Victoria is home to 47 Public Library Services that house an incredible 291 library branches. Libraries are no longer a place just for borrowing books; they are vibrant community hubs that provide all Victorians universal access to information. They offer a safe space for social interaction, digital connection, lifelong learning and rich cultural experiences including author talks and literary festivals and activities.
Literary Listings features a brief list of the diverse offerings by some of our wonderful library services.
Ballarat Libraries
There are three libraries in the City of Ballarat: Ballarat, Wendouree and Sebastopol. On offer is a story time program for younger readers and their families, a summer reading club and monthly book chat groups.
Author events are hosted during the year such as the ‘On Reading’ panel discussion in 2021, that featured authors Kate Mildenhall and JP Pomare, and Public Libraries Victoria CEO, Angela Savage.
Boroondara Library
The Boroondara Library Service has libraries in the suburbs Ashburton, Balwyn, Camberwell, Greythorn, Hawthorn and Kew.
The Kew Library hosts a book club on the fourth Wednesday of each month, beginning 12.30pm. The Hawthorn Library also hosts a monthly book club, held on the third Tuesday at 7pm. The Boroondara Library Service also offers an online book chat: Chatterbooks held every two weeks on Thursdays at 7.30pm.
The Boroondara Literary Awards are run by Council in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Balwyn. Held annually by the Boroondara Library Service since 1999, the Awards celebrate the creativity of writers and poets within the City of Boroondara and nationwide.
Brimbank Libraries
There are five libraries supported by the Brimbank City Council: Deer Park, Keilor, St. Albans, Sunshine and Sydenham. There is a monthly weekend gathering for avid readers – to meet up, relax and talk about books, authors and much more, held on the last Saturday of the Month, at the Sunshine Library, from 3-4pm Bookings essential – see their events page for details. Monthly book clubs are also held at the Deer Park, Sydenham and Keilor Libraries – see their book club page for details. Book groups and children’s story times are features in all of their libraries.
Their other wonderful offering is The Brimbank Writers & Readers Festival (BWRF), an annual event that encourages a love of reading and literature, celebrates creativity and diversity, and promotes lifelong learning in Brimbank. There is no charge to attend the ten day program of workshops, author talks, panel discussions, writing, storytelling and more. The 2022 festival dates are 17 – 26 March.
Campaspe Regional Libraries
The Campaspe Library Service covers all of the Shire of Campaspe and Moama in the Shire of Murray. There are 10 service points, including Library Branches in Echuca, Kyabram, Rochester, Rushworth and Tongala and smaller Library Depots in Colbinabbin, Girgarre, Gunbower, Lockington and Stanhope. Author events are held throughout the shire and details will be included here when they come to hand.
City of Melbourne Libraries
City of Melbourne Libraries has six branches across the municipality, located in the central city, Carlton, Docklands, East Melbourne, North Melbourne and Southbank.
Many wonderful events are hosted across the six library sites including a monthly writing group and seven book clubs: online book club, Crime book club, Melbourne book club, Chinese book club, North Melbourne book club, Classics book club, and Queer book club. The Society of Womens Writers Victoria is also based a the Melbourne City Libraries. For further details of the book clubs, click on the attached links.
Connected Libraries
Connected Libraries (CL) is one of Victoria’s largest public library services. Libraries are located at Bunjil Place, Cranbourne, Cranbourne West, Doveton, Endeavour Hills and Hampton Park. Connected Libraries also have 24/7 Library Lockers for hold pick ups and returns located at Orana Community Place, Manna Gum Family and Community Centre and Cranbourne West Community Hub.
CL runs 300+ programs seasonally (which is launched the last week of each season) for the community. Check out the latest What’s On Guide.
Darebin Libraries
Darebin Libraries provide public library services to their community through four library branches located at Fairfield, Northcote, Preston and Reservoir.
These libraries offer range of well-loved regular events including storytime, rhyme time, craft activities and monthly book chats. In addition to these regular events, they host a program of special events, both online and in library branches, including author talks and workshops which explore diverse literary landscapes.
Visit Preston Library on Thursdays for Libraries After Dark, with library opening hours extended until 10pm. Enjoy free entertainment, opportunities to meet new people or just relax in a welcoming, safe space.
While COVID safe practices are in place bookings are essential for both regular and special events.
To view Darebin Libraries’ range of pre-recorded events, tutorials, craft activities and more please visit the Darebin Libraries Facebook page.
Eastern Regional Libraries
Eastern Regional Libraries service three municipal councils in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Encompassing suburbs from Ringwood to Healesville, there are thirteen libraries included in this service. These libraries offer a myriad of bookish events from author talks, book launches, book clubs and chats.
There are many book clubs, book chats and author talks across these library services cater to a diverse range of interests.
Geelong Regional Library Corporation
The Geelong Regional Library Corporation provides library and information services to residents and visitors across the Geelong region on behalf of our four member councils: Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Golden Plains Shire and Surf Coast Shire.
Through our network comprising a central library, 16 community libraries, two mobile libraries and this website, we provide free, universal access to lifelong learning, reading and discovery. Our services, both physical and virtual, are as diverse as the community we serve.
Regular programs are offered for their communities including Book Clubs (Audio book club, Book Chat, Short Story Book Club, Evening Book Club and more); regular writing workshops, and online and in-person author talks with wonderful authors from big name international authors to emerging local authors.
You can explore these events on their calendar.
Goldfields Libraries
Goldfields Libraries provide library services to the City of Greater Bendigo, Loddon Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire and Mount Alexander Shire.
