Yarra Plenty Regional Library
May 2026
What's On @ YPRL
Yarra Plenty Regional Library acknowledges the Wurundjeri, Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of this Land, paying respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging who have resided in the area. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Tech Help: Young Mentors
Are you over 50 and needing a bit of guidance with navigating the digital world? Students from Loyola College will help you get connected, and you will help them develop valuable life skills. 
Develop skills with smart devices, emails, video calls and more. 
Find out more
Indie Book Award Winners
Indie Book Awards recognise the best Australian writing, chosen by independent booksellers who are passionate about books, readers and local voices.
 
Have you read all of this years winners?
Find out more
UPCOMING EVENTS
Author Events
Author Talk:
Michelle Wright
Thursday 7 May  
7.00pm 
Watsonia Library
 
Local author Michelle Wright, has written award winning short stories and flash fiction. Her first novel Small Acts of Defiance was published in 2021 and she is coming to talk about her new novel Good Boy which explores the bonds between dogs and their humans in a prison setting, and how hope might move us beyond punishment and towards redemption.
Book Now
Author Talk:
Clara Brack
Wednesday 13 May
7.00pm
Ivanhoe Library
 
Clara Brack is the daughter of artists John Brack and Helen Maudsley. A discussion hosted by Robyn Doreian, where Clara explores how secrets of the family enter the artist's work and questions how we find our own voice and confront the legacy of our parents?
 
Book Now
Author Talk:
Christian White
Thursday 21 May
7.00pm
Mill Park Library
 
Award-winning author and screenwriter Christian White (The Nowhere Child, The Wife and the Widow, The Ledge) is coming to talk about his latest and darkest thriller yet, The Long Night.
 
Set over one terrifying night, the story of a mother and daughter. What begins as a kidnapping, spirals into a haunting exploration of secrets and fear.
Book Now
Book Launch: The Subcortical Stephanie Stories
Saturday 9 May, 2.00pm 
Eltham Library
 
Support a local author and discover your next great read!
 
A special book launch of The Subcortical Stephanie Stories - A memoir written and illustrated by Stephanie Deague-Hall.
 
Steph was diagnosed with subcortical band heterotopia, a rare neurological condition that causes epilepsy and intellectual disability. Her memoir depicts her life's journey so far; the challenges, joys, setbacks, and triumphs.
 
Stephanie will share a reading and speak about living with a neurological condition and the process of memoir writing. 
Book Now
ONLINE Events
Join us for a discussion with Amy Taylor, author of Ruins on Tuesday 26 May.
Ruins is a simmering, provocative novel about a couple whose affair with a young Greek woman over the course of a summer in Athens threatens to crack their relationship wide open. 
Register
Join us for an exclusive online event with Colm Tóibín on Wednesday 3 June!
 
Don’t miss the award-winning author of Brooklyn and Long Island, as he discusses his latest release, The News from Dublin, followed by an audience Q&A.
Register

Read with Pride: Online Book Chat 
To mark IDAHOBIT, join us for a relaxed and welcoming LGBTQIA+ book chat.
 
This one‑off session is a chance to connect through stories, share reflections, and help shape a future LGBTQIA+ book group.
Listening is welcome, and cameras are optional. 
 
Sunday 17 May 
11.00am - 12.00pm
Online 
Book Now
For Children & Families
National Simultaneous Storytime
To celebrate National Simultaneous Storytime we will join with millions of children, families, libraries, schools and kinders to share the same story, at the same time, right across Australia. We will be reading Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, illustrated by Jake Minton at 12.00pm on Wednesday 27 May. 
Find out more

After School Highlights
Tuesday 5, 12, 19 & 26 May at 4.00pm
Watsonia Library
Eltham Library:
Friday 8 May, 4.00pm
Friday 22 May, 4.00pm
Monday 18 May, 3.30pm
Whittlesea Library
PLAY!
Monday 11 May, 10.30am
Lalor Library
Tuesday 26 May, 10.30am
Lalor Library
TECHNOLOGY
Tuesday 26 May, 4.00pm
Mill Park Library
CRAFTS
Bookish Craft
Tuesdays 3.30pm
Whittlesea Library
 
