Seek adventure at your local library

With the eyes of the world increasingly gazing into the heavens as NASA beams back images from its latest Mars lander and Elon Musk’s rockets pave the way to renewed space exploration, the Cairns community is being invited to take an adventure somewhat closer to home.

Running officially from 17-23 May, this year’s Library & Information Week celebrates libraries and the services they provide under the theme of Adventures in Space and Time.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the theme was especially relevant, with libraries able to inspire adventure and creativity, as well as being places of learning and education.

“Every year in May, libraries and information services throughout Australia showcase their resources and services to their communities through programs and events,” Cr Manning said.

“For children to our most senior citizens, our modern libraries are a tremendous source of knowledge, entertainment, inspiration and learning.

“Our Cairns Libraries have put together an array of events and activities that will showcase their services and celebrate the work of library staff.

“This year, people can learn about tapping into the online world, engage in author talks and something that is sure to thrill the younger members of the family, listen to an astronaut reading a book from the International Space Station.”

For more information on Cairns Libraries go to cairns.qld.gov.au/library.

Cairns Libraries will be celebrating the week with the following free events and activities:

Online Adventures – Explore free tech training

Venue: Manunda Library

When: 18 May from 10am-11am

What: Explore online technology training resources available through Cairns Libraries website including:

BYO device optional

Online Adventures – eResources for parents

Venue: City Library

When: 20 May from 10.30am-11.30am

What: Explore online resources for parents to use with their families through the Cairns Libraries website including:

BYO device optional

Online Adventures – Explore Libby: One tap eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines

Venue: Earlville Library

When: 21 May from 10am-11am

What: Explore online access to eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines with your Cairns Libraries membership via the Libby app. Learn everything you need to know to get reading and listening.

The session covers:

Bring along your device and your library card.

Author talk – Chrystopher Spicer

Venue: Smithfield Library

When: 19 May at 11am

What: Join local author Chrystopher Spicer as he discusses his 2020 release Cyclone Country which focusses on cyclone representation in literature; and find out why the red flag above the Cairns Post Office was so important during cyclone season. No bookings required.

National Simultaneous Storytime

Venue: City Library

When: 19 May at 11am

What: Join Cairns Libraries for a special screening of NASA Astronaut Shannon Walker reading Give me some Space! from the International Space Station. No bookings required.

Tech Savvy Seniors – Sign up for Gmail

Venue: Stratford Library

When: 19 May from 10am-12.30pm

What: Free Technology skills session – no bookings required. This session is designed for people who do not currently have a Gmail account. If you use an Android phone or tablet (eg Samsung), then you probably already have a Gmail address (it looks like [email protected]).

In this session you are welcome to use your own device (phone or tablet). Alternatively, Cairns Libraries can loan you an iPad for the session. Prerequisite knowledge: You need to be familiar with basic iPad operation (on/off, tap and swipe actions, starting apps).

Next Chapter Bookclub

Venue: Earlville Library

When: 20 May from 10.30am-11.30am

What: On the third Thursday of the month, join Next Chapter Bookclub to discuss what you are reading, what you have read, and what to read next!

Film Club – Mary Shelley

Venue: City Library

When: 21 May from midday to 2.30pm

What: On the third Friday of the month join the Film Club to watch and discuss a movie together. This month's film is Mary Shelley: Life and facts of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, who at 16 met 21-year-old poet Percy Shelley, which resulted in the writing of Frankenstein.

Authors Online event – Jen and Ryan Tate (Livestreamed Facebook event)

Date: 27 May

When: Midday

What: Join your library online at lunchtime as expert animal trainers Jen and Ryan Tate discuss their recently released title How to train your dog. Find out tips on dog training and learn about developing happy, confident pets.

Themed Storytimes and Baby Rhyme Times

When: All week at various branches.

Cairns Libraries regular session details can be found at https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library/whats-on/event-programs/first5forever

New Spark Discovery Kits

Available for people to borrow with their library membership. Explore and discover the realms of robotics and coding. Suitable for adults and children.