May 2023 

Newsletter

Time to reflect, learn, escape

South Australia’s History Festival continues and we have several events with bookings still available, so discover what history has to offer today.

No need to worry, but there is a 'crime spree' at the library, with 3 crime writers joining us to share their exciting new thrillers.

Also on offer are several educational sessions beginning with a Sustainability series of webinars, and a workshop to support parents with children experiencing learning challenges. 

Once again, we will be taking part in the National Simultaneous Story Time with a special story time to be held in two different locations, the library and at Callington, as we take the library 'on the road' to one of our more regional townships.

Mulled Wine & Mystery Series

with Mercedes Mercier & Rae Cairns 

Join us for a glass of mulled wine under the fairy lights, as we host a cosy night in with crime writers Mercedes Mercier and Rae Cairns for the launch of their new novels.

Mercedes Mercier - Black Lies

'Tension and menace ... Mercier wields exceptional talent' CANDICE FOX

THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IS THE ONE WITH NOTHING TO LOSE ...

Only a handful of inmates in Westmead Prison have committed crimes so atrocious that they've been locked away for life, and for fifteen years, convicted murderer Tomas Kovak has refused to disclose where he hid the body of his victim, a vulnerable young woman.

When Kovak is diagnosed with terminal cancer, pressure is put on Dr Laura Fleming, criminal psychologist, to find the location of Kovak's victim so her grieving family can find some sort of closure. With every session, Laura becomes convinced that something about Kovak's story doesn't ring true, and as his health rapidly deteriorates, the pressure on Laura ramps up. She becomes increasingly desperate, resorting to unconventional methods to find out what she can from the secretive man. Love can make you do terrible things.

Rae Cairns - Dying To Know

‘This book is a cracker – a genuine page turner. The pace builds and builds – it kept me guessing all the way ’  CHRIS HAMMER

This thriller centres around a woman's determination to uncover what happened to her missing sister. While researching, Rae interviewed motorcycle ‘weekend warriors’, an ex-outlaw MC member, local police and a detective who used to work in the police gang squad. The novel explores themes of the power of secrets, the cost of truth and what makes a family.

Wine, refreshments, light supper included.

Copies of both books will be on sale on the night.

Wednesday 24 May 2023

6.30pm - 8.00pm

Tickets $5 plus booking fee

Mulled Wine & Mystery Series

with Michelle Prak 

Join us for a glass of mulled wine under the fairy lights, as we host a cosy night in with debut crime writer Michelle Prak as she chats about her novel, Rush.

The first drops start to fall when Quinn spies the body. With no reception and nothing but an empty road for miles, does she stop to help or keep driving to safety?

Back at the iconic country pub where Quinn works, Andrea is sandbagging the place in preparation for heavy rains. Alone with her sleeping son in the back room, she reluctantly lets a biker in to wait out the storm.

Out on the wet roads, tensions arise among four backpackers on their way to Darwin. They haven’t prepared for this kind of weather and the flooding isn’t the only threat edging closer …

Chilling, tense and twisted, this compulsive thriller will send adrenaline coursing through your veins....

Wine, refreshments, light supper included

Friday 2 June 2023

6.30pm - 8.00pm

Tickets $5 plus booking fee

SPELD (Specific Learning Difficulties) Workshop

If anyone has a child or student who is struggling to learn to read or has a learning difficulty such as dyslexia, then this FREE workshop may interest you. 

SPELD SA will be visiting Mount Barker Community Library on the 22^nd of May to present their ‘Understanding Reading Difficulties’ workshop to the community. Parents from any school are welcome to attend this community workshop.

You’ll learn practical strategies to help your child PLUS all attendees will receive a FREE copy of the excellent AUSPELD resource: Understanding Learning Difficulties (valued at $28)

Monday 22 May 2023

11am - 1pm

FREE, bookings essential, via SPELD website

National Simultaneous Story Time 2023

National Simultaneous Storytime is an Australia-wide event, where children read together the same chosen picture book at the same day and the same time.

Join us for a fun filled morning, reading the 2023 National Simultaneous Storytime book, The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie, followed by craft activities and a snack. Being offered at two different locations, the library and at the Callington Recreation Community Centre.

10.45am - 12noon

FREE, bookings essential

 Sustainability Webinars

Are you looking for practical steps you can take to cut energy bills and make your home more comfortable all year round?

Get the latest information from industry experts, Renew, in this webinar series starting with the first session 16 May 2023. 

Anyone can register to watch the webinars from home or elsewhere.

The library will also be available as an option for those who would like to watch the webinar sessions in our space.

Topics include winter and summer energy efficiency, electric vehicles, buying green power, all-electric homes, solar and batteries, and introduction to sustainable building and renovation.

         1.  Winter Energy Efficiency for Renters,

Wednesday 16 May 6.30pm

  2. Winter Energy Efficiency General,

Wednesday 23 May 6.30pm 

Cars we used to drive

Join us for a walk down memory lane as car historian, Don Loffler, presents a talk and slideshow about the cars we used to drive in the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

This talk will have broad appeal to those who have fond memories of their Austin, Morris, Ford, Jaguar, Pontiac, Studebaker etc. and also includes photos of 'chop picnics', caravan holidays and other occasions involving these cars.

A special feature of this event will be a selection of cars from Collectible Classic Cars of Strathalbyn that will be driven up to the library carpark, for attendees to look at after the talk.

Wednesday 10 May 2023

1.00pm - 2.30pm

Tickets $5 plus booking fee

Afternoon tea included

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Sheila Jones and the Raiders of The Lost Archives

Join Local History Officer Sheila Jones as she uncovers the many treasures kept at the Mount Barker Local History Centre, located at the library.

Learn how easy it is to search historical newspapers, archives, and births, deaths & marriages indexes. The online database has a wealth of historical information about the Mount Barker district and its inhabitants.

Friday 19 May 2023 - 2pm - 3pm

FREE EVENT - BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Discover TROVE archives

What’s inside the treasure TROVE?

Everything you would find on a visit to a library or museum can be found in the free online resource TROVE, which brings together billions of pieces of information.

Search for digital copies of newspapers, Government Gazettes, maps, magazines and newsletters. Or books, pictures, photographs, archived websites, music and interviews. Even information about famous Australians, including copies of letters, diaries and personal archives. 

Tuesday 30 May 2023

10am - 11am

Morning tea included

FREE - BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL