Programs
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Baby Time
Recommences in 2023 from week starting Monday 30 January
Our library children's team welcomes 0-2 year olds, their parents and carers to Baby Time LIVE every week during term time to sing, rhyme and play together at Penrith and St Marys library branches. WHO: 0-2 year-olds and their adult carer.
WHEN: Every week during term time only.
Penrith: Mondays, 10.30 - 11.15am
St Marys: Tuesdays, 9.30 - 10am
Bookings not required.
For more information please email Children's Team, or call 02 4732 7891.
Story Time
Recommences in 2023 from week starting Tuesday 31 January
WHO: 2-5 year olds and their adult carer
WHEN: Every week during term time.
St Marys: Tuesdays, 10.30 - 11.15am
Penrith: Wednesdays, 10.30 - 11.15am
St Clair: Thursdays, 10.30 -11.15am
Bookings not required.
For more information please email Children's Team, or call 02 4732 7891.
Bilingual Story Time
2023 we're pleased to introduce bilingual stories and languages, including Auslan to our regular Story Time, celebrating the diversity of our community. Sessions are presented once per term at every library branch in a range of languges. WHO: 2-5 year olds and their adult carer
WHEN:
St Marys Library - Tuesdays, 10.30-11.15am
Arabic-English: 21 March, 20 September 2023
Hindi-English: 14 June, 1 November 2023
Auslan-English: 31 August 2023
Penrith Library - Wednesdays, 10.30-11.15am
Mandarin-English: 15 February, 3 August 2023
Korean-English: 11 May, 26 October 2023
Auslan-English: 1 March, 30 November 2023
St Clair Library - Thursdays, 10.30-11.15am
Tagalog-English: 30 March, 15 September
TBC - English: 23 June, 18 November
Auslan-English: 2 June 2023
Little Seekers Story Time
Little Seekers Story time is a sensitive story time session designed for preschoolers with diagnosed disabilities and/or a high support learning needs. Parents and children 2-5 years old will enjoy songs stories and play activities. Bookings are essential. Maximum of 10 children per session. WHO: 2-5 years old - suitable for children with social and/ or sensory needs.
WHEN: Twice per term - Wednesdays 10.00-11.00am
(15 February, 22 March, 11 May, 22 June, 3 August, 14 September, 26 October, 7 December 2023)
WHERE: Theatrette - Penrith City Library, 601 High Street Penrith
BOOKINGS: Limited places. Bookings are essential - email Children's Team, or call 02 4732 7891.
A staff member will contact you to confirm your booking and discuss your child's needs prior to the session.
Toy Library
The toy library collection includes sturdy toys for under 8 year-old’s, plus a range of family board games including baby toys, construction sets, puzzles, vehicles, food, animal and house play sets. In 2022 a new ‘browse and borrow’* service is available at all library branches during library opening hours, 7 days per week, which allows you to select toys at your leisure for play at home. Toys are cleaned thoroughly before and after use on return to the library. *Terms and conditions of use apply.
WHO: Recommended for children 0-8 years and their families.
WHEN: Available during library opening hours
WHERE: All library branches.
Full terms and conditions available HERE (pdf)
For details on the Toy Library email Children's Team, or call 02 4732 7891.
Toy Library Outreach Service
We specialise in providing toys for children with disabilities and high support needs. Featuring switch-adapted, sensory and educational toys, children will delight in making them function through lighting up, playing sounds and movement. Through hands-on play, they can build valuable problem-solving, coordination, reasoning, numeracy, literacy and fine motor skills.
Inclusion support is available by an appointment either in person or online, with opportunities for extended loan periods. Referrals are required to access this service.
For details on inclusion support process email Children's Team, or call 02 4732 7891.
