All the latest news from your Library
March 2023
This month we look forward to two important events that celebrate diversity and equality.
International Women’s Day, which falls on Wednesday 8 March. It's a day of global celebration of women's achievements and an opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality while raising awareness against bias and discrimination against women. At Coffs Harbour Libraries, we're proud to mark the occasion by showcasing literature written by women, including books, films, and magazines.
Harmony Week begins on March 20. This week is an opportunity to celebrate our country's cultural diversity and to promote inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. As a library, we strongly believe in the power of diverse perspectives and cultures to enrich our communities, and we are committed to promoting harmony and understanding in all our programs and services.
Introducing the C-Pen Reader 2:
Thanks to a generous donation from the Herford family, we have been able to purchase a scanning pen for library members to use while here at Harry Bailey Memorial Library in Coffs Harbour.
The C-Pen Reader 2 is held and operated much like a highlighter, and when text is scanned by the pen it will read it out loud. It will hopefully encourage reluctant readers to read and can boost self-confidence and reduce stress & reading anxiety.
The C-Pen Reader 2 will be available to use in the library during opening hours. See staff for more information.
And the winner is…
Coffs Harbour Gallery, Museum, and Libraries are delighted to announce the winner of their Summer School Holidays Creative Journal Art Pack prize draw!
Big Congratulations to Skyla! Skyla, who recently moved to the area, was overjoyed to have her entry drawn as the winner.
The competition required participants to capture a photograph of their drawing from their favourite page in the Penelope Pratley Creative Journal. The journal was created by the Library and Gallery Programs team in collaboration with local artist and illustrator, Penelope Pratley.
Thank you to all those who participated. We look forward to seeing more entries from our talented community members in the next prize draw, which will take place during the April school holidays when our next journal is released.
New Magazine Collection!
Exciting news! The library is expanding its collection with a diverse range of new magazines that will soon be available for you to borrow.
These magazines will be spread out across all 3 library branches. If the magazine you're looking for isn't available at your local branch, you can easily place a reservation to have it delivered to your preferred branch.
So go ahead, explore a world of captivating articles, stunning visuals, and endless inspiration with our latest additions to the library's magazine collection. Reserve your favourites today!
What's On
The Learning Club returns
to Toormina Library
The Learning Club is back starting Thursday 2 March at Toormina Library from 3.15 pm to 4.45pm and will run every Thursday afternoon till 6 April.
Learning Clubs provide a safe and supportive out-of-school learning environment where primary students can participate in activities that develop their academic skills, such as homework, numeracy and literacy
This valuable service is run by the Smith Family for primary school students with the help of volunteer tutors.
If you would like your child to attend or know anyone who would make a great tutor please contact Darrin Allen, the program coordinator.
Email: darrin.allen@thesmithfamily.com.au
Mobile: 0428234399
A Partnership between The Smith Family
and the City of Coffs Harbour
School Holiday fun and creativity
We have a range of exciting activities coming up at your local library branch during the April school holidays. Keep an eye out for the upcoming newsletter, which will have all the details you need to know.
There will be a brand-new creative journal filled with things to do that will ignite your imagination and creativity. Plus, we have a fun activity to celebrate the launch of a new children's book, so be sure not to miss out!
And that's not all - we're bringing back some classic board games that you can enjoy with family and friends while at the library. It's the perfect way to spend some quality time together and make some fun memories.
Don’t miss out on all the fun! Stay tuned for the next newsletter and get ready to join us for a school holiday adventure.
Holiday break for Storytime
Our regular Storytime sessions will take a pause during the Easter school holidays from 8 to 21 April.
The last Storytime sessions for Term 1 will be:
- Woolgoolga Library - Tuesday 4 April at 10.30am
- HBML/Coffs Library - Wednesday 5 April at 10.30am
- Toormina Library - Thursday 6 April at 10.30am
Due to the Easter Saturday Public Holiday there will be no Storytime session at Woolgoolga library on Saturday 8 April.
Yarn & Yack
Come and join other knitters for a yarn while you knit for the monthly Yarn & Yack get together at Harry Bailey Memorial Library on Tuesday 7 March from 10:30 to 12 noon.
Staff faves...
Kate loved Sheilas: Badass Women of Australian History
This is a quick-witted and quirky account of the badass women who contributed to our great nation, but were sadly left out of the records for the most part (thanks patriarchy). If you enjoy history, humour and heroines, this is the book for you!
There's lots of other great recommendations from our staff, check them out on the website.
Are you curious about the rich and diverse history of Coffs Harbour?
The Coffs Coast Heritage blog is dedicated to sharing fascinating stories and little-known facts about the unique culture and heritage of the Coffs Coast region.
Whether you're a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, our treasure trove of interesting stories is sure to captivate you.
Make a difference in a child’s life:
become a Volunteer Tutor with the Smith Family
The Smith Family are currently accepting expressions of interest from supportive adults who would like to become volunteer tutors in our Learning Club.
As a volunteer tutor, you'll work with primary school-aged children from Year 3 to Year 6 to provide personalised support in reading, writing, and numeracy skills.
The Learning Club is held Thursday afternoons from 3.15pm to 5pm
For more information contact the Smith Family Learning Club officer Darrin Allen:
Email: Darrin.Allen@thesmithfamily.com.au
Mobile: 0428 234 399
COFFS HARBOUR DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY INC.
Website: coffsharbourfamilyhistory.com
Email: coffsgenie@gmail.com
Phone: 02 66483605
Family History Society
March Workshop
Victoria Keane, the Team Leader for Regional Resources at the Clarence Regional Library, will discuss her involvement in negotiating the donation of Nola Mackey's collection to the Clarence Regional Library. Keane will provide insight into the background of the collection and explain how it can assist with family history research.
WHEN: Saturday 25th March 2023
WHERE: Coffs Harbour Community Village
TIME: arrive 1pm for 1.30 start
COST: $5.00 per person
REGISTRATION: Is essential to register so please phone or visit the rooms or email if you wish to attend
Learn more and to register visit the website or email.
Harry Bailey
Memorial Library
Cnr Coff & Duke Streets
Coffs Harbour
NSW 2450
Tel: (02) 6648 4900
Fax: (02) 6648 4906
Monday to Friday
10.00am to 6.00pm
Saturday
10.00am to 2.00pm
Toormina Library
Minorie Drive
Toormina NSW 2452
Tel: (02) 6648 4925
Fax: (02) 6658 2913
Monday to Friday
10.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday
10.00am to 12noon
Woolgoolga Library
Ganderton Street
Woolgoolga NSW 2456
Tel: (02) 6648 4902
Monday to Friday
10.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday
10.00am to 12noon
