October 2025. Your Library Newsletter

🌸 Welcome to November at Coffs Harbour Libraries! 🌸

Our libraries have a vibrant lineup of programs and workshops for all ages:

🎤Author events
🎬 Recording sessions with an audio engineer in the Digital Studio
🧘 Figure drawing and wellbeing sessions at YAM
💻 Tech Essentials for Everyday Life

Come and join us for these special programs or come to one of our regular programs and make the most of November at your local library!

Photo of Tim Ayliffe author and book cover Dark Desert Road

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. 

 

Talks & Workshops

Photo of author Bryan Brown and image of his book cover The Hidden

Author Event: Bryan Brown

Date: Tuesday 18 November

When: 5.30pm for 6.00pm start

Fully booked. Waiting list only. 

Where: River Oak Room, Level 3 Yarrila Place

Meet Bryan Brown, acclaimed actor. Now an established author, Bryan will share insights about his latest book, The Hidden.

Register for wait list
Photo of author Judi Morison and book cover of her debut novel 'Secrets'

Author Event: Judi Morison

Date: Saturday 1 November

When: 10.30-12.00pm

Where: Story Space, Ground Floor, Harry Bailey Memorial Library

Help us celebrate with one of our libraries' writing group members, Judi Morison, on the publication of her debut novel Secrets. Join us for a conversation between Judi and Cat Davey as they explore the inspiration and writing process behind the pages.

 
Book now
Photo of recording studio microphone

1:1 Session with an Audio Engineer

Date: Wednesday 5, 12, 19 November

When: 4.00 - 6.00pm

Where: Digital Studio - Level 1 Yarrila Place

Recorded a rough demo on your phone? Wrote some verses to a beat from YouTube? Want to flesh out an existing project in a studio environment?

Book a session and take it to the next level. There is a limit of 1 session per booking, and 4 sessions in total on offer.

 
Book now
Image of artist Seabastion Toast in front of portrait painting

Figure Drawing - Untutored monthly studio sessions with Sebastion Toast

Date: Sunday 16 November

When: 10.30-1.30pm

Where: The Workshop - Yarrila Arts and Museum

Cost: $35 Bookings essential

Join artist Seabastion Toast for a relaxed and inspiring monthly life drawing session at Yarrila Arts and Museum. Held one Sunday each month, these three-hour sessions offer artists of all experience levels a chance to slow down, focus deeply, and connect with the figure through longer, sustained poses with a clothed model.

 
Book now
Older couple looking at a laptop screen

Tech Essentials: Introducing AI

Date: Thursday 12, 20, 27 November & 4 December (4 consecutive weeks)

When: 10:30am -12:30pm

Where: Learning Lab, Level 2, Harry Bailey Memorial Library

You’ve probably heard about artificial intelligence, but what is it really? This session explains AI in simple terms and shows how it can help with everyday tasks—like finding information, writing a shopping list, or even coming up with dinner ideas. It’s a chance to explore something new in a safe, easy-to-understand way—no technical knowledge needed.

 
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.

Book now
Photo of hand sketching flora

Take a moment in November Lunchtime Wellbeing Program

Date: Wednesday 26 November

When: YAM tour 12.30-1pm. Meet at the YAM desk. 

Creative activities and art puzzles 12.00- 2.00pm

 
Book now
Small child with paints

YAM Teeny Tours

Date: Every Friday in the school term

When: 10:00 -11:00am

Where: The Workshop - Yarrila Arts and Museum 

Immerse your child in artful conversations, cultural exploration and creative play in Teeny Tours at Yarrila Arts and Museum.

Book now
 

Citizen Science

Photo of person looking through magnifying glass at flora

Citizen Science Corner

When: August - December (and beyond)

Where: Ground Floor, Harry Bailey Memorial Library

Welcome to the Citizen Science Corner at the Harry Bailey Memorial Library, our brand-new space where community curiosity meets real-world science. 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. 

Our first season of the Citizen Science Corner, Garlambirla Birdlife, is a hands-on learning hub packed with interactive displays, bird tracking tools, art activities, and more. 

 
Find out more here
Image of Oyster catcher bird from Garlambirla Birdlife book

Garlambirla Birdlife Youth Voices for Nature 

In 2024, 22 young local artists and budding scientists joined Flight Lab: Young Minds in Action, a program developed by the City of Coffs Harbour and NSW NPWS. Guided by rangers and creatives, they explored coastal habitats and transformed their experiences into a stunning book, Garlambirla Birdlife. 

This youth-led publication combines artworks and conservation facts to raise awareness about threatened coastal birds and the fragile habitats they rely on. Download a FREE copy and help this creation take flight. 

 
 
Download Free book
 

Spotlight moments

Photo of people on stairs of Yarrila Place doing tour

Library orientation tours

When: Free guided tours will be held on the first Thursday of each month at 2.00pm

Where: Meet on the ground floor of the Harry Bailey Memorial Library.

This program has been designed to welcome newcomers to Coffs Harbour, to ensure new residents feel informed, included and connected.

Primary school students looking for books on library shelf

NEXT CHAPTER program to high school

This education program is designed to support year 6 students heading to high school by equipping them with essential library and research skills - building confidence, study skills, and independence for learning success.

For school group bookings please email education@chcc.nsw.gov.au

 
Photo of people on stairs of Yarrila Place doing tour

Library Bags

Available with a $5 donation.

Your donation helps cover the cost of fabric and labels — and supports life-long learning.

Made with love by the women of the Narranga Public School Community Hub Sewing Group.

Photo of Ipad in Hublet booking station

Hublet is here!

Now available at Harry Bailey Memorial Library – Young Adult Library, Level 1

Want to browse, read, stream, or study on a tablet? You can now borrow a Hublet tablet using your library card – for use in the Young Adult library.

Simple. Free. No strings attached.
Come give it a try next time you visit!

 

 

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: 
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.

 

Notices

Australia Day Award nominations banner
 

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

 
 
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Coffs Harbour Libraries
Locked Bag 155 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

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