Curious Inventors Workshop
at Penrith City Library
Calling all curious scientists and computer programmers! In this hands-on, interactive workshop series you will learn the basics of electrical circuitry and coding with Makey-Makey electronic kits. Let your creative and technical curiosity experiment with projects such as a cookie jar alarm and bongo drum bananas! No experience necessary. WHO: 8-11yo
WHEN: Thursdays, 4.15-5.15pm - 9, 16, 23, 30 March (4-week series)
WHERE: Theatrette - Penrith City Library, 601 High Street, Penrith
COST: $20 per student for a four-week series
BOOKINGS: Limited places. Bookings essential via Eventbrite
BOOK NOW
St Marys Super Kids: Brick-builders
Book your place in the all-new St Marys Super Kids club. Each term children enjoy a range of different activities at St Marys Super Kids including brick-building, reading, craft or games. Start out in Term 1, 2023 with Brick-builders. Brick builder kids try out a fun new brick challenge each week, then enjoy free build time to so you can bring your wildest brick creations to life. WHO: 5-11 year olds
WHEN: Tuesdays, 4-5pm - x4 week series (14, 21, 28 February and 7 March 2023)
WHERE: William Garner Room
COST: Free - but bookings essential via Eventbrite.
Penrith City Council Children and Young People
To go to the Penrith City Council Children and Young People webpage click here.
Creative Coders
at St Marys Library
Hands on fun with Makey-Makey electrical kits! In this hands-on, creative workshop series you will learn basic electrical circuitry and coding skills, making creative projects such as a cookie jar alarm or a fortune-telling robot. No experience necessary. WHO: 12-15yo
WHEN: Mondays, 4.15-5.15pm - 27 Feb, 6, 13 March (3-week series)
WHERE: St Marys Library, 207 Queen Street, St Marys
COST: $15 per student for a 3-week series
BOOKINGS: Limited places. Bookings essential via Eventbrite
Author Talk: Saman Shad
WHO: For adultsWHEN: Thursday 16 February at 6.30pm
WHERE: Penrith Library
TICKETS: $5 and include a light supper. Bookings essential.
Sparks will fly when a desi matchmaker and a self-confessed 'coconut' meet in this glittering romantic comedy about love, marriage and mistaking your own identity.
Matchmaking is easy. Falling in love on the other hand ...
Saima knows that she’s a great matchmaker. She has the weekly wedding invitations to prove it. So why has her community started turning against her?
The desi community in Sydney has eyes, ears and mouths everywhere, and Saima’s feeling firsthand the impact gossip can have. Too modern, too focused on compatibility instead of class and everything else that’s meant to matter.
She’s about to pack it all up and move back in with her Ammy when an eligible bachelor’s wealthy parents show up at her door. They’re offering the biggest payday she’s had in years, but there’s a catch: she has to convince their son to accept her services without letting on that it’s his parents pulling the strings.
Kal is handsome, successful and starting to worry about his path in life. What does it mean to be a third culture kid? When a woman falls into his life challenging everything he thought he knew about heritage, life and love, it might be the answer he’s been searching for.
But Saima wrote off love a long time ago – has she hardened her heart too much to see what’s right in front of her?
Can a matchmaker recognise a perfect match?
A hearing loop is available, upon request. Just email libmarketing@penrith.city, or phone 4732 7891 and we can make suitable arrangements to meet your needs.
QBD Books will be selling signed copies of the book.
BOOK NOW
New Year, New You
Start Your Business Workshop
WHEN: Thursday 23 February, 6-8pm
WHERE: Penrith City Library
TICKETS: FREE - Bookings essential via Eventbrite
Do you have a business idea but are unsure where to start?
Lisa Penson, business navigator at IntoJobs is here to help. Prepare to get your bright idea off the ground, step by step, at this essential planning workshop packed with vital start-up tips, tools and expert guidance that will prepare you to give your business the best chance of success.
Come to grips with what you need to know before you get started and walk away prepared with a clear plan of the next steps needed to turn your idea into business reality.
The workshop covers:
• The essentials of starting your own business
• Clarity on your business vision
• Gain a wide-ranging view of the key areas you will need to start and manage a business and ensure successful outcomes
• Gain an understanding of some business compliance responsibilities
New Year, New You
How to Write Your C.V. & Cover Letter
WHEN: Saturday 25 February, 10.30am-12.30pm
WHERE: Penrith City Library
TICKETS: FREE - Bookings essential via Eventbrite
Your C.V. and Cover Letter are the pieces of paper that market your skills and experience to employers.
