WESTERN DOWNS LIBRARIES
SUMMER 24/25
WORDS OUT WEST TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
NEW & NOTEWORTHY READ YOUR WAY TO WORDS OUT WEST
PICTURE WESTERN DOWNS BRAND-NEW PLATFORM
WHAT'S ON THIS SUMMER OUTBACK FILM CLUB, CHRISTMAS CRAFTS & MORE!
Welcome
AND FAREWELL FROM CHRIS
As I approach retirement, I'm filled with gratitude as I share this edition of our More Than Books booklet. It has truly been an honour to be a part of this incredible community, and I'm thankful for the many opportunities to connect with you all over the years. From exciting events to inspiring programs, it's been incredibly rewarding to see the library evolve and continue to serve as a space for learning, creativity, and connection.
Throughout my time here, I've witnessed the power of the library to bring people together and make a positive impact on our community. It has been a privilege to see so many individuals and families engage with the services and resources we offer, and I'll carry these memories with me as I turn the page and enter the next chapter of my life.
Looking ahead, we're excited to offer some fantastic programs and events, including the muchanticipated Words Out West festival. Tickets are now on sale, and we have an exciting lineup of Australian authors, including Christian White, Matthew Condon, Holly Ringland, and many more. It promises to be a celebration of literature you won't want to miss!
We're also thrilled to introduce the new Picture Western Downs platform, enhancing accessibility and encouraging the community to contribute their own images and
stories. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and share the rich history of our region, and I look forward to seeing the platform grow.
As always, we have a wide variety of exciting programs and events coming up, designed to engage, inspire and entertain people of all ages. Whether you're attending a workshop, exploring new digital resources, or participating in one of our many community activities, there's something for everyone.
Thank you for being part of our library community. It has been an honour to serve you, and I look forward to seeing the library continue to thrive and inspire in the years to come.
CHRIS BERMINGHAM LIBRARIES COORDINATOR, WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
WHAT 'S INSIDE
Email: library@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Phone: 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624)
our website at westerndownslibraries.com
WHAT'S ON THIS SUMMER FOR KIDS
DECEMBER
JANUARY
Little Bang STEM
Chinchilla 6 January 10am
Faux Stained Glass Painting Miles 7 January 10am
LEGO Spike Tara 8 January 2pm
Zoetropes Tara 15 January 11am
LEGO Spike Miles 21 January 10am
PERFECT FOR TEENS
Christmas:
Glitter Tattoos
Felt Garlands
Craft Table
Workbook Planter
Drone Missions
Outback Film Club Tour
Wandoan School Holidays Opening Hours
Creative CD Art
Jandowae 19 December 10am
Jandowae 8 January 10am
Jandowae Dalby Tara
Chinchilla Miles 15 January 15 January 16 January 16 January 17 January 9.30am 1.30pm 9.30am 1.30pm 9.30am
Chinchilla 20 January 10am
Faux Stained Glass Painting Dalby 22 January 2pm
Indigenous Dot Painting Tara 12 February 10.30am & 2.30pm
FEATURE EVENTS
OUTBACK FILM CLUB TOUR
Join Clancy from the Outback Film Club for an exciting film-making workshop for ages 8–16. Kids will explore green screen magic, try out special effects, and work together to create a short film.
Dive into storytelling and see your ideas come to life on screen!
BRAIN TRAINING
Jandowae 15 January 9.30am
Dalby 15 January 1.30pm
Tara 16 January 9.30am
Chinchilla 16 January 1.30pm
Miles 17 January 9.30am
Get ready to sharpen your mind with our Brain Training sessions! These interactive sessions feature fun exercises that promote cognitive health, enhancing memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Engage in a variety of activities, including puzzles and brain games.
Connect with others and keep your mind active in a lively, supportive environment.
Dalby 10am every Wednesday From 22 January–12 February
Tara 3pm every Wednesday From 15 January–29 January
HEAD TO PAGE 3 FOR KIDS AND PAGE 7 FOR ADULT ACTIVITIES
BREATHE & MEDITATE
A Journey to Inner Peace with Kaela.
Discover the transformative power of breathwork in this immersive session with Kaela. Learn how to reduce stress and anxiety while improving your emotional and physical well-being. Through guided breathwork and meditation, you'll reconnect with your inner self and experience a deep sense of calm and balance.
Chinchilla January
LIBRARY LOVERS DAY
Library Lovers' Day on February 14 celebrates the magic of Libraries. It's a time to explore new stories, discover something unexpected, and celebrate the value of libraries in our communities.
Celebrate your love of libraries all week! Visit our branches to go on a Blind Date with a Book–borrow a mystery read and enjoy a sweet treat on us.
Take a chance on a new read, share the library love, and remind yourself why libraries are so special. 10-14 February
FREE SCREENING: EMBRACE KIDS
Bring the family along for a special screening of Embrace Kids , an inspiring and educational film that encourages kids to celebrate themselves and build confidence.
With engaging stories from young people, this documentary explores topics like body positivity, resilience, and identity in a fun, relatable way.
Aimed at kids aged 9-14, but a great watch for the whole family, this film is offered free of charge and is a wonderful chance to enjoy a meaningful movie together.
