-care practices. FREE Presented by StandBy Support After Suicide

Boosting your energy with food and nutrition strategies with Nutrition & Health Coach Lyndal Harris Wed 8 May, 1:30pm-2:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Do you struggle with low energy, fatigue? Do you crash in the afternoon? Are you relying on coffee to get through your day? Headaches and fogginess? Sleep issues? Sugar cravings? If this sounds like symptoms you struggle with, come along and hear some tips from Lyndal to get you back on the path to feeling better. FREE

Women’s health + wellbeing Fri 10 May, 1:30pm-2:30pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 events.yourlibrary.com.au Ahead of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health on 28th May, come and learn about health and wellbeing. We will provide information and tips over a cuppa and afternoon tea in a relaxing environment. This session is for women only. FREE

Women’s health: Managing stress and the mental load Sat 25 May, 11am-12pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Ahead of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health on 28th May, come and learn how to better manage your stress and mental load. This excellent session aims to begin breaking down the stigma often associated with mental health. Participants will develop strategies to promote their mental health and wellbeing. Participants will learn about the normal spectrum of emotions, and how to recognise when professional help may be needed. Interactive activities include relaxation and deep breathing exercises. This session, presented by a female healthcare professional from the Water Well Project, is for women only. FREE

Understanding food labels Mon 20 May, 11am-12pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join “The Label Decoder” workshop with Pilar Oyarzun, an experienced food technologist specialising in food compliance and product development. Gain hands-on practice in interpreting labels for your dietary needs, allergies, and more. This workshop will help you make smarter choices, get an insight into the food industry, and take control of your food choices. FREE

Supporting your child’s vision and literacy Tue 21 May, 10:30am-11:15am Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Kent from Mooroolbark Eyecare, a specialist in children’s vision, to find out more about how children’s eyesight develops. Learn about the different milestones from 18 months to school age, as well as what to look out for, and how to best support your child’s reading journey. Kent has a wealth of knowledge to share with parents and caregivers, and welcomes questions about all aspects of children’s eyesight. FREE

Healthy brains with Dr Cassandra Szoeke Tue 21 May, 1:30pm-3pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au The secret to healthy ageing is a healthy brain. During this session, Professor Cassandra Szoeke will: • Show how the brain changes as we age • Help you identify warning signs that something could be wrong • Discuss brain diseases like dementia, but also brain impairments such as mild cognitive impairment and mental health • Demonstrate how a focus on brain health and lifestyle choices can help protect the brain from further decline • Discuss the impact of caregiving on brain health; learn all about the U shape curve • Provide strategies to improve brain and mental health • Share tips on how to support our family, friends and community. FREE

Talk the walk: Bushwalking in the Yarra Valley Sat 25 May, 10:30am-11:30am Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come to Healesville Library to discover the best trails on offer in the local Yarra Valley area. The session will cover best times to walk, gear required, accessibility, and best places to find more information. FREE

Bring your horoscope alive with astrology Wed 29 May, 10am-12pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come along and meet Astrologer Cheryl Ford for an introduction to your horoscope and astrology. Your horoscope only tells a small piece of the puzzle about who you are and what lies ahead for you. It is based on your Star / Sun sign when you were born. Astrology brings your birth chart alive by including where all the planets were located at your birth and where they will be in the future. FREE

SUSTAINABLE LIVING Discover how to leave a lighter footprint on our planet, and build a rewarding, more sustainable life. Visible mending Knox Repair Cafe Display Mon 4 March - Thu 28 March (during opening hours) Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come along to Ferntree Gully Library for a month long display on visible mending. When you can’t or don’t want to hide fabric repairs, why not make them a feature? See our examples of visible mending techniques including hand and machine sewing, Sashiko stitching, and strategic embellishment. FREE

Reusable nappy workshop Thu 14 March, 2pm - 4pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448 Bookings: bit.ly/nappytalk Attend our free workshop to learn more about the different varieties of reusable nappies and how to care for them. Maroondah residents may also receive a nappy pack to trial at home. FREE Presented by Chooktopia and Maroondah City Council’s Waste Management Team.

Waste education pop-ups at Your Library Fri 15 March, 9am - 12pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488

Visible mending workshop Sat 23 March, 10am-12pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au When you can’t or don’t want to hide fabric repairs, why not make them a feature? Join the team from the Knox Repair Café for a workshop exploring visible mending techniques including hand and machine sewing, Sashiko stitching, and strategic embellishment. Bring along a project to start, a sewing needle and some thread. FREE

Sat 23 March, 10am - 12pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 Wed 17 April, 9am - 12pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 Mon 22 April, 10:30am - 12:20pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 Join us for a Q&A pop-up stall with a Knox City Council Waste Education Officer. Get answers to your urgent waste and recycling questions, plus grab some handouts to share with your community. FREE

All about butterflies Our local butterflies : Encouraging them into your garden Fri 15 March, 2pm-3pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au In this presentation with entomologist Ross Field, you will learn about the fascinating local butterflies that live in the Dandenong Ranges. Ross Field has a PhD in entomology, is the author of book Butterflies: Identification and Life History, and has published more than 100 publications on insect ecology, biology and conservation of butterflies. FREE Tips and tricks for successful butterfly breeding Fri 19 April, 2pm-3pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come and learn from local butterfly breeder, Yvonne Duke, on how to successfully breed butterflies at home to support our native butterfly population. FREE

DIY dishwasher tablets Wed 17 April, 10am - 11:30am Montrose Library - 9800 6490 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Sally to learn how to make your own eco-friendly dishwasher tablets. A waste free, seriously money saving and kind to the environment change that is super easy! And the best thing is, they really work!! Ingredients supplied and samples available to take home to try. FREE

Recycle right Savvy tricks to make your food go the distance - storage to shopping Thu 11 April, 10am - 11am Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Maroondah Council’s Waste Educator as we learn how to reduce your food waste, minimise your soft plastics and store food to make it last longer. From how to store herbs, what canbe stored in your freezer and what to look for when you are in the supermarket. Learn simple tricks and share your own tips. FREE

Tue 14 May, 2pm - 3pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Confused about what can and can’t go into your kerbside rubbish, recycling and FOGO bins? Want to know how you can recycle difficult items like batteries and polystyrene? Come along to meet Council’s waste education officer and learn more about how to recycle right in Yarra Ranges. Ask all your waste-related questions and learn how you can recycle like a pro! FREE

Easy sustainable tips for your home

Toy and book swap

Thu 16 May, 2pm-3pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Mon 27 May - Sat 1 June (During opening hours) Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Vicki Hottes, passionate earth steward and award-winning small business co-owner of Soap Shakin Sisters, will offer you a range of gardening, recycling, and cleaning tips, the sustainable way. Learn how to make DIY chemical-free cleaning products, discover what’s available through local programs regarding reducing, recycling and reusing, and get in the loop on what’s happening in terms of recycling on a national level. FREE

Do you have toys, games and books in good condition that your children have grown out of, or are you looking for some new ones? Empty those toy boxes and bookshelves and bring them down to Ferntree Gully Library to swap with others. Donations will be accepted from Monday 20 May, or just bring them with you on the day. Any leftover goods will be donated to charity. FREE Please note that only books and toys in good condition will be accepted. We cannot accept baby/children’s clothing or furniture donations.

Urban greening and cooling Sat 25 May, 10:30am-11:30am Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Learn about urban greening and its impact on climate change in this workshop. Find out how trees, plants, and greenery create an urban forest that helps fight climate change. Understand how vegetation cools cities and reduces the urban heat island effect. Get practical tips for making an urban forest in your community through smart gardening and wildlife-focused methods. FREE Presented by Sustainable Gardening Australia.

HOME + GARDEN Your Library is bringing you the best in home, gardening, and healthy living workshops.

