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Co-operative Stores: The Hunter’s Retail Heart Exhibition
Cessnock Library Foyer | May 1st-31st
Step back in time with our new exhibition and discover the captivating history of the Co-op Stores that were once the social and cultural hub of the Hunter Valley. Learn how these stores, more than just places to shop, fostered community and shaped the lives of generations. A fascinating look at a bygone era!
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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.
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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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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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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Plan for Your Future with Confidence!
Join us at Cessnock Library for an important Law Week talk on wills, estates, and more! Lisa Littlewood of HALLAM & LITTLEWOOD will guide you through the essential aspects of planning for the future. Learn about wills, estate management, enduring guardianship, and power of attorney, and discover why these tools are vital for your peace of mind and the protection of your loved ones.
This informative session will empower you to make informed decisions about your future. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and take control of your planning.
This event is part of Law Week NSW 2025 (May 19th - 25th), connecting you with essential information about your rights. We hope to see you there!
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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 for 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.
Regency attire is optional!
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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 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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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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Cessnock City Library is thrilled to offer library card holders free access to NewsBank, a vast digital newspaper collection! You can 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. |
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