August is buzzing with discovery and hands-on fun across our libraries!
Celebrate National Science Week with the launch of our brand-new Citizen Science Corner. Dive into your past during Family History Month with genealogy and research skills workshops or embrace your inner bookworm with our Classic literature collection.
Whether you’re researching your roots, making something new, or just chasing a great read, there’s always something waiting for you at the library.
Home Library Service
For eligible library members, the Home Library Service delivers items once a month to your home for free. This service is for individuals who are unable to visit a library due to a disability, illness, or limited mobility. Full-time caregivers of participating members can also use this service.
Join us for Science Week 2025
This National Science Week (9-17 August) the City’s Harry Bailey Memorial Library, Sustainable Living program and Yarrila Arts and Museum offer kids of all ages a world of scientific exploration.
This year’s theme is “How do you science?” — and it’s all about discovering the many exciting ways you can explore, experiment, and invent!
NEW Citizen Science Corner
Open: Saturday 9 August
Ground Floor, Harry Bailey Memorial Library.
Get ready to explore, discover, and contribute! Our brand-new Citizen Science Corner is a space where curiosity meets real-world science. Whether you're 9 or 90, this interactive hub invites you to observe nature, collect data, and take part in meaningful scientific research. No experience needed.
Please note: There will be some changes to public PCs and resource access.
NEW Young Marine Biologists (age 14-18)
Starting in August
Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Ready to turn your passion for the ocean into a future career? Join our exclusive Young Marine Biologists Program.
Led by real marine scientists, this program offers hands-on, skills-based experience in marine biology with fieldwork, lab skills, and expert mentoring.
Final spots, final call.
LAUNCH Garlambirla Birdlife Program
Thursday 14 August
Citizen Science Corner, Ground Floor, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Join us at Harry Bailey Memorial Library for a special launch of the Garlambirla Birdlife program featuring a beautifully illustrated booklet created by local young people in collaboration with scientists and artists.
The program will be launched at the same time as the unveiling of our new Citizen Science Corner – come and check it out!
Family History Month
August is Family History Month
This year’s program offers some fascinating workshops including How to Research: Finding Family Crimes, where you’ll learn how to research the darker side of your ancestry through real-life records, followed by a conversation.
Plus, don’t miss two State Library of NSW online learning sessions — Getting the Most Out of Findmypast and Tracing ancestors through company records, perfect for building your skills at home.
Local Studies & Memory Station Induction
Wednesday 27 August
Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Whether you're embarking on an exciting family history project, preserving family slides, or just beginning your genealogical journey, our Local Studies Room Induction is here to provide you with essential tools and knowledge.
How to Research & Write your Memoir
Saturday 23 August
Harry Bailey Memorial Library
How do you want to be remembered? Writing your life story or a memoir of a defining time in your life is a wonderful legacy to leave behind for your family or maybe even Australia’s historical societies. Join this workshop to learn how to put your story to paper.
Talks & Workshops
Experimental Botanical Drawing: Inspired by Nature & Technology (16+)
Saturday 23 August
Yarrila Arts & Museum
Join artist Marc Renshaw for a unique drawing experience that blends the digital wonder of teamLab’s Flower’s and People a Whole Year per Hour with the natural beauty of our local environment.
This workshop includes a visit to the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.
Australian Poetry Slam & wordshop
Mon 11 & Tue 12 August
Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Calling all poets, performers, and passionate audiences!
Join the Poetry Slam Wordshop to sharpen your stage skills.
Then step up, or cheer loud, at the Australian Poetry Slam Coffs Harbour heat for your shot at state and national glory. All ages welcome.
Bookings encouraged for competitors and audience. Don’t miss it!
Big Questions Little Hearts: How to talk about death with our children
Sunday 24 August
Harry Bailey Memorial Library
How do we talk to children about death? It’s a question that can catch even the most confident caregivers off guard. The session offers thoughtful, research-informed guidance grounded in developmental psychology through presentation, space for individual reflection and some small group discussions.
Urban Nature Photography: Find the Unexpected Beauty in Your City (age 14+)
Saturday 9 August
Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Explore how nature weaves into city life in this hands-on photography workshop. Learn to capture landscapes, textures, and patterns using camera settings like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture, plus get editing tips in Adobe Lightroom.
In the Booth: A song recording workshop series
Saturday 6 & 13 September
Digital Studio, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
In this two-day workshop participants will learn how to record instruments using microphones, layer them using music software, and layer vocal tracks over your recordings.
