ReadOn: your monthly dose of library news 📚

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Hello library member,

Welcome to the October edition of ReadOn, your monthly eNewsletter from Moonee Valley Libraries.

New Tricks Senior Tech Program

From laser cutting and virtual reality, to generative AI and digitisation tools, Moonee Valley Libraries is back with another suite of exciting technology sessions for older adults. These workshops will introduce you to new technologies to help you on your digital learning journey.

We’re hosting a vibrant series of sessions across our library branches covering a range of engaging technology topics for older adults. The series will conclude with a special open house event at the Makerspace, located at Avondale Heights Library & Learning Centre. Below is a snapshot of what’s on offer and to explore the full program, visit our website.

Digital tools for family history

Curious about your family history but unsure where to start? Join us for a friendly introductory session where we’ll guide you through using Ancestry and Find My Past. Perfect for beginners.

Makerspace

Avondale Heights Library & Learning Centre
Monday 13 October, 3pm–4pm

Bookings

Makers Tech: Cricut smart cutter & design in action

Makerspace staff will demonstrate how Design Space software and the Cricut work, and you’ll get to see them working in real time. Watch as the Cricut works to cut the project, and take home your own little smart cut creation.

Makerspace
Avondale Heights Library & Learning Centre
Wednesday 15 October, 2.30pm– 4pm

Bookings

From steps to sleep: your smartphone’s health apps

Learn how to use your smartphone’s health apps to track steps and sleep. This beginner-friendly class will help you understand basic features, set simple goals, and support your daily wellness with easy-to-use tools. Bring your smartphone and get moving toward better health and rest.

Sam Merrifield Library
Wednesday 22 October, 11am–12pm

Bookings

Makerspace Open House

Want to learn New Tricks? Drop-in to our Makerspace Open House for the final New Tricks session and see all the tech in action!  Feel free to bring along your own device and we can also assist with your tech questions.

Makerspace
Avondale Heights Library & Learning Centre
Wednesday 29 October, 10am–12pm

More details

Mental Health Month recommended reads

Turns out curling up with a book isn’t just cosy, it’s great for your mental health too. This Mental Health Month (October), treat your brain to a good read. Find the full list on our website.

What's On

Metro Trains rail safety

Join Metro Trains Community Education facilitators to gain confidence in using Metro Trains with tips on Myki use, accessibility, journey planning and safety.

Aimed at seniors but all ages welcome.

Sam Merrifield

Thursday 2 October, 1pm–2.30pm

Bookings

Age Pension answers

Learn more about the Age Pension from the experts at Services Australia. Discover who is eligible, how to claim and what other help is available. Tea and coffee provided.

Niddrie Library

Monday 6 October, 1pm–2.30pm

Bookings

Rest easy: sleep sessions for better health and happiness

Do you have trouble sleeping? Sleep encourages the body to repair, manage memories and promote cognitive functioning. It’s essential in overall health including mental health. Learn some tips and tricks on how to get healthy sleep and manage your circadian rhythms.

Find out how it may benefit you by attending one or all sessions.

11am–12pm

Avondale Heights Library & Learning Centre

Thursday 9 October
Friday 10 October

Thursday 16 October
Friday 17 October

Bookings

Jaclyn Crupi, 'Plandting for Native Birds, Bees and Butterflies'

Jaclyn Crupi, Planting for Native Birds, Bees and Butterflies

Ready to make a difference for native wildlife right in your own backyard? The first step is to start planting! Writer and gardener Jaclyn Crupi reveals how in her new book, Planting for Native Birds, Bees and Butterflies. Jaclyn offers loads of practical advice for both seasoned gardeners and enthusiastic beginners.

Niddrie Library

Tuesday 14 October, 6pm–7pm

Bookings

Plan your trip online

Save time and money by organising your next holiday online. This session will cover the basics of planning and booking a trip using reputable websites, plus tips for using technology safely while travelling.

Avondale Heights Library & Learning Centre
Tuesday 21 October, 9.30am–11.30am

Bookings

Composting workshop

Learn how to compost food scraps, grass clippings and garden pruning to make your garden thrive. Find out how to select, site and set-up your compost bin, including options for renters and apartment-dwellers. You can create compost with free, locally available materials, and learn how to avoid common mistakes and problems. Presented by Kat Lavers.

Sam Merrifield Library
Tuesday 21 October, 6.30pm–8pm

Bookings

Growing herbs for health

Growing your own herbs can have great health benefits. Kaye Roberts-Palmer of Blue Bee Garden Design will cover how to care for your herbs, some unusual herb varieties to grow and their interesting culinary and medical histories.