MOOROOLBARK GROWERS & WEEDERS 4th Tue of the month, 2pm-3:30pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Mooroolbark Community Garden Tue 26 March, 2pm-3:30pm

Gardening groups Join fellow gardening enthusiasts to learn or share knowledge in a welcoming environment. Groups feature guest presenters at some sessions. FREE MILLER’S MONTHLY PLANT, PRODUCE, SEED & RECIPE SWAP First Mon of the month, 1:30pm - 2:30pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au

SEED SAVING + PLANT SWAP 3rd Mon of the month, 3pm -4pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 events.yourlibrary.com.au

BAYSWATER’S MONTHLY PLANT & HARVEST SWAP 1st Tue of the month, 2:30 - 3:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Come along to hear from a member about the new Mooroolbark Community Garden who will give a presentation on the history of its formation, what’s happening now, how it is benefitting the local community, and how you can become involved. FREE

What is FOGO? Tue 23 April, 2pm-3:30pm Wanting to know more about what can go in your FOGO bin and where it goes? Do you treasure your environment and wish to do more to protect it? Come along to find out the answers, and more, from one of the Yarra Ranges Waste Education Officers. If you live in a unit, an apartment, or in a house, and if you don’t have the space or the time to manage a compost bin or a worm farm - this is for you! FREE Companion plants & plantings Tue 28 May, 2pm-3:30pm Knowing which plants thrive well together and which plants will attract gardenfriendly insects can be the key to a successful veggie garden. Join Sue White, Horticulturalist and keen gardener, to learn about the purpose of companion plants, the great variety of such plants available, and how they can enhance your own garden. FREE

CROYDON GARDENING GROUP 2nd Wed of the month, 10am-11am Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Plant swap & chat Wed 13 March, 10am-11am Come along for a cuppa and chat with some like-minded garden enthusiasts, bring a plant cutting or some seedlings to swap. Check out the Seed Library and bring some seeds to share. FREE

GULLY GARDNERS Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au Begonias Mon 25 March, 2pm-3:30pm Join Marilyn from the Begonia Society for an informative session on begonias, including learning about the different varieties, success with growing and taking cuttings. FREE Marilyn will be selling some potted plants at the end of the session (cash only).

What’s the buzz about bees Wed 10 April, 10am-11am With years of experience with beekeeping, Claire will explain the benefits of beekeeping for you, the bees and the environment. She will also talk about some of the equipment required, the best position for the hive, the most beneficial plants to have in your garden, maintenance, and more. Once your hive is up and buzzing, the bees, and the environment, will thank you for it! FREE Tea and coffee cup succulent planting workshop Wed 24 April, 11am-12pm Come along and join Ajne for a fun tea and coffee cup succulent planting workshop. All materials will be supplied. FREE A taste of permaculture Wed 8 May, 10am-11am

Flower pressing workshop Wed 22 May, 11am-12pm

In celebration of International Permaculture Day, Jane Coleman, from Earth and Soul Permaculture, will share her passion for Permaculture with an explanation of its definition, what zones are, and all the concepts and resources you need to start your permaculture experience. FREE

Join Ajne and Pam for a sustainable flower pressing workshop, where you will learn how to press flowers using a discarded book and some baking paper. All materials will be supplied however you are welcome to bring some flowers from your garden to share if you wish. FREE

YARRA JUNCTION PLANTERS 3rd Wed of the month Yarra Junction Library - 9800 6462 events.yourlibrary.com.au Raffia weaving with Monika Wed 20 March, 11am-12pm Join Monika to learn the art of Raffia basket weaving. She will show you how to take fibres from the landscape and create something useful, practical and beautiful. FREE Caring for your roses and shrubs Wed 17 April, 11am-12pm Meet Thomas, a nursery expert at Lilydale Bunnings. Thomas will be discussing the importance of maintaining your secateurs and ways of pruning and fertilising to minimise disease and get the best out of your roses and shrubs. FREE

Belgrave Food Garden - working bees 4th Thu of the month, 2pm - 3pm + 2nd Sun of the month, 10am - 12pm Belgrave Food Garden, 1624 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au A recurring monthly community event held at the Belgrave Food Garden, rain or shine. An opportunity to get involved with our thriving community garden, meet other locals, and learn or share skills amongst our knowledgeable volunteer base. This is a drop-in style event, arrive at any time, stay as long as you are able. All tools are provided and no gardening knowledge is required! FREE Morning tea provided at the Sunday working bee.

Recipe swap KNOX GREENTHUMB GARDENERS 3rd Fri of the month, 2pm-3pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us at Knox Library where gardening enthusiasts connect and share! The library is the perfect place to connect with likeminded individuals, share experiences, and cultivate a thriving community. FREE

First Mon of the month, 1:30pm - 2:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us at Bayswater Library for a casual monthly get together where we chat about food and cooking. This is a fun social activity to share some of your recipes as well as expanding your personal recipe book! Ages 15 - adult. FREE

Companion planting & mini market Sat 2 March, 10:30am-12:30pm Montrose Library - 9800 6490 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Pat at Montrose Library and hear how plants can support each other in the garden. After the talk, the Montrose Community Cupboard will have a mini market. Attendees of the talk will have first access to the market. FREE

Water kefir & kombucha: the what, the why and the how Wed 20 March, 11am-12pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au Ever wondered about the benefits of drinking kombucha or water kefir? Come to this session to learn what these drinks are, why they are beneficial for your health and wellbeing, and how you can start making your own. FREE

Cooking with succulents Tue 5 March, 1:30pm - 2:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Adrian, from The Love of Succulents, will demonstrate how to cook with a variety of succulents. Adrian’s expert demonstration will give you the confidence to get started in the kitchen. Come along and join us for a fun event and get inspired by Adrian’s passion for succulents! FREE

Attracting wildlife to the garden Fri 15 March, 2pm - 3pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join horticulturist Jill Weatherhead as she discusses plants, ponds and more to attract wildlife to the garden. Discover the best sources for indigenous plants in the Dandenong Ranges, find out who can help guide beginners, and learn about some exotic plants that attract wildlife, from flowers for honeyeaters and butterflies, to shrubs that promote bird nesting. FREE

Permaculture workshop with Matt Daniele of PEACE Farm Thu 21 March, 2pm - 4pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Matt Daniele of PEACE Farm in this 2 hour workshop, to gain knowledge in: • The permaculture concept and principles • How permaculture can be applied in the home garden • Nutrient cycling • Diversity of habitats and production • Animal integration • Garden layout to maximise efficiency A Yarra Ranges Council ‘Gardens for Harvest’ event. FREE

Pasta Love - Author talk + Pasta-making demonstration with Jaclyn Crupi Thu 21 March, 2pm - 3pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au According to Jaclyn Crupi – a proud Italian-Australian pasta maker and devotee - pasta is love, pasta is life. Her book Pasta Love, is a celebration of pasta and the people who make it. Join Jaclyn to learn how to make fresh pasta at home and how to improve your dried pasta dishes (unlock the secrets of starchy salty pasta cooking water). Hear stories of the incredible pasta nonne (Italian grandmothers) Jaclyn has been making pasta with and learn their pastamaking ways. Jaclyn will demonstrate how to make a semola rimacinata flour and water pasta dough and then shape it into cavatelli, orecchiette, fusilli al ferretto, lorighittas and many more pasta shapes. So if you’re keen to give pasta making a go, or you just love all things pasta, this is the event for you. FREE

Seasonal planting Tue 2 April, 1:30pm-2:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Christine at Bayswater Library as she discusses which tasks you can do in different seasons to prepare your garden for planting. FREE

Regenerative gardening & mini market Sat 6 April, 10:30am-12:30pm Montrose Library - 9800 6490 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Pat at Montrose Library to discuss growing plants while keeping the environment in mind. After the talk, the Montrose Community Cupboard will have a mini market. FREE

Grow your own garlic Wed 17 April, 11am-12:30pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au There is nothing like homegrown garlic and April is the perfect time to get those cloves in the ground! Join Garlic farmer, Siobhan, from Yarra Valley Garlic as she shares her tips and tricks for garlicgrowing success. FREE

Meet ‘The Vegan Home Baker’, Georgia Irwin Fri 19 April, 11am-12pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come and join Georgia Irwin, the visionary behind “The Kindness Echoes” and the accomplished author of The Vegan Home Baker, at Belgrave Library. Georgia embraced a vegan lifestyle, yet her nostalgic yearnings for the baked treats of her youth persisted. Over several years, she dedicated herself to tinkering with cherished family recipes, until she successfully crafted vegan versions of these timeless classics. Georgia will also provide a demonstration on crafting a vegan lemon tart. FREE

Habitat gardening Wed 17 April, 1:30pm-2:30pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au As our suburbs lose trees and backyards become smaller, habitat for native wildlife is lost, and their populations diminish, some species are at risk of being lost altogether. Any garden, even a small one, can become a safe and welcoming stopping off point or shelter for our local birds and insects. Learn how you can start making your patch a little wildlife oasis. FREE This event is proudly brought to you by the Backyard Vegetable.

Rose pruning made easy Tue 7 May, 1:30pm-2:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us at this session with Beth Williams, an International Rose Judge - you will be surprised, and go home with renewed enthusiasm for your roses!

