January 2013 School Holiday Activities

Bookings are now open for our January School Holiday Activities. These activities are for children who are in Primary School.

Please see the picture below for activity days and times and contact details for your local library. 

Bookings for the activities at Rockdale Library can be done online. You can find the list of activities at Rockdale Library on our profile on Eventbrite. To book in for activities at Arncliffe, Bexley, Bexley North and Sans Souci Libraries, please contact the library directly.

All activities are free but bookings are essential. Art and craft activities can be messy so please wear appropriate clothing. Parental supervision is required.

Welcome to the Untangled Tales Summer Reading Club

The Untangled Tales Summer Reading Club begins on 30 November 2012 and runs until 12 January 2013. This year we have 3 programs tailored to 3 age groups. Each program has it's own webpage and conditions.

Untangled Tales for Preschoolers

While our preschool programs take a summer break, we warmly invite you to join the 2012/13 Summer Reading 

Club with your preschool child. Here’s how it works.

• The program started on 30 November 2012 and finishes on 12 January 2013.
• Your child must be of preschool age to join this program. Children starting school in 2013 will be joining this program. There is also Untangled Tales for Primary School Students and the Totally Tangled Teen Read.
• You can register and join at only one of our libraries. 
• When you register you will be given a reading log, which is your entry form for the prize draw. Please enter all the library books you read with or to your child in that reading log. 
• Once you read five books together, you qualify for a prize pack (one prize pack per child). Feel free to read much more than that and even attach additional reading logs to your original log. All Summer Reading Club participants also have the chance of winning an iPad, iPod, book or magazine pack in the national draw!
• To claim your child’s prize you must hand in the completed reading log(s) at your local library by 12 January 2013 the latest and attend the Untangled Morning Tea Party with your child at your local library.

For more information and details of the Untangled Morning Tea Party please click here

Untangled Tales for Primary School Students

Welcome to Rockdale City Library’s 2013 Summer Reading Club! The program started on 30 November 2012 and 

finishes on 12 January 2013. Here’s how it works. 

• You must be in primary school to join this program. If you are starting primary school in 2012, you would join the Preschool Program. If you are in high school, the Totally Tangled Teen Read is for you.
• You can register and join at only one of the libraries.
• Please pick up a reading log from your local library. It is also your entry form for the prize draw. You’ll get the reading log back at the prize draw.
• Once you read five books, you qualify for a prize pack (one prize pack per child). But, of course, you can always read more. You can even attach additional reading logs to your original one. All Summer Reading