Library activities and events

We offer a range of free events including speakers, workshops, makerspaces, and digital programs to promote learning and reading in Merri-bek.

See our list of Merri-bek Libraries events below or on our Merri-bek Libraries Eventbrite page.

Upcoming events

Online events

The best ways to stay up to date with what events are happening are to: 

Register to attend an event

We use Eventbrite for all event bookings. You can see all of the events we have on our Merri-bek Libraries Eventbrite page.

When booking with Eventbrite, you need to provide your name, phone number, and email address. You can find out more about this on the Eventbrite website.

Children's events

There are regular online children's activities, storytimes, and school holiday events.

You can see what events are happening for children:

Book chat and book groups

Book chat

Book chat is a monthly program for book lovers. Enjoy a relaxed chat about books with library staff and other readers. Bring along your current read or an old favourite to share, or just come along to hear about what others are enjoying. Bookings are not required.

Book chat is held at the Coburg Library on the second Wednesday of the month at 11am. More information about dates and times can be found on our Merri-bek Libraries Eventbrite page.

If you are interested in attending, contact us using the details on our visit or contact us at the library page.

Book groups for adults

Book groups are a great way for readers to share their love of reading with others. They offer great opportunities to meet new people and have interesting discussions in a relaxed social environment. 

We have several book groups for adults which are facilitated by a library staff member. 

  • Book groups at Coburg and Campbell Turnbull Libraries are currently at capacity.
  • Limited spaces may be available in book groups meeting at Glenroy and Brunswick Libraries. 
  • The Online Book Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Links are emailed to participants a few days before the meeting.
  • The Queer Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7-8pm at Brunswick Library.
  • The Short Fiction Reading Club meets on the third Thursday morning of each month at Fawkner Library.

If you are interested in joining a library book group contact us using the details on our visit or contact us at the library page.

If you are interested in starting your own book group the library has book sets available for you to borrow. For more information about this service contact us using the details on our visit or contact us at the library page.

Libraries After Dark

Glenroy Library is open until 10pm every Thursday for the Libraries After Dark program. During this time all library facilities including borrowing, computers, and workspaces continue to be available. Enjoy community spaces with our very popular community jigsaw puzzle, challenge a friend to a game of chess, or try some of our other games (available on request). In addition, each Thursday evening Libraries After Dark features a range of regular programs and special events as well as light refreshments.

Enjoy regular programs such as:

  • Glenroy Library Chess Club – A weekly opportunity to meet up and play a social game of chess with other likeminded chess players. All welcome – from beginners to experts. Use our chess sets or bring your own. Every Thursday 7.30 – 8.30 pm.
  • Conversation Café – if English is not your first language and you would like to practice, or maybe you are interested in participating in some interesting intercultural conversations. Come sit and chat in a friendly and relaxed group. Every Thursday 7.30 – 8.30pm.
  • Monthly Meditation – led by an experienced Active Merri-bek facilitator and is designed for both beginners and people wishing to extend their existing practice with a focus on mindfulness and meditation with some gentle yoga. First Thursday of each month, 7.30 – 8.15 pm. Bookings required for each session, register on Eventbrite to participate. 

Details of all Libraries After Dark bookable and special events can be found on the Merri-bek Libraries Eventbrite page.

You can find out more about Glenroy Library on our Visit us or contact us at the Library page.

Social and interest groups

Chatty Cafe

Chatty Cafe brings the community together for friendly conversation, English practise and social connection. No need to book, just come along and make some new friends over a cuppa. Learn more about Chatty Cafe on their website. 

  • Wednesdays 2 -3.30 pm, meets in the Makerspace

  • Fridays 11am - 12.30 pm,  meets in the Community Languages lounge

  • Alternate Mondays, 11.30 am - 12.30 pm, meets in the Makerspace. Starts Monday 5 February 2024.

English Conversation Cafe

Conversation Cafe is a weekly group for adults who speak English as a second language and anyone interested in intercultural conversations. At these sessions you can practise speaking and listening in English. Updated times, dates, and locations of Conversation Cafe are available on our Learning English and other languages page.

Craft groups

  • Whether you are a beginner or an old hand at knitting, all are welcome to knitting group. Bring your knitting and share your ideas and experiences with others.

    Bookings are not required.

    9.30 am Mondays at Glenroy Library

    3.30 pm Wednesdays at Coburg Library

  • Regular workshops, events and open sessions are held in our libraries as part of our Makerspace program. Learn more on our Makerspace webpage. Discover and book in for Makerspace events on our Eventbrite page. 

Short story competition 2023

Congratulations to all the entrants of the Short Story Competition this year!

Our Judges worked hard to pick the winner and achievement award in each category, and we are happy to announce the results!

Up to 8 years

Winner – Xavier, for Trouble in Sweetseland

Achievement – Sarah, for Building of a library

9 – 12 years

Winner - Otto, for Bob’s sticky situation

Achievement - Haajar, for Sophie's achievement

13 – 17 years

Winner – Warda, for Thunder Barking

Achievement – Sarah, for The library is always home

Adult

Winner – Karla, for Tendrils, unfurling

Achievement – Liz, for Little intimacies

Winners will be contacted with regards to collecting their prizes, and participation certificates will be emailed or held for collection from Saturday 11 November.