ON
HEALTH & WELLBEING
SUPPORTING NEURODIVERSITY WITH CHATGPT
Wednesday 6 November, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Geelong Library & Heritage Centre
Explore how ChatGPT, a conversational AI, can potentially help neuro-divergent individuals manage health at this unique workshop.
DISABILITY INCLUSION FAIR
Tuesday 3 December, 2:30pm-5:30pm
Geelong Library & Heritage Centre
A showcase of services and support organisations dedicated to enhancing the lives of people in the Geelong Region living with disabilities. Features workshops and performances. In partnership with Matchworks and City of Greater Geelong.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS – CHATTY CAFÉ
Each Friday through Nov & Dec, 11:00am-12:00 noon | Colac Library
Feeling a bit isolated? Would you like to share a story, listen or just relax in the library with others while enjoying a coffee or tea? Drop in and join in, no need to book ahead.
SOCIAL INCLUSION AFTERNOON TEA
Tuesday 26 November, 3:00pm-4:30pm
Geelong West Library
Come along to this free, welcoming social afternoon tea and discover social groups and events in our local community in a safe, inclusive setting.
WORKSHOPS & LECTURES
UNLOCKING THE SUMMER SKY
Wednesday 27 November, 5:30pm-6:30pm Ocean Grove Library
Discover more about the stars and constellations. Hear from reprentatives of the Bellarine section of the Astronomical Society of Victoria.
HOW TO REMEMBER MORE OF WHAT YOU READ
Friday 22 November, 2:00pm-3:00pm
Online
Did you know that we only remember 10% of what we read? Come along to this session to discover some strategies that can help you to retain information effectively and assist learning.
SPECIAL EVENT
BELLARINE FAIR
Saturday 16 November
10:00am-2:00pm
Boronggook Drysdale Library
Looking to connect with the Bellarine community? The Fair is the place to be! Meet local organisations, discover new activities, and find out how you can get involved with your community all under one roof.
GAMES & CHALLENGES
RETRO GAMING
Thursday 7 & Monday 18 November, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Geelong Library & Heritage Centre
Build your own 90s style action video game! Learn how to design and code games and get your 90s nostalgia fix with this basic game building workshop.
WAURN PONDS GAME NIGHT
Friday 25 November, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Waurn Ponds Library
Join us to learn and play board games. Forget traditional ones like Monopoly; we have new modern games such as Sushi Go, Codenames, Azul and Ticket to Ride. Book your spot and bring some tasty snacks and refreshments, too. For all ages.
READING, BOOK CLUBS & WRITING GROUPS
TAO TE CHING BOOK DISCUSSION
Saturday 16 November & Saturday 21 December
11:00am-1:00pm | Leopold Library
Learn more of Laozhi’s philosophical teachings through a discussion of the ancient Chinese text, Tao Te Ching
www.grlc.vic.gov.au/whats-on
CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES
STRONG SCHOOL START: 3 KEYS FOR SCHOOL READINESS
Thursday 7 November, 10:30am-11:30am
Boronggook Drysdale Library
Do you have a little one starting school or kindy in 2025? Come along and learn practical, ready-to-use tips to help navigate this big life change for you and your child.
SPEECHIE LIBRARY TALKS
Various dates and locations
Meet your local speech pathologist at your local library, enjoy a reading of award winning books, and find out more about how you can support your child’s language and literacy development at home.
BIG SUMMER READ CHALLENGE
6 December – 31 January, all Libraries
Join the state-wide reading competition for anyone aged 0-18. Win prizes AND help the ‘summer slide’, the loss of literacy skills over the holidays when children aren’t reading in school. Registration opens 4 November.
FESTIVE CRAFT & STORYTIMES
Throughout December
Tis’ the season to enjoy festive-themed Story Time and craft sessions for children (and Santa’s Mailbox) throughout December.
REGISTER FOR AN EVENT
Bookings for events are free unless otherwise indicated.
YOU CAN BOOK:
Online – find and register for an event on the library website: www.grlc.vic.gov.au/whats-on
In person – staff at your local library can book on your behalf.
By phone – (03) 4201 0600
Cover: Bestselling author and journalist, Peter FitzSimons returns to Geelong Library this December to talk about his latest non-fiction release about the extraordinary story of ANZAC hero, Albert Jacka.
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Bookings are essential
Event is online
Book sales & author book signings at events
Paid tickets. Full details on our website Refreshments
For library details, opening hours & further information, visit:
www.grlc.vic.gov.au
NOVEMBER
Tuesday 5 November, 6:00pm-7:00pm Belmont Library
KATHY MEXTED – TAKE FLIGHT
Bestselling author and pilot, Kathy Mexted chats about her latest book Take Flight, featuring the incredible stories of ten Australian women who have beaten the odds to find success and joy in our skies.
& LECTURES
Wednesday 13 November, 7:00pm-7:30pm Geelong Library & Heritage Centre
Thursday 14 November, 4:45pm-5:15pm, Geelong West Library & 7:00pm-7:30pm, Corio Library
Free legal education session for youth on your right to protest. Presented by Naarm Law Students (a collective of law students from the University of Melbourne dedicated to providing free educational sessions on legal issues that affect young people).
Wednesday 13 November, 4:30pm-5:00pm, Belmont Library & 6:00pm-6:30pm, Geelong Library
Thursday 14 November, 3:30pm-4:00pm, Newcomb & 6:00pm-6:30pm, Corio Library
TENANCY LAW EXPLORED
Learn more about your rights as a young person renting. A free legal education session presented by Naarm Law Students
Friday 15 November, 10:30am-11:30am Queenscliff Library
KYLIE ORR – THE ELEVENTH FLOOR
Join thriller writer Kylie Orr as she delves into the complex stories of everyday people and their secret lives.
Friday 15 November, 10:00am-11:00am Belmont Library
JACQUELINE BUBLITZ – LEAVE THE GIRLS BEHIND The acclaimed author of Before You Knew My Name will chat with Hannie Rayson about her latest suspense thriller – a moving exploration of the ways violent crime ricochets through the lives of those left behind.
Wednesday 20 November, 6:00pm-7:00pm Boronggook Drysdale Library
ARGYLE: ONE ISLAND, FOUR VOICES
Join three Bellarine writers, Jacqui Connor, Jenny Macaulay and Pearl Wilson as they discuss their collaboration over a decade to create this crime novella.
Wednesday 20 November, 2:30pm-3:30pm Boronggook Drysdale Library
WHERE GODS ONCE WALKED – CHRISTINA DUDLEY
Hear from author Christina Dudley, as she chats about her debut novel – a compelling story following a couple through Greece which is in chaos.
AUTHOR & SPECIAL EVENT S
PANEL DISCUSSION
Tuesday 26 November, 4:00pm-5:30pm Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library
CONTEMPORARY LIBRARY DESIGN – EXPLORING BIYAL-A
Part of Geelong Design Week
Saturday 23 November, 10:30am-11:30am Geelong Library & Heritage Centre
Come to this panel discussion exploring the unique design aspects of the new Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library, particularly the use of Wadawurrung cultural elements and stories. It will also discuss community programming and social activation aspects for a new community. With Corrina Eccles, Aleksander Borek, David McCartney, Vanessa Schernickau and Marsha Uppill.
DECEMBER
Thursday 5 December, 6:30pm-7:30pm Geelong Library & Heritage Centre
from bestselling
and
to the battlefields of France, The Legend of Albert Jacka is the epic story of the first Australian soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross in WW1.
Wednesday 6 November, 10:00am-10:30am Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library
TOUR BIYAL-A ARMSTRONG CREEK LIBRARY
Join us on a guided tour of our new facilities with areas for work, study and leisure! Discover spaces available to book. Check out the multiple terraces and quiet study areas; media and games rooms and creative and maker spaces. Bookings limited and essential.
Saturday 7 December, Various times Geelong, Belmont, Leopold & Torquay Libraries
ARTS & CRAFT MARKET DAY
See the library transformed into arts and craft markets featuring wares from local artisians! Get a headstart on your festive season shopping while also supporting local creatives. Visit our website for times and details.
SOCIAL INCLUSION WEEK AT THE LIBRARY
Saturday 23 November – Sunday 1 December
This week is about helping all Australians feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in society. Connect, collaborate and celebrate with events happening across our library network. Check out what’s happening near you.
Hear
author
journalist, Peter FitzSimons discussing his latest release. From the brutal shores of Gallipoli
PETER FITZSIMONS – THE LEGEND OF ALBERT JACKA