Book your tickets at westerndownscinemas.com.au
Chinchilla 16 December 10am & 1pm 13 January 10am & 1pm
DECEMBER ADULT WORKSHOPS
Christmas Felt Decorations
Junk Journals
Indigenous Dot Painting
Elf Yourself
Beginners Decoupage Art
Dalby 2 December 2.30pm
Tara 3 December 10am
Tara 12 December 10.30am
Chinchilla 12 December 10am
Jandowae 13 December 10am
Potion Bottles Tara 29 January 11am
JANUARY
Breathe & Meditate
Brain Training
First Aid Awareness
Chinchilla January 10am
Tara 15 January 3pm
Jandowae 16 January 10am
Faux Stained Glass Painting Dalby 22 January 2pm
Brain Training Dalby 22 January 10am
FEBRUARY
Rag Rug Making Workshop
Workboot Planter
Dot Art Boomerangs
Chinchilla
Part 1 12 February Part 2 19 February 5.30pm
Jandowae 19 February 10am
Meandarra 20 February 10.30am
M A R C H 2 0 2 5
READ WORDS OUT WEST
THE HOUSE THAT JOY BUILT BY HOLLY RINGLAND
An uplifting guide to breaking through fear and finding joy in creativity by bestselling author Holly Ringland. The House that Joy Built explores how creativity transforms lives and inspires anyone held back by fear. It's a call to reconnect with imagination and embrace the joy of creativity.
THE LEDGE BY CHRISTIAN WHITE
When human remains are found in Victoria's forests, police are baffled, locals shocked, and a group of friends start to panic–their long-held secret is close to exposure. It began in 1999, when sixteen-year-old Arron ran away, triggering a chain of unforeseeable events that no one escaped form unscathed. The Ledge runs past and present in parallel, building to a cliff-hanger no one will see coming.
WHAT I WOULD DO TO YOU BY GEORGIA HARPER
In a near-future Australia, the death penalty has returned. Victims' families must carry out the execution themselves, spending twenty-four hours alone with the condemned. Ten-year-old Lucy was murdered. Through therapy sessions, we learn about her two mothers, her older brother, and her sister who has plans of her own. As the execution date nears, secrets and grief threaten to tear the family apart.
NEW YEARS EVE BY SARAH TODMAN
Eve Anderson's New Year's birthdays have always been a letdown, but this ones a disaster. A love affair's crash, a career in ruins, and a call from her estranged mother send her back to the outback town she fled years ago–to face family secrets, a past love, and her long-abandoned dreams.
THE NIGHT DRAGON BY MATTHEW CONDON
How a famous cold case, a deadly fire and a quest for justice finally brought down one of Australia's worst killers. Award-winning investigative journalist Matthew Condon has interviewed dozens of ex-cons, police and witnesses to put together a compelling picture of the calculating killer who spent his life evading the law before he was finally brought to justice.
MOTHERLAND BY STEPHANIE TRETHEWEY
Behind the scenes of our farms and outback stations are remarkable women whose stories showcase strength and resilience. Motherland highlights the extraordinary lives of fourteen rural mothers from diverse backgrounds, revealing the triumphs and tragedies that define their journeys. After her own struggles with rural motherhood, Stephanie launched the Motherland podcast, creating a supportive online community.
WALLABY LANE BY MAYA LINNELL
Lauren Bickford dreams of being a radio presenter, but her on-air mishaps hold her back. Jack Crossley, the new cop in south Australia's Limestone Coast, knows mischief lurks in every corner. As they navigate their budding romance, can Jack restore order before vigilantes take justice into their own hands?
GIRL FALLING BY HAYLEY SCRIVENOR
Finn and Daphne, bonded by tragedy, grew up close in the Blue Mountains. Now in their twenties, Finn is falling in love with Magdu, which pushes Daphne to manipulate her friend to keep control. But when a rock-climbing outing turns deadly, questions arise: was it suicide, and accident–or something more sinister?
FIRST 5 FOREVER
WHY ARE THE FIRST FIVE YEARS SO IMPORTANT?
During the first few years of life, more than a million new connections are formed in your child's brain every second. Research shows that when babies and young children receive what they need, it can have lasting effects on their future development.
Sharing stories, singing, talking, and playing with your child from birth helps build a strong foundation that can last a lifetime. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in this process, as babies learn best by interacting with the important adults in their lives during everyday activities. Whether it's talking about what you see on the way to the park, singing nursery rhymes, or learning new words while shopping, these interactions are vital.
That's where First 5 Forever comes in. This initative connects parents and caregivers to resources and ideas that enhance early childhood development.
Research indicates that children are born ready to learn, and nurturing relationships provide the best environment for this learning. The experiences during these formative years significantly shape the architecture of the developing brain. Engaging in shared activities is important for developing language skills and lays the groundwork for future learning.
Make the most of these early years by exploring the resources available at your local library, including free Storytime sessions where families can meet, enjoy stories, and discover new favourites to share at home.
TREVOR ' S BOOKSHELF
Trevor the library dog is back again with his top pick for Christmas!
DON'T GET YOUR TINSEL IN A TANGLE
BY STEPHANIE THATCHER
Humphrey is a grumpy cat who hates everything about Christmas. He would prefer to sit in the basement all day away from the festivities. When Tiny the dog arrives from a pet rescue, she brings an excitement about Christmas that annoys Humphrey hugely. Can Tiny's enthusiasm for Christmas turn Humphrey's bad attitude around? He may be surprised!
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
