News in Brief - What's on at the Library in May

Armadale Young Writers’ Awards - Writing Workshops

Saturday 4 May, Armadale Library Year 3 & 4: 11am - noon Year 5 & 6: 1 - 2pm Year 7 to 12: 2.30 - 3.30pm

Mark Greenwood is a prolific award winning author of both fiction and non-fiction books. These include Simpson and his Donkey, Jandamarra, the History Mysteries series, and his latest book The Happiness Box.

Mark is well known internationally as a ‘history hunter’ for his books about Australia's history and the depth of research he undertakes.

This is a wonderful opportunity to work with Mark who will provide writing tips and offer encouragement at these free writing workshops.

These sessions are open to students in years 3 to 12 who reside or attend school in the City of Armadale.

Places are limited, and bookings are essential. To confirm eligibility and book your place, call Armadale Library on 9394 5125.

Bilingual Storytime

Storytime in German Friday 10 May, 10.30 - 11.15am at Armadale Library

Storytime in Tamil Friday 17 May, 10.30 - 11.15am at Kelmscott Library

Storytime in Mandarin Friday 24 May, 10.30 - 11.15am at Armadale Library

Storytime in Czech Friday 31 May, 10.30 - 11.15am at Kelmscott Library

At these bilingual storytime sessions you will share stories, songs, rhymes and craft in English and other languages. These fun sessions are designed so that you and your child can learn about other cultures in a friendly, supportive environment.

These sessions are suitable for pre-school children.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Call 9394 5125 or visit library.armadale.wa.gov.au to book your place. Parents or carers must stay in the library during sessions. Childcare centres and groups must phone for bookings.

Freedom of Information

Tuesday 21 May, 6 - 7pm Armadale Library

This session will provide an overview of Freedom of Information in a Local Government context.

You will hear tips on how to access your personal information, applying for non-personal information, when access to information is not appropriate, and what types of documents may be exempt from disclosure.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Call 9394 5125 or visit library.armadale.wa.gov.au to book your place.

National Simultaneous Storytime!

Wednesday 22 May, 11 - 11.30am Kelmscott Library

Macca and his best pal Al enter a talent contest. Shaking and shimmying, they give it their best and put on a performance to remember!

Join us, along with thousands of libraries, schools and bookstores across Australia, as we read the book Alpacas With Maracas by Matt Cosgrove.

Now in its 19th successful year, National Simultaneous Storytime promotes the value of reading and literacy. There will be songs and craft at this celebration of storytime!

This session is suitable for pre-school children.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Call 9394 5810 or visit library.armadale.wa.gov.au to book your place. Parents or carers must stay in the library during sessions. Childcare centres and groups must phone for bookings.

Real, pretend and in between: Writing historical fantasy with Juliet Marillier

Saturday 25 May, 1.30 - 3.30pm Armadale Library

What are the rules for writing historical fantasy? How do you find the perfect balance of history, mythology and pure imagination?

During this two hour workshop, author Juliet Marillier will address these questions and talk about ways to make your fantasy story come alive for the reader. The emphasis will be on historical fantasy, but all writers are welcome.

Participants should bring writing materials as the workshop will include short practical exercises. This event is for adults.

Juliet has won numerous awards and is the author of 20 novels and a collection of short stories. She is currently working on a new series called Warrior Bards.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Visit library.armadale.wa.gov.au or call 9394 5125 to book your place.

What a load of rubbish! - What am I throwing away?

Tuesday 28 May, 2 - 3pm Armadale Library

This is a practical look at our rubbish. Examine a week’s worth of domestic rubbish and learn ways to reduce your waste and avoid single use plastic. It’s time to be resourceful!

Presenter Robyn Brown has been a teacher, worked as a Waste Education Officer for Local Government, and now has a consulting business, Waste Is My Resource.

Robyn’s concern for waste started with her childhood in the country where very little was wasted due to isolation and lack of money! Her parents showed her how to reuse most things and build from recycled materials.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Visit library.armadale.wa.gov.au or call 9394 5125.

Natasha Lester: Creating Characters that Readers Love

Saturday 11 May, 1.30 - 3.30pm Armadale Library

Readers connect with a story through the main character, they should live on in the reader’s mind long after they finish a book.

International bestselling author Natasha Lester will show you how to write a main character who is the heart and soul of your story.

After a short break for refreshments Natasha will speak about her new book The French Photographer. There will be a chance to ask Natasha questions about her writing career and her books.

This session is for adults. Places are limited and bookings are essential. Call 9394 5125 or visit library.armadale.wa.gov.au to book your place.

The Importance of Diversity in Literature – new perspectives

Friday 17 May, 6 - 7pm Armadale Library

How important is it that published works reflect the lives of all Australians?

We need diverse books because a lack of diversity is a failure of our humanity. Literature without diversity presents a false image of what it is to be human. It masks – and therefore contributes to – the continuation of existing inequities, and it widens the gulfs of understanding that are already swallowing our compassion for each other. Ambelin Kwaymullina – Indigenous author and illustrator.

Cate Sutherland, an editor at Fremantle Press, will lead the discussion panel and invite contributions from the audience. Guests include Yuot Alaak, Rafeif Ismail and Scott-Patrick Mitchell.

This session is for adults. Refreshments will be available.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Visit library.armadale.wa.gov.au or call 9394 5125 to book your place.

Designing Characters with Gabriel Evans

Saturday 18 May, 1 - 3pm Armadale Library

Gabriel Evans, an Australian children's book author and illustrator, travels throughout Australia talking to kids in schools and libraries. He spends the rest of his time in a messy studio near a river, where he drinks tea and creates books for publishers including Walker Books.

Join Gabriel for an energetic and creative afternoon designing picture book characters and developing stories for them.

This workshop is suitable for children six to 12 years of age. Parents or carers must stay with their child during this workshop.

A small selection of books and art will be available to purchase.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Visit library.armadale.wa.gov.au or call 9394 5125 to book your place.