Backyard chickens Mon 22 April, 10am-11am Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Rose pruning can be easy. Learn when is the best time to get those rose bushes back to their best, maximising the number and quality of blooms from each bush. Learn the life cycle of your roses, and learn hints on how to make your roses the envy of the neighbourhood. All your questions answered! FREE

Are you interested in setting up your own chicken coop? Do you want to know what it takes to look after chickens in your backyard? Keeping chickens as pets can be a beneficial and rewarding experience. Join us at Realm Library and Claire will discuss how to care for your chickens and talk about their housing and maintenance requirements. FREE

Introduction to permaculture Basin Backyard beekeeping Mon 29 April, 10am-11am Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us and the team at Basin Backyard to learn about all things bees! You’ll hear all about beekeeping, the health benefits of honey and all other bee related information.This will be a fun and informative session. FREE

Thu 30 May, 11am-12:30pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au You may have heard the term Permaculture and think it’s just another name for organic gardening. Here’s your opportunity to learn a little about this concept that had its origins in Australia and has now spread around the world. FREE

CREATIVE + CRAFTY Unleash your inner artist and let your creativity run wild by joining in the fun at our crafty workshops and groups

Knit + crochet groups Come along to our friendly knitting and crochet groups where you can craft in good company! BYO needles/hooks and yarn. Bookings required where indicated*. FREE

Crochet & conversation

Every Mon, 10am - 12pm* Belgrave Library - 9800 6489

Adult colouring groups

Every Mon, 12:30pm - 2:30pm Rowville Library - 9800 6443

Relax, unwind and enjoy some creative time with others, at one of our regular colouring groups. BYO materials. Bookings required where indicated*. FREE

Every Mon, 6pm - 7pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488

Miller’s colouring circle*

4th Mon of the month, 1pm-3pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989

Creative colouring*

1st Thu of the month, 2pm - 3:30 pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457

Colour + colouring*

2nd Thu of the month, 2pm - 3:30pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455

Croydon colouring circle

Chat and crochet*

Every 2nd Mon, 1:30pm-3pm Knox Library - 9800 6470

Crochet with Mandy

2nd Wed of the month, 10am-11:30am Montrose Library - 9800 6490

Knit and natter*

2nd Thu of the month, 1:30pm-3:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498

Knit and crochet for charity

1st Fri of the month, 2pm - 3pm* Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455

Every 2nd Thu, 2pm-3pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448

3rd Fri of the month, 1pm-2pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488

A colourful life*

Community crochet*

2nd Fri of the month, 2pm-3:30pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480

Colour me happy!*

3rd Fri of the month, 2pm-3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430

4th Fri of the month, 1:30pm - 3:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498

Australian Crafters’ Aid Network (ACAN)

1st Sat of the month, 1pm - 3pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489

Craft groups

Art for wellbeing with Mountain District Learning Centre

Grab your current craft project and join us for a chat, skill-sharing, and a cuppa with friendly fellow crafters. Bookings required where indicated*. FREE

Every Mon, 6pm - 7pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Get crafty*

Every Tue, 10am - 12pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Open craft sessions

Every Thu, 5:30pm - 7pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au

3rd Mon of the month, 1:30pm - 3pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 Every Wed, 2:15pm - 4pm Montrose Library - 9800 6490

Crafternoons at Miller’s

With art, there is no right or wrong! Thinking differently helps increase confidence and improves mental and physical health. Come and try some creative activities with the lovely team from Mountain District Learning Centre. FREE

Mooroolbark Craft Corner

Art for wellbeing with artist Anudeepa Kadiresan

Healesville Crafters

4th Mon of the month, 9:30 - 11:30am Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Rowville Craft Group

2nd Wed of the month, 2 -3pm Rowville Library - 9800 6443 3rd Wed of the month, 1:30pm - 3:30pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 3rd Wed of the month, 2pm - 3:30pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 First Thu of the month, 10am-12pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497

Croydon crafters

Every 2nd Thu, 2pm - 3pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448

Ferny crafternoony* - Paint by numbers

4th Fri of the month, 2pm - 3:30pm ($5 per session) Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455

Lyrebird Quilters

3rd Sat of the month, 1pm - 4pm (Fees apply) - Belgrave Library 9800 6489

Connect with others through creativity in the beautiful boardroom at Miller’s Homestead. Join artist, Anudeepa Kadiresan, at these monthly art workshops to encourage you to be courageous and pursue your passion in art. All materials are provided and you can help yourself to tea or coffee during the session. FREE

Creative embroidery 3rd Fri of the month, 2pm-4pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come along to learn new embroidery techniques through guided projects, using mainly felt. FREE Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.

Creative time with watercolour pencils

Please note : materials are not supplied for this class. Please bring along your own supply kit which includes: soft felt, needles, pins, cottons, small sharp scissors, needle/ pin cushion, needle threader

Every Wed, 2pm-3pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 events.yourlibrary.com.au Have you ever tried watercolour pencils? Join in to try them out and have some relaxing, creative time. This is a drop in activity. We will have help and guidance on the first Wednesday of the month, with practice time on the other three Wednesdays. FREE

Drawing for adults with Noah 2nd Thu of the month, 2pm-3pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join local artist Noah who will facilitate drawing sessions with a focus on loosening up, learning to notice and focus, whilst looking at old and new methods. Subject matter will range from still life, nature, portraiture, and more. No experience required. Materials provided, all welcome! FREE

Introduction to watercolour painting - workshop Wed 20 March, 10am - 12pm Montrose Library - 9800 6490 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join local artist, Mary, to explore basic watercolour techniques. FREE Materials supplied.

Clay Easter decorations Meet the Artist: Rachel Williamson Thu 7 March, 2pm-3pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Local artist Rachel Williamson (ChazownCreative) has been creating her own work for years, and is excited to be sharing her journey as an emerging artist with her unique take on the world.

Thu 21 March, 2pm - 3pm Mooroolbark Library - 9800 6480 events.yourlibrary.com.au Use air-dry clay to create and decorate your very own Easter eggs and decorations with Jeanette! FREE Optional: BYO cookie cutters to make different shapes with the clay. Some simple cookie cutters will be provided.

Join us to hear Rachel discuss her artistic journey and process, and the intersection between art and mindfulness. FREE Rachel will also have a display of her works available for viewing and purchase after the event.

Vintage-style handmade necklaces Zine workshop Sun 10 March, 12pm - 1:30pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come to Healesville Library and learn how to make zines. Zines are fun and easy to make - no experience needed. Local zine maker Cora Zon will be on hand to help! FREE

Tue 26 March, 1:30pm-2:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Let your creativity flow and make these stunning necklaces using cotton, paper, cardboard, beads and buttons at this beginner-friendly workshop. Lots of fun to make, they are also a great way of recycling your sewing supplies. FREE Materials supplied. Feel free to BYO beads.

Greeting card workshops Join us to create some beautiful greeting cards for your loved ones! FREE

With the Basin Community House Fri 12 April, 2pm - 3pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488

Cricut card making

Thu 18 April, 2pm-3pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457

Introduction to card making with Mandy

Wed 24 April, 10am-11:30am Montrose Library - 9800 6490

Collage + cool tunes: Workshop with Kelly Sullivan Fri 5 April, 4pm-6pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au Be inspired to take part in the ‘Art of the Lyric’ challenge as part of our ‘Immersed in Music’ month (brought to you by Knox City Council) at this vibrant workshop by internationally renowned collage artist, Kelly Sullivan. Enjoy vintage vinyl spinning in the background and snacks and refreshments to get the ideas flowing.) Collage is a process of painting with scissors, glue, and found materials, much used in the music posters and flyers of the 1970s and 1980s. By the workshop’s end, you’ll be creating your own vibrant, dynamic collage art and mastering the Yin and Yang of collage composition. Warning: Collage is highly addictive! (Ages 15 - adult) FREE

Capture the magic of autumn with leafy impressions Mon 15 April, 11am-12:30pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Print fine details of each leaf, tonal colours and textures at their peak. Collage and turn into beautiful artwork and cards. No experience necessary. FREE

Kat’s raffia keyrings Wed 17 April, 10:30am-12pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come and join us at Bayswater Library and enjoy Kat’s raffia keyring workshop. FREE

Book folding workshops

Crochet for beginners

Up-cycle old books into beautiful homedecor at these relaxing book folding sessions. FREE

Tue 7 May, 1pm-3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Autumn heart book folding with Nerys (beginner-friendly) Ages 12 - adult Fri 19 April, 10:30am - 12pm Ferntree Gully Library - 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to crochet, then this is the event for you! Join Kaye Adolphson from the Central Ringwood Community Centre for a beginners’ class and learn the basics of crocheting. Attendees will practice their new found skills on a small item that they will take home with them at the end of the event. FREE

Mother’s Day book folding with Kay (beginner-friendly) Adult session Mon 29 April, 1:30pm - 3pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Hooks and yarn will be supplied but feel free to bring your own 4mm hook and 8 ply wool.

