Library News

Happy 20th Birthday Better Beginnings!!

The Better Beginnings early literacy program recognizes parents as a child’s first teacher. Our goal is to inspire a love of reading and learning for all Western Australian children by encouraging families to read, talk, sing, write and play together every day.

Developed and managed by the State Library of Western Australia, Better Beginnings is delivered in partnership with public libraries, community health centres and schools. The program is funded via a tri-partite alliance between the Government of Western Australia (including Royalties for Regions), Western Australian local governments and Rio Tinto.

During this week the Shire Libraries will be celebrating the Better Beginnings 20th Birthday at Margaret River Library for Baby Rhyme Time on Monday 17 February at 2pm and Storytime on Tuesday 18 February at 10.30am. Thanks to all at Augusta Library who took part in our Toddler Tales celebrations last Thursday!

We hope to see you at one of our Library children’s activities soon!

Let’s Chat About Neurodivergence

Thursday 27 February, 2pm – 3pm

Margaret River Library is holding a gathering for Neurodivergent people. Space will be set up with some board games and craft for individual or group participation. Guests will be greeted and made welcome, and light refreshments will be available. The session goes for an hour, but guests can stay longer if comfy. Library staff will provide an introductory chat to break the ice.

Suitable for young adults aged 17 and above.

RSVP: amrlibrary@amrshire.wa.gov.au  or just show up!

The library is an easily accessible venue and space is available for support carers.

Regular programs for kids and teens are back for term one

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

Baby Rhyme Time, Storytime, Toddler Tales, Book Chat Club and Book Stars Club will be starting as the 2025 school year commences.

Baby Rhyme TimeEvery Monday starting 3rd February at 2.00pm at Margaret River Library
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 starting 4th February at 10.15am for 10.30am start at Margaret River Library
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.

Our first storytime will be celebrating Lunar New Year with our special guest Sean!

Other themes planned for term one include Better Beginnings 20th Birthday, big machines and Harmony Week.

Toddler Tales: Thursday 13th February 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 17th February 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.

Book Chat Club: On the last Monday of each month starting Monday 24th February 4.00pm at Margaret River Library
A group for those over 12 years old who are enthusiastic about books. Each meeting we discuss about what we have read and give reviews for other members of the club. There is no ‘set’ book – we agree on a genre or theme, and you pick a book that appeals to you.

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

We hope to see you at the library soon!

Log your Summer Reading Quest details to be in the running for big statewide prizes!

Log your reading minutes and quests on www.summerreadingquest.net by 28 February to be in the draw to win big statewide prizes in the Summer Reading Quest!

Still need to collect your reading log sheet, summer steps or monthly prizes? Visit your local library for all the Summer Reading Quest fun!

Just announced: new school holiday activity. Land Art Workshop – -Booked out!!

Booked out!!! One session only: Wednesday 15 January | 2.00 – 3.30pm at Margaret River Library

Traditional custodians Vivienne Brockman – Webb and Mitchella Hutchins and Land Artist Elaine Clocherty invite you to be part of a Land Artwork creation outside the library.

Inspired by this moorditj land that we all live on and share, participants will collaborate to create the artwork using natural materials and also learn about the cultural importance of our local environment.

This event is booked out with a full wait list. We hope to see you next time at one of our school holiday activities. 

All school holidays at the Shire libraries are free however children must be accompanied by an adult for each session, however adults do not need a ticket.

The Cocoon Gallery for Emerging Artists Welcomes Asta Lander

Elfangels: an exhibition by Asta Lander

When you visit the library next, the Cocoon Gallery will captivate you with the beautiful charcoal drawings of Elfangels by Asta Lander. Each artwork captures a moment in time that evokes an emotional response that is surprising and leaves you wanting to view all the pictures, not just one.

Asta’s story of self acceptance resonates in these creations that are a must see for all art lovers. They represent strength, wisdom, kindness, acceptance, soul and above all love. The artworks are for sale through the artist and she is often at the library and happy to chat to you about her work by prior arrangement.

Elfangels will remain on display until the end of February. Don’t miss it.

 

Places still available for free, fun school holiday activities

The Shire Libraries are open again so come visit for free school holiday activities! Some activities are completely booked out with a wait list, however we have a few sessions that still have places available. Get in quick to reserve your child’s place!

Please note children need to be accompanied by an adult at all library events. 

Go to Eventbrite to book your child’s place as spaces are limited: Eventbrite.com.au/ Shire of Augusta Margaret River Libraries

Storytime with author Renae Hayward

Join children’s book author Renae Hayward for a special storytime with a lively book reading, interactive sing-along and craft activity.

Renae has written 3 children’s books including Say Hooray and Say Hello, which are perfect for younger children, babies and toddlers.

This session is best suited for kids under 5 years old and their caregivers, so come along and say hello to be part of the storytime fun.

Bookings essential via Eventbrite.com.au/ Shire of Augusta Margaret River Libraries

One session only: Tuesday 7 January |10.00am -10.45am at Margaret River Library

Lego Club

Join our one-hour long Lego Club session to take on new challenges. This free activity has all Lego provided. Best suited to children over 5 years and bookings are essential via Eventbrite.com.au/Shire of Augusta Margaret River Libraries

Session One: Thursday 9 January | 10.30am – 11.30am at Augusta Library

Session Two: Thursday 16 January | 2.00pm – 3.00pm at Augusta Library

*Augusta session also includes craft for all ages

Session Three: Tuesday 28 January | 2.00pm – 3.00pm at Margaret River Library

 

Summer Reading Quest

Have you started the Summer Reading Quest yet? Augusta and Margaret River Libraries have everything you need to complete the quest to win prizes in this statewide reading program.

Visit www.summereadingquest.net for extra activities and registration and come to your local public library to join in the fun!

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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