Albert Einstein was once quoted saying "the only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library".
Newcastle is so lucky to have wonderful libraries on our doorstep hosting fabulous events for book lovers young and old. Across the year, you are guaranteed to find an event at a Newcastle Library, an online event or another venue hosting a book related event that will continue to inspire your love for books and the stories they tell.
We have listed below a selection of book events for kids, youth and adults.
Kids
Story Stomp
Newcastle (City) and Wallsend Library
Weekly
Stomp your way through a weekly fun themed session of stories, songs, games and craft developed to stimulate, engage and grow the minds of 3–5 year old's.
Spanish Rock n Rhyme Storytime
Newcastle (City) Library
Fortnightly
For Spanish speaking "familias" and those who would like to experience the "lenguaje" are invited to a morning of fun, stories, rhymes, songs, and music in "Español"! Suitable for "niños" age 0-5.
Rock n Rhyme Time
Newcastle (City) Library
Mondays 2 May - 27 June and Fridays 29 April - 1 July
Enjoy songs, nursery rhymes, dancing, music, stories and lots of fun!
Rainbow Families Storytime
Newcastle (City) Library
4th June
Families of all ages are invited to join us for an all singing, dancing and storytelling celebration of our city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
National Simultaneous Storytime
Newcastle (City) and Wallsend Library
Wednesday 25th May
Join us and over 2 million children across Australia to stop, listen and enjoy this year's chosen book, Family Tree by Josh Pyke. This colourful, vibrant, fun event aims to promote the value of reading and literacy. They'll be reading, singing, dancing, craft and lots of fun. For ages 3-5 years.
Ten Minutes a Day-Baby Book Time
Newcastle (City) & Wallsend Library
Tuesdays Wallsend Library, Wednesdays City Library
Introduce your baby to the wonderful world of books. Using stories, songs, rhymes, dancing, music and toys this fun series of four workshops runs over four weeks. Baby Book Time will provide you with the tools and resources to nurture your child's love of reading.
Young Adult
Young Adult Book Club
Newcastle (City) Library
Monthly-Thursdays
Newcastle Libraries invites you to read, discuss and get creative about your favourite YA titles. Open to teens and adults alike who love YA Fiction, this book club will introduce you to some of the greatest titles defining the genre and give you the opportunity to expand the written universe with your own creative projects. Write fan fiction, draw character art, 3D print models, Cosplay and more!
Young Adult Book Club-Graphic Novel Panel
Newcastle (City) Library
Thursday 2nd June
Are you passionate about graphic novels and want to know more about bringing them to life? Do you know the difference between Spiderman and Antman, Catwoman and Batman, Naruto and Boruto? Join us, along with illustrators and visual storytellers Mandy Ord, Aska, Alysaa Mason and author, Lauren Boyle, who will share their creative processes and answer your questions.
YA Book Bingo
Wallsend Library
Saturday 28th May
Join us for a twist on the traditional game of Bingo, where rather than numbers being called, it's young adult book titles. Bring along a friend for some Bingo fun!
Adult
Library Lovers with Maya Linnell
Online Event
Wednesday 18th May
Join author Maya Linnell in conversation with longstanding cookbook author and radio host Sally Wise OAM, ‘Money Magazine’ editor-in-chief, Michelle Baltazar and Riverina Regional Library outreach and promotions co-ordinator, Amy Heap. During this discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, interact with the guests, and enjoy a light-hearted engaging conversation from industry leaders about books, gardening, and cooking.
Book Launch 'Towards the Light'-A collection of poems by Jean Talbot
Newcastle Library-Lovett Gallery
Thursday 19th May
Jean Talbot's luminous poetry offers a mirror through which to view ourselves going to infinity. Like her subject in 'Spider Dictionary' she holds her silent centre in a web of dark and shining poems that segue from blitz-blighted English childhood to the sea-blue shock of a new life in Newcastle, NSW. There, with wit and understanding rooted deeply in the fecund mysteries of garden, rainforest sacred cave and family, she pulls us with her pell-mell towards the light.
Ben's Book Club
Online Event
Tuesday 24th May
Join best-selling author Ben Hobson in conversation with authors Caroline Graham and Kylie Stevenson to discuss their latest novel ‘Larrimah’. During this digital book club, guests will have the opportunity to ask questions, interact with the authors, and enjoy a well-rounded bookish discussion.
Newcastle Book Boyfriend Author Signing
Saturday 10th September
NEX - Newcastle West
A multigenre author signing with 60+ of your favourite authors. Raffles, Giveaways and most importantly Romance lovers from across Australia.
Keep checking back to What's ON Newcastle for more upcoming library and book lover events.