AROUND THE BRANCHES:

There are some changes in opening hours over the December 2024 and early January 2025 festive period. Please plan your visit and head to our Festive Hours page for the most up-to-date information. StoryTimes and BabyTimes will also take a break from Monday 23 December to Friday 31 January inclusive, with the exception of our special Festive StoryTime sessions. 

The returns chute at Caulfield Library is temporarily closed for maintenance. Please head to our FAQs for more information about out-of-hours returns.

 

Holiday Mania

Holiday Mania is back this summer school holidays! 

Movie: Julia Donaldson Hour (G)

Monday 6 January

Time: 11am - 12pm
Location:
Caulfield Library 
Cost:
FREE - no bookings required. 
Ages:
Suitable for the whole family.

Join us for double the fun these school holidays with special back-to-back screenings of Zog and the Flying Doctors and Snail and the Whale, based on the much-loved picture books by author Julia Donaldson and illustrator, Axel Scheffler.

Parental or caregiver supervision required for children under 12.

 


Chinese brush painting with Gabrielle Wang

Tuesday 14 January

Time: 11am - 12pm
Location:
Carnegie Library and Community Centre
Cost:
Tickets $10 - bookings required. Bookings open 9am Monday 23 December.
Ages:
For ages 8 and up.

In this workshop with acclaimed children’s author and illustrator, Gabrielle Wang, our budding artists will explore the philosophy behind Chinese brush painting and then learn how to paint chicks and a bamboo plant with just a few brush strokes. Participants will walk away with a finished painting and a bunch of new skills!

All materials supplied. Numbers are limited so get in quick!

 


Squishface Comic Making

Wednesday 15 January

Time: 11am - 12.30pm
Location:
Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub
Cost:
Tickets $6 and bookings required. Bookings open 9am Monday 23 December.
Ages:
For ages 8 and up.

Graphic Novel lovers – this one is for you! Join members of Melbourne's Squishface Comic Studio for a fun and interactive workshop celebrating Squishbook, a silly but truthful guidebook to how and why children should make their own comics and stories.

With games and a whole lot of laughter, participants will explore activities from the book and end up making their own one-page folding comic to take home.

 

 


Bollywood with Samita

Thursday 16 January

Time: 11am - 12pm
Location:
Carnegie Library and Community Centre
Cost:
FREE - bookings essential. Bookings open 9am on Monday 2 September.
Ages:
For ages 7 and up.

Get ready to shimmy, shake and groove!  Dive into the colourful and vibrant world of Bollywood in this fun-filled, high-energy workshop led by the talented Shamita Siva. Participants will practice and dance two short routines and learn more about the history and cultural significance of Bollywood dance.

No experience necessary!

 


Movie: The Bad Guys (PG)

Thursday 16 January

Time: 3pm-5.00pm
Location:
Elsternwick Library
Cost:
FREE -  no bookings required. 
Ages:
For ages 5 and up.

After a lifetime of legendary heists, notorious criminals Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula are finally caught. To avoid a prison sentence, the animal outlaws must pull off their most challenging con yet - becoming model citizens. Under the tutelage of their mentor, Professor Marmalade, the dubious gang sets out to fool the world that they're turning good. 

Recommended for ages 5 and up. The film is rated PG for mild scary scenes, animated violence and crude humour. Running time is 100 minutes.

Free session and no bookings required. Parental or caregiver supervision required for children under 12.


 

Giraffes Can’t Dance Workshop

Friday 17 January

Time: Session 1: 11am-12pm Session 2: 1pm-2pm
Location:
Carnegie Library and Community Centre
Cost:
FREE - bookings essential. Bookings open 9am on Monday 23 December.
Ages:
For ages 5 and up.

Remember Gerald the Giraffe from the beloved children’s picture book? He couldn't dance, or so he thought. But guess what? You can move, so you CAN dance!

