WestLit Libraries

WestLit Libraries is a partnership between WestWords and Western Sydney Zone libraries. The aim of the collaboration is to:

  • expanding reach to new audiences (WS library zone has a reach of over 2 million, and to give an example, in 2014-15 Blacktown sees 1.4 million visitors a year, Children’s programs – 1,107 a year with 50,642 attendings (includes carers), Young adult programs – 80 a year with 1,114 attendings,
  • engaging new participants to our programs,
  • increasing opportunities and visibility for writers, and WS writers in particular alone will promote, develop, and strengthen the sector.

Activities undertaken will include, but not be limited to:

  • Coordinating travelling exhibitions of illustrators’ work, author talks and skills development workshops across the region.
  • Evaluating/benchmarking literature programs, resources and services in Western Sydney.
  • Developing Writers Groups/Resident Authors for Library Services.
  • Increasing the presence of local authors on Library shelves and in Library catalogues in Western Sydney.

Importantly with WestWords in a co-ordination role it will create cohesion and address key issues faced by writers and publishers when working independently with the library sector. In addition by co-ordinating efforts, the libraries won’t replicate internal processes across multiple libraries, resulting in cost reduction and additional opportunities for writers and their work.  Importantly this partnership bridges gaps between the publishing, writers, and library sectors.

Please see below for activities run by each participating library:

 

WHAT’S ON   Dec 2020 – Feb 2021

 

HAWKESBURY LIBRARY SERVICE(02) 4560 4460

Unless otherwise stated, activities are free and held at Central Library, Windsor. Bookings and payments via Eventbrite http://hawkesburylibrary.eventbrite.com Further details on our website www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

Rewarding reads

During December and January

Every time you borrow during December and January you automatically enter the draw with a chance to win a weekly prize. On top of that, you can have up to 40 items on your card at any time.

FREE – for all library members

 

SUMMER READING CLUB (SRC)
1 December to 31 January 2021

SRC is back! Get rewarded for the books you read. Collect reading coupons to spend at the SRC Shop in February. Visit your library to register and pick up a starter pack.

FREE – for children 16 years and under

 

GREG HANSELL ‘THE CROSSING’ CURATOR TALK

Friday 22 January at 3 pm

Take the opportunity to tour this exhibition, currently on display in the Library, with artist Greg Hansell. Greg curated this exhibition, which focusses on the crossing of the Hawkesbury River at Windsor.

FREE – bookings essential.

 

TECH HELP

Every Wednesday from 3 February 10 am -midday

Library staff and volunteers can assist you with your tech problem. Participants must be Library members.

FREE – bookings essential. Phone (02) 4560 4465.

 

TEA & COFFEE

Monday 15 February 10am – midday & 2.30 – 4.30pm

This year to celebrate Library Lovers Day we will have free tea and coffee from our Library coffee cart. Come and enjoy a cup­pa’ on us.

 

CHESS CLUB

Every Friday from 5 February 2-4 pm

Whether a novice or champion chess player, drop in and join us for a friendly game of chess.

FREE – for participants 16 years and over. Bookings essential.

 

MOVIES @ YOUR LIBRARY

Thursday 11 February 10am & 6pm

Come along and enjoy a FREE movie at the Library. Two screenings every second Thursday of the month. Movie titles are listed on Eventbrite for each screening.

FREE – bookings essential.

 

HAWKESBURY WRITES – BEGINNERS SESSIONS      JUST FOR ADULTS

Starts Thursday 2 February 

! Join us to start your creative writing with a look at plot structure, characters, transformations, genres, settings, scenes and use of language. And now let’s begin! Participants must be Library members.

$50 for 4 sessions – bookings essential.

WRITING GREAT STORIES WITH LAURA GREAVES      JUST FOR KIDS

Tuesdays from 2 February (8-week program) 4 – 5.30 pm

Join author Laura Greaves to discover how stories are made, how to find stories worth telling, and why expressing ourselves is so important. This eight-week program, suitable for students aged 11 to 14 years, will explore topics including coming up with ideas, creating interesting characters, writing great dialogue, and how to get published. Ages 11-14 years.