Mindful slow stitch with textile artist, Karen Ridley Fri 10 May, 11am-12pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Meet local Artist: Margaret McLoughlin Wed 1 May, 11am-12pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join talented local artist, Margaret McLoughlin, to hear how her work is inspired by a passion for vibrant colour, pattern, design, strong form and also working regularly from the figure. Margaret will also take us through her sketchbooks to illustrate her approach to painting landscapes, whilst sharing her inspiration and journey to creating her stunning works. FREE

The workshop will explore the use of stitches without any predetermined design, releasing the need to control, and allowing the colour and stitch to dictate the end result. This is a simple and easy way to relax and with the inclusion of a slow stitch kit with fabric, thread, and needle you will be able to take your stitched item home and continue using this mindful and relaxing tool. No experience needed! FREE

Unveiling Origami mastery: How to craft beginner marvels Sat 11 May, 1pm-3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Melbourne Origami Group and enjoy a workshop where you will learn the ancient Japanese technique of paper folding to create something unique and interesting to take home with you. FREE

Macramé for beginners Wed 15 May, 1pm-3pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come along to this beginners’ macramé class with Lynn Foster, and learn the basics that will enable you to make macramé at home. Attendees will practice their new found skills on a small item that they will take with them at the end of the event. FREE

Watercolour workshop with Qing Sat 25 May, 10:30am-11:30am Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join Qing at Bayswater Library in another amazing watercolour workshop! This time you will be shown how to paint a seagull surrounded by the ocean. Cost $5 Please bring along 2-3 x A4 300 gsm sheets, 3-4 x watercolour paints (primary colours) and 3 x synthetic watercolour brushes (1 round mop, 1 smaller round brush and 1 flat brush)

Bad art night Develop your Photographic Vision with the Yarra Ranges Photographic Society (YRPS) Sat 25 May, 10:30am-11:30am Lilydale Library - 9800 6457 events.yourlibrary.com.au In this presentation, Rob Wagner, President of the Yarra Ranges Photographic Society (YRPS), will offer tips on improving your photographic storytelling using thoughtful composition techniques. Whether you use a powerful DSLR camera or a modern smartphone, you can get great results that speak to you and your audience. FREE

Thu 30 May, 6pm-7pm Realm Library - 9800 6430 events.yourlibrary.com.au Come along and join in the fun as Realm hosts it’s inaugural Bad Art Night! If you have absolutely no artistic talent at all, then this is where you shine! Led by our very own (sometimes) bad artist, Sarah, you can rest assured this is a no pressure, judgement free zone, where you are free to create the worst kind of art you can come up with. Bring along your enthusiasm and your lack of artistic flair and let’s get painting! All materials supplied. FREE

LIVE MUSIC + EXHIBITIONS Immerse yourself in art, music, and travelling exhibitions without having to leave the library! Free paintings for you! Month long exhibitions beginning Fri 1 March, Tue 2 April + Wed 1 May Weekdays - 10am-4pm Boronia Library - 9800 6488 events.yourlibrary.com.au Enjoy our monthly exhibitions of free paintings donated by local community artist, Elio! Please come to the desk to register your interest. Winning ‘bids’ announced at the end of each month. FREE

B is for Bravo - Diorama Exhibition Now until 15 March, 2024 (During opening hours) Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the book B is for Bravo, Miller’s Homestead presents an exhibition of extraordinary dioramas by author/illustrator Kevin Burgemeestre (1957-2016). B is for Bravo celebrates 100 years of aviation and introduces children to the phonetic alphabet, a system of words that communicate call signs. Visit the house on Friday afternoons from 4pm 5pm to view videos of Kevin creating his wonderful dioramas from recycled materials. FREE

Let me be myself: the life story of Anne Frank - travelling exhibition Mon 4 March - Sat 20 April, 2024 (During opening hours) Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au The Anne Frank travelling exhibition has been touring Australia since 2013. It contains eight historical modules. The first part focuses on the story of Anne Frank and her family. Large pictures are used to give an impression of her life, from her birth in Frankfurt in 1929 to her death in Bergen-Belsen in 1945. Her personal story is complemented by photographs and texts about the time in which she lived: the rise of national socialism, the persecution of the Jews, and the Second World War. The second part of the exhibition centres around contemporary subjects. Seven modules contemporize the story of Anne Frank, showing how the struggle against persecution and discrimination is still relevant in today’s society and how young people in Australia are still experiencing bullying. FREE

Knox Photographic Society: 50th Anniversary Exhibition Tue 19 March - Fri 17 May, 2024 (During opening hours) Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au Miller’s Homestead will showcase the work of the Knox Photographic Society in celebration of their 50th anniversary. KPS are a friendly and very active photography club, based in Boronia. FREE Bookings not required. Meet the photographers and join us as we celebrate the launch of their book - Knox Photographic Society - Celebrating 50 years at a special event on Fri, 12 April 5:30pm-7.30pm. There will be live music and refreshments served. FREE Come along to some fun learning sessions with the members of KPS: Wed 8 May, 10am-12pm Photographing people Learn some tips on how to take great photos of your favourite people (Ages 15+). FREE Wed 10 April, 10am-12pm Taking great photos of people (for kids) Learn some tips and tricks on taking beautiful photos of your favourite people. A special children’s workshop for the school holidays (Ages 10-14). FREE

Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp, K.299 Fri 22 March, 4pm-4:45pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join this talented new trio with Stephanie Lai on flute, Grae Widarja on harp, and Melissa Kwok on piano, as they treat us to a performance of Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp, K.299, in the delightful Miller’s Parlour. This Mozart Concerto is a charming example of enlightened salon music in which Mozart’s individuality can be seen to be emerging. FREE

The Suitcase - a textile art exhibition Sat 23 March, 10:30am - 11:30am Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au From time to time, the Australian Textile Arts and Surface Design Association’s National Committee sends out an exhibition of small surface design works in a suitcase. The suitcase travels by post from one venue to another, anywhere in Australia; this March it comes to Belgrave Library. FREE

FUN + FRIENDSHIP Come along and meet kindred spirits at these fun and inclusive regular and one-off events.

Lilydale Lakeside chess club*

1st Wed of the month, 5pm- 7:30 pm Lilydale Library - 9800 6457

Chess at Bayswater*

2nd Wed of the month, 2:30pm - 3:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498

Mahjong* Let the games begin!

1st Thu of the month, 1:30pm - 3:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498

Whether you love board games, card games, or chess, we have a game for you! Join us at our friendly regular social games groups. *Bookings required FREE

Board games in the hills*

Bridge social group

4th Thu of the month, 1:30pm - 3:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498

Every Mon, 11:30am -1pm Knox Library - 9800 6470

Upwey Bridge Club

1st & 3rd Mon of the month, 7pm - 9pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489

Scrabble at Bayswater*

4th Mon of the month, 1:30pm - 3:30pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498

Ranges chess club

Every Tue during school terms Beginners and Juniors 6:30pm - 7pm Social Chess: 7pm - 10pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489

Healesville games group

1st Tue of the month, 2 - 3pm Healesville Library - 9800 6497

Gin Rummy Social Group*

Every 2nd Tue of the month, 1 - 3pm Knox Library - 9800 6470

1st Thu of the month, 7:30pm - 8:30pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489

Rummikub*

Knox chess enthusiasts

Every Fri from 12pm-5:30pm Rowville Library - 9800 6443

Drop in cards + chat*

Every Wed, 12:30pm-3:30pm Every Fri, 1pm - 4pm (During school terms) Yarra Junction Library - 9800 6462

Board Games at Rowville

Every Sat, 1pm-5pm Rowville Library - 9800 6443

Scrabble at Croydon

1st Sat of the month, 2pm-3pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448

Realm board gaming

2nd Sat of the month,11am - 4pm Realm Library - 9800 6430

AFOL LEGO night

Brain Games

3rd Tue of the month, 6pm - 7:30pm Ferntree Gully Library- 9800 6455 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Mondays, 11am - 1pm Bayswater Library - 9800 6498

Calling all AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO)! Come along to Ferntree Gully Library for our adult LEGO night where we will have building challenges, share builds and projects, and meet fellow AFOLs. Snacks and drinks provided. FREE

Wednesdays, 11:30am - 1:30pm Knox Library - 9800 6470

Dungeons & Dragons Would you like to play D&D at Belgrave Library’s regular sessions? Put your name on the waiting list so you’ll be the first to know when places become available (ages 10 - adult). Please see staff at Belgrave Library or call 9800 6489 to register your interest. FREE

Tuesdays, 1:30pm - 3pm Rowville Library - 9800 6443

Fridays, 9:30am - 11am Boronia Library - 9800 6488 Maintain, train and improve your brain with fun activities. Regular brain exercises may help maintain or improve your thinking skills. Bookings not required. FREE Presented by Mountain District Learning Centre. Sessions run during school terms.