Through nine library branches and eight library agencies, Goldfields Libraries offers a range of free literary events, including regular Storytime sessions, author talks and workshops. Storytime sessions are held at all library branches and selected agencies and are suited to children up to 5 years. Author talks and workshops cater to all ages and interests and include local and high-profile authors. For details on upcoming sessions, visit the online calendar of events.
Goldfields Libraries have hundreds of Book Club sets available to borrow. To register your book club or be put in touch with an existing book club, register your interest.
Greater Dandenong Libraries
Greater Dandenong Libraries has branches at Dandenong and Springvale, both with state-of-the-art facilities. The Library runs a variety of events, programs and workshops throughout the year including the Emerging Writers Festival, and proud partner of the annual Melbourne Writers’ Festival. The Library delivers a wide range of free literary activities and events for all ages including a Libraries After Dark series until 10pm on Thursdays. See What’s on the Libraries for details. The Library also runs a regular Reading Circle and hosts a monthly Reader’s Advisory Podcast – the Open Book. They have also recently added a monthly Online Book club : The DandEreaders to their offerings.
Hobsons Bay Library Service
Hobsons Bay Libraries has branches in Altona, Altona Meadows, Altona North, Newport and Williamstown. They offer a range of programs and events throughout the year, including author talks and book launches showcasing local writers and illustrators as part of Homegrown: Hobsons Bay. The IFLA-nominated EnviroCentre at Altona Library hosts many events promoting a sustainable, green lifestyle. Technology and change are a focus of events at the Creative Technology Hub @ Seaworks, and the Heritage Team offer a variety of programs focused on delving into the past. Programs and events for children, youth, families and educators are offered throughout the year and across the municipality.
The Williamstown Literary Festival is run annually in partnership with Hobsons Bay City Council. Author talks, panel discussions and literary events are organised by Hobsons Bay Libraries as part of the festival. The 2022 festival dates are 18-19 June.
Latrobe City Libraries
Latrobe City Libraries has branches at Churchill, Moe, Morwell and Traralgon and offers creative and inclusive programs and literary events for all ages. Visit the What’s On page for more details.
Melton City Libraries
Melton City Libraries has branches at Melton, Caroline Springs, Diggers Rest and Atherstone. The Library service run a wide range of regular programs and host regular bookish events. See their program page for all details.
Monash Public Library Service
Monash Public Library Service presents its annual literary festival WordFest where storytellers come together and share the poignant experiences that shape their lives. It is through their stories that they may enact change in the lives of their readers and audience. This year’s festival brings readers and writers together online.
Moreland City Libraries
Moreland’s 5 libraries offer free access to thousands of books, an extensive eLibrary and lots of reading ideas and inspiration. They also run regular events, training and workshops.
The offer a program of free live and online events including speakers and workshops. An annual story competition for children and adults is curated through this library service as are book groups and book chats.
Check their Facebook page for the latest livestream events and online webinars.
State Library Victoria
Established in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library, State Library Victoria is Australia’s oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world.
A Melbourne landmark and cultural icon, the library is a magnificent 19th-century building with some of the city’s most beautiful heritage interiors. A special highlight is the La Trobe Reading Room, with its majestic octagonal domed ceiling.
The library’s collections include Ned Kelly’s complete armour, over two million books, hundreds of thousands of pictures, newspapers, maps and manuscripts, and masses of audio, video and digital material – all reflecting the changing face of Victoria over the past 150 years.
There are permanent and touring exhibitions to explore in the various galleries of the library. Free guided tours are also available.
Stonnington Libraries
Stonnington Library and Information Service provides library and information services to residents and visitors of the City of Stonnington. Their service is comprised of four libraries (Malvern, Phoenix Park, Prahran Square and Toorak/South Yarra), the Stonnington History Centre and a Home Library Service.
In 2021, the Stonnington Lit Fest celebrated its tenth annual festival. Here’s hoping there might be an eleventh!
Swan Hill Regional Library Service
The Swan Hill Regional Library Service (SHRL) provides library and information services to residents and visitors across the Swan Hill Rural City Council municipality in Victoria and Murray River Council in NSW. There are branches in Swan Hill, Robinvale, Barham, Moulamein, Mathoura and a mobile library service.
SHRL offers a range of free literary events, including regular Storytime, Move & Groove and Baby Rhyme Time sessions, book club, author talks and workshops. Early years literacy programs are suited to children up to 5 years. Check the library website https://library.swanhill.vic.gov.au/ for times and locations.
Details of author visits are listed on our ‘What’s On’ https://library.swanhill.vic.gov.au/whats-on/ page and Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/swanhilllibrary
Whitehorse Manningham Libraries
Whitehorse Manningham Libraries is a network libraries across the Cities of Whitehorse and Manningham, and online.
Our libraries offer a wide range of collections, programs and services, including author talks, lifestyle programs, children’s programs, and hands-on workshops, delivered in person and online.
Registrations are required for events so please book online or contact one of our library branches.
Yarra Libraries
Under the Yarra Library service there are libraries in Abbotsford, Carlton North, Fitzroy, North Fitzroy and Richmond.
All of these libraries offer a wide range of collections, programs and services to suit all recreational and educational needs, including free study spaces, home delivery service and inter-library loans.
Free Wi-Fi is available to visitors and everybody is welcome. Membership is free.
Social distancing requirements haven’t stopped a stellar line-up of online author talks, learning programs and engaging workshops. Find out more here.
Registrations are still required for many events; please note some events may be recorded and made available as a podcast or video recording.
Yarra Plenty Regional Library
Yarra Plenty Regional Library is made up of nine library branches and a Mobile Library; open, accessible, include and free to all residents of Victoria. Branches can be found across the local government areas of Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea. Programs are hosted in person and online.