A clear, tailored and professional resume and cover letter are essential for any job application. Both should aim to convince an employer that your qualifications, work experience and skill-set make you a strong match for the job. This workshop will help you write a C.V and Cover Letter that will attain the attention of a prospective employer.
This workshop will include the following:
• Addressing Selection Criteria
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Formatting
• What to include and not include?
• Essentials Ingredients of a Cover Letter
Australian Reading Hour - The Drover's Wife
WHO: Anyone who is interested in stories and a chatWHEN: Thursday 9 March, 10am - 11.30am
WHERE: Penrith Library
TICKETS: FREE. Bookings essential.
Listen to Henry Lawson's classic short story 'The Drover's Wife' in celebration of The Australian Reading Hour. Join us for morning tea, a reading of this iconic short story and a discussion of this classic Australian story that has inspired so many.
BOOK NOW
International Women's Day Event - Women in Science: a Science @ Your Local event
Join us at Penrith Library as we host a panel of scientists from fields such as biology, human anatomy, forensic anthropology, ecology and environmental science. Learn how they got into science, their current research, what challenges they have faced as females in the scientific community and celebrate the rise of women in the industry.Proudly bought to you by Western Sydney University, Science @ The Local and Penrith City Library
WHEN: Wednesday 8 March - 6.30pm
WHERE: Penrith Library
TICKETS: FREE
BOOK NOW
Penrith Library Writing Group
WHO: Writers 15 years and above
WHEN: First Tuesday of the month - 6pm - 7.30pm
WHERE: Penrith City Library
TICKETS: FREE - Limited numbers. For bookings, contact libmarketing@penrith.city
Penrith City Library is starting a Writing Group for keen writers of fiction, non-fiction or poetry. This inclusive group is open to writers in the area who would like to develop their writing skills and offer support to other writers.
Book Club at Penrith Library
Join Penrith City Library’s new book club and discuss great reads with a group of fellow literary lovers. Places are limited.
WHO: Adults
WHEN: Second Tuesday of the month 10am - 11am
WHERE: Penrith Library Theatrette
HOW: For bookings contact libmarketing@penrith.city or phone 4732 7891
St Marys Knitters
Bring along your knitting, crochet or other craft project, and work away with other like-minded creators at St Marys Library. The group meets monthly for a chat, cuppa and to work on their latest project. To join this free group that meets on the 2nd Thursday of each monthWHO: Adults
WHEN: Second Thursday of the month
WHERE: St Marys Library
TICKETS: FREE - Limited numbers. Bookings essential. One booking per person. BOOK HERE
Shared Reading
Sharing stories is one of humanity’s oldest and most profound traditions. This group is a great way to experience great stories and meaningful conversations.At the Shared Reading Group you can choose to join the discussion or just sit in silence, listen to the story and enjoy a cup of tea. No pressure!
Penrith Library every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm - 2.30pm. To join the group, BOOK HERE
St Marys Library every Friday morning from 10am-11.30am. To join the group, BOOK HERE
Seniors' Festival
Understanding Aged Care Costs Talk
WHO: For adults WHEN: Thursday 2 February, 10am
WHERE: St Marys Library or online via Zoom
BOOKINGS: Free but spaces are limited. Bookings are essential via Eventbrite.
The Financial Information Service will explain the options around funding for aged care including home care, respite care and residential aged care costs.
The Financial Information Service will help you understand:
-How the aged care system works
-The meaning of financial words used in aged care
-The aged care fees you can expect
-How aged care may affect your government payments, including the Age Pension
-The different options to pay for aged care based on your circumstances
-Your options, if you're thinking about selling or transferring property
-Your finances if your partner has died
Seniors' Festival
Chair Yoga
WHO: Everyone WHEN: Friday 3 February at 11.00am
WHERE: Penrith Library, or online via Zoom
TICKETS: FREE - Limited numbers. Bookings essential via Eventbrite
Join Suzanne from Glenbrook Yoga Space as she guides us through a chair yoga session. This gentle stretching exercise class is perfect for anyone with mobility issues and is a great way to exercise your mind, body and soul.
