Western Downs Libraries - Autumn 2023 Newsletter

WESTERN DOWNS LIBRARIES

AUTUMN 2023

WHAT'S ON THIS AUTUMN COMICS, CAKES, CRAFTS AND MORE!

MEET THE TEAM

TAKE A LOOK AT BEAUTIFUL BELL LIBRARY

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

WIND DOWN WITH THESE POPULAR NEW READS

THE TECH DEN

CRICUT AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY

WELCOME

FROM THE LIBRARIAN

Autumn means shorter days, browning leaves, fresher mornings and cosier nights approaching — at least we can only hope.

Autumn in our branches however is far from cooling down or changing pace, with a suite of programs and events for every library lover. After popular demand, the Eagle Readers literacy program is back! Created for young children to improve their reading skills and encourage a love of stories from an early age, this three-month program sees 'Eaglets' (0–5) and 'Eagles' (5 and older) read more and discover the magic of their local library. With fun activities, cool prizes and awesome parties on offer (did someone mention pizza?) sign up today to keep the kids busy through the school holidays and beyond.

With the un-bee-lievable feedback we received from our recent Windy Acres Farm visits, we've decided to take things from in the air to underground with worm farming and composting workshops. The humble worm is your garden's secret superhero, and commercial worm farmer Brian Donaldson will teach you how to get the most out of our invertebrate friends — saving the planet one apple scrap at a time.

Sustainability is the buzzword of the decade, and we couldn't stop at just one slow fashion workshop. Make sure to sign up for our mindful stitching workshop in Tara which highlights the 'sashiko' embroidery style of Japan, and for the kids, learn how to sew a bag in Dalby using simple (and practical) techniques.

Don't forget March is also Words Out West month — secure your tickets now before they sell out!

Hoping to see you in our branches soon.

CHRIS BERMINGHAM LIBRARY SERVICES COORDINATOR

WHAT'S ON THIS AUTUMN FOR KIDS!

School holidays are fast approaching and we have plenty of fun activities to keep the kids entertained!

APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Reverse Garbage Robots Wandoan All School Holidays Opening Hours

Build a Lego Roller Coaster Tara All School Holidays Opening Hours

VR - Beat Saber Challenge Tara All School Holidays Opening Hours

Comic Deep Dive Miles Chinchilla Dalby

Tuesday 4 April

Wednesday 5 April

Thursday 6 April 9am–12pm

Sew a Bag Dalby Monday 3 April 9am

Easter Craft Fun Meandarra Wednesday 5 April 10am–4pm

Cake Decorating for Teens Dalby Monday 12 April 10am

Rustling Leaves Miles Tuesday 13 April 10am

School Term

Homework Club Chinchilla Every Wednesday 3.30pm

After School Book Club Chinchilla First and Second Friday of every month 3.30pm

3D Printing: Colourful Creations Dalby Friday 12 May 3.30pm

3D Printing: Glow in the Dark Dalby Friday 26 May 3.30pm

EAGLE READERS!

After huge success in its first year, the Eagle Readers program is back for another round in 2023.

Eagle Readers is a three month program for young children to improve their reading skills and encourage a love of literacy.

Running from April to June, the program consists of two groups: Eaglets for 0-5 years and Eagles for 5 years and over.

Participation is easy!

1. Call or visit your local library to register and collect your Eagle Readers booklet

2. Read four books each month and record the titles in your booklet

3. Visit your local library at least once a month to have your booklet signed by a staff member, and pick up some new reading materials

4. CELEBRATE! Complete the challenge and celebrate with your local library (did somebody say pizza party?!)

With fun activities, cool prizes and awesome parties, what are you waiting for?! Sign up and keep the kids busy throughout the school holidays and beyond.

HEAD TO PAGE 8 FOR OUR AUTUMN ADULT ACTIVITIES!

FEATURED EVENTS

COMIC DEEP DIVE

Encourage the artist in your child with this three hour comic illustration deep dive delivered by talented artist, author, former Walt Disney animator and all round funny guy – Mark Guthrie.

Interactive, fun and inspiring, children will see their favourite drawings come to life, learn how picture books are made and develop their own illustrative skills and confidence.

