Library Bytes
2023 Library Year in Review
Where has the year gone?
We started the year with new book introductions for juniors, which escalated with Book Week's 'Read with eyes wide open' competitions, the Halloween Short Story Competition and closed with Xmas workshops. Throughout the year students and visitors were entertained with a range of sensational displays to promote reading literacy. The numerous films and boardgames entertained, and the Tik Tok book sensations drew many readers. The year closed with the memorable Xmas display and Xmas themed books.
We wish you all a happy festive season!
Sponsored thought … ‘The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.’
Titles New to your library.
We have some great new titles in our collection.
Snuggle up with a book and discover a myriad of great stories that entertain and offer a glimpse into the world surrounding us. Over the holiday break visit your local library to quench your imagination.
If you tell anyone, you’re next
By Jack Heath
Join a group chat with a deadly challenge. How far would you go to join?
Jayden Jones is missing. Everyone thinks he ran away. His best friend, Zoe, knows they’re wrong. Zoe’s search leads her to a secret group chat, used by anonymous teens to blackmail the powerless. To join, you have to put on a mask and record yourself completing a challenge. The challenges are always illegal. Sometimes dangerous. Who are The 17? What have they done to Jayden? What will they do to silence Zoe? A nail biting suspense!
Summer Change
By Melissa Wray
A secret. A holiday. A summer like never before. Shae knows her parents are keeping something from her and is determined to find out what. But nothing can prepare her for what they are hiding. 17-year-old Shae is learning that relationships, deception, secrets and love can sometimes blend together and change everything. Shae and her family have a holiday of a lifetime planned, until it is cancelled unexpectedly.
No explanation. Nothing. Instead, she will spend the summer with her cousins. Shae knows her parents are keeping something from her and she's determined to find out what. As Shae tries to uncover the mystery, she must also navigate the deteriorating relationship with her favourite cousin. Then, Shae receives a mysterious letter. It includes a photograph of her father and another ... An anonymous caller claims they sent it and have the answers Shae seeks. But does Shae really want the truth?
As Shae fights to keep her world the same, she soon realizes that some things are out of her control. Shae's world will never be the same again by summer's end.
Robert Runs
By Mariah Sweetman
Based on true events, this gripping thriller sheds light on the brutalities of the past whilst championing the heroes who survived.
Robert Runs is a fast-paced thriller based on the author’s great-great grandfather, Robert ‘Goupong’ Anderson, who was once the fastest man in Australia and world-record holder.
The narrative shines a light on an horrific time in Australia’s history and some of the terrible deeds perpetrated against First Nations' people. It is important to share the stories of local heroes like Goupong.
Deadlands
By Skye Melki-Wegner
Dinosaurs fight for freedom and survival in book two of this action-packed series. Battle rages on between the two surviving dinosaur kingdoms. Eleri and his fellow outcasts search for evidence to prove that the carnivores have manipulated the herbivore kingdoms into war, so they can feast on the slain.
But the friends must flee from a pack of raptors and become trapped inside the Fire Peak: the volcanic heart of the dreaded Carrion Kingdom. Can the outcasts escape and gather proof of the Carrion Kingdom’s vicious plans? Read on …
Thieves’ Gambit
By Kayvion Lewis
Join the Thieves’ Gambit, a cut-throat competition to crown the world’s greatest thief. But... never fall in love with your opponent Do not trust anyone!Win to save your family - and yourself . . .When Seventeen-year-old Rosalyn Quest’s mother is kidnapped, her only chance to save her is to win the Thieves’ Gambit – competition for the world’s best thieves. The victor is granted one wish. To win, she must outwit all competitors, including her childhood archnemesis.
Halloween Short Story Writing Competition 2023
In the spirit of “fear has many eyes” entrants embraced the spooky elements of the Halloween tradition.
Congratulations to the successful entrants in this year’s Halloween short story competition. With an enormous number of entries, the selection process was extremely challenging but exhilarating. Each entrant should be proud of their achievement. Keep writing and entertaining readers!
Congratulations to our winner in 1st place. Ieremia Lealofi.
The haunting of Hollow Creek
As the crisp autumn air settled over the small town of Hollow Creek, anticipation for Halloween grew. Children eagerly planned their costumes and carved pumpkins, while adults prepared for the annual haunted house competition. However, this year would be different. Unbeknownst to the towns people, a dark presence had awakened in the depths of Hollow Creek.
Legend had it that centuries ago, a witch named Agatha cursed the town after being wrongfully accused of practising black magic. Every Halloween since then, her spirit would rise from her grave and seek revenge on those who wronged her.
On October 31st, as dusk fell upon Hollow Creek, eerie whispers filled the air. The townspeople gathered at the library for an evening of spooky tales and ghostly legends. Little did they know that their own nightmare was about to begin.
As midnight struck, a bone – chilling wind swept through town, extinguishing every streetlight in its path. Panic ensued as darkness engulfed Hollow Creek. Terrified screams echoed through the night as residents stumbled blindly through their homes. Meanwhile, at the library, a group of brave teenagers decided to investigate the legend of Agatha themselves. Armed with flashlights and courage, they ventured into Hollow Woods where Agatha’s grave was said to lie.
The forest seemed alive with malevolence as branches twisted and gnarled like skeletal fingers reaching out for them. Whispers grew louder until they could make out Agatha’s voice calling their names from beyond the veil of trees. With each step closer to her grave, time seemed to slow down as if trapped in an eternal nightmare. Finally, reaching their destination, they discovered an ancient tombstone covered in moss and decay.
Suddenly, Agatha materialised before them – a spectral figure cloaked in darkness with glowing red eyes that pierced their souls, she unleashed a torrential storm upon them; lightning crackled across the sky, and thunder roared in fury. The teenagers fought to stay together, their hearts pounding with fear. They remembered a tale passed down through generations that Agatha’s curse could only be broken by an act of selflessness. Summoning every ounce of bravery, one of the teens sacrificed themselves to save the others. In that moment, Agatha’s wrath subsided, and her spirit dissipated into the night.
As dawn broke over Hollow Creek, the darkness lifted, and light returned to the town. The cursed had been broken, but not without sacrifice. The townspeople mourned their fallen hero and vowed never to forget their encounter with Agatha. From that day forward, Halloween in Hollow Creek took on a new meaning – a celebration of courage and unity. The haunted house competition became a tribute to those who had faced their fears head-on.
As October 31st approached each year, children would gather at the library to hear the tale of Hollow Creek’s haunting – the story of how darkness was vanquished by bravery and love. And so, it continued for generations to come.
In conclusion, Halloween in Hollow Creek was forever changed by the heart-stopping events that unfolded on that fateful night. It serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and strength within us all.
State Library of Victoria
Exhibition
Beruk
Date: 13 December 2023 – 30 April 2024
10 am – 6 pm
Cost: Free
South Rotunda The Gateway
Explore and connect with the exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of William Barak.
To the colonial world he was William Barak, to his people he is Beruk. Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung artist and the last Ngurungaeta, activist, leader, trailblazer – Beruk remains a source of knowledge for Wurundjeri people through his works and he continues to influence generations worldwide.
The beruk exhibition, curated by descendants of Beruk, for the first time welcomes home two artworks, Corroborree (Women in Possum Skin Cloaks) and a Parrying Shield back to Wurundjeri Country and community where they belong.
This exhibition explores objects, paintings and portraits Beruk and other residents of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve created during the post-colonial era of the mission station.
Midsumma Storytime Event
Date: 22 January 2024, 10.30 am - 11.00 am
24 January 2024, 10.30 am - 11.00 am
29 January 2024, 10.30 am - 11.00 am
31 January 2024, 10.30 am – 11.00 am
If you love a story, you’ve come to the right place!
Join the State Library every Monday and Wednesday in late January as LGBTQIA+ authors, performers and community members share their favourite stories – and join in to sing some rainbow-themed songs and rhymes.
For kids aged 0-8. All Storytime sessions will be Auslan interpreted.
Book your spot now:
https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/midsumma-storytime
Presented by Midsumma Festival and State Library Victoria.
Location: Pauline Gandel Children's Quarter, a purpose-built space for children and families to read, learn and play, with an associated program of activities.
Local Library event - Kingston Libraries’ Big Summer Read.
See more:
Best Wishes for the festive season from PRSC library!