Magic: the Gathering Every Wed, 4pm - 5:30pm Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au Join us in a casual session to play this popular card game, summoning monstrous creatures and casting epic spells. Don’t know how to play? No problems, come and learn! New players may receive a free welcome pack (while limited stocks last). Ages 10+ FREE Booking only necessary for new players, for teaching purposes. Runs 2pm - 5:30pm during the school holidays. Proudly sponsored by Games Portal.

Jigsaw puzzle swaps 1st & 3rd Sat, 10:30am - 11:30am Bayswater Library - 9800 6498 events.yourlibrary.com.au Tired of completing the same puzzle over and over again? Bring it along and trade it for one that’s new to you! FREE Puzzles must be at least 500 pieces, in good condition, with no missing pieces. No children’s puzzles please.

Mates at Miller’s - social group 4th Wed of the month, 1:30pm-3:30pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Knox City Chinese Social Club Every Mon, 1pm-3pm (from 8 April) Knox Library - 9800 6470 events.yourlibrary.com.au

Join us for a fun, social, inclusive/all abilities, monthly group for men. Connect, share knowledge, have fun and make friends! We will have a fun activity to do, topic to discuss, game to play, or project to work on whilst enjoying a cuppa. FREE Carers and support staff welcome.

Knox City Chinese Social Club is back! Join us for a weekly get-together for members of the Knox Chinese community. FREE

Accordion music group 2nd & 4th Mon of the month, 7pm - 9pm Belgrave Library - 9800 6489 events.yourlibrary.com.au Are you an accordion player? Belgrave Library is proud to host a group of local accordionists who gather to play and practice in an informal and welcoming environment. This group is open to all who have some level of experience playing the accordion. Come and join us for a fun musical evening with fellow accordion enthusiasts! FREE

Sign + sandwich - Auslan chat Every 3rd Sun of the month, 12pm-2pm Croydon Library - 9800 6448 events.yourlibrary.com.au Calling all Auslan students and enthusiasts! Come along to practice your signing with others in a relaxed environment, and gain more confidence communicating with the Deaf community. FREE All Auslan language levels are welcome. Bring your own hot or cold drinks and lunch or snacks (no hot food, please). Please note: This is not an Auslan class.

Movie lovers groups Do you love watching and chatting about movies? You’ve come to the right place! Join our friendly movie lovers groups to watch some great movies. All welcome! *Bookings required FREE

Realm Movie Matinee*

Every 2nd Mon, 2pm-4pm Realm Library - 9800 6430

Monday night at the movies*

3rd Mon of the month from 5:30pm-7:30pm (during school terms) Boronia Library - 9800 6488

Miller’s Community Choir Every Fri, 11am-12:30pm (During school terms) Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989 events.yourlibrary.com.au Have you been looking for the opportunity to join a relaxed, fun, community choir that meets during the day? Enjoy the mood enhancing and wellbeing benefits of singing with others while you learn a mixed repertoire from around the world. There will be no auditions and no requirement for ability to read music or previous choir experience. Our choir-masters are the wonderful and experienced choristers, Charmaine Schmidt and Barb McFarlane. Members will be required to pay by term (8 weeks) to secure your space in the choir. Cost $80 per term.

Around Film*

2nd Wed of the month, 11am Coffee / tea provided. BYO lunch. Yarra Junction Library - 9800 6462

Realm in Motion - Weekly movie club* Every Fri during school terms. 6pm - 8pm (all ages) Realm Library - 9800 6430

Miller’s Matinee*

2nd Fri of the month, 1:30pm - 3:30pm Miller’s Homestead - 0438 284 989

Browse events by library BAYSWATER

Cooking with succulents - Tue 5 March, 1:30pm - 2:30pm 53 Free hearing checks with Hearing Australia - Tue 19 March + Wed 29 May, 1:30pm-4pm 39 Vintage-style handmade necklaces - Tue 26 March, 1:30pm-2:30pm 60 Seasonal planting - Tue 2 April, 1:30pm-2:30pm 54 Exploring diversity and culture with YA Author Rebecca Lim - Fri 5 April, 11am-12pm 09 Kat’s raffia keyrings - Wed 17 April, 10:30am-12pm 62 Waste education pop-up at Your Library - Mon 22 April, 10:30am - 12:20pm 47 Navigating the Aged Care system with Care Finder - Tue 23 April, 1:30-2:30pm 29 Mother’s Day book folding with Kay - Mon 29 April, 1:30pm - 3pm 63 Rose pruning made easy - Tue 7 May, 1:30pm-12:30pm 56 Boosting your energy with food and nutrition strategies - Wed 8 May, 1:30pm-2:30pm 45 Scam safety - Fri 10 May, 1:30pm-2:15pm 24 Home + accommodation options with Services Australia- Wed 22 May, 1:30pm-2:30pm 30 Biggest Morning Tea- Thu 23 May, 10am - 12pm 03 Meet the Author: Megan Rogers - Thu 23 May, 6pm-7pm 14 Watercolour workshop with Qing - Sat 25 May, 10:30am-11:30am 64 Conversation Circle (English conversation) - Mondays 9:30am -10:30am 26 Brain games with MDLC - Mondays, 11am - 1pm 68 Recipe swap - 1st Mon of the month, 1:30pm - 2:30pm 52 Get crafty - 3rd Mon of the month, 1:30pm - 3pm 58 Scrabble at Bayswater - 4th Mon of the month, 1:30 - 3:30pm 67 Bayswater’s monthly plant & harvest swap - First Tue of the month, 2:30pm - 3:30pm 50 NDIS Connection Desk - 1st Wed of the month, 10am-12pm 41 Seniors chat & coffee - 1st & 3rd Wed of the month, 1:30pm - 2:30pm 30 Chess at Bayswater - 2nd Wed of the month, 2:30pm - 3:30pm 67 Novel-teas Bookclub - 4th Wed of the month at 11am 15 Art for wellbeing with MDLC - Thursdays, 5:30pm - 7pm 58 Mahjong afternoons - 1st Thu of the month, 1:30 - 3:30 pm 67 Knit and natter - 2nd Thu of the month, 1:30pm - 3:30pm 57 Bayswater Book Lovers - 2nd Thu of the month at 6pm 15 Bayswater Bookchat - 3rd Thu of the month at 1:30pm 15 Rummikub - 4th Thu of the month, 1:30pm - 3:30pm 67 Drop in one-on-one career service - 1st Fri of the month, 10am - 12pm 27 Community crochet - 4th Fri of the month, 1:30pm - 3:30pm 57 Jigsaw puzzle swaps - 1st + 3rd Sat of the month, 10:30am - 11:30am 68

BELGRAVE

Let me be myself: the life story of Anne Frank exhibition - Mon 4 March - Sat 20 April 65 Meet the Author: Donna M Cameron - Sat 9 March, 10am-11am 06 Attracting wildlife to the garden - Fri 15 March, 2pm - 3pm 53 Book launch - Banksia Close by Cass Rowe - Sat 16 March, 10:30am-11:30am 07 Meet the Author: Kate Mildenhall - Thu 18 March, 6:30pm-7:30pm 11 Pasta Love - Author talk + Pasta-making demonstration - Thu 21 March, 2pm - 3pm 54 Women in History: Elizabeth Austin - Fri 22 March, 10am - 11am 32 The Suitcase - a textile art exhibition - Sat 23 March, 10:30am - 11:30am 66 Women in the shadows of Streeton, Roberts and McCubbin - Wed 27 March, 2pm-3pm 33 Baby massage - Wed 17 April, 2pm-3pm 42 Meet ‘The Vegan Home Baker’, Georgia Irwin - Fri 19 April, 11am-12pm 55

(BELGRAVE Cont.)