WORM FARMING AND COMPOSTING WORKSHOPS

Miles April 4 9am–12pm

Chinchilla April 5 9am–12pm

Dalby April 6 9am–12pm

Are you sick of putting food waste into landfill?

Join commercial worm farmer, Brian Donaldson, to learn how to generate beneficial soil conditioner for your garden from your waste.

Brian will be sharing his practical knowledge and tips and tricks for setting up your own safe and efficient worm farm and compost heap at home.

Jandowae May 11 9.30am

Chinchilla May 11 1.30pm

Miles May 12 9.30am

Tara May 12 2pm

HEALTH FOOD DEMONSTRATION

Learn how to include more healthy foods in your diet, quick hacks to make healthy snacks, lunch box ideas and enjoy a demonstration of how to make healthy snacks such as bliss balls, slices, and yoghurt! Delivered by local nutritionist, Candice Berghan.

SLOW STITCHING

Settle in to this calming craft workshop to learn slow-stitching with Sashiko mending methods. Bring along a well-loved item to mend

Tara May 20 9.30am

CAKE DECORATING

Teenagers are invited to come along and learn how to use fondant icing to decorate cupcakes. You could even enter your finished products in the Dalby Show!

Dalby April 12 10am

KOKEDAMA

In this fun, hands-on workshop you will learn how to wrap a plant's root system and bind it with string, transforming it into a sculptural, living art form to decorate your home.

Jandowae March 15 10am

Bell 26 April 10am

Dalby 26 April 2pm

Moonie* 26 April 2pm

Wandoan 27 April 10am

Chinchilla 27 April 10am

RUSTLING LEAVES

Children are invited to create their own special wind chime using leaf printed models from clay.

Miles April 13 10am

*Live Stream

MARCH ADULT WORKSHOPS

Game Night

Be Connected: Government Websites

Kokedama for Beginners

Dungeons and Dragons

Mosaics for Beginners

APRIL

Game Night

Be Connected: WiFi and Data

Dungeons and Dragons

3D Tinkercad Design

Health Food Education and Demonstration

Glass Mosaic Tea Light Holders

5 March 6pm

9 March 10am

15 March 10am

19 March 2pm

24 March 5.30pm

1 April 6pm

4 April 10am

16 April 2pm

19 April 3.30pm

Wednesday 26 April Wednesday 26 April Wednesday 26 April

Thursday 27 April Thursday 27 April

10am 1.30pm 1.30pm 10am

Thursday 27 April Friday 28 April 10am

MAY

WORDS OUT WEST

NEW & NOTEWORTHY SPARE BY PRINCE HARRY

It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mothers coffin as the world watched in sorrow - and horror. For Harry, this is that story at last. With its raw, unflinching honesty, Spare is a landmark publication full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love of grief.

WITHOUT A TRACE BY DANIELLE STEEL

After surviving a car accident off the Normandy coast, Charles Vincent, trapped in a loveless marriage, meets Aude Saint-Martin with whom he forms an instant connection as she nurses him back to health and decides, in a split second, to fight for a chance at happinesswhatever the cost.

THE 3AM SHATTERED MUMS' CLUB

BY NINA MANNING

Meet Aisha, Sophy and Mel. Three new mums. All absolutely shattered. The only sanity these three friends have is their 3am mums' club, where they can chat and support each other in the dark of the night as their babies, finally, finally sleep. But in the still of night, secrets are revealed that could turn all their lives upside down.

THE WOMAN KING (DVD)

In the 1800's, a group of all-female warriors protects the African kingdom of Dahomey with skills and fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Face with a new threat, General Nanisca trains the next generation of recruits to fight against a foreign enemy that's determined to destroy their way of life.

THE OPAL MINER'S DAUGHTER BY FIONA McARTHUR

Following the journey of Dr Riley Brand, a beautiful, leggy obstetrician, who takes four weeks leave from her Sydney practice and comfy harbour apartment to search for her mother, an opal miner, in Lightening Ridge. While there, Riley takes up work as a fertility expert in the small medical centre. As her time in the country comes to an end, Dr Conrad Grey, the local doctor, knows he will soon have to confess his developing feelings for Riley, or risk loosing her for good. Will the dust, opal lust, and Friday ladies night be enough to make her stay? – Chris, Wandoan Library.

