WESTERN DOWNS LIBRARIES
SPRING 2024
MEET THE TEAM FRIENDLY FACES AT MILES
NEW & NOTEWORTHY FRESH NEW SPRING READS
PICTURE WESTERN DOWNS
BRAND NEW PLATFORM
WHAT'S ON THIS SPRING SUSTAINABLE GARDENING, ROBOTS, DRAMA & MORE
WELCOME
FROM THE LIBRARIAN
Spring symbolises new life, growth and renewal, and we're excited to introduce a host of fresh and innovative offerings at Western Downs Libraries.
Our Seed Library is flourishing with the addition of three new seed varieties. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, our Seed Library is sure to inspire your green thumb.
I'm also excited to introduce a new addition to our tech spaces. Now, you can preserve your cherished memories by converting VHS tapes to USB, keeping them safe and accessible for years to come.
We're launching the brand-new Picture Western Downs platform. This userfriendly update makes it easier than ever to explore our rich local history, share your knowledge and contribute your own images to the collection, ensuring our shared history continues to grow.
Our Spring programs are designed to cultivate knowledge and joy. Join our Sustainable Gardening workshops to learn about composting, worm farms, stingless bee hives, and keeping chooks. Celebrate International Lolly Day with a sweet trip down memory lane, enjoying lollies at nostalgic prices. And don't miss our jam packed school holiday programming, from Rugged Robots to Painted Pots, Gelli Printing and Seed Bombs.
We're showcasing a selection of new and noteworthy books, featuring a variety of genres to suit all tastes. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming romances and insightful non-fiction, there's something for every reader to discover and enjoy.
This edition's First 5 Forever tip emphasises the importance of play in the early years of a child's life, and highlights the simplicity and significance of playing with children. Don't miss Trevor's Bookshelf pick, featuring a new release from a special author who recently visited our libraries!
Embrace the season of renewal and growth at Western Downs Libraries. We look forward to seeing you soon!
CHRIS BERMINGHAM LIBRARY SERVICES COORDINATOR
WHAT'S ON THIS SPRING FOR KIDS!
School holidays are just around the corner and we have plenty of fun activities to keep the kids entertained!
SEPTEMBER
HOLIDAYS
Lego Spike
Faux Stained Glass
Painting
Rugged Robots
Wandoan All School Holidays Opening Hours
Wandoan All School Holidays Opening Hours
Dalby 16 September 2.30pm
DIY Hologram Tara 16 September 3pm
Painted Pots Bell 18 September 2pm
Lego Spikes Tara 18 September 11am
Gelli Printing with Nature Miles 19 September 10am
Sunshine & Seed Planting
Chinchilla 19 September 10am
Bee Bots Dalby 23 September 9.30am 10.30am
Seed Bombs Tara 23 September 3pm
Egg Carton Painting
Jandowae 24 September 10am
Melty Beads Miles 24 September 10am
Let's Explore Sphero's Dalby 25 September 10am
Colourful Threads Weaving Chinchilla 26 September 10am
WORKSHOPS FOR TEENS
Beaded Bonsai Tree Art Jandowae 18 September 10am
Macrame Hangers Bell 19 September 10am
Gelli Plate Printing Dalby 24 September 2pm Let's Explore Spheros Dalby 25 September 10am
After - School Activities
Junior Book Club Grades 3-6 Chinchilla Second Monday of each month 3.30pm
Youth Writing Group Tara Last Monday of each month 3pm
Junior Book Club Prep - Grade 2 Chinchilla Fourth Monday of each month 3.30pm
Miss Skyla's Drama School Chinchilla 18 & 19 November 25 & 26 November 2 & 3 December 3.30pm
International Lolly Day
Enjoy a sweet trip down memory lane with lollies sold at nostalgic prices. Freckles for one cent, chocolate bullets for two cents, and toffee apples for five cents! Bring your change and indulge in a delightful selection. As you savour these treats, view our Picture Western Downs collection on it's brand new platform. The collection features hundred of historic photographs of our region.
Miles Historical Village Monday 4 November 10am
HEAD TO PAGE 8 FOR OUR SPRING ADULT ACTIVITIES!
FEATURE EVENTS
GELLI PRINTING
Gelli plate printing is a creative and exciting art form that allows you to explore your artistic skills and create unique and abstract prints. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, Gelli Printing offers endless possibilities for inspiration and creativity.