Let's channel our inner Gerald and explore the magic of movement. We'll shake, shimmy, and stomp our way to a brand-new dance routine. It's time to prove that everyone, from clumsy giraffes to wiggly humans, can shine on the dance floor! Led by Arabella Watson.


 

Movie: Migration (G)

Monday 20 January

Time: 2pm - 3.45pm
Location:
Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub
Cost:
FREE -  no bookings required. 
Ages:
For ages 6 and up.

Grab a beanbag and join us for a special screening of the heartwarming animated film, Migration. Follow the adventurous journey of a family of ducks as they navigate the challenges and wonders of the migratory trek. This beautiful film is filled with humour, stunning visuals, and an important message about learning to find your own path.

Recommend for ages 6 and up. This film is rated G for mild action and mild rude humour. 

Parental or caregiver supervision required for children under 12.


 

Marvels of Magic

Tuesday 21 January

Time2pm-3pm
Location:
Carnegie Library and Community Centre
Cost:
Tickets $6 - bookings essential. Bookings open 9am on Monday 23 December.
Ages:
For ages 5 and up.

Join the mischievous master of hocus pocus, Elio Simonetti, for an afternoon of magic, marvels and mayhem. You’ll see it once and remember it forever. And who knows…? You might even learn or two a trick to baffle, bewilder and bemuse your friends too. Come along and be sure to bring your imagination with you!

Adults do not require a ticket, but children must not be left attended.


 

Movie: Trolls World Tour (G)

Wednesday 22 January

Time: 2pm - 3.45pm
Location:
Carnegie Library and Community Centre
Cost:
FREE -  no bookings required. 
Ages:
For ages 6 and up.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Poppy, Branch, and their colourful friends!  In this sequel, Poppy and Branch discover that there are six different troll tribes, each representing a different genre of music! When a villain threatens to steal their musical styles, it’s up to our heroes to unite the tribes and save the day!

Recommend for ages 6 and up. This film is rated G for mild action and mild rude humour. 

Parental or caregiver supervision required for children under 12.


 

Carp productions: Treasure Island!

Thursday 23 January

Time2pm-3pm
Location:
Carnegie Library and Community Centre
Cost:
FREE - bookings essential. Bookings open 9am on Monday 23 December.
Ages:
For ages 5 and up.

Ahoy, Matey! Carp Productions are back with a special trip to Treasure Island!  With treasure chests of laughs and barrels of excitement, this tropical adventure is a must ‘sea’.  Jump aboard the pirate ship for a swashbuckling good time!

Children must not be left unattended during the performance.


 

Make your own rocket wand

Tuesday 7 January

Time: 11am - 5pm
Location:
Elsternwick Library
Cost:
FREE -  no bookings required. 
Ages:
For ages 5 and up.

Calling all space explorers! Unleash your creativity and create your own rocket wand that’s ready for take-off!

Activity will run until supply runs out. Wait times may apply.


 

Design your own pencil case

Tuesday 14 January

Time: 11am - 5pm
Location:
Caulfield Library
Cost:
FREE -  no bookings required. 
Ages:
For ages 5 and up.

Get back to school ready and express your unique style in this fun and creative craft session! Create a personalised pencil case that’s as special as you are.

Activity will run until supply runs out. Wait times may apply.


 

Let’s make library bags!

Wednesday 15 January

Time: 1pm-6pm
Location:
Bentleigh Library and Library Hub
Cost:
FREE -  no bookings required. 
Ages:
For ages 3 and up.

Design and create your very own library bag to carry all your BIG Summer Read books!  Let your imagination run wild with your one-of-a-kind creation. 

Activity will run until supply runs out. Wait times may apply.


 

Design your own mug

Thursday 23 January

Time: 11am - 5pm
Location:
Carnegie Library and Community Centre
Cost:
FREE -  no bookings required. 
Ages:
For ages 4 and up.

Join us for this super fun session where you’ll design your very own mug! With a variety of colours and cool stickers to choose from, you’ll take home a mug that’s as awesome as you!

Activity will run until supply runs out. Wait times may apply.