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 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 and Glenroy Libraries. 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. The groups at Brunswick, Coburg and Campbell Turnbull Libraries are currently at capacity. The Glenroy Library group currently has some places available and meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 1.30 pm.

There is also an online book group which meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6.45 pm. Links are emailed to participants a few days before the event.

If you are interested in attending 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 our Libraries After Dark program. Enjoy special after-hours events and access regular library facilities including photocopying and borrowing items, using library computers, or accessing free WiFi on your own device.

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

Short story competition 2022

My happy place

Thank you to everyone who entered the 2022 Merri-bek Libraries short story competition.

2022 Short Story Competition Winners

Winner of 8 years and younger section - Romy S

Read "My Happy Place" by Romy S

Achievement award - Francesca D

Read "The Red Panda Rebels" by Francesca D

Winner of the 9 – 12 year old section - Maryam M

Read "Where I Feel Happy" by Maryam M

Achievement award - Evie C

Read "Pranks for Peace" by Evie C

Winner of the young adult section (13 – 17 year old) - Harper H

Read "My Happy Place" by Harper H

Achievement award - Warda M

Read "The Paradise Garden" by Warda M

Winner of the adult section - Geetha P

Read "Mrs Pillai's Aviary" by Geetha P

Achievement award - Amy T

View Amy T's graphic novel

Congratulations to all our award winners.
Please contact your local library to pick up your prize.

And a big thank you to our judges:

Guest Judges
Authors: Hugh McGinlay & Anna Walker
Scribe Publications:
David Golding (senior editor)
Marika Webb-Pullman (publisher)
Miriam Rosenbloom (Scribble publisher)

Prizes
Up to 8 years old 
Winner: $100 LEGO pack
Achievement: $50 book voucher*

9 - 12 years old
Winner: $100 LEGO pack
Achievement: $50 book voucher*

13 - 17 years old 
Winner: $150 JB Hi-Fi voucher 
Achievement: $50 book voucher* 

Adult
Winner: 1 year membership to Writers Victoria + $100 book voucher*
Achievement: $100 book voucher*
*Book vouchers are redeemable at most Australian book stores.

Social and interest groups

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 practice 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.

  • Bring along your craft project or be inspired to start something new at craft circle. Bookings are not required.

    Meets at Glenroy Library on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 10pm as part of Libraries After Dark.

  • 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.