An introduction to structural editing with writer Pauline Hosking -Sat 20 April, 10am-12pm 16 Self-healing practices to nourish the soul - Sat 27 April, 10:30am-12pm 43 Cloud storage 101 - Thu 2 May, 2pm-3pm 22 Lose weight while eating your favourite food - Fri 3 May, 11am-12pm 44 People pleasing - Sat 4 May, 10:30am-11:30am 44 Mindful slow stitch with textile artist, Karen Ridley - Fri 10 May, 11am-12pm 63 Easy sustainable tips for your home - Thu 16 May, 2pm-3pm 49 Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor - information session - Sat 25 May, 10:30am-11:30am 27 Urban greening and cooling - Sat 25 May, 10:30am-11:30am 49 Crochet & conversation - Mondays, 10am -12pm 57 Accordion music group - 2nd & 4th Mon of the month, 7pm - 9pm 69 Upwey Bridge Club - 1st & 3rd Mon of the month, 7pm - 9pm 67 Laptop essentials - Tuesdays, 10am-12pm 20 Art for wellbeing with MDLC - Tuesdays, 10am -12pm 58 Belgrave Book Chat - 3rd Wed of the month at 10:30am-11:30am 15 Emerald Ladies Writing Group - 2nd Wed of the month, 6pm -8pm 19 Love, peace, harmony, meditation - Every Thu, 10:30am - 11:30am 37 Board games in the hills - 1st Thu of the month, 7:30pm - 8:30pm 67 Drawing for adults with Noah - 2nd Thu of the month, 2pm - 3pm 59 French book club - 3rd Thu of the month, 6:30pm 15 Belgrave Food Garden working bees - 4th Thu of the month, 2pm - 3pm + 2nd Sun of the month, 10am - 12pm 52 Yoga at the Library - Every Friday, 9:30am - 10:15am 36 Australian Crafters’ Aid Network (ACAN) - First Sat of the month, 1 - 3pm 57 Mountain Ash Chapter - 2nd Sat of the month, 10am - 12pm 19 Lyrebird Quilters - 3rd Sat of the month, 1pm-4pm 58 Ranges Chess Club and Board Games in the Hills - various dates/times 67

BORONIA

How smart is your smartphone? Sat 2 & 29 March, 20 April + 4 May, 10am - 12pm 21 Waste education pop-up - Fri 15 March, 9am - 12pm 47 Eat and learn with Tracey - Fri 22 March & 17 May, 2pm-3pm 23 Editing your writing with YA Author Rebecca Lim: Fri 5 April, 4pm - 5pm 17 Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor - information session - Wed 10 April, 11:30am-12:30pm 27 Greeting card workshop with the Basin Community House - Fri 12 April, 2pm - 3pm 62 Malta: Armchair travel talk with Maltese food tasting - Fri 19 April, 2pm-3pm 42 English records - Fri 26 April, 2pm-3pm 34 Women’s health + wellbeing - Fri 10 May, 1:30pm-2:30pm 45 Autumn courses with MDLC (various dates) 25 Free hearing checks with Hearing Australia - (various dates) 39 Free paintings for you (various dates) 65 Art for wellbeing with MDLC - Mondays, 6pm - 7pm 58 Crochet & conversation - Mondays, 6pm - 7pm 57 Monday night at the movies – 3rd Mon of the month, 5:30pm-7:30pm 70 Seed saving + plant swap - 3rd Mon of the month, 3pm - 4pm 50 Conversation Circle (English conversation) Tuesdays at 10am 26 Books and Beyond – 1st Tue of the month at 2pm-3pm 15 Creative time with watercolour pencils - Every Wed, 2pm-3pm 59 Brain Games with MDLC- Fridays, 9:30am - 11am 68 Seniors Morning Tea – Fridays, 11am - 12pm 30 Wellbeing at Boronia – Fridays, 11am - 1pm 38 Parkinson’s Support Group - 1st Fri of the month, 1pm - 2pm 38

Knit & crochet for charity – 3rd Fri of the month, 1pm - 2pm 57 Laughter yoga and meditation with Lynette - 1st Sat of the month, 11am-12pm 37

CROYDON

Getting to know your iPhone - Fri 1 March, 9:30am-10:30am 21 Meet the Author: Karen Kirsten in conversation - Wed 6 March, 2pm - 3pm 05 Plant swap & chat – Wed 13 March, 10am-11am 51 Reusable nappy workshop – Thu 14 March, 2pm - 4pm 47 Getting to know your Android phone - Fri 15 March, 9:30-10:30am 22 Wills and estate planning with Oliver Beaumont – Mon 18 March, 2pm - 3:30pm 28 NDIS Connection Desk– Wed 20 March, Mon 22 April & Fri 10 May, 10am - 12pm 41 What’s the buzz about bees – Wed 10 April, 10am-11am 51 Email basics – Fri 12 April, 9:30-10:30am 23 Meet the Author: Tony Birch - Wed 17 April, 2pm-3pm 10 From Pilgrim to Piper – Tue 23 April, 6pm -7pm 34 Getting to know your iPad tablet – Fri 26 April, 9:30-10:30am 24 Laughter is the best medicine (Autumn wellness talk) – Mon 29 April, 10:30am-12pm 43 Scam safety – Wed 1 May, 2pm-3pm 24 A taste of permaculture – Wed 8 May, 10am-11am 51 Getting to know your Android tablet - Fri 10 May, 9:30-10:30am 22 Ancestry Library Edition hands-on workshop – Tue 14 May, 9:30am-11am 35 Ancestry - personal subscriptions hands-on workshop – Tue 14 May, 11:30am-1pm 35 Connecting you to Aged Care services – Wed 15 May, 10am - 11am 30 Biggest Morning Tea - Wed 22 May, 10am - 12pm 03 Transferring your files – Fri 24 May, 9:30am-10:30am 23 Carer’s Cuppa – 3rd Mon of the month, 10am-12pm 38 Pageturners bookchat – 3rd Tue of the month at 2pm 15 Croydon Gardening Group – 2nd Wed of the month 51 Croydon crafters – Every 2nd Thu, 2pm - 3pm 58 Colouring circle – Every 2nd Thu, 2pm-3pm 57 Scrabble at Croydon – 1st Sat of the month, 2pm-3pm 67 Sign + sandwich - Auslan chat – Every 3rd Sun of the month, 12pm-2pm 69

FERNTREE GULLY

Knox Festival at Ferntree Gully Library – Sat 2 March, 10am - 5pm 02 Knox Repair Cafe Display - Mon 4 March - Thu 28 March 47 NDIS Connection Desk- Wed 6 March, 10am - 12pm 41 2024 Wood Dragon Feng Shui & Solar Astrology - Wed 6 March, 10am - 12pm 38 A nutritional approach to weight loss- Tue 12 March, 6:30pm-7:30pm 40 Transferring your files - Mon 18 March, 2pm-3pm 23 Visible mending workshop - Sat 23 March, 10am-12pm 47 Waste education pop-up - Sat 23 March, 10am-12pm 47 Gully Gardeners: Begonias - Mon 25 March, 2pm-3:30pm 51 Women in History: Edith Dickenson - Tue 26 March, 10am-11am 32 Writing workshop with YA Author Rebecca Lim - Fri 12 April, 11am-12:30pm 17 Running Rabbits: Military History Talk - Tue 16 April, 2pm-3:30pm 33 Navigating the Aged Care system with Care Finder - Thu 18 April, 2pm-3:30pm 29 Autumn heart bookfolding with Nerys - Fri 19 April, 10:30am - 12pm 63 Take a walk in virtual reality with Laura - Mon 22 April + Tue 23 April, 1pm-2pm & 2:30pm-3:30pm 24 Gully Gardeners: Tea cup & coffee cup succulent planting workshop - Wed 24 April, 11am-12pm 51 How to retire successfully with Andrea Jenkins - Tue 30 April, 6pm - 7:30pm 28 Free hearing checks with Hearing Australia- Fri 3 May, 1:30pm-3:30pm 39 What do I say? What do I do? Support after suicide workshop - Tue 7 May, 11am-1pm 44

(FERNTREE GULLY cont.) Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor - information session - Wed 8 May, 2:30pm-3:30pm 27 Meet local Author: Barbara McCarthy - Tue 14 May, 2pm-3:30pm 13 The power of gratitude on our health and wellbeing - Thu 16 May, 1:30pm-3pm 43 Gully Gardeners: Flower pressing workshop - Wed 22 May, 11am-12pm 51 Biggest Morning Tea - Thu 23 May, 10am - 12pm 03 Toy and book swap - Mon 27 May - Sat 1 June 49 Bring your horoscope alive with astrology - Wed 29 May, 10am-12pm 46 AFOL LEGO night - 3rd Tue of the month, 6pm - 7:30pm 68 Laughter yoga and meditation with Lynette - 4th Tue of the month, 2pm-3pm 37 Ferntree Gully Bookchat – 3rd Wed of the month, 2pm-3:30pm 15 Colour + colouring for adults - 2nd Thu of the month, 2pm - 3:30pm 57 Knit and crochet for charity - 1st Fri of the month, 2pm - 3pm 57 Ferny Crafternoony - paint by numbers – 4th Fri of the month, 2pm - 3:30pm 58

