WHO: For adults
WHEN: Thursday 15 June at 6.30pm
WHERE: Penrith City Library

Celebrate Pride Month 2023 with acclaimed writer and journalist Benjamin Law. Local writer Michael Stoneburner will interview Ben about his books 'Gaysia', 'The Family Law' and 'Growing Up Queer in Australia', about his career to date and about his own experiences as a homosexual Asian-Australian.
Benjamin Law is the author of the memoir The Family Law, which he adapted for SBS TV, Gaysia, and a Quarterly Essay: Moral Panic 101. A columnist for Fairfax’s Good Weekend magazine, Law has also written for over 50 publications internationally and is a co-host on ABC Radio National’s Stop Everything.

QBD Books will be selling copies of Ben’s books. Tickets are $5 and can be booked via Eventbrite.

Tickets are $5 and include light refreshments.
A hearing loop is available, upon request. Just email libmarketing@penrith.city, or phone 02 4732 7891 and we can make suitable arrangements to meet your needs.

WHO: Adults
WHEN: Saturday 24 June, 2023 at 1.30pm
WHERE: Penrith City Library

Join local writer Michael Stoneburner as they discuss their latest book ‘Shorts’, a collection of short stories. Take a trip into a collection of tales that are woven together to create a sense of hope, laughter, tears, hard truths and imagination. Michael takes the readers through tales about people who connect with people, allows the readers to imagine their own conclusions, their own heroes and their own voices speak to them through beautifully written prose that will leave you wanting more.
Michael will read some excerpts from the book, answer some questions and will sell copies of the books at this FREE event.

BOOK NOW: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/shorts-by-michael-stoneburner-book-launch-tickets-624914986547

WHO: LGBTQ+ community plus their friends and allies - aged 15 years and above.
WHEN: Wednesday 28 June, 2023 at 6.00pm
WHERE: Penrith City Library

Celebrate Pride Month 2023 with a FREE writing workshop facilitated by local author Michael Stoneburner. This workshop will help writers to explore the importance of the LGBT+ Community. Michael will share their personal stories leading up to their advocacy in helping LGBT+ in the local area feel seen. Writers will be guided in ways to write their own authentic stories.

A hearing loop is available, upon request. Just email libmarketing@penrith.city, or phone 02 4732 7891 and we can make suitable arrangements to meet your needs.

BOOK NOW: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/being-seen-writing-workshop-tickets-623436604667

WHEN: Saturday 20 May, 27 May, 3 June, 10 June, 17 June, 24 June | 10am-12pm
WHERE: St Marys Library, 207 Queen Street, St Marys
WHO: Adults aged 18+
TICKETS: FREE – Bookings essential as places are limited

The Writer's Space is coming to St Marys in 2023! 

This six-week program is open to writers with disability. Writers at all levels of experience and working in any genre are welcome. 

Facilitated by Fiona Murphy, each session will focus on a different theme – from idea generation to developing compelling characters. Using writing prompts and exercises, we’ll spend time writing in a fun and supportive environment. We will also chat about the writing life, including submitting work for publication and how to stay motivated! 

In the final week, there will be a special Q&A session with guest writer / illustrator Sophie Beer 

Fiona Murphy is an award-winning deaf writer. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, The Saturday Paper, Kill Your Darlings, Meanjin, among many other publications. Her memoir, The Shape of Sound, explores her experiences with deafness. 

This program is presented by Varuna, the National Writers' House and generously supported by the NSW Government and Penrith City Council. 

BOOK NOW: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/writers-space-tickets-559967105687

Pride Month: Penrith Pride Art Prize
WHEN: Sunday 21 May - Friday 23 June 2023
WHERE: All Penrith City Libraries branches
WHO: 8 years +

Family Fun Art Drop-In
WHEN: Sunday 21 May 2023 | 11.00am-1.00pm
WHERE: Penrith City Library Theatrette – 601 High Street, Penrith
WHO: All ages welcome
COST: FREE – no booking needed

Penrith families, join us as we celebrate Pride Month with the Penrith Pride Art Prize. Drop into any Penrith City Libraries branch between Sunday 21 May and Friday 23 June 2023 and pick up your mini canvas (10x10cm) and entry form. Return your completed canvas and entry form by 5pm on Friday 23 June 2023. Prizes will be awarded in 3 age categories. Artworks will be added to the display at Penrith City Library as they come in. The display will be available to view for the month of June.

Need some ideas? Drop into Penrith City Library with the whole family on Sunday 21 May, 11am-1pm, for some fun family art time. All materials will be provided, and local artist Na’ama Atzmon-Simon will help you with your designs and ideas – no booking needed.

See Terms and Conditions here: Terms & Conditions

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.

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 02 4732 7891

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 month.

WHO: Adults
WHEN: Second Thursday of the month
WHERE: St Marys Library
TICKETS: FREE - Limited numbers. Bookings essential. One booking per person. BOOK HERE

Wednesdays 1pm - 2:30pm | Penrith City Library
Fridays 10am - 11:30am | St Clair Library

Listen to a story read by a Library staff member and contribute your thoughts and reflections, or just enjoy the story.

Tales and Tea is a great way to improve your listening, speaking and group participation skills.

Tales and Tea is an inclusive program to all skill levels beyond the limitations of language and reading levels. It provides a safe social network to keep you motivated to explore and experience new things.

No Bookings Required.