ReadOn: your monthly dose of library news 📚

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Hello library member,

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

International Women's Day Reading

In celebration of International Women's Day, our latest curated reading list offers a retrospective on shortlisted titles and the standout winners of the Women's Prize for Fiction, highlighting the extrordinary voices that have shaped contemporary literature. Find the full list on our website.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

What's On: Adults

Tony Birch, Pictures of You, in conversation with Bec Kavanagh

Award-winning author Tony Birch appears in conversation with Bec Kavanagh to explore Pictures of You, his most recent collection of short stories about love, loss, and belonging. Drawing on his Koori heritage and lifelong commitment to social justice, Birch reflects on how personal history, community, and resilience shape his storytelling.

Sam Merrifield Library

Monday 23 March, 7pm–8pm

Bookings

Diana Thorp, Code of Silence

Discover untold stories of courage and secrecy. During WWII, Australian women fought a hidden war, operating in secrecy, shaping history, and then vanishing into civilian life. Sworn to silence, their stories were buried for decades. Diana Thorp, acclaimed journalist, teacher, and author of Code of Silence, will reveal the extraordinary lives that helped shape our nation’s history.

Ascot Vale Library

Wednesday 11 March, 6pm–7pm

Bookings

Discover the women who shaped your family

International Women's Day

Celebrate the women who shaped your story. Discover tools and tips to uncover their lives through Ancestry, Find My Past, and other online resources. Bring their voices out of the archives and onto your family tree.

Niddrie Library

Thursday 5 March, 1.30pm–3pm

Bookings

Preparing for retirement: downsizing your home with Services Australia

If the garden is getting harder to manage or the house feels too big, join Services Australia experts for practical advice on downsizing. Discover tips to make the transition easier and learn what support is available as you prepare for retirement.

Niddrie Library

Monday 16 March, 10am–11.30am

Bookings

Draught proofing workshop

Discover simple, DIY techniques to block those sneaky gaps around windows and doors. Stay cosy, cut energy bills, and make a positive impact on the planet. Delivered by thermal efficiency experts Sapien.

Ascot Vale Library
Wednesday 25 March, 2pm–3.30pm

Bookings

Bike maintenance workshop

Love your bike but not sure how to keep it in top shape? Join Bike It Better for a hands-on session covering essential maintenance. From fixing flats to adjusting brakes, you’ll learn the tricks to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.

Avondale Heights Library & Learning Centre

Monday 30 March, 5.30pm–7.30pm

Bookings

The art of draping the saree

Cultural Diversity Week

Step into the elegance and tradition of Indian culture in this interactive workshop. Join Anusha Balakrishna as she shares the stories behind the saree and demonstrates the graceful techniques of draping this iconic garment. Experience the craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural heritage that make the saree a timeless symbol of artistry.

Niddrie Library

Tuesday 24 March, 6pm–7.30pm

Bookings

Yarn craft social group

Bring your current knitting or crochet project and connect with fellow makers in a relaxed, friendly space. Share tips, swap ideas, and spark inspiration for your next creative piece. All skill levels are welcome, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter. Enjoy tea and coffee while you create.

Niddrie Library
Thursdays fortnightly, starting 5 March, 6pm–7.45pm.

No bookings required.

Bring the world home with LOTE4Kids, our interactive digital library of children's books in a wide range of languages. Complete with audio narration to support reading and listening skills, this resource is perfect for bilingual families and young language learners. It is free with your library membership and accessible anytime, anywhere.

Explore Digital Library

Writing Workshops: So You Want to Write?

So you want to write a memoir? with Alice Pung

Discover the art of memoir writing with award-winning author Alice Pung. In this hands-on workshop, Alice will guide you through techniques to shape your personal stories into compelling narratives. Perfect for writers eager to explore their voice and craft authentic, memorable writing.

Ascot Vale Library

Saturday 14 March, 2pm–4pm

So you want to write a picture book? with Jane Godwin

Join acclaimed children’s author Jane Godwin for an inspiring workshop on writing picture books. Learn how to create characters kids will adore and craft stories with rhythm and language that captivate young readers. Ideal for writers keen to bring imaginative tales to life.