Sustainable Living series: Winter edition
Sat 02 August
South Coffs Community Gardens & Tormina Library
Build nature confidence in your little ones with this Little Green Thumbs workshop (age 4-9).
Learn how to turn scraps into rich compost for a healthy garden in this Composting Made Easy workshop.
Resource highlights
WinterReads with indyreads
During the month of August, a selection of great reads will be available on indyreads with no waiting. With titles from a range of genres including crime, romance, classics, science fiction and fantasy, there is something for everyone.
Download the indyreads app and log in with your library card to read.
Classic Literature has a new home
Discover your favourite timeless reads in one convenient location at each branch. From Austen, Dickens, and Chaucer to iconic plays by Shakespeare and Wilde, to Australian classics from Keneally, Park, and Niland – you’ll find them in our newly organised Classics collection.
Not sure where to start? Ask our staff to point you in the right direction – your next great read is waiting.
Reading radar
What our community is reading...
The berry pickers by Amanda Peters
A stunning tender-hearted tale that explores the unbreakable bond of family despite impossible loss a& the passage of time. I haven’t cried like this over pages in a long time. A hopeful read that I’ll recommend widely.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Out of the blue by Anthony Field
If you or your kids grew up with the Wiggles this is a really interesting read. Easy to read and relatable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deep black by Miles Cameron
This started very soon after Book 1 in the series ended. It was as exciting and enthralling as the first one. New ideas, concepts and worlds. Loved it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Staff recommendations...
Memorial days by Geraldine Brooks
Multi-award winner Geraldine Brooks quotes Hemingway: "write the truest thing you know". And this memoir is that for her. It's gripping, romantic, fascinating, and filled with stories about her life with Tony Horwitz, husband and the other half of Hobro, their lauded writing duo. She looks deep grief in the eye, appraises cultural expectations, and arrives at her need for solitude, silence and landscape to face his death and get back to life. - By Amanda
Theory & practice by Michelle de Kretser
Winner of the 2025 Stella Prize - themes include colonialism & racism, power & the vulnerability of youth, family & identity, loyalty & love, art & literature, feminism & ideals (in theory vs in practice) - all in a very accessible way. A highly interesting and honest read, seamlessly playing with genre and the form of the novel throughout. - By Lou
The last days of the dinosaurs by Riley Black
A riveting narrative depicting the last days of the dinosaurs from the day of impact of the devastating Chicxulub Asteroid through the decades, centuries and the million years post-impact. The story depicts an exciting tale of the fauna and flora that were simply lucky enough through their evolutionary journeys to survive. “This is an ode to resilience that can only be seen in the wake of catastrophe.” By Olivia
Children's recommendations...
The gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
I recently read The Gruffalo to my grandchild, and we both loved it! The rhyming story is clever, funny, and full of imagination. Beautiful illustrations bring the characters to life. It’s a delightful read-aloud that kept us both engaged from start to finish. Highly recommended for young children and families.
Dragons love tacos by Adam Rubin
It’s a silly, imaginative story that turns an ordinary taco party into a hilarious disaster. The bright illustrations and unexpected twists kept us both entertained. A perfect pick for kids who love food, fun, and a bit of dragon chaos!
What's hot in the library.......
Spotlight moments
Lights, Camera, Action!
A big congrats to the young crew who successfully made their first film at Yarrila Place as part of a 9-week short filmmaking program in the Digital Studio. The film - written, directed and acted by the young people - made use of the library and other Yarrila spaces as their backdrop and even featured building manager Geoff in his first short film acting role, which will most likely lead him onto bigger things. Want to find out which workshops are coming up at our Digital Studio? Head over to our What's On page to see our full list of scheduled events.
Notices
HSC = Priority
As HSC exams approach, we’re pleased to offer the Learning Lab and Group Study 1 as dedicated study spaces for HSC students. These rooms will be available for quiet study whenever they’re not already booked for programs.
Keep an eye out for the HSC Wellbeing Program that will be running throughout the month of October.
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 (age 6 mon-5), Dress Up Fridays (age 2-5)
Wellbeing: Casual Games Morning, Brain Training, Chair Yoga, Craft & Connect and Sustainable Living Series
Tech: 1-on-1 Help and Group Learning Workshops (coming soon)
Writing: Casual Writers Room and Coffs Harbour Libraries Writers Groups
Home Library: The Home Library Service can deliver items to your home for free.
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 before 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
