Library News

Social media age restrictions webinars

Join the eSafety Commissioner information sessions for parents and carers; educators and youth-serving professionals to understand the changes, their purpose and implications.

The 30-minute webinar will help parents and carers understand the upcoming changes to social media access for children under 16.

Dates and times in WA:

14 November 10am to 10:30am  \  19 November  4:30pm to 5pm \  2 December, 4pm to 4:30pm \ 8 December 12:30pm to 1pm \ 15 December 10am to 10:30am.

Register on this link. Parent and Carer Series: Social media age restriction explained

Join the information session to:

  • understand the purpose of the new age restrictions and how they aim to protect young Australians
  • understand which platforms will require users to be 16+ and what platforms they can still access
  • get tips and resources to support your child’s online safety and wellbeing through the transition.

Parents and carers will gain:

  • a clear understanding of the new rules and their implications
  • confidence in guiding their child through these changes
  • access to trusted resources to support safe and positive online engagement.

 

Local artist Wendy Strucelj’s exhibition continues at Augusta Library

There’s still time to enjoy the diverse works of local artist Wendy Strucelj at the Augusta Library.

Inspired by her travels across Australia and the natural beauty of the Augusta region, Wendy’s paintings showcase a diverse range of styles and subjects including striking depictions of the Cockburn Ranges and the Scott River. All artworks are available for purchase directly through the artist.

Wendy with painting of Scott River

Have you ever considered holding your own exhibition?

Augusta Library is currently seeking expressions of interest from local artists keen to exhibit in 2026. If you’re ready to share your work with the community, we’d love to hear from you, email amrlibrary@amrshire.wa.gov.au or phone 9780 5600.

Augusta Library is an easily assessible venue open Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 12noon and 1pm to 4pm.

The Cocoon Gallery welcomes Sally Poole

The Cocoon Gallery for emerging artists is now alive with the vibrant and playful exhibition Colour Journey by Sally Poole.

Sally’s art is a testament to her resilience following a car accident. Through bold acrylic colours and repeated patterns, she used painting as a mindful practice and a powerful tool for recovery and healing. Her lively works of flowers and birds are uplifting and joyful. Artworks on display now till the end of December.

Sally holding her painting Spring Birds

 

Join Sally for the Colour Journey – Midway Celebration
Thursday 27 November, 5.30pm to 6.30pm at the Margaret River Library

Please RSVP by email to: kelvin.poole@hotmail.com as refreshments are provided.

The Margaret River Library is an easily accessible venue.

November Libby Book Club features Boom Town Snap by Jay Martin  

libby book club banner with a picture of author Jay Martin and the cover of her new book Boom Town Snap

Coming up, we have author Jay Martin discussing her novel Boom Town Snap on Wednesday 19th November at 7.30PM AWST.

Jay Martin lives and works on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. She studied Asian languages (Indonesian and Vietnamese) and worked in a range of roles including in consulting firms in Australia and in Alberta, Canada. Her first book, Vodka and Apple Juice: Travels of an Undiplomatic Wife in Poland,won the Hungerford Award and was published by Fremantle Press in 2018. Her second book and first novel, Boom Town Snap (May 2025) is set between Western Australia and Canada — countries on the opposite sides of the globe, the hearts of which beat to the common rhythm of the resources industry, and explores human connection, corporate greed, and the harsh, rich landscapes that shape our destinies.

This month’s featured title will be available as an ebook format with concurrent use. The reader who asks the best question during the live event will be sent a copy of the book.

November Libby Book Club featuring Boom Town Snap by Jay Martin:   

Get on Insta with Ana!

Instagram Workshop – For Beginners, Creatives & Business Owners

Want to get started on Instagram or take your profile to the next level? Whether you’re a total newbie, a small biz owner, or a creative looking to grow your audience – this session is for you!

Wednesday 22 October,  Augusta Library, 10.30am – 11.30am 

Join Ana for a relaxed, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn:

  • How to post with confidence (and creativity!)
  • What Reels are and how to use them to get noticed
  • Tips to set up your profile like a pro

No experience needed – just bring your phone and your curiosity!

Bookings Essential. Reserve your spot via Eventbrite, or contact the library directly: 9780 5600 or email  abrawls@amrshire.wa.gov.au

Let’s get online together — learn something new, meet others, and build your digital confidence!

