There’s something for everyone at the library this August, with a vibrant program of events and activities to enjoy. Highlights include Children's Book Week Storytimes, Digital art and creative tech classes, the Australian Poetry Slam Workshop and Heat, engaging author talks, and celebrations for Family History Month.
Be sure to make time for a visit to Yarrila Arts and Museum to see the renowned Archibald Prize 2025 exhibition on tour from the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Save the date for our Coffs Coast Local Authors' Showcase. More information to come!
2026 Australian Poetry Slam
Poetry Workshop
When: Monday 10 August, 5.30pm
Where: Learning Lab, Level 2, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Whether you’re a quiet dreamer or an outspoken wordsmith, this poetry workshop empowers you to do more than stream other people’s creativity. This is your chance to make your stories matter; to transform your introspective ideas into crowd roars and finger clicks.
Write new stuff or re-shape your existing work with award-winning spoken word artist, Miles Merrill.
Coffs Harbour Poetry Slam Heat
When: Tuesday 11 August, 6pm
Where: River Oak Room, Yarrila Place
Whether you're performing or joining the live audience Yarrila Place is the place to be on Tuesday 11 August. Experience the thrill of competition and powerful performances. You have to be in it to win it and experience it.
Calling All Poets! Have you ever wanted to change the world with your words? You are invited to rip those scrawled leaves of passion from your notebook and ignite them on stage.
Children's Book Week
The 2026 Children’s Book Week theme is ‘Symphony of Stories’.
The talented illustrator of this year's artwork is the fabulous Briony Stewart, award-winning author-illustrator of ‘Gymnastica Fantastica’ and other children’s books.
Please join us for a special Storytime at our three branches during Book Week. Wear your favourite costume and join in the fun.
Bookings for the public are not required. If any preschool groups would like to join the fun, please email coffs.library@chcc.nsw.gov.au
When: Tuesday 25 August 10:30am
Where: Woolgoolga Library
When: Wednesday 26 August 10:30am
Where: Harry Bailey Memorial Library
When: Thursday 27 August 10:30am
Where: Toormina Library
Family History Month
Bucca Creek home, 1894. From Coffs Collections.
August is Family History Month!
The State Library of NSW are running a series of online seminars for family historians at all stages of the journey. Find more information and sign up by clicking link below.
Digitise your old slides and negatives at Coffs Harbour Library in the Memory Station. Use our quality scanners to bring your memories to life free of charge. For more information click button below.
What's On
Local History Month Special with Dorrigo Author Sarah Smith
When: Saturday 1 August, 10.30am
Where: Story Space, Ground Floor, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
What stories lie hidden in the history of the Dorrigo Plateau?
Join us for a History Month special event as Sarah explores the real people, places and stories that inspired The Sawmiller's Daughter, a powerful tale of resilience, ambition and courage set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and World War II.
Author Event: Petronella McGovern in Conversation with local author Judi Morison
When: Thursday 6 August, 6pm
Where: Story Space, Ground Floor, Harry Bailey Memorial Library.
What if you had one more chance to change the past?
Join bestselling thriller author Petronella McGovern in conversation with Judi Morison as they delve into Every Time She Wakes—a suspense-filled new novel of time loops, family secrets and impossible choices where every decision could mean the difference between life and death.
The Men's Space
When: Third Tuesday, Monthly - next session Tuesday 18 August, 10.30am
Where: Learning Lab, Level 2, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Join local special guest speaker, Ralph Davis, and our Local Studies Librarian, Belinda Lancey, this July as they uncover some of the fascinating characters, quirky tales and little-known history of the Coffs Coast. Bring your own stories, memories and local knowledge to the conversation.
The Men’s Space is a FREE easy-going gathering for men to enjoy good company, casual chats and activities over light refreshments. Run by men, for men.
Coffs Harbour Writers' Groups
Expressions of interest for next intake for Coffs Harbour Writing Groups, commencing August 2026, are open.
Our self-led writing groups support a variety of genres, and levels of experience. Each group meets twice monthly in a structured workshop style environment, to foster writing, reviewing, and learning, through constructive feedback and inspiring discussions to help our local writers grow.
For information about group availability and times, or to express interest in joining a group, please visit the library website.
Digital Art & Drawing
When: 23 July – 20 August, 11am-1pm (Running consecutive Thursdays for 5 weeks)
Where: Digital Studio, Level 1, Yarrila Place
Using Adobe Fresco on iPad with a digital pen, you'll explore a different aspect of digital artmaking each week and learn how to turn photographs and everyday inspiration into stunning digital artworks.
FREE. Suitable for all ages 16+.
NEW! Woopi Chair Yoga
When: Third Monday monthly, 10:30-11:15am
Where: Meeting Room, Woolgoolga Library
Experience the tranquility and rejuvenation of Chair Yoga. Through guided practice, enhance flexibility, reduce stress, and improve posture, our gentle yet effective practices are tailored to meet your needs.
FREE. Bookings required.