Ascot Vale Library
Wednesday 29 October, 10.30am– 11.30am

Bookings

Draught proofing workshop

Get ready for summer with this draught proofing workshop. Learn simple, do-it-yourself ways to seal up gaps around windows and doors to make your home more comfortable and save on your cooling bills. Facilitated by industry experts Sapien and presented in partnership with Council’s Lets Go Zero sustainabilty initiative.

Sam Merrifield Library
Wednesday 29 October, 6.30pm– 8pm

Bookings

Mindful Movements

Learn to use slow yoga and meditation to improve your mental health. Feel calm and relaxed for the rest of your day and improve your concentration and focus. Participants will leave the class with simple ideas that they can use at home in their own time. Suitable for adults of all abilities.

Avondale Heights Library & Learning Centre
Thursday 30 October, 10.30am– 11.30am

Bookings

Tai chi and qigong in the park for seniors

Experience a gentle tai chi and qigong class. You will learn the basics of this ancient practice as you connect with others. It is a low impact form of exercise and meditation which can improve strength, flexibility and balance.

Rosehill Park (35 Rachelle Road,
Keilor East)
Thursday 30 October, 10.30am–11.30am

Bookings

Did you know we have an Italian language collection?

Find our Italian collection online and browse the newest range of books, DVDs, eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines and films for all ages. Just click the language button at the top of the page to switch between Italian and English to help you navigate.

Looking for another language? Visit our Community Languages webpage and start exploring.

Explore Community Languages

Kids Corner

Nature Book Week storytime

Some of our regular storytimes will take place in parks and reserves throughout Moonee Valley in honour of Nature Book Week. We will be reading books that inspire a love of nature – from the soil below to the canopy above. Ages 3–5.

Held in partnership with Moonee Valley City Council Parks and Gardens and the Wilderness Society.

Session times 10.30am.

Woodlands Park (141 Woodland Street Enter Via Winifred Street.
Essendon)

Tuesday 14 October

JH Allan Reserve (Park Drive, Keilor East)

Wednesday 15 October

Debneys Park Playground (121 Victoria Street, Flemington)

Friday 17 October

More details

Celebrating Children’s Week with yoga

Join Sunny Time Yoga as we introduce yoga and mindfulness to your child. We’ll teach your child how to connect with their breath while taking them on an imaginative yoga story. We will play yoga games and have a range of mindful craft activities for children to enjoy during and after the session. Ages 2–5.

Avondale Heights Library & Learning Centre
Monday 20 October, 10am–11am

Bookings

Seniors storytime

To celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival, invite a cherished older person in your life for a special storytime session. Ages 3–5.

Session times 10.30am.

Sam Merrifield

Monday 20 October

Niddire

Tuesday 21 October

Avondale Heights Library & Learning Centre

Wednesday 22 October

Ascot Vale

Thursday 23 October

Flemington

Friday 24 October

More details

Halloween Spooktacular in the park

Get ready for a spooky adventure at our Halloween extravaganza in the park. We invite you to join us for a frightfully fun evening of ghoulish games and freaky fun. Suitable for primary school-aged children.

Bookings open Monday 13 October, 10am.

Woodlands Park (141 Woodland Street Enter Via Winifred Street, Essendon)
Friday 31 October, 6pm–7.30pm

Bookings

Whether you enjoy travel, foreign films, or making new friends, take your brain on an adventure with Mango Languages. Use it in a web browser or get the app and learn on the go, just create an account using your library membership and email address.

Explore Learning Apps

Young People

Mindful weaving for Swifties

Explore the art of weaving woollen pictures while chilling out to Taylor Swift tunes.

All craft supplies provided. Ages 12–18.

Sam Merrifield Library
Wednesday 1 October, 1pm–3pm

Bookings

News from Moonee Valley City Council

Biketober - Moonee Valley

Gear up...Moonee Valley has joined the Biketober movement! Spring has sprung, join the challenge, and collect points for riding anywhere, anytime throughout October! Registration is quick and free. Participants can ride solo or as part of a workplace, school or community group.

Lots of prizes to be won including a $4000 holiday, $1000 early bird cash prize, spa, sport, coffee and lunch vouchers and many more! To register, visit our Love to Ride website.

To view a full list of upcoming library events and programs, visit our events page.

Thanks for reading.

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Moonee Valley City Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which Moonee Valley is located – the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People of the Kulin Nation; and we pay respect to their Spirits, Ancestors, Elders and their Community members past and present. Council also extends this respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who call Moonee Valley home.

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Moonee Valley Libraries
483 Keilor Road Niddrie Victoria Australia 3042
Phone: +61 3 9243 1900