🌟 Celebrate January with us at Coffs Harbour Libraries! 🌟
This summer school holidays, dive into our summer school holiday program.
Don’t miss out!
🎤Upcoming Author Event
📔Zine workshop
🖍️Awesome animations - digital art
🪐Solar system mobiles
🐬Young Marine Biologists 2026 - Info session!
🦈Citizen Science Corner - Sharks
...and more!
Join us and make this January unforgettable at your local library!
Upcoming Events
Author Event - Tim Ayliffe
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.
Young Marine Biologists 2026 - Info session!
Ever wondered what life under the sea is really like? Dreaming of a career in marine biology?
Join us for a taster workshop ahead of the upcoming Young Marine Biologists program.
This two-hour workshop will give you a taste of what the program has to offer. As a Young Marine Biologist, you will gain both personal and professional insights into the world of marine science. Led by local marine biologists, this hands-on workshop is designed for students aged 14–18.
Following the workshop, applications will open to new students to join the Young Marine Biologists program running from February – June 2026.
Note: This taster is for students new to the program. Students from the 2025 program (July-December) should not register for the taster.
Taster workshop: Monday 19 January 2026
Where: Make Space, Level 1 Yarrila Place
Cost: $20
Age: 14–18 yrs
Next intake for full program: February 2026
Postcards of Connection
Postcards of Connection has arrived at 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.
When: Display runs until 17 February.
Where: Level 2, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Talks & Workshops
Spacetime: Solar System Mobile!
Date: Tuesday 6 January
When: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Toormina Library
Age: 7-12 years
Cost: Free - Bookings essential
Get creative and discover the wonders of our solar system in this fun and hands-on workshop.
By combining art and science kids will explore the marvels of space and create their very own mobile of our solar system. It’s the ultimate summer mission: creativity, investigation, and a galaxy of fun!
Family Games Day
Date: Friday 9 to Sunday 11 January
When: Library opening hours
Where: Ground Floor, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Cost: Free- no bookings required!
Come chill out, laugh together, and get a little competitive at our Family Games Day.
The games station features a variety of family friendly games, be it a regular well-loved favourite or an exciting new board game, there’s something for everyone.
Borrow or reserve games from our collection.
STEAM in a snap!
Date: Monday 12 January
When: 10:00am- 4:30pm
Where: Toormina Library
Cost: Free - No bookings
Get ready for bite-sized bursts of science, technology, engineering, art and math fun!
From LEGO challenges to mini robots, magnetic fun to sizzling circuits, every activity is designed to be quick, exciting, and totally family friendly.
Browse the catalogue for our STEAM kits.
Zine making workshop - Make a Difference!
Date: Wednesday 14 January
When: 10:00am - 2:30pm
Where: Digital Studio, Level 1, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Ages: 10-15 yrs
Cost: $6.61
Come & learn about how to create a zine or posters to highlight and promote an environmental or social justice theme that they care about.
Come & learn about how to create a zine or posters to highlight and promote an environmental or social justice theme that you care about.
Shark's Talk, Shark Talk
Date: Wednesday 14 January
When: 10:30am - 11:30pm
Where: Ground Floor, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Age: 5+
Cost: Free - Bookings essential
Dive into the world of sharks!
Join Adrienne Gooden (PhD student & Young Marine Biologist Program coordinator) for a jaw-some talk that uncovers the secrets and the beauty of these ocean predators in our Citizen Science corner at the library.
Awesome Animations - Morning Session
Date: Thursday 15 January
When: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Toormina Library
Age: 8-15 yrs
Cost: $5 Bookings essential
Learn Digital Drawing and Animation on the iPads using Apple Pencils & Adobe Fresco and show your creativity.
Awesome Animations - Afternoon Session
Date: Thursday 15 January
When: 1:00pm- 3:00pm
Where: Toormina Library
Age: 8-15 yrs
Cost: Free - No bookings
Learn Digital Drawing and Animation on the iPads using Apple Pencils & Adobe Fresco and show your creativity.
STEAM in a SNAP
Date: Friday 16 to Sunday 18 January
When: Library opening hours
Where: Ground Floor, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Cost: Free - no bookings required
Get ready for bite-sized bursts of science, technology, engineering, art and math fun!
