Library Newsletter

Published on 15 December 2025

Merry Christmas Header.png
Thank you for an incredible year!

This year, we’ve achieved:
  • 194,363 library loans
  • 113,053 visits
  • 18,130 participants in events and programs
  • 9,610 Wi-Fi logins
  • 2,213 new members (totaling 16,423 members)
  • 552 Home Library Service deliveries
Announcing The Talking History Programme 2026!

Get ready to delve into the past with a fantastic line-up of free events, including captivating exhibitions, fascinating history walks, engaging workshops, insightful talks, and much more!

All events are free, but tickets are required. Tickets for most events will be released two months prior to the event date. For our popular Pub History Talks, tickets will become available one month before the event.
Kurri Kurri Library Closure for Urgent Repair & Upgrades

Due to storm damage, Kurri Kurri Library will close temporarily for urgent repairs and 2026 upgrades. A pop-up service at Kurri Kurri Community Centre (Mon–Thurs 9-5, Fri 9-4; closed 1-1:30pm) offers reservation collections, returns, and limited loans.

Storytime is being held weekly at 10am in Kurri Kurri Citizens Hall. School holiday activities continue, relocated.

Contact the pop-up on 4937 1638 or Cessnock Library: 4993 4399.

An Evening With Peter Fitzsimons: The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop
PACC | Saturday 28 March 2026, 6.30pm -7.30pm

Australia's favourite storyteller, Peter FitzSimons, is coming to Cessnock to share the truly epic tale of Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop!
Hear the gripping true story of the surgeon, prisoner-of-war, and life-saving leader whose unwavering courage on the infamous Thai-Burma Railway inspired thousands. This isn't just history; it's a profound journey into resilience and heroism.
Don't miss this unforgettable night! Books available for purchase & signing. Presented by Cessnock City Library in partnership with Newcastle Writers Festival.

��️ Tickets are available for just $30, making them an ideal Christmas gift. �� Secure Your Spot Today.
Join Anna from What Knot Macrame for a relaxing and creative macrame workshop designed just for adults (17+) & seniors.

Cessnock Library: Sat 7 Feb 26 | 10am-12pm

Cessnock Library: Sat 21 Feb | 10am-12pm


Come make, mingle, and enjoy a refreshing cuppa as you learn essential knotting techniques and create your very own
stylish plant hanger (or 'plant hugger'!)
to take home.
Join us for two lectures in 2026 with Ed Tonks:The Forgotten Horses of Coal Mining (Tues 17 Feb) and Pits & Pubs: Virtual Tour of the South Maitland Coalfields (Tues 12 May), both at Kurri Kurri Bowling Club, 5:30–6:45pm. Ed, a revered local historian and award-winning author, shares decades of preserving Hunter Region heritage. Bookings essential.

The Forgotten Horses of Coal Mining | Tues 17 Feb

Pits & Pubs: Virtual Tour of the South Maitland Coalfields | Tues 12 May
Speaking of Books: Fiona Lowe – The Drowning
Cessnock Library | Monday 23 Mar 26, 6.00-7pm

A stormy inheritance and a body on the beach fracture the Friend family. Australian Award-winning author Fiona Lowe weaves secrets, loyalty, and legacy into a gripping tale. Don’t miss this RITA and RuBY-winning author explore family tensions and second chances. Join us!
Experience Serenity: Sound Healing Workshops at Your Library!

Prepare for deep relaxation and inner harmony!

Join Kristy Woods, an experienced holistic therapist, for unique crystal singing bowl sound baths at Cessnock and Kurri Kurri libraries. These powerful sessions use high vibrational frequencies to guide your mind, body, and soul into profound relaxation. Promote deep rest, stress release, and an energetic reset, leaving you with renewed vitality and clarity.

All sessions run from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM. Don't miss this unique opportunity to nourish your well-being! Bookings essential.
Tech Savvy Seniors: Get Tech Savvy!
Upcoming sessions

Feeling a bit bamboozled by all things tech? We've got just the thing! Our fantastic FREE tech workshops for seniors are back at Cessnock Library & Kurri Kurri Bowling Club, hosted by the brilliant Harry from Seniors, Tech & Tea.

Share some favourite Christmas stories and songs and welcome a surprise visitor!

Book for Cessnock Library

Book for Kurri Kurri SeniorsCitizens Hall

Ready, Set, Read!
�� The Big Summer Read is back! �� Sign up, read, and win prizes!
#BigSummerRead #LoveLibraries
Available for download on all iOS and Android devices, the Cessnock City Library app allows members access to its services and resources at the touch of a button.

 

Tagged as: