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Your Time Starts Now: An Evening with Julie Goodwin
PACC Cessnock | Sat 5 April 2025, 6:30-7:30pm
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We initially fell in love with Julie Goodwin 15 years ago during the first season of MasterChef. Her simple, honest food resonated with so many of us.
Since then, she's forged a media career that encompasses almost every facet of the entertainment world - from breakfast radio and TV to reality TV star on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! to columnist for Australian Women’s Weekly and book author.
In this very special Newcastle Writers Festival event on SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2025, Julie speaks about her extraordinary experiences - the highs and the lows - and how they have shaped who she is today. |
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Our tech Savvy Seniors workshops with Harry from Seniors, Tech & Tea are held at both Kurri Kurri Library & Cessnock City Library.
All your favourite topics are included: smartphones, laptops, video calls, seniors' cards, transport apps, online safety, tablets, iPads, smart assistants, and more!
There is also general Q&A time at each session to ask Harry anything about tech. Visit Cessnock or Kurri Kurri Library to grab a program or click the image to see the full program.
Alternatively, call us (4993 4399 for Cessnock & 4937 1638 for Kurri Kurri) and the team at the front desk can also help you with booking. |
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Get Ready for School Holiday Fun at the Library!
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School holidays are almost here, and we've got a fantastic array of activities planned for kids, tweens, and teens! Check out some highlights of our exciting line-up:
Uke for Kids: (Ages 7-12)
JD's World of Magic Show: (Ages 5-12)
Superhero Workshop: (Ages 5-12)
Sensory Storytime: (Ages 2-6)
Easter Craft: (Ages 5-12)
Sew Your Own Squishy Friend: (Ages 11-18)
Copper Wire Ring Workshop: (Ages 11-18)
WOW Reptile Encounters: (All Ages)
Film & Snacks for Teens: (Ages 11-18)
Bookings are essential!
Click for the full program |
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Lottie Dalziel: 365+ Ways to Save the Planetand Your Money at the Same Time |Cessnock Library | Saturday 12 April, 10.30-11.30am
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Save the Planet & Your Wallet with Lottie Dalziel!
Join us at Cessnock for an inspiring event with sustainability expert Lottie Dalziel! In "365+ Ways to Save the Planet and Your Money at the Same Time," Lottie will share easy, actionable tips to live a more sustainable life without breaking the bank.
Learn how small changes can make a big difference, and discover that eco-friendly living doesn’t have to be expensive. Lottie will guide you with practical advice and encouragement, helping you start your journey to a greener future.
Bring your tricky plastics (up to 2kg per person) for Lottie to take back to Banish for recycling through their initiative, BRAD. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s leading sustainability advocates and former Young Australian of the Year! |
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Nicole Alexander: The Limestone Road
Cessnock Library | Wed 16 April, 5.30pm-6.45pm
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Don't Miss Nicole Alexander at Cessnock Library!
Join us as we welcome author Nicole Alexander! Nicole will be discussing her captivating novel, The Limestone Road. Journey from the deserts of Egypt to the hills of South Australia as you follow soldier Canning Christie's quest to reconcile his past after returning from war. Explore themes of memory, family secrets, and the power of hope as his life is intertwined with his dream of viniculture and finding love with the landowners daughter, Grace.
With stunning prose and compelling characters, The Limestone Road is earning rave reviews. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. This is an evening you won't want to miss. |
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Michael Adams: They'll Never Hold Me:
The life and crimes of Kevin John Simmonds
Kurri Kurri Library | Thursday 15 May, 6.00-7.00pm
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Join us at Kurri Kurri Library for a fascinating evening with author andForgotten Australiapodcaster, Michael Adams. He'll be delving into the life and crimes of Kevin John Simmonds, a notorious Australian criminal whose audacious escape captivated the nation in 1959.
Simmonds' story has a unique Kurri Kurri connection, as this is where his infamous manhunt finally came to an end, with crowds even gathering to cheer him on! Learn how this "outlaw hero" captured the public's imagination and wrote himself into Australian criminal history.
Michael Adams, a renowned journalist and author with a passion for true crime, will share his research and insights.
It's an event not to be missed for anyone interested in local history and gripping tales of the past. |
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Darcy Tindale: Burning Mountain
Cessnock Library | Saturday 17 May, 11.00am-12.00pm
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Unearth a Mystery with Darcy Tindale's Burning Mountain
Join Cessnock Library on Saturday, May 17th, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm for a captivating talk with Darcy Tindale, author of Burning Mountain.
When bones are discovered on Mount Wingen, Detective Rebecca Giles reopens a twenty-year-old missing person case. In 2006, fifteen-year-old Oliver vanished during a hike, leaving his four friends with unanswered questions. Now, Giles believes they hold the key to Oliver's fate. But as she digs deeper, a suspect shockingly close to home emerges.
Darcy Tindale, an Upper Hunter Valley native and multi-talented artist, is also the author of "The Fall Between." Don't miss the chance to meet this acclaimed author and delve into a thrilling outback noir mystery! |
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Sydney Writers' Festival at Your Doorstep!
Live & Local 2025 | Cessnock Library
Thursday 22 May – Saturday 24 May |Click the image to book
Cessnock Library is bringing the Sydney Writers' Festival to YOU! Join us May 22nd-24th for Live & Local 2025: live-streamed headline events, thought-provoking conversations, and brilliant thinkers, right here in Cessnock.
Hear from literary stars like Marcus Zusak, Gina Chick, Thomas Mayo, Liane Moriarty, Helen Garner, and Colm Tóibín (and more!). Dive into fiction, memoirs, history, and ground-breaking ideas.
It's FREE! Book your spot NOW. |
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Longbourn at the Library: A 6-Week Watch Party!
Escape the Winter chill with Pride & Prejudice
Cessnock Library | Wednesday 4 June – Wednesday 9 July, 5.30-6.30pm
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This winter, Cessnock Library invites locals to indulge in the romance and cleverness of Jane Austen through an exciting six-week watch party series: "Longbourn at the Library." Kicking off on Wednesday 4 June, book lovers and period drama fans can come together weekly to enjoy the cherished BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, accompanied by warm beverages and wonderful company.
Leave behind the dreariness of winter and step into the enchanting realm of the Bennet sisters, the enigmatic Mr. Darcy, and the social nuances of Regency England. Each week, we will screen an episode of the iconic BBC mini-series, giving attendees the chance to dive deep into the themes of love, class, and societal expectations.
What better way to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday year.
What: Screening of BBC's Pride & Prejudice, with hot drinks!
When: Every Wednesday 4 June - 9 July, at 5.30pm
Where: Cessnock Library, 65-67 Vincent St, Cessnock
Why: Perfect for Austen enthusiasts, cosy atmosphere, and delightful company!
Cost: FREE!
Regency attire is optional!
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An Evening with Uncle Warren Taggart: Exploring Spirit of Place
Cessnock Library | Wednesday 9 July, 5.30pm – 6.30pm
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Join us for a special evening with Uncle Warren Taggart, a respected Wonnarua Elder and teacher of Aboriginal culture. Uncle Warren will discuss his captivating book, Spirit of Place: Aboriginal Sites of the Hunter Region, a powerful record of the cave shelters, rock engravings, and significant landmarks cherished by the Wonnarua, Darkinung, Awabakal, and Dharug peoples.
Listen as Uncle Warren shares personal stories about his cultural journey, the wisdom passed down by his father, and his profound connection to Country. Discover the meaning behind the ancient art, the importance of Dreaming, and the ancestral presence that resonates within these sacred sites.
Free event. Bookings essential. |
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Alyssa J. Montgomery: Return to Hope Creek
Cessnock Library | Thursday 14 August, 5.30-6.30pm
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Alyssa J. Montgomery is a superstar of the romance world, taking it by storm with her international best-sellers! Come indulge in a delightful evening filled with cake, steaming hot drinks, and a fabulous chat about her writing journey and her latest release.
"Return to Hope Creek" tells the story of Stella, who returns to her rural hometown to heal after a career-ending accident, only to find her old flame, ex-NFL star Mitchell Scott, has also returned. Can they overcome past heartbreak and find love again amidst new complications?
Don't miss this opportunity to meet Alyssa, a Central Queensland native and former Cessnock local and Speech-Language Pathologist who now balances a busy private practice with her passion for writing romance.
Free event. Bookings essential. |
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Susannah Fullerton: Great Writers & the Cats Who Owned Them
Cessnock Library | Saturday 22 November, 11.00am – 12.00pm
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Join us at Cessnock Library on for a delightful exploration of the purr-fect pairing: writers and their feline muses! Literary historian and lecturer Susannah Fullerton will bring to life the special bond between celebrated authors and their beloved cats, revealing the inspiring roles these furry companions played in shaping classic poems, novels, and stories. Discover fascinating anecdotes about Dr. Johnson's Hodge, Robert Southey's Rumpelstilzchen, Edward Lear's Foss, and many more literary cats who provided joy, solace, and endless inspiration.
Susannah Fullerton is Sydney's most highly regarded literary historian, known for her engaging and insightful lectures that bring the lives and works of great writers to life. You'll feel as though she knew them all personally and is introducing you to her friends! Books will be available for sale and signing after the presentation. This is a free event, but bookings are essential. Find out more about Susannah at susannahfullerton.com.au
Free event. Bookings essential. |
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We want to hear from you| Click the image to proceed | Closing soon!
Cessnock City Library is currently talking to the community about what you like and value about our libraries at Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, and online at our eLibrary and what would you like to see in the future.
Not a library member? Your input is important too!
By completing our survey you will help us get a clearer picture of how we can work together to give you an even better Library service.
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Free daily newspapers with your library card
Cessnock City Library is thrilled to offer library card holders free access to NewsBank, a vast digital newspaper collection! You can now explore full-text articles from publications like The Sydney Morning Herald, Daily Telegraph, and Newcastle Herald from home or at the library.
Beyond today's headlines, NewsBank provides in-depth research capabilities including access to historical archives. Local history buffs will be excited to explore the Cessnock Advertiser back to 2001. Enjoy flexible viewing with text-only or high-resolution scanned pages. Prefer to browse at the library? Borrow an iPad at either branch and connect easily through the Hublet station. Watch our quickvideoon how to get started with NewsBank. Click the image to access. |
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