Tuesdays 4.00pm
murnong Library 
 
Thursdays in May, 4.00pm
Ivanhoe Library
 
Tuesdays Fortnightly
Thomastown Library 
See Kids Craft

For Teens and Young Adults
Car Maintenance Workshop
for Young Drivers
Saturday 9 May, 11.00am 
Ivanhoe Library
 
Better understand your car with this introductory workshop. Whether you have just got your learners permit or been on the road for a little while this informative session, including a practical demo, is just for you!
 
A local mechanic will teach you all about how cars work and how to look after them. 
Book Now

For Adults
LIVESTREAMED!
Sydney Writers Festival
YPRL is excited to be a Live & Local partner! This means you can watch exclusive author events from the comfort of the library. 
 
Wow! Have a sneak peek at some of the authors: Yann Martel, David Szalay, Trent Dalton, Dav Pilkey, Stephanie Alexander, R.F. Kuang and more! Book your seat to enjoy listening to these talented minds discuss books and writing. (We also put all featured author's books into a booklist for you.) 
 
Diamond Valley & Eltham Library branches
Thursday 21 May - Sunday 24 May
Find out more!
Women's Pelvic Health
Tuesday 12 May
7.00pm
Watsonia Library
 
An informative evening with pelvic health physiotherapist Tafy from Inner Active Pelvic Health and Physiotherapy.
 
This session is designed to support women across different life stages, with a focus on common but often overlooked pelvic health concerns. 
Book Now
Hand Embroidery Basics
Saturday 16 May
12.00pm
Thomastown Library
 
In this hands-on session, you’ll learn a range of basic embroidery stitches and how to use them to add texture, detail, and personality to fabric. You’ll explore how simple stitches can be used for decoration, repair, or creative expression.
Book Now
Meditation
On the second and fourth Thursday of each month.
 
Next dates:
Ivanhoe Library
 
Through simple instruction, guided practice, and takeaway micro practices you can use throughout the day, you’ll learn to meet whatever arises in your everyday life, with more steadiness and ease.
 
Classes are led by a senior member of the Meditation Association of Australia. 
Side Hustles for Extra Income
Monday 25 May, 10.00am
 
Wednesday 27 May, 1.00pm
 
Looking to earn some extra cash? Thinking about a side hustle but unsure where to start — or what would actually suit you?
 
Rebecca Sharkie from Sharkie Marketing walks you through real-world side hustle models, helps you match them to your time, risk level, and lifestyle.
 
This presentation guides you through a clear framework that considers your real-world commitments, preferred working conditions, and existing capabilities so you can identify side hustle structures that genuinely fit your life. 
Book Now
20 May, 1.00pm
Mill Park Library
 
What you need to know BEFORE you start your new business. Tips and insights of what's important when first starting and how to save time and money so you can start making sales and turning a profit.
Biggest Morning Tea
Monday 4 May 
10.30am
Lalor Library
Book Now
Prepare for Retirement 
Tuesday 5 May, 1.00pm
Ivanhoe Library
Tuesday 19 May, 1.00pm
Ivanhoe Library
Seasonal Planting
Saturday 23 May
2.00pm
Diamond Valley Library
Book Now
Zumba Gold
Tuesday 26 May 
9.30am
Watsonia Library
Book Now
Boosting Your Immune System
Saturday 30 May, 12.00pm
Thomastown Library
Book Now
Mahjong for Beginners
Sunday 31 May
2.00pm
Diamond Valley Library
Book Now
Find out more
Nillumbilk Prize for Contemporary Writing 2026 Awards
📍 Diamond Valley Library
📅 Saturday 16 May, 2.00pm
🎨 Join us for the awards presentation and Anthology launch. The biennial writing award builds on the Shire's strong tradition of supporting contemporary Australian writing.
LIBRARY NEWS
Check out what's new across our library branches, collections, and services.
Library staff write short articles to help you find information and explore our shelves – from reviews and research tips, to kids learning resources and upcoming events. 
 
