October 2025. Your Library Newsletter

🌟 Celebrate December with us at Coffs Harbour Libraries! 🌟
From special events to your favourite regular programs, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out!

🎤Upcoming Author Event
📷 Studio Portrait Photography workshop
💻 Tech Essentials for Everyday Life
🎙️ Learn Audacity or Rodecaster Pro II in Digital Studio

We’re thrilled to:
📬 Launch the Postcards of Connection project
🐬 Offer Young Marine Biologists 2026 - Info session!
🏆 Celebrate our Innovation Award for the Young Marine Biologist program

Join us and make this December unforgettable at your local library!

 

Notices

Woolgoolga library temporary closure

Woolgoolga Library is set to undergo an exciting transformation thanks to a State Library of New South Wales Public Library Infrastructure Grant.

Renovations are likely to commence mid- January until early March 2026 with exact library closure dates to be advised as soon as possible.

The upgrade will deliver a modern, welcoming space designed to meet the needs of our growing community, with improved facilities and enhanced visitor experiences.

Temporary alternative services:

During the closure, members will be able to borrow up to 60 items with a three-month loan period from 8 December.

Reservations will also be available for collection on Tuesday and Thursday between 1pm and 3pm from Wiigulga Multipurpose Complex, starting 12 January 2026

Woolgoolga Neighbourhood Centre on Beach Street, Woolgoolga, will be available for printing and photocopying during the closure and will also host the regular Justice of the Peace service on Wednesdays between 11am and 1pm from 12 January onwards.

Keep up to date for further information via the library's Facebook, Instagram and website - as well as via our newsletters.

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Turn your old mobile into a lifeline

 
Photo of people on stairs of Yarrila Place doing tour

Got an old, working smartphones that you have no use for? Turn it into a DV Safe Phone by dropping it into one of the collection points at Coffs Harbour Libraries (Harry Bailey Memorial Library, Toormina and Woolgoolga locations). Your donated phone is repurposed with a charger, SIM card and credit, then gifted to a victim of domestic & family violence through registered frontline agencies. Your old phone can change someone’s life.

How to donate:

  1. Remove SIM & personal data if you can. If you can't, DV Safe Phone technicians will do it when they receive your phone.
  2. Drop the phone into the DV Safe Phone boxes at one of our libraries.

If you'd like to learn more about what DV Safe Phone are doing to help people go to www.dvsafephone.org

 

Upcoming Events

Postcards of Connection

Postcards of Connection is coming to Coffs Harbour Libraries! This uplifting community art project brings together stories and original artworks created by local teens and seniors, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and connection.

Over the summer holiday period, you are invited to wander through the installation, read heartfelt postcards, and experience the creative exchange between generations.

With the support of Australian Library & Information Association through the Community Cohesion Grant you will have the opportunity to write and send a postcard of your own, adding your voice to this growing tapestry of connection.

Flyer for Postcards of Connection project

Morning tea and display launch

When: Wednesday 17 December 11am. Display runs from 17 December to 17 February.

Where: Level 2, Harry Bailey Memorial Library

 
Photo of Tim Ayliffe author and book cover Dark Desert Road
Find Tim's books on the library catalogue

Author Event

Date: Monday 2 February 2026

Award-winning crime-thriller author Tim Ayliffe takes readers on a haunting journey through the dry, forgotten towns of the NSW Riverina in his new standalone novel. Dark Desert Road is a disturbingly plausible thriller that highlights the social fractures that are escalating around the world today. 

Whether you’re already a fan or just discovering his novels, this event will be an exciting evening for all crime fiction lovers. 

Save the date so you don't miss this event. 

 
Photo of Tim Ayliffe author and book cover Dark Desert Road

Young Marine Biologists 2026 - Info session!

Curious about life under the sea? Dreaming of a career in science? Join the Young Marine Biologists, an award-winning program offering real fieldwork, expert mentoring, and a first look at a career in marine science.
Join us for an information session as we take you through what to expect during the 6-month program so you can decide if this is a program for you or someone you know.  Young Marine Biologists must commit to one in-person monthly after-school workshop for 5 months (February – June) The program incurs a $100 AUD fee. 

Info session: Monday 19 January 2026
Age: 15–18
Next intake: February 2026

For more information on the Information session or to be added to the EOI list, please email Library.programs@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Expression of Interest (EOI) are open until Wednesday 21 January 2026.

 

Talks & Workshops

Lady with eyes closed posing for photograph in studio

Studio Portrait Photography

Date: Wednesday 10 December

When: 4:00- 6:00pm

Where: Digital Studio, Level 1, Harry Bailey Memorial Library

Cost: $25

Learn how to take great photographic portraits with photographer Jay Black.

Step into the studio and learn how to create stunning portrait photographs using professional lighting, camera techniques, and posing fundamentals. This hands-on session is perfect for students and creatives who want to understand the essentials of portrait photography in a fun, practical environment.