A Box of Dreams, Pockets of Wonder
When: Tues 25 Aug – Tues 22 Sep 4-6pm (Running consecutive Tuesdays for five weeks)
Where: Digital Studio, Level 1, Yarrila Place
Age: 13-18 years
Cost: $50 for 5-week term
Dive into the world of creative tech where young people can learn about cool electronics. incorporating upcycling, textiles, electronic sensors and lights.
Over five weeks participants will create a box of dreams featuring electronic components or a fabric pocket featuring electronic components that can be sewn onto an existing garment.
Take a Moment, Creative Wellbeing
When: Wednesday 26 August 12-1:30pm
Where: Yarrila Arts and Museum, Program Workshop
Take a Moment is a Yarrila Arts and Museum creative wellbeing program designed to help you slow down, recharge, and reconnect through art and mindfulness.
Join a curator-led tour from 12:00–12:30pm and/or drop into a guided artmaking session between 12:00–1:30pm. Drawing and mixed media materials are provided.
Held at Yarrila Arts and Museum on the last Wednesday of every month. Free to attend.
Save the date!
The first‑ever Coffs Coast Local Authors’ Showcase lands on 28 November 2026 at Yarrila Place, bringing together local authors, fresh stories, and creative minds from across our region.
For one inspiring day, readers and writers are invited to explore a vibrant world of local stories, fresh ideas, and unexpected discoveries.
Meet authors from across the Coffs Coast and neighbouring communities, wander through colourful stalls, and browse new books hot off the local presses. Settle in for lightning talks that crackle with energy as writers share the sparks, surprises, and creative twists behind their work.
Whether you’re a devoted reader, a curious creative, or simply someone who loves supporting local talent, this showcase invites you to slow down, connect, and be inspired. It’s a chance to discover the stories being written right here in our community — and maybe stumble across something you didn’t expect.
Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
Location: River Oak Room, Level 3, Yarrila Place
Time: From 9am
Cost: Free Entry!
Registrations for authors will open soon!
WinterReads is back!
WinterReads is back on indyreads this August!
From 1-31 August, a curated selection of 12 titles will be available in a dedicated WinterReads carousel. The titles will all be available with unlimited simultaneous access, meaning no waiting for readers. With genres including crime, romance, science fiction, classics and more, there is something for everyone.
This year's titles are:
- In the Name of the Trees by Merlinda Bobis
- Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
- Without a Trace by Susannah Glenn
- Time Travel for Beginners by Jaclyn Moriarty
- The Odyssey by Homer
- Rumour Has It by Karly Lane
- No God But Us by Bobuq Sayed
- Daughters of the Stones by Alexandra Walsh
- The Society of Literary Marauders by Sasha Wesley
- The Boundary by Nicole Watson
- Sound Mind Dead Body by Dave Warner
- O'Keefe by David Whish-Wilson.
Find indyreads in Coffs Harbour Libraries Online collections.
What's on at YAM?
Experience Australia’s most celebrated portrait award, the Archibald Prize, at Yarrila Arts and Museum. Featuring compelling portrayals of figures from stage and screen, music, media, and journalism, alongside reflections on activism, politics, and everyday life, Archibald Prize 2025 on tour from the Art Gallery of New Wales, offers a rich and diverse portrait of Australian society today.
First awarded in 1921, the Archibald Prize remains Australia’s most popular – and often most debated – art award. Selected from over 900 entries by the trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the exhibition also celebrates the coveted Packing Room Prize.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the nation’s most iconic exhibitions.
When: 7 August – 13 September 2026
The Archibald Prize® regional tour is an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition. Major partner, Optus.
Regular programs
Our library is a vibrant community hub, offering lifelong learning and connection through a wide range of weekly and monthly programs. Explore what’s on below!
Kids & Family: After School Lego Club (age 7-10), StoryTime (age 2-5), Baby Rhyme Time (age 0-2), Duplo, Jigsaws and games (6 mths - age 5), Dress Up Fridays (age 2-5)
Wellbeing: Casual Games Morning, Brain Training, Chair Yoga, Craft &
Connect and The Men's Space
Tech: Tech Essentials Series (Intro to Tech) and Digital Studio Workshops
Writing: Coffs Harbour Libraries Writers' Groups
Book Clubs: Groups & Lending Services
Home Library: The Home Library Service can deliver items to your home for free.
Quiet Hour: Fridays 4-5 pm, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Note: Our regular programs are not available on public holidays. Additionally, regular children's programs do not run during NSW school holidays.
Acknowledgement of Country
Coffs Harbour Libraries is on the land of the Gumbaynggirr people, who we recognise as the traditional custodians of the land and who have cared for the land since time immemorial. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and commit ourselves to a future with reconciliation and renewal at its heart.
Harry Bailey
Memorial Library
Yarrila Place
27 Gordon Street
Coffs Harbour
NSW 2452
Tel: (02) 6648 4900
Monday to Friday
10.00am to 6.00pm
Saturday & Sunday
10am to 2pm
Toormina Library
Minorie Drive
Toormina NSW 2452
Tel: (02) 6648 4925
Monday to Friday
10.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday
10am to 12noon
Woolgoolga Library
Ganderton Street
Woolgoolga NSW 2456
Tel: (02) 6648 4902
Monday to Friday
10.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday
10am to 12noon