Seniors' Festival
Fun with iPads for Beginners
WHEN: Tuesday 7 February 2023, 10amWHERE: Penrith City Library
Learn how to play trivia on an iPad, how to download games and how to navigate this digital device. Win some prizes and learn more about tablets and how to use them. Proudly presented by the Digital Literacy Foundation.
To book for this free session, call 4732 7891 or see Library staff.
Seniors' Festival
Grandparents Story Time
Bring your grandparents along for Story Time at Penrith City Library as we celebrate Seniors Week, featuring our special guest Pearl McLaren Wymarra, Aboriginal Elder. WHO: 2-5 year olds and their adult carer
WHEN: Wednesday 8 February, 10.30-11.15am
WHERE: Penrith City Library
No bookings required.
Seniors' Festival Author Talk
with Joanna Nell
Joanna Nell is a British-Australian writer, GP and advocate for positive ageing. She is the author of four bestselling novels The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village, The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker, The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home, and The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital. WHO: For adults
WHEN: Thursday 9 February, 2pm
WHERE: Penrith Library
TICKETS: $5 and includes afternoon tea.
A hearing loop is available, upon request. Just email libmarketing@penrith.city, or phone 4732 7891 and we can make suitable arrangements to meet your needs.
QBD Books will be selling signed copies of her books.
BOOK HERE
Tech Help
Need help with learning to use your smartphone, tablet or laptop?Want to learn to send messages and emails, or to shop and pay bills online?
Book a one hour, one on one training session with a Tech Mate from the Digital Literacy Foundation on Tech Tuesday at Penrith City Library, or Web Wednesday at St Marys Library.
Tech help topics may include:
• creating and using an email account
• creating documents
• attaching files and photos
• using subscription library resources
• downloading and streaming content like movies, books, and audiobooks, and more.
• Using your device
• Searching the Internet
Bookings are essential call 47327891 or email pcclib@penrith.city or see one of our friendly staff at any of the library branches.
Please bring your device and passwords with you. We look forward to helping you!
Visit the Library’s technology page for T&Cs HERE
Digital Literacy Foundation provide free tech help while supporting you in your digital learning journey.
Home Library Service
A Home Library Service is available for members who are less mobile, are ill or have a disability. This service includes a fortnightly delivery of library items, locating library research materials (as requested) and providing support in the use of technology to access the Library’s online collections to all registered Home Library members. The Home Library Service operates from 9am-12pm Tuesdays to Thursdays and all services are free of charge.
To find out more, contact 4732 7612 or email Home Library Service.
Penrith Community Knitting and Crochet Group
When: Meets the first Monday of every month 9.30am - 12pm
Where: Penrith City Library
Discovering Some of Our Historical Churches and Cemeteries
The Penrith and surrounding areas have a number of historically significant churches and cemeteries, important due to their age and connections with the early colony and the settlers that came to the Penrith district. The Library currently has a display which uncovers the local history of just some of the more interesting ones showcasing photographs held in our Penrith City Library Photographic Collection.Like to know more? Please see our Library staff to access other photographs in our collection or email our Research Services Team for further information: researchservices@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
Pop Up Library
Nepean District Historical Society History Festival
Interested in local history or want tips for researching your own family history?
Join Penrith Library's Local History team at the Nepean District Historical Society's History Festival this Australia Day from 10 am to 3 pm at the Arms of Australia Inn at Emu Plains. The Library will be selling their history publications and can show you how to get your own history project started.
Admission is free.
Join Penrith Library's Local History team at the Nepean District Historical Society's History Festival this Australia Day from 10 am to 3 pm at the Arms of Australia Inn at Emu Plains. The Library will be selling their history publications and can show you how to get your own history project started.
Admission is free.