Book now
Older couple taking a selfie with mobile phone

Tech Essentials: Understanding "the cloud" & online security

Date: Friday 14, 21, 28 November & 5 December (4 consecutive weeks)

When: 10:30am -12:30pm

Where: Toormina Library

What is “the cloud,” and why should you use it? In this series, we’ll explain what cloud storage does in plain language and show you how it keeps your photos and files safe without filling up your phone. You’ll also learn important tips for staying secure online like spotting suspicious emails and creating strong passwords so you can use the internet with confidence.

Spaces are limited so book now!

 
Book now
 
Photo of digital studio editing equipment

Recording & editing with Audacity

Date: Wednesday 17 December

When: 3:00- 4:00pm

Where: Digital Studio, Level 1, Harry Bailey Memorial Library

Cost: Free

Learn how to records & edit audio using Audacity in the Digital Studio.

This 1- hour workshop teaches you how to use Audacity to record & edit audio. You’ll learn how to record or import audio, make edits, apply effects and, and export your final project.

The course covers basic recording, noise reduction, and other key features to help you create clean, high-quality audio.

Book now
Photo of young lady using Rodecaster Pro II equipment

Learn Rodecaster Pro II for podcasting

Date: Wednesday 17 December

When: 4:30pm -5:30pm

Where: Digital Studio, Level 1, Harry Bailey Memorial Library

Cost: Free

Learn how to use the Rodecaster Pro II to easily record in-person and remote guests for your podcast.

This workshop covers everything you need to know to set up and record podcast interviews and presentations using the Rodecaster Pro II.

We’ll also discuss mics and setting up a unique show template with an intro and special effects.

 
Book now
 

Spotlight moments

Bryan Brown Author event

On Tuesday, 18 November, Harry Bailey Memorial Library welcomed acclaimed author and actor Bryan Brown for an engaging discussion about his latest novel, The Hidden. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of 150 attendees, who enjoyed hearing Bryan’s insights, asking questions, and connecting with him personally. Guests also had the opportunity to purchase signed copies of his book and capture a memorable photo with Bryan.

It was a fantastic evening celebrating storytelling and community!

Actor and author Bryan Brown at author event
 
 
Photo of people on stairs of Yarrila Place doing tour

Innovation in Library Services Award

Coffs Harbour Libraries received the 2025 Innovation in Libraries Award at the New South Wales Public libraries Association annual conference. The winning program was Young Marine Biologists - a program aimed at engaging female youth aged 14–18 in marine biology, conservation, and environmental science. The program offered both introductory sessions and long-term pathways that support youth interested in pursuing careers in marine science. The Libraries partnered with students from the Marine Science Centre to create this program.

Congratulations to the team behind the program!

 

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!

Most regular programs are scheduled throughout December.

Final dates for 2025 are listed below:

After School Lego Club 
Toormina Library Thursday 18 December
Woolgoolga Library Wednesday 17 December

Storytime
Woolgoolga Library Tuesday 16 December
Harry Bailey Memorial Library Wednesday 17 December
Toormina Library Thursday 18 December

Rhyme Time 
Toormina Library Wednesday 17 December
Harry Bailey Memorial Library Thursday 18 December
Woolgoolga Library Thursday 18 December

Brain Training 
Woolgoolga Library Monday 1 Dec
Harry Bailey Memorial Library Wednesday 17 December

Craft and Connect 
Harry Bailey Memorial Library Wednesday 3 December

Games morning 
Harry Bailey Memorial Library Wednesday 10 December

***No Chair Yoga is scheduled in December 

Please note our regular children's programs do not run during NSW school holidays and will resume in February.

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: 
Tech Essentials Series (Intro to Tech) and Digital Studio Workshops
Writing: Casual Writers Room and Coffs Harbour Libraries Writers Groups
Home Library: T
he Home Library Service can deliver items to your home for free.

 
 

Coffs Harbour Writing Groups

Expressions of interest for next intake for Coffs Harbour Writing Groups, commencing February 2026, are opening soon. 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.

To join waitlist please email:  library.programs@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Click here for more information
 

Christmas hours

Over the Christmas period Coffs Harbour Libraries will have the following closures and special hours:

  • Wednesday 24 December Harry Bailey Memorial Library open 10:00am – 2:00pm, Toormina and Woolgoolga closed.
  • All libraries will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
  • Harry Bailey Memorial Library and Toormina Library will close at 4:00pm weekdays from Monday 22 December until Wednesday 31 December. 
  • Woolgoolga Library is undergoing renovations from early January until early March 2026. Library closing date will be confirmed as soon as possible.
  • Standard hours resume on Friday 2 January 2026.
 

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

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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

** Closing for renovation January to Early March 2026

 
 
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Locked Bag 155 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

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