$100 for 8 sessions – bookings essential.

NSW Creative Kids Vouchers accepted.

 

TECH SAVVY SENIORS

BEGINNER: INTRODUCTION TO TABLETS & SMARTPHONES

Friday 5 February 10am -12.15pm

Learn how to make the most of your smartphone, with tips on making calls, using the internet and downloading useful apps.

 

Intermediate: using apps on your tablet and smartphone

Friday 19 February 10am -12.15pm

Discover and download a number of useful smartphone and tablet applications, including apps for entertainment, travel and current events.

 

FREE – BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL or phone the Library on (02) 4560 4460

Participants must be Library members. Participants must also bring the email and password needed to access their Google or Apple account. ** Depending on Covid-19 restrictions lifting

 

HISTORY

 

MAGICK MYSTERY: ELIZABETH PHIPPS STORY

Wednesday 10 February 10 – 11.30 am

Hawkesbury Family History Group meeting

Jill Ball will discuss the story of convict Elizabeth Phipps 1785-1869 who arrived in 1814. Attend in person or via Zoom.

FREE – bookings essential. All welcome

 

NEW TO GENEALOGY

Thursday 11 February 6.30 – 8pm & Saturday 13 February 9.30 – 11am 

Are you interested in finding where your family came from? Do you want to trace your family history but not sure where to start or how? Join us and learn the basic steps.

FREE – bookings essential.

 

 

DISPLAYS

LIBRARY DISPLAYs
550 YEARS OF the PRINTED BOOK

Until June 2021

A new display of objects highlighting an extraordinary collection of antique books dating back to the very first printed books also known as Incunabula, from book collector, Peter Op’t Land is open for viewing.

FREE – during library opening hours.

 

Greg Hansell ‘the crossing’ exhibition
Until 28 February 2021

An art exhibition, dedicated to the crossings of the Hawkesbury River at Windsor, is displayed at the Hawkesbury Central Library until February. The exhibition has been curated by celebrated Hawkesbury artist Greg Hansell, who lives not far from the crossing site.

FREE ­– during library opening hours.

 

Hawkesbury Library Service

Hawkesbury Central Library

Deerubbin Centre (Ground Floor)

300 George Street  WINDSOR  NSW  2756

Richmond Branch Library

29 West Market Street  RICHMOND  NSW  2753

 Liverpool City Library
As Sydney’s third CBD, Liverpool City Library provides resources, services and events to a diverse community. Rich in its multicultural tapestry, we engage with and provide for a wealth of stories. We aim to maintain impact on the community dialogue and create opportunities to facilitate lifelong learning across 6 library locations. Casula, Carnes Hill, Green Valley, Liverpool, Miller and Moorebank Libraries provide gathering spaces for everyone.

https://mylibrary.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/
https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolCityLibrary
https://www.instagram.com/liverpoolcitylibrary/?hl=en

Blacktown City Libraries
Blacktown City Libraries have 5 community libraries that are the busiest in New South Wales.  We now also have a mobile library reaching out to our customers in our growing city. Our 5 libraries are located at Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Stanhope Gardens, Lalor Park and Riverstone. 

We run events that reflect the needs of our growing community including:

  • Children’s events: Baby Rhyme Times, Storytimes, 
  • Technology classes ranging from basic internet skill classes to more advanced business classes, as well and one-on-one technology training instruction
  • Multicultural services such as English conversation classes and resources in 30 languages
  • Home Library Service

Please note that all our libraries are currently closed due to restrictions surrounding Covid-19. However, the following service are still operating:

For further information on any of our events and programs, please contact us:

Phone: 9839 6677
Web: www.libraries.blacktown.nsw.gov.au

For all the latest updates, follow us on:
Facebook and Instagram: BlacktownCityLibraries

UPCOMING EVENTS

Due to the Covid19 Pandemic the Blacktown City Libraries is closed. Hoever during this time we are offering two services for Blacktown City residents:

  • Extending Home Library Service to those 65 years and over
  • Delivering reservations to people living in the Blacktown local government area only
  • Please ring the library Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 5.00 pm only on 9839 6677 for more information on these services.