HEALESVILLE

Wayapa for wellbeing - Thu 7 & 21 March, 18 April, 16 & 30 May, 5:30pm-6:30pm 40 Connecting Community Festival - Sun 10 March, 10am 5pm 04 Zine workshop - Sun 10 March, 12pm - 1:30pm 60 How the Gaels lost their Indigeneity with Dr Colm McNaughton - Sat 16 March, 10:30am-12pm 32 Chair Yoga with Healesville Connect- Mon 18 March, 15 April & 13 May, 12pm-1pm 36 Phone photography basics - Tue 19 March, 2pm-3:30pm 21 Water kefir & kombucha: the what, the why and the how - Wed 20 March, 11am-12pm 53 NDIS Connection Desk - Thu 21 March & 16 May, 10am - 12pm 41 Healesville: from weatherboards and timber to tourism and wine - Thu 21 March, 2pm-3pm 33 Introduction to Wayapa - Sat 23 March, 10:30am-12pm 40 Where’s That Photo? Find, organise and share photos on your phone - Tue 16 April, 2pm-3:30pm 21 Community Lunch at Healesville Library - Thu 18 April, 12:30pm - 2pm 03 Creative storytelling - Sat 20 April, 10:30am-12:30pm 17 Quick and easy meals with Jill Hess - Thu 2 May, 2pm-4pm 44 Celtic mythology & storytelling workshop with Melanie Blacksmith - Sat 4 May, 11am-12:30pm 18 Learn to use Google Drive - Tue 21 May, 2:00pm-3:30pm 24 Talk the walk: Bushwalking in the Yarra Valley - Sat 25 May, 10:30am-11:30am 46 Healesville games group - 1st Tue of the month, 2 - 3 pm 67 Healesville bookchat - 3rd Tue of the month, 2pm - 3pm 15 Last Tuesday writers group - Last Tue of the month, 2pm-3pm 18 Healesville Family History Research Group - 1st Wed of the month, 10am-12pm 31 Healesville Crafters - First Thu of the month, 10am-12pm 58

KNOX

Meet the Author: Heather Morris – Thu 21 March, 6:30pm-7:30pm 08 Women in History: Dame Nellie Melba – Fri 22 March, 2pm-3pm 32 An introduction to Artificial Intelligence – Tue 26 March, 11am - 12pm 23 How to self-publish a book with Rania Battany – Thu 28 March, 6pm - 7:30pm 16 Meet YA Author: Rebecca Lim – Fri 5 April, 2pm-3pm 09 Capture the magic of autumn with leafy impressions – Mon 15 April, 11am-12:30pm 62 Waste education pop-up – Wed 17 April, 9am - 12pm 47 Romance Author panel – Thu 18 April, 6pm-7:30pm 11 Travel Tales: Costa Rica Adventures – Mon 22 April, 11am-12:30pm 42 Free hearing checks with Hearing Australia – Tue 23 April, 10:30am-12pm 39 Meet the Author: Karen Viggers – Tue 23 April, 2pm-3pm 12 Historical buildings of Knox– Sat 27 April, 10:30am-12pm 34 NDIS: Your questions answered, and then some – Mon 29 April, 11am-12pm 43 Meet the Author: Lesley McGee at Preschool Storytime –Tue 14 May, 11am-12pm 13 Understanding food labels – Mon 20 May, 11am-12pm 45

Healthy brains with Dr Cassandra Szoeke – Tue 21 May, 1:30pm-3pm 46 Women’s health: Managing stress and the mental load – Sat 25 May, 11am-12pm 45 Introduction to permaculture – Thu 30 May, 11am-12:30pm 56 Biggest Morning Tea – Date TBA 03 Bridge social group – Every Mon, 11:30am -1pm 67 Knox City Chinese Social Club – Every Mon, 1pm-3pm (from 8 April) 69 Chat and crochet – Every 2nd Mon, 1:30pm - 3pm 57 Drop in one-to-one career service – 3rd Mon of the month, 1pm, 2pm + 3pm 27 Gin Rummy Social Group – 2nd Tue of the month, 1 - 3pm 67 Brain Games – Wednesdays, 11:30am - 1:30pm 68 Magic: the gathering - Wednesdays, 4pm - 5:30pm 68 Conversation circle (English conversation) – Thursdays, 10am - 11am 26 Knox Writers – Thursdays, 5pm to 8pm 19 Knox GreenThumb Gardeners – 3rd Fri of the month, 2pm-3pm 52 Knox Bookchat – 4th Fri of the month, 10am-11am 15

LILYDALE

Permaculture workshop with Matt Daniele of PEACE Farm– Thu 21 March, 2pm - 4pm 53 History of the Yarra Valley Railway – Fri 22 March, 11am-12pm 33 Planning your future with Lawyers, Johnstone and Reimer – Wed 10 April, 11am - 12pm 28 Plant-based cooking with Betty Chetcuti – Fri 12 April, 11am-12:30pm 42 NDIS Connection Desk – Thu 18 April, 10am - 12pm 41 Cricut card making– Thu 18 April, 2pm-3pm 62 Family History & DNA – Fri 19 April, 2pm-3pm 34 Write your food memoir with Ruth Kenrick-Smith – Tue 23 April, 2pm-3pm 17 Meet local Artist: Margaret McLoughlin –Wed 1 May, 11am-12pm 63 Downloading apps - Fri 17 May, 2pm-3pm 21 Develop your Photographic Vision –Sat 25 May, 10:30am-11:30am 64 From breakdown to book release, with Author Leanne Margaret- Fri 31 May, 2pm-3:30pm 14 Lilydale seniors computer club – Mondays, 1pm + 2pm 30 Lilydale Lakeside chess club – 1st Wed of the month, 5pm - 7:30pm 67 Lilydale bookchat – 3rd Wed of the month at 10:30am 15 Bookish: The Lilydale Library bookclub – 4th Wed of the month at 10:30 am 15 Creative colouring – 1st Thu of the month, 2pm -3:30pm 57 Lilydale Lakeside Writers Group – 4th Fri of the month, 4pm-5pm 19

MILLER’S HOMESTEAD

B is for Bravo - Diorama Exhibition - Now until 15 March, 2024 65 Wiser Driver: Refresher course for over 50s - Wed 6, 13, 20 & 27 March, 10:30am - 12:30pm 29 Our local butterflies : Encouraging them into your garden- Fri 15 March, 2pm-3pm 48 Knox Photographic Society:50th Anniversary Exhibition - Tue 19 March - Fri 17 May 66 Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp, K.299 - Fri 22 March, 4pm-4:45pm 66 Pausing for calm, ease, and connection with Mandy Mercuri - Tue 26 March, 12pm-2pm 41 Collage + cool tunes: Workshop with Kelly Sullivan - Fri 5 April, 4pm-6pm 62 Chair Yoga with Ramki - Mon 8 April - 27 May, 10am-11am 36 Mindfulness based stress-reduction course - Tue 16 April - 18 June, 12:30pm-3pm 42 Grow your own garlic - Wed 17 April, 11am-12:30pm 54 Tips and tricks for successful butterfly breeding - Fri 19 April, 2pm-3pm 48 Craft-along Author Talk with Kate Solly- Fri 3 May, 2pm-3:30pm 12 Historical buildings of Knox- Tue 7 May, 10am-11am 34 Inside outside afternoons at Miller’s - Thu 16, 23, 30 May & 6 June, 4pm-5pm 39 Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor - information session - Tue 21 May, 10am-11am 27 Miller’s colouring circle - 4th Mon of the month, 1pm-3pm 57 Miller’s monthly plant, produce, seed + recipe swap – 1st Mon of the month, 1:30pm - 2:30pm 50

(MILLER’S HOMESTEAD cont.) Art for wellbeing with artist Anudeepa Kadiresan – 4th Mon of the month, 9:30am - 11:30am 58 Knox Genies at Miller’s Homestead – 2nd Tue of the month, 9:30am - 12pm 31 Mates at Miller’s - social group - 4th Wed of the month, 1:30pm-3:30pm 69 Words Aloud: poetry and spoken word sessions – 1st Wed of the month, 6pm -8pm 18 Crafternoons at Miller’s Homestead – 3rd Wed of the month, 1pm - 3:30pm 58 Miller’s Community Choir - Every Fri, 11am-12:30pm 70 Miller’s Matinee – 2nd Fri of the month, 1:30pm - 3:30pm 70

MONTROSE

Companion planting & mini market - Sat 2 March, 10:30am-12:30pm 53 Free hearing checks with Hearing Australia - Wed 6 March, 10am-11am 39 Women in History: Elizabeth Gould - Tue 19 March, 10am - 11am 32 Introduction to watercolour painting - workshop - Wed 20 March, 10am - 12pm 60 Kylie Orr: Her journey to The Eleventh Floor - Wed 27 March, 10:30am-12pm 09 Regenerative gardening & mini market - Sat 6 April, 10:30am-12:30pm 54 DIY dishwasher tablets - Wed 17 April, 10am-11:30am 48 Introduction to card making with Mandy - Wed 24 April, 10am-11:30am 62 Tales from the grave - Tue 30 April, 10am-11am 34 History of the Montrose CFA - Sat 4 May, 10:30am-12pm 35 Open craft sessions - Every Wed, 2:15pm - 4pm 58

MOOROOLBARK

Meet the Artist: Rachel Williamson -Thu 7 March, 2pm-3pm 60 Making your money work for you in retirement - Thu 14 March, 10am - 11am 28 Read, watch, listen - Fri 15 March, 2pm-3:30pm 22 Celebrate Mooroolbark Festival - Sun 17 March, times TBA 02 Organise your life- Tue 19 March, 2pm-3pm 40 Clay Easter decorations -Thu 21 March, 2pm - 3pm 60 Mooroolbark Community Garden - Tue 26 March, 2pm-3:30pm 50 Outdoor Tai Chi with Japara House - Thu 4 April, 11am-12pm 41 Jimmy Sharman’s Boxers - Mon 15 April, 2pm-3pm 33 What is FOGO? - Tue 23 April, 2pm-3:30pm 50 Storytelling in 100 Words - Fri 26 April, 2pm-3pm 18 Creating videos for smart devices - various dates in May 25 Turning sleep into wellbeing (Autumn wellness talk) - Wed 1 May, 1:30pm-3pm 43 Recycle right - Tue 14 May, 2pm - 3pm 48 Supporting your child’s vision and literacy - Tue 21 May, 10:30am-11:15am 46 Biggest Morning Tea - Thu 23 May, 10am - 12pm 03 Companion plants & plantings -Tue 28 May, 2pm-3:30pm 50 Mooroolbark Growers & Weeders - 4th Tue of the month, 2pm - 3pm 50 Conversation Circle (English conversation) – Wednesdays, 9:30am - 10:30am 26 Mooroolbark Craft Corner – 3rd Wed of the month, 2pm - 3:30pm 58 Mooroolbark Book Chat - 4th Wed of the month, 2pm-3pm 15 A colourful life – 2nd Fri of the month, 2pm-3:30pm 57 Creative embroidery – 3rd Fri of the month, 2pm-4pm 59

REALM

It’s all connected - authors talk on International Women’s Day - Fri 8 March, 2pm-3:30pm 05 Cloud storage 101 - Tue 12 March, 2pm-3pm 22 So, you want to be an editor… - Wed 13 March, 6pm - 7pm 16 At the foot of the cherry tree: Meet the Author, Alli Parker - Thu 14 March, 2pm-3pm 06 Death Café - Mon 18 March, 11am - 12pm 29

Email basics - Thu 21 March, 2pm-3pm 23 Greek Actually - Author talk with Penny Zagarelou-Mackieson - Thu 21 March, 2pm-3pm 08 The vault of errors: 5 mistakes to avoid when writing your debut novel - Tue 26 March, 10am - 11am 16 Savvy tricks to make your food go the distance - Thu 11 April, 10am - 11am 48 Choosing and using financial experts - Mon 15 April, 10am - 11am 28 Habitat gardening - Wed 17 April, 1:30pm-2:30pm 55 Backyard chickens - Mon 22 April, 10am-11am 56 Basin Backyard beekeeping - Mon 29 April, 10am-11am 56 Crochet for beginners - Tue 7 May, 1pm-3pm 63 Unveiling Origami mastery: How to craft beginner marvels - Sat 11 May, 1pm-3pm 64 Macramé for beginners - Wed 15 May, 1pm-3pm 64 Getting to know your iPhone - Thu 16 May, 2pm-3pm 21 Navigating the Aged Care system with Care Finder - Mon 27 May, 10am-11am 29 Getting to know your Android phone - Thu 30 May, 2pm-3pm 22 Bad art night - Thu 30 May, 6pm-7pm 64 Realm Movie Matinee – Every 2nd Mon, 2pm-4pm 70 Sahaja yoga meditation – Tuesdays, 6:30pm - 7:30pm 37 Realm Readers bookchat – 2nd Wed of the month at 2pm 15 One more page bookclub – 1st Thu of the month at 2pm 15 Novel Idea bookchat – Last Thu of the month at 6:30pm 15 Conversation Circle (English Conversation) – Fridays 12:30pm - 1:30pm 26 Colour me happy! – 3rd Fri of the month, 1pm - 2pm 57 Realm in Motion Movie Club – Last Fri of the month during school terms, 6pm - 8pm 70 Realm board gaming – 2nd Sat of the month, 11am - 4pm 67 Pathway for Carers - 4th Sat of the month, 1pm-3pm 38 Realm writers group – Last Sat of the month at 10am 19

ROWVILLE

Meet the Author: Ted O’Hare - Sat 16 March, 11am-12pm 07 Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor - information session - Thu 21 March, 6pm-7pm 27 Book chat with the Young Adult Author: Rebecca Lim - Fri 12 April, 2pm-3pm 10 Rowville’s Italian prisoners of war- Sat 18 May, 11am-12pm 35 Crochet & conversation – Mondays, 12:30pm - 2:30pm 57 Tao Te Ching Reading Circle - 1st Sat of the month, 2pm-3pm 15 Brain Games – Tuesdays, 1:30pm - 3pm 68 Conversation Circle (English Conversation) Tuesdays, 3pm 26 Technology Club - Every Wednesday, 2pm-4pm 20 Rowville craft group - 2nd Wed of the month, 2pm - 4pm 58 Knox chess enthusiasts - Fridays, 12pm-5:30pm 67 Board Games at Rowville – Every Sat, 1pm-5pm 67 Laughter yoga and meditation with Lynette - 3rd Sat of the month, 11am-12pm 37

YARRA JUNCTION

Raffia weaving with Monika - Wed 20 March, 11am-12pm 52 Caring for your roses and shrubs - Wed 17 April, 11am-12pm 52 Meet the Author: Melanie Kanicky - Thu 18 April, 2pm-3pm 10 Ancient Eygpt - archaeological dig with Karen Thomas - Thu 2 May, 2pm-3pm 35 Chair Yoga with Bree - Wed 22 May, 11am-12pm 36 Drop in cards + chat - Wednesdays, 12:30pm-3:30pm + Fridays, 1pm - 4pm 67 Around words bookchat - 1st Wed of the month at 11am 15 Around Film - 2nd Wed of the month, 11am 70 Yarra Junction Planters - 3rd Wed of the month, 11am-12pm (various events) 52

Find your library BAYSWATER

HEALESVILLE

MONTROSE

Shop 26 Mountain High Shopp Cntr 7-13 High Street PH 9800 6498

110 River Street PH 9800 6497

935 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road PH 9800 6490

KNOX LIBRARY

MOOROOLBARK

BELGRAVE Reynolds Lane PH 9800 6489

Westfield Knox 425 Burwood Hwy Wantirna South PH 9800 6470

7 Station Street Mooroolbark PH 9800 6480

REALM BORONIA Park Crescent PH 9800 6488

LILYDALE

CROYDON

Building L5, Box Hill Institute, Lilydale Lakeside Campus Jarlo Drive PH 9800 6457

5 Civic Square PH 9800 6448

FERNTREE GULLY 1010 Burwood Hwy PH 9800 6455

MILLER’S HOMESTEAD 30 Dorrigo Dve (cnr Melrose Crt) Boronia PH 0438 284 989

To view opening hours and a wide range of services and resources,visit yourlibrary.com.au.

Ringwood Town Square 179 Maroondah Hwy PH 9800 6430

ROWVILLE Stud Park Shopp Cntr Stud Road PH 9800 6443

YARRA JUNCTION 1A Hoddle Street PH 9800 6462