Welcome

This month we celebrate International Women’s Day. It’s a day when we celebrate women's achievements. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality. In the library, we want you to "Be inspired" by women’s literature including, books, films, magazines, and more.

March is also National Women’s History Month and we share a story about a local indigenous woman who through her leadership improved the quality of life for all Indigenous people in Coffs Harbour.

Harmony Day on the 21st we celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone; ​ something we strive for here at Coffs Harbour Libraries.

There’s also our staff faves on the topic and lots more.

Jo Beazley, Service Leader Libraries drawing our winners with Jane Kreis, Service Leader Cultural Development and Programs.

Bookopoly Winners!

Congratulations to our Summer Vibes 'Bookopoly' winners.

Max, aged 9, from Bonville; Poppy, aged 7, from Woolgoolga; and Zola, aged 12, from Talarm were the three lucky winners of a $50 book voucher. Max, Poppy, and Zola regularly visit Coffs Harbour Libraries and, like so many other entries, completed an impressive range of challenges on their 'Bookopoly' boards. Surprisingly, one of the most daunting challenges for these young and avid readers was to ask a librarian for a recommendation and read that book! What did they discover? Librarians love helping people and particularly helping people find the information and great reads they are looking for.

A huge congratulations from all of us here at the library to all those who participated in the Summer Vibes Bookopoly Competition. There were some amazing entries and a great Summer of reading and activity!

Programs update

We are looking forward to the return of in-library programs in Term 2…follow us on Facebook to stay informed.

Staff faves

Becoming Colleen

Becoming Colleen is a documentary about an 85 year old transgender woman, transitioning from male to female in the conservative community of Coffs Harbour. More than a documentary about the transitioning of an elderly transgender woman: this is a story of two people whose love transcended gender roles; a small community that comes together to support a woman in pursuit of her greatest dream; and about the joy of finding the perfect pair of shoes. 
Susan

I listened to A Room Made of Leaves: Kate Grenville. It looks at the early colonisation history through the eyes of a woman of wisdom and influence. Very sensual in some ways, very entertaining as well as informative. Perfect listening pleasure while I scrubbed the shower, cleaned windows, made a soup, painted over the dirty floor, all the dastardly womens work I had to do over the weekend! Nice to feel empowered by Grenville and Elizabeth while doing it.
Amanda

I’m listening to the Borrowbox copy of investigative journalist Jess Hill’s 2019 book See What You Made Me Do. It’s read by her and it shines a spotlight on issues to do with domestic abuse and coercive control in relationships.  It’s a well-researched book that won the 2020 Stella Prize. Not the easiest subject matter, but part of the movement shifting the focus away from blaming the victim onto the actions of abusers.

Children’s picture book Coming home to Country  by acclaimed author and illustrator Bronwyn Bancroft is a lovely visual and lyrical depiction of coming home to country. “I sleep across dreams of generations past, Woven with journeys for the future.”
Shana

I’ve recently enjoyed reading Devotion by Hannah Kent. It starts in Prussia in 1836 where a teenage girl – Hanne’s, family and community are persecuted for their Lutheran religious beliefs and endure a harsh and tragic journey to Australia to settle as immigrants in South Australia. A beautifully written love story between Hanne and her best friend Thea set in an interesting background of time, place and cultural beliefs. I would definitely recommend it.
Simone

BuildHer Collective have helped women all around the the world with renovating or building their own home. In their book, BuildHers Kribashini Hannon and Rebeka Morgan share their building expertise along with case studies, wonderful ideas and inspiration for all levels of BuildHer.s
Beck

Would you like to have a voice on the future of Coffs culture and the arts?

Expressions of interest are sought from local community representatives for the Coffs Harbour Cultural Trust Advisory Committee on a voluntary basis. The Coffs Harbour Cultural Trust was established through Prosper Coffs Harbour Limited to provide a source of funding to support projects identified as important for cultural development in the Coffs Harbour region.

The purpose of the Coffs Harbour Cultural Trust is to fund the promotion of creative writing, music, performing arts, visual arts, design, media, Indigenous arts and creative industries within the Coffs Harbour region.

We are seeking applicants who have experience in any of the following:

• Performing arts
• Visual arts
• Creative writing
• Design
• Working with people and/or background in Indigenous or multicultural heritage

Advisory Committee meetings are held every second month, with an option for members to attend online.

Applications open Monday 21 Feb and close 31 March 2022. To apply please email your application to admin@prospercoffs.org.au detailing your experience and background. For more information, please contact 0437 767 451 or email admin@prospercoffs.org.au.

Are we on track to a connected, sustainable and thriving local life into the future?

• Here's your chance to share your views and be in with chance of winning some very cool prizes. What's important in your life, your family, your business and your community?! Be part of the MyCoffs Community check-in being led by Council until Friday 11 March. Your feedback counts as part of a review of the MyCoffs Community Plan.
• The community helped create the plan and it belongs to everyone. It outlines ways to bring our community’s vision to life.
• What’s the community’s vision? To be connected, sustainable and thriving now and into the future. 
• Speak out, speak now: all voices matter.