Ascot Vale Library

Saturday 21 March, 2pm–4pm

So you want to write poetry? with Joel McKerrow

Discover the power of words with poet Joel McKerrow in this interactive workshop. Explore techniques to unlock creativity, craft vivid imagery, and express your unique voice through poetry. Perfect for writers ready to find the poet within and bring their ideas to life.

Ascot Vale Library

Saturday 28 March, 2pm–4pm

View series

Kids Corner

Bilingual Storytimes

Cultural Diversity Week

Wominjeka. Hola. Ciao. Xin chào. Soo dhowow.

Celebrate Cultural Diversity Week and share the joy of language through songs, rhymes and stories. Explore our community’s rich cultural heritage while supporting literacy, learning and connection. These sessions are in place of regular Preschool Storytimes in this week.

Session times 10.30am–11.15am.

Sam Merrifield Library - Spanish
Monday 16 March

Niddrie Library - Italian
Tuesday 17 March

Avondale Heights Library - Vietnamese
Wednesday 18 March

Ascot Vale Library - Woi-wurrung
Thursday 19 March

Flemington Library - Somali
Friday 20 March

No bookings are required.

Somali Storytimes

Wakhtiga sheeko Soomaaliga

Bring your children to enjoy an hour of language, culture, and connection. These bilingual storytimes celebrate the beauty of Somali and English through stories, songs, and craft.

For ages 3-5 and siblings. These sessions will be presented in Somali and English.

Nagu soo biir wakhtiga sheeko soomaaliga.

Soo kaxee carruurtaada oo ku raaxeyso hal saacad oo luuqad, dhaqan iyo isku xirnaan ah. Wakhti sheekeedkan labada luuqadood quruxda soomaali iyo Ingiriiska oo sheekooyin lagu sheegayo, heeso iyo farshaxan.

Waa bilaash. Looma baahna wax ballan ah. Kaalay uun. Wixii ah carruurta jirta 3-5 sanno iyo wallaalahood. Kulamadaan waxaa lagu soo jeedin doonaa Ingiriis iyo Soomaali.

Mondays 4pm–5pm

Djerring Flemington Hub

25 Mt Alexander Road, Flemington

25 March, 1 April, 8 April

Flemington Library
Wednesday 15 April

No bookings are required.

Did you know we have a Spanish language collection?

Spanish-speaking community members and aspiring bilinguals can find adult fiction titles, DVDs, magazines, and children's picture books in Spanish at Avondale Heights, Niddrie, and Sam Merrifield Libraries. Additionally, non-fiction collections in Spanish are held at Avondale Heights and Sam Merrifield Libraries. Our digital library also provides a range of Spanish eBooks, eAudiobooks, and magazines through Borrowbox, Libby, and Pressreader, along with hundreds of films and documentaries on our library's streaming service, Kanopy.

Explore Community Languages

News from Moonee Valley City Council

Join us for the annual International Women’s Day Mayoral Breakfast

Come along and hear from our panellists as they reflect on progress, call for change, and celebrate those working towards gender equality. Attendees will also take part in a silent fundraising auction, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and celebrate the efforts of local women and allies making a difference in Moonee Valley. This event will be held at the Clocktower Centre on Friday, 6 March 2026. Hurry, tickets are limited!

Join us for our 15th annual Mayoral Breakfast to celebrate International Women's Day. For more details, please visit the website.

How well do you think Council are performing?

Our annual Community Satisfaction Survey is now live, and we’re keen to hear your thoughts.

This survey helps us better understand how we’re performing and ensures we’re addressing the needs and priorities of our community– from festivals and sporting facilities to libraries, roads and parks.

Look out for representatives from TKW Research who will be visiting some homes and calling phones during this period to hear your thoughts.

Some residents will also be asked to complete the survey online.

Of course, you will not be required to disclose any personal information, and your individual responses are kept completely confidential.

Thanks for helping us build a better Moonee Valley. Please visit the link for more information: mvcc.vic.gov.au/css-26/

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