Is the cost of fuel a concern for you? Check out this article that details all the ways to get to our library branches by public transport!
See all articles
The Watsonia Library Venue Hire room renovations are complete. Come and check it out! We are still waiting on some new furniture to arrive. The Quiet Study space is still closed while we upgrade the area. We hope to open mid-May.

Early Closure Notice!
All library branches will be closed and the Mobile Library will be off the road
Monday 8 June
READ ME
Top Fiction Books
What is everyone reading? What's hot? What do you need to add to your 'to-read' list! Click through and reveal the answer.
Tell me
Pssst...
you can hear this author speak about this book at this event in May!
Tell me
Three alternate versions of a son's life shaped by a last-minute choice of his name.
Tell me
HINT: Co-authored suspense fiction by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben.
Top Non-Fiction
Fiction, not your thing? See what else is trending. Click button and reveal the answer.
Top Cooking
True Crime
Top Memoir
Staff PICK
Recommended by
Gemma, Whittlesea Library
Goodman has crafted a brilliant, feminist read. Be warned – despite the light tone and moments of romance, this book touches on some heavy themes of women’s lives and luck in the Regency era. A quick, riveting read! 

Choose your format! 
Available as: Book, Large Print, eBook (Libby), eAudiobook (BorrowBox), Audiobook MP3, it;s also a book club book.
 
Book 2:
NEW!
Beat the crowds and put new items on hold before they even hit the shelves!
Explore NEW adult Fiction
Explore NEW adult non-fiction
Listen on BorrowBox
You can read eBooks or listen to eAudiobooks free on the Borrow Box or Libby app. Download the app, log in with your library membership and browse thousands of titles. Here's some we recommend that are available now - no waiting!
Heart the Lover book cover
5 HOURS
An intimate novel of desire, friendship, loss, and the lasting impact of first love.
Borrow
11 HOURS
An approach to reclaiming your life by focusing on what you can control.
Borrow
YPRL eNews
Did you know?
You can also subscribe to our other eNewsletters that are tailored to different interests.
 
Family Fun: events, book recommendations and School Holiday program release alert for our mini members.

Ageing Well: events, book recommendations and more for older library members.

Booklovers: book news, top reads, new releases, reviews, author events, digital library highlights, and more.
 
Subscribe by clicking the buttons below. 
Subscribe to: Family Fun eNews
Subscribe to: Ageing Well eNews
Subscribe to: Booklovers eNews

Powered by your Local Councils

FROM YOUR COUNCIL: 
Circular Fashion Market
Find out more
 
📍Civic Centre Car Park, South Morang 
📅 Sunday 24 May
🕔 10.00am–2.00pm
Love a bargain, great style and keeping clothes out of landfill? 
 
Shop pre-loved fashion while doing good for the planet. Browse pre-loved clothing, vintage finds, accessories, and kids’ wear. Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or simply love the thrill of thrifting, you’ll find something unique!

Subscribe to the Nillumbik News
What's new in your neighbourhood? What's coming up at your local community hub?
 
Subscribe to the Nillumbik eNews and stay up to date with the latest news from Council, delivered straight to your email inbox each month.
Subscribe now

Podcast Launch - It Matters to Us
📍 Rosanna Library
📅 Monday 4 May
🕔 5.30pm–7.00pm
Join us for the launch of It Matters To Us, a youth-led podcast sharing real conversations and experiences that matter to young people in our community.
 
Nine young people came together over 6 weeks to learn podcasting and create an episode on 'Young peoples experience of racism'.
Find out more

DIDN'T FIND WHAT YOU WERE LOOKING FOR?
Quick Links

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Yarra Plenty Regional Library
Bag 65 Bundoora, Victoria 3083
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