THE STOLEN HEIR BY HOLLY BLACK (YA)

Return to the opulent world of Elfhame, filled with intrigue, betrayal, and dangerous desires, with this first book of a captivating new duology from the #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black. A runaway queen. A reluctant prince. And a quest that may destroy them both.

THE FALL BETWEEN BY DARCY TINDALE

Detective Rebecca Giles has just finished interviewing aging petty crim Sticky Pete over a spate of break-andenters when a disturbing new report comes in. Twelveyear-old Kayleen Ellis has vanished from her home in Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter Valley.

BAREFOOT KIDS BY SCOTT PAPE

Kids will roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and learn the value of a buck the old fashioned way. Over six action-packed steps, Scott teaches kids why they should help around the house, how to get paid and save , and why they should use their give bucket to make a real difference to other people.

Bell is a cute little town just 30mins north-ish of Dalby on the Bunya Highway. It was established in 1906 as a railway line terminus. The town was part of the original Jimbour Station boundary and named after one of the Bell Family members. A lot of people would know it for the annual activities the Bell community hosts such as the races, show, art exhibition, and theatre restaurant. It's also popular as a day-trip destination. The drive out from Dalby is very picturesque and there's very good coffee when you get here! You can do a loop through Jandowae, Jimbour and Kaimkillenbun, on the way to the Bunya Mountains.

Pam is our Bell Librarian, and she's going to tell us a little about what makes Bell Library so special.

WHAT IS ON OFFER AT BELL LIBRARY?

We've got a bit of everything at Bell Library (from picture books to DVDs), but our collection reflects the interests of our borrowers. So, lots of mysteries and Australian fiction, as well as craft books! Like all the Western Downs Libraries branches, library members can reserve books from any branch and have them delivered to Bell for pickup. But my favourite thing about Bell Library is its location. It's just lovely to be able to look out the window at the gardens and listen to the birds. It's a very peaceful place to work.

WHAT MAKES BELL LIBRARY DIFFERENT?

Bell Library is special in Queensland because it operates as a partnership between the library and the Bell Bunya Community Centre Association. The library is staffed only seven hours per week but is accessible 28hours per week, Monday to Saturday, because the volunteers at the Centre open the library during the Centre hours. They keep an eye on the library for me whenever I'm not there, helping library customers with basic queries and putting them in touch with a Library staff member if they need help in a hurry.

WORKING AT WESTERN DOWNS LIBRARIES

I started at Bell Library in January 2014, nine years ago now. I work two half-days here. On the other three days, I work over at Tara Library. I'm on the road a lot, commuting to work. I listen to a lot of audiobooks while I'm driving. Probably 50 a year - nearly one a week. Audiobooks are a lifesaver for me. I wouldn't have time to read books with all the travel I do, and that would make me sad. Audiobooks keep me reading even when I'm not using my eyeballs to do so!

I've worked in libraries for 21 years! I started out with the Dalby-Wambo Library Board back in early 2002, as a casual staff member. I moved away for full-time library work, but I've been back on the Western Downs for nearly a decade now.

COLLECTION RECOMMENDATION

I've just finished Elizabeth Goddard's Never Let Go, Book 1 in the Uncommon Courage series. It stars a forensic genealogist - how intriguing! I love reading romantic suspense books that are uplifting and inspiring. Goddard's books are new to me, but I'll definitely be chasing up the rest of this series.

BELL LIBRARY LOVERS

"Western Downs Regional Council built the building for the Bell Community Centre in 2012 with the objective of enhancing the social, economic and cultural enrichment of our rural town and region. Volunteers, members of the Community Centre, and Bell Librarian, Pam, have bonded together to bring out all the best things that the Library Services and Community Centre have to offer. This is mutual understanding of coming together in harmony, for the betterment of Bell and District.

I love Bell Library because of many things:

• The wonderful, knowledgeable, accommodating, creative, talented and gracious Bell librarian, Pam.

• The wonderful boutique collection of books, music, movies and magazines.

• The wonderful activities for children and adults.

• The wonderful author talks, workshops and events.

• The wonderful attraction of this education space in our very own Community Centre."

- Ruth Storey

I'll also read anything by Lindsay Buroker. Lindsay writes fantasy and science fiction. Her books have lots of witty and snarky banter between characters. Plus, she manages to work a dragon in some form into almost every book she's written.

THE TECH DEN

Our libraries offer many different types of technology products and services for our members to explore and enjoy. From the cutting edge tech available in our Makerspaces to virtual reality games and STEM workshops, there's something to tickle the fancy of every technoid.

CRICUT MACHINES

Make do-it-yourself projects beautiful, fun and easy with Cricut!

Cricuts are smart cutting machines that work with easy-to-use software to help you design and personalise almost anything!

These machines are the latest addition to our Makerspaces and offer plentiful workshops for adults and children, as well as an opportunity to design and cut materials to use at home.

Cricuts can cut a variety of popular craft materials, such as paper, vinyl, card stock, and iron-on transfers.

Personalise custom cards and stickers, unique apparel, home decor, drink bottles, mugs and so much more. Join one of our beginner workshops, or contact Dalby Library for more information on how you can get crafty with Cricut.

eRESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

ParentTV

Your one-stop shop for advice from child development experts.

ParentTV offers on-demand videos and courses to support the parenting and care of children from birth to teens.

Feel more confident and connected with access to reliable advice on a wide range of topics form Australia and the world's leading parenting and educational experts.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Welcome to your village!

Tune in to ParentTV at westerndownslibraries.com/parenttv

Reading with wrigglers!

Wriggling, or even wandering off does not mean children are not engaged or didn't get value from sharing stories with you. Watch your child as you read, to see where they're looking and go with where their interest is. Just talking about the pictures still builds early literacy!

Even if your child looks busy doing something else, they are still taking in words, sounds and are aware that you're sharing the story. Reading with young children is not only about language and sounds but also about building positive experiences with books, and you!

Here are some ways to make the most of reading with wrigglers:

• Offer a variety of books for little ones to choose from. Letting children choose the book can boost their interest and increase their confidence.

• Choose an engaging story on their topic of interest such as trains or animals.

• Read at a time of day that suits your child, when there are fewer disruptions.

• Don't keep reading to the end just for the sake of it. You can skip pages or just use the pictures and tell your own story.

• Make reading interactive. Ask your child questions about the story, ask them to turn the page, or find a picture. Encourage them to join in some appropriate actions to keep them engaged or use a puppet or other prop.

Don't worry if your child still has the wriggles. The most important thing is to include reading as part of your everyday activities and enjoy it!

Sitting still and reading every word will hopefully all come later. For now, just go with it and enjoy sharing your favourite books together in the way that your wriggler likes it best.

- State Library Queensland

First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local Government.

TREVOR'S BOOKSHELF

Trevor the library dog has chosen to share with you the National Simultaneous Storytime 2023 book!

THE SPEEDY SLOTH BY REBECCA YOUNG

It was finally time for the event of the year, Spike couldn't believe it - the great race was here! The other sloths said it couldn't be done, but Spike didn't care, she was ready to run!

WHAT IS NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME?

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by Australians is read simultaneously in libraries, schools and homes all over the country.

Take part in #NSS2023 on Wednesday 24 May!

Visit westerndownslibraries.com, or your local library for more information

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OUR BRANCHES

BELL LIBRARY

71 Maxwell Street

Bell 4408

07 4663 1113

CHINCHILLA LIBRARY

27 Bell Street

Chinchilla 4413

07 4660 7270

DALBY LIBRARY

Level 1, 69 Drayton Street

Dalby 4405

07 4679 4474

JANDOWAE LIBRARY

22 George Street

Jandowae 4410

07 4668 4480

MEANDARRA LIBRARY

Sara Street

Meandarra 4422

07 4665 6147

MILES LIBRARY

Dogwood Crossing, Miles

81 Murilla Street

Miles 4415

07 4628 5330

MOONIE LIBRARY

Leichhardt Highway

Moonie 4406

07 4665 0189

TARA LIBRARY

31 Day Street

Tara 4421

07 4678 7881

WANDOAN LIBRARY

6 Henderson Road

Wandoan 4419

07 4558 3045