The libraries are accessible venue, carers welcome.

Follow the Salt: a collection of short fiction inspired by a haunting landscape

Join us for the Book Launch at the Margaret River Library

Thursday 6 November, 6pm to 7pm

Join a panel of authors, including local writer Annie Horner, as they read from and discuss Follow the Salt, a collection of Australian gothic fiction inspired by the remote town of Dumbleyung, and its infamous salt lake.

Come along to discover the creative collaboration behind the book, developed through an immersive workshop led by Edith Cowan University.

Light refreshments will be served following the event, with an opportunity to meet the authors, purchase a copy of the book, and have it signed.

RSVP using Eventbrite or Email: amrlibrary@amrshire.wa.gov.au or Phone: 9780 5600

The library is an easily accessible venue and all welcome.

Regular library programs for children and families are back!

School is starting again which means our regular children’s programs resume at your shire libraries.

Baby Rhyme Time commences Monday 13th October with all other activities beginning the next week.

 

Baby Rhyme TimeEvery Monday 2.00pm at Margaret River Library starting 13 October
For babies up to two years of age and their caregivers, Baby Rhyme Time is a fun place to learn new rhymes and songs to share with your little one.

Storytime: Every Tuesday at 10.15am for 10.30am start at Margaret River Library starting 21 October
For children aged two to five years old and their caregivers, Storytime encourages children to discover a love of books, stories, reading, rhymes and craft and promotes family literacy skills.

Themes planned for term four include Transport, the beach, gardening, an Intergenerational Storytime for Seniors Week, and Christmas.

Toddler Tales: Thursday 13 November at 10.30am at Augusta Library
Aimed at Toddlers, this session incorporates a story, rhymes, songs and craft at Augusta Library

To book a place for Toddler Tales go to https://amrlibraries-toddlertales-augusta.eventbrite.com.au or phone 9780 5600

Book Stars Club: On the third Monday of each month starting Monday 20 October from 4.00pm at Margaret River Library
A group for kids aged 8 to 11 years old who love books and reading. We chat about what we have read over the month, give recommendations and do a book related craft activity.

All regular children’s programs are run during school term and not on public holidays.

We hope to see you at the library soon!

Workshop: AI in a small business

Get Online Week is fast approaching, and today we are featuring the workshop: AI for small business.

Workshop: Implement AI in a small business to save time, money & tears. Presented by Aly Banister 

Margaret River Library, Monday, October 20 | 10:30am – 11:30am
Perfect for small business owners and AI beginners!

  • Learn how AI can streamline your daily operations
  • Boost productivity and engagement with smarter tools
  • Enhance your social media, blogs, and newsletters
  • Build confidence to start using AI right away

Bookings Essential. Reserve your spot via Eventbrite, or contact the library directly: 9780 5600 or email  abrawls@amrshire.wa.gov.au

Let’s get online together — learn something new, meet others, and build your digital confidence!

The libraries are accessible venue, carers welcome.

 

Home Energy Audit Kits available at the Margaret River and Augusta Libraries

Switch Your Thinking and you could save money!

Check how energy efficient your home is using a Home Energy Audit Kit available free at the library.

It’s a great project to get your kids involved in during the school holidays.

Photo of the open kit showing contents

Energy Audit Kits contain:

  • A thermal imaging camera to help you locate draughts around your home and gaps in insulation, for checking fridge seals, and measuring hot water temperature.
  • A plug-in energy monitor for measuring energy consumption and the running costs of appliances.
  • A basin flow measuring cup to determine the water flow rate of your taps
  • A thermometer for measuring the temperature of rooms, fridges and freezers.
  • An instructional manual which explains how to conduct a variety of tests, tips to reduce your energy and water use, instructions on how to use the equipment and safety information. Many kits will also contain information and resources specific to your local are

To borrow a kit, visit your local library and ask a friendly staff member.

For more information about how to use the kit or energy savings tips for around your home visit Switch Your Thinking

Switch your thinking logo

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Contact the Libraries

Margaret River Library

Fearn Avenue, Margaret River WA 6285
Phone: (08) 9780 5600
Email: amrlibrary@amrshire.wa.gov.au