Miles 19 September 10am
Dalby 24 September 2pm
SUSTAINABLE GARDENING: WORMS, BEES AND CHICKENS
Join us for engaging and informative gardening presentations by Companion Planting, focusing on keeping worm farms, stingless bee hives, and chickens. Take a closer look at a working stingless beehive with an observation panel, a working worm farm and various plants.
Participants also have the opportunity to purchase their own composting worms or plants to take home and get started!
Wandoan 4 November 1.30pm
Meandarra 5 November 10.30am
Miles 5 November 2.30pm
Tara 6 November 9.30am
Moonie 6 November 1pm
7 November 10am
MEMORY RESCUE
Preserve your cherished VHS memories with our new digital conversion service at Western Downs Libraries.
Dalby Library is hosting a week-long launch event, featuring step-by-step training on transferring VHS content to USB drives. Ensure you precious moments are safeguarded for future generations.
Dalby 7-11 October 9.30-11.30am
YOUTH WRITING
Calling all aspiring writers! Dive into the world of storytelling at our Youth Writing Group, presented in collaboration with Queensland Writers Centre.
Held the last Monday of every month, Tara Library becomes a hive of creativity and inspiration.
Tara 30 September 3pm
MISS SKYLA'S DRAMA SCHOOL
Step into the world of theatre production at Chinchilla Library!
Dive into the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk across six engaging sessions spread over three weeks. From learning your lines and exploring behind-the-scene secrets to crafting costumes, programs, and sets, you'll be immersed in the creative process.
Cap it all off with a special performance where you can showcase your efforts to proud parents and friends.
Chinchilla 18 November-3 December
Wedding Day
ADULT WORKSHOPS
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
BACK TO BIRDSVILLE BY FIONA McARTHUR
Capturing all the colour and heart of the famous Birdsville races, this uniquely Australian romance celebrates women who are always there for each other, the caring side of men, and the challenges and optimism of remote families.
THE LAST TRACE BY PETRONELLA McGOVERN
Family. It means everything to Sheridan. Her brother Lachy is finally home in Australia and she's excited about Easter with him and their nephew. But when a traumatic incident tears the families apart, she blames him. Lachy knows he's not coping right now but his sister doesn't have the full story. And nor does he. To untangle the truth he must decide who he can trust.
WATERCOLOR YOUR WAY BY SARAH CRAY
Whether you're dipping your toe in to watercolours, cannon-balling in, or honing your craft - this book is for you. Presented in four chapters that each focus on a specific technique, palette and set of projects, Watercolor Your Way meets artists at their current level so they can enjoy the process as they build skills.
THE FALL GUY (DVD)
He's a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest heights, all for our entertainment. And now, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?
STAFF LOVE !
THE OTHER BRIDGET BY RACHEL JOHNS
I couldn't put this book down once I started reading!
Bridget Jones his a hopeless romantic but her love life is dismal. She resorts to dating sites where she is matched with dull, boring, and cheating men. Convinced she will die an old maid, Bridget's romantic prospects seem bleak.
However, the new neighbour has moved in and he is a mystery man. Keeping to himself, he comes and goes at all hours, the oddest thing is - he is teaching himself to learn the bagpipes.
REBEL RISING: A MEMOIR BY REBEL WILSON
For decades, Rebel Wilson had single-mindedly focused on her career, making a name for herself through her iconic roles. Now, she's ready to chronicle the emotional and physical lessons she learned, as well as her most embarrassing experiences. This memoir shows us how to love ourselves while making us laugh uncontrollably.
THE FAKE OUT BY STEPHANIE ARCHER
The best way to get back at my horrible ex? Fake date Rory Miller - my ex's rival, the top scorer in pro hockey, and the arrogant, flirtatious hockey player I tutored in high school. Faking it is fun and addictive, though, and beneath the bad boy swagger, Rory's sweet, funny and protective. But now I wonder if Rory was ever faking it to begin with.
DARK MATTER BY BLAKE CROUCH
Now a TV mini series!
A mind-bending, relentlessly paced science-fiction thriller, in which a ordinary man is kidnapped, knocked unconscious and awakens in a world inexplicably different form the reality he thought he knew.
MILES LIBRARY
Housed in the multi-purpose facility of Dogwood Crossing, Miles Library has much to offer: monthly Bookclubs, weekly Storytime for Toddlers sessions and school holiday activities. They have a lovely little nook for anyone to use for work or study as well as a nonfiction Art and Design Collection.
