Library News

Competition! Furphy Literary Award – Youth and Junior Poetry and Short Story competition -open to all youth who reside or attend school the Goulburn Valley. Total prize pool $1800. Now open! Closes May 31 2026. Junior poetry and short story – up to 12 years of age. Youth poetry and short story – 13 to 17 years of age www.furphyliteraryaward.com.au

Lunchtime Libraries gives everyone another space to spend time together at GSSC! In just ONE neighbourhood library we have had almost 70 students visit at lunchtime to play games with friends – and that wasn’t even a wet weather day! Remember to eat lunch first then come in at 1:40 to play games, read, or just hang out – also please chat to your friendly librarian, we love to hear what you are all up to.

Melissa Recommends…

‘Small Spaces’ by Sarah Epsetin, (recommended for older readers ages 15 and up) available in all 3 GSSC libraries.

"We don't pick and choose what to be afraid of. Our fears pick us."

Tash Carmody has been traumatised since childhood, when she witnessed her gruesome imaginary friend Sparrow lure young Mallory Fisher away from a carnival. At the time nobody believed Tash, and she has since come to accept that Sparrow wasn't real. Now fifteen and mute, Mallory's never spoken about the week she went missing. As disturbing memories resurface, Tash starts to see Sparrow again. And she realises Mallory is the key to unlocking the truth about a dark secret connecting them. Does Sparrow exist after all? Or is Tash more dangerous to others than she thinks?

‘Stuck between being scared into slamming the pages closed and being too intrigued to tear my eyeballs away’ – Melissa Black.

Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another’s skin, another’s voice, another’s soul. – Joyce Carol Oates
"Books are a uniquely portable magic." — Stephen King

Some books are so familiar that reading them is like being home again. – Louisa May Alcott

The Modern Library– We love having lively discussions and socialising in the libraries, with students and staff alike. Libraries aren’t 100 percent the silent places they used to be, which is great. We have sound, colour, light, and fun as well as the traditional books and reading space. Gentle reminder though that if there is class or people studying or reading, try to keep an excessive sound to a minimum to ensure the space stays comfortable and welcoming for everyone. No food or drink other than water are permitted in the library area.

Please feel free to recommend items to your librarians too. We want to know what you want, what you’re interested in. We might order it, read it, or even recommend it to someone else!

Dianne Recommends…

Animal Heroes – by Anthony Hill

I chose this book as I ama lover of non fiction books and stories on animals. I found this book fascinating how all the creatures connect to humans and the services these courageous animals provided our soldiers. This book has twenty-one fascinating stories about the forgotten heroes of war – animals who have served beside Australin forces. These are all animals that dazzle with their courage and loyalty – or sometimes by just being lovable. Whether it is a rooster guarding his battalion during the First World War or a mine-detecting dolphin in Iraq, they make the difficult lives of soldiers so much more bearable.

This book is easy to read and includes pictures.

Author

Anthony Hill is a renowned Australian author, born in Melbourne in 1942, best known for historical fiction and children's literature exploring war, such as Soldier Boy and The Burnt Stick. A former journalist and speechwriter, he has received numerous awards for his moving, research-based stories covering Anzac history and social history.