From LEGO challenges to mini robots, magnetic fun to sizzling circuits,
Browse the catalogue for our STEAM kits.
Spacetime: Solar System Mobile!
Date: Tuesday 20 January
When: 10:30am- 12:30pm
Where: Ground Floor, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Age: 7-12 yrs
Cost: Free - Bookings essential
Get creative and discover the wonders of our solar system in this fun and hands-on workshop.
By combining art and science kids will explore the marvels of space and create their very own mobile of our solar system. It’s the ultimate summer mission: creativity, investigation, and a galaxy of fun!
Video Wizards & Visual Effects
Date: Thursday 22 January
When: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Where: Digital Studio, Level 1, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Ages: 9-14 yrs
Cost: $20 Bookings essential
Bring: Own lunch, snacks and drinks
Working in small groups, your children can begin their journeys to becoming innovative video creators in this hands-on workshop.
Using iPads, cameras, greenscreen's and props to teach classic visual effects used often in film, this workshop puts a new spin on useful filmmaking skills.
Ready, Set, School!
Date: Wednesday 28 January
When: 10:30am- 12:00pm
Where: Story Space, Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Age: Recommended 4-6 yrs
Cost: Free
Join us for a fun-filled Storytime designed for children transitioning to school.
We’ll share a heartwarming tale about the exciting transition to school life. After the story, little hands get busy with a creative craft activity bringing the story’s themes to life through art, craft, and play!
Tech Essentials: Phone Photography: Capture & Create
Date: Returning February. Check dates on website
When: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Cost: Free Bookings essential
Learning technology doesn’t have to be confusing—or boring! Tech Essentials is a practical, hands-on program for adults and seniors.
Learn how to take clear, beautiful photos using just your phone. We’ll show you how to open the camera, focus on your subject, and avoid blurry shots.
NEW! After School LEGO Club
Date: Commencing February on Mondays
When: Mondays after school 3:45pm-4:45pm
Where: Harry Bailey Memorial Library
Age: 7-10 yrs (Year 3-5)
Cost: This program is free however weekly registrations are required via Eventbrite.
Kids can unleash their imagination, develop problem-solving skills, and build teamwork experiences through hands-on Lego challenges.
Tech Essentials: Fundamental Apps on Your Phone
Date: Returning February. Check dates on website
When: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Toormina Library
Cost: Free Bookings essential
There’s an app for almost everything! This session introduces the most useful ones for everyday life—maps to help you find your way, weather to plan your day, and messaging apps to stay in touch with family and friends. We’ll show you how to download apps, keep them organised, and delete the ones you don’t need. Simple steps that make your phone a real helper.
Spotlight moments
Citizen Science Corner - Sharks
Sharks have swum into the Citizen Science Corner at the Harry Bailey Memorial Library.
Whether you’re 9 or 90, this interactive hub invites you to observe, experiment, and take part in meaningful scientific discovery - no experience (or lab coat) required.
Located on the ground floor of Harry Bailey Memorial Library, the Citizen Science Corner is your local destination for learning
Our second season of the Citizen Science Corner is Sharks! Learn about shark tracking and management in the local area, engage with scientific materials, learning, art activities, and more.
To find out more visit NSW Marine Estate website www.marine.nsw.gov.au and subscribe to their newsletter.
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.
The library will close at 12pm on Saturday 3 January.
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.
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.
Story Space Closure, Yarrila Place
Story Space will temporarily close for a fresh, floor upgrade!
Sunday 4 January – Sunday 18 January
Exciting news for our youngest library members and their families. The Story Space on the ground floor of Harry Bailey Memorial Library will temporarily close for a fresh, floor upgrade.
New rubberised flooring tiles will be placed across the stairs, landings and ground floor area to make our lovely Story Space safer for all.
What you need to know:
- The Story Space will close from 4 January 2026 for two weeks and is expected to reopen on Monday 19 January.
- The remaining ground floor of the library is fully accessible, including the Citizen Science Corner, magazines, reservations and the children’s collections.
- The picture book collection will be moved from Story Space into the larger children’s area and will be available for loan.
- Any noisy works will be done before opening hours, so you can still come in and enjoy the library as usual!
Thanks for your patience as we make updates to this much-loved space.
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!
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: The 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
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
** Closing for renovation from 3 January to Early March 2026