Like the rest of our branches, Miles Library provides an extensive collection of physical and digital resources for learning and enjoyment.
Let's hear more about Miles Library, from Krissy.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB...
You'll find me in Dogwood Crossing, a beautiful space that houses Miles Library and Art Gallery, delivering a public program like our Toddler Storytime or even helping people with Council or Library related customer inquiries at the front counter.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SERVICE MILES LIBRARY OFFERS? Making an early connection between children and reading is super important so I think Storytimes are very beneficial to our communities
WHY DO YOU LOVE YOUR JOB?
I thrive on customer interactions and engaging with the public! It's very rewarding connecting with a diverse range of people. It's great fun being able to deliver programs to the community and seeing all ages enjoying them.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN LIBRARIES?
I've worked as a casual library staff member since September 2023. In March 2024 I started a full-time position being the person to go to for all customer service inquiries with a side of all thing's Library!
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
"Who Gets to be Smart" by Bri Lee.
I found this book to be a thoughtprovoking analysis of the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups in pursuit of academic success. It sheds light on the disparities present in the education system, it's a good read for
those interested in social justice and education reform. This is a great read our libraries has had in the book club circulation.
Visit Miles Library today and immerse yourself in a world of ideas, creativity, and connection. Discover the wonders that await within its walls and experience firsthand how this cultural cornerstone enriches the lives of those it serves.
CLAUDIA KRISSY
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 and STEM Workshops, there's something to tickle the fancy of every technoid.
MEMORY RESCUE!
Preserve cherished memories stored on VHS tapes by converting them to digital files in our libraries. This new service allows our members to transfer their VHS content onto USB drives, ensuring these valuable moments are safeguarded for future generations. Free, step-by-step training is provided.
Why is now the perfect time to digitise your VHS tapes? VHS tapes, which rely on magnetic charges to store information, are prone to deterioration. Factors like heat, humidity, and magnetic fields can accelerate this. VHS tapes continuously loose quality over 10-25 years, with significant deterioration expected around 2025. This makes it essential to transfer your tapes to a more stable digital format before the content is lost forever.
Take advantage of this opportunity at Western Downs Libraries and keep your memories alive for years to come. Contact your local branch for more information.
Wedding Day
FIRST 5 FOREVER
"Play is the work of children." While it looks like fun, play is essential for learning - using words, solving problems, imagining, practicing new skills, and learning how to learn.
From birth, children instinctively want to play. Their brains are wired for interaction and exploration. When children play with important adults, they thrive.
Play doesn't need expensive toys. Play can be as simple as tickling toes, singing songs, or taking a walk. Enhance learning by talking about what you're doing, asking questions, adding playful challenges, and encouraging them
WAYS TO PLAY
Creativity: Children love creating, drawing, storytelling and inventing. Teach them to use tools like sticky tape, shovels, pegs, and scissors. Make signs, write pretend notes, or draw cards. Scribble, draw, paint and play with language.
Senses: Explore the world by talking about what they see, feel, or hear. Ask questions like "How does it feel?" or "what sounds does it make?'"Use descriptive words like cold, fluffy, and rough to build vocabulary.
Problem Solving: Watching your child master new skills through play is a joy. Problem-solving shapes brain development and learning potential. Focus on the process, where all the learning happens.
For more tips, visit a First 5 Forever Storytime session at your local library.
TREVOR ' S BOOKSHELF
Trevor the Library Dog has an impressive bookshelf — and he has pawsome picks for spring!
SLOTHS LOVE PARTIES BY RORY H. MATHER
Sloths LOVE to sleep. But do you know what else they love? PARTIES. Put on your dancing shoes and join Marty the sloth for the grooviest celebrations the rainforest has ever seen. Just don't forget to bring your PJs.
STORYTIME STARS
Storytime Stars is our early literacy initiative for children aged 0-5 years. Attend five Storytime or Babytime sessions and receive a free goodie bag filled with fun!
GET SOCIAL
Hang out with us on Facebook and Instagram!
@westerndownslibraries
Stay up to date with the hottest new releases, be the first to know of exciting new events, and have a laugh at our ultra-funny memes.
OUR BRANCHES
BELL LIBRARY
71 Maxwell Street
Bell 4408 07 4663 1113
CHINCHILLA LIBRARY
80-86 Heeney 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
