Library Bytes
Term 4
Term 4 has been a busy and exciting term in the library. English classes have been regular visitors, taking part in trivia sessions and special events, while many students have also enjoyed the space for quiet reading, board games and makerspace activities.
Library staff would like to take this opportunity to thank students and staff for their support and patronage throughout 2025 and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026. Have a safe and happy holidays - enjoy the rest!
Christmas Card Making - Makerspace Activity.
During the final two weeks of Step Up, the library hosted a Christmas card-making activity during lunchtimes. Students enjoyed using a wide range of materials, including cards and cardstock, stamps, cutters, die cuts and the Sizzix machine. The only limitation was their creativity!
It was wonderful to see students from across all year levels engaging in and enjoying this activity. Due to its popularity, we look forward to offering more creative lunchtime activities like this in 2026.
Guess How Many Books Make up our Christmas Tree - Competition
Our final competition for the year invited students to guess how many books were used to create this year’s Christmas tree. What began as a fun guessing game quickly turned into a problem-solving challenge, with a number of Year 11 students approaching it as a mathematics task and carefully reasoning through their answers. It was great to watch their thinking in action.
The total number of books used to build the Christmas tree was 299.
Congratulations to Lachlan G in 08F, who came impressively close with a guess of 295 books and was our competition winner!
WHAT'S ON
Big Summer Read is OPEN
Get ready! The Big Summer Read is happening again from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026.
Read and win great prizes.
Calling all readers aged 0-18! Take on the challenge to read 5 books or read for 5 days and be in the running to win fantastic prizes.
Prizes Include:
- Ages 14-18: Beats Solo 3 Wireless Headphones + $100 Visa Gift Card
- Ages 10-13: Nintendo Switch Lite
- Ages 5-9: LEGO Set + $50 Bookstore Voucher
- Ages 0-4: Duplo Set + Book Bundle
All Ages:
- 2nd Prize: $150 General Public Voucher
- 3rd Prize: Museums Victoria Annual Household Membership
- 4th Prize: $50 Bookstore Voucher
- 5th Prize: $25 Bookstore Voucher
Bonus! The first 550 participants to sign up, come on in and collect a popper key chain or a hi bounce ball (while supplies last).
State Library of Victoria Events
When: Anytime, until 17th of May 2026
Cost: Free
Where: Dome Galleries, Level 4 The Dome
Homer. Margaret Atwood. Ursula Le Guin. No matter your taste in literature, World of the Book has it covered.
Now in its 20th year, Australia’s longest running and most popular book exhibition features more than 300 rare, remarkable and historically significant items from the State Collection. But most of all, it’s a celebration of the unique place books have in our hearts and minds.
Travel through the history of the book and marvel at:
- An illuminated manuscript made for a Medici,
- Fan art inspired by Andy Griffiths's Treehouse series,
- One of the oldest printed texts in the world, the Hyakumantō Darani of Japan,
- The evolution of manga – from Hokusai to Astro Boy; and much more.
Beyond the Book Online Exhibition
When: Anytime, until 31st of December 2026
Cost: Free
Where: Online - Link here.
Explore a treasure trove of rare books and thrilling tales from British history.
From King Charles I and the English Civil War to Prince Rupert’s pet hunting poodle and life during the Plague, Beyond the Book takes you back in time to shed new light on a bygone Britain where the books were as beautiful as the days were bloody.
See impressive and significant works from the internationally renowned John Emmerson Collection through three-dimensional models that bring each item to life in stunning detail.
Experience unparalleled access to rarely handled, fragile books. Best of all, you can explore this leading-edge digital exhibition at your own pace, in any order you like and return at your leisure.
WHAT'S ON AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Libraries After Dark
When: Thursdays 2025 06:00pm to 10:00pm
Cost: Free
Along with all the normal borrowing, computers and printing services, we have a range of activities, workshops, author talks and games. Or just come in for a cuppa and a chat! Libraries After Dark is free and everyone is welcome to join us.
The Libraries After Dark Program is supported by the Victorian Government. For more information about Libraries After Dark, please visit the Libraries After Dark website.
Board Games at Carrum Downs Library
When: Every Saturday and Sunday 10am to 1pm
Cost: Free
Our selection of board games gives you the chance to enjoy classics or try something new! Bring the whole family and enjoy the relaxed library atmosphere at Carrum Downs Library.
No need to book, just come along!
Youth programs & activities
Whether you're there to study, chill, game or get creative, there's something for you at Kingston Libraries.
Drop into our dedicated youth spaces, join a writing group or gaming session, or get help with schoolwork. We’ve got free Wi-Fi, study zones, friendly staff, workshops and heaps of books, graphic novels and eResources — all free with your library card.
Come hang out, learn something new, or just be yourself.
Chess Club (ages 10 to 14)
Dungeons & Dragons
YA Chat
Young Writers Group
Comics Plus
Gaming
LinkedIn Learning
Study
SEEKING DONATIONS
SPRING CLEANING BEFORE CHRISTMAS?
Do you have any jigsaw puzzles at home that could use a new home? We would love to give them a second life in our library!
Students and staff have been enjoying taking a few minutes to unwind with the ongoing community puzzle, stationed in the library - adding a few pieces whenever they pass by. It is amazing how a puzzle can inspire connection and collaboration or simply provide an extra bit of relaxation.
If you would like to donate a puzzle (in good condition, please!), simply drop it off at the library. Your contribution will help keep this much-loved activity going!
Ms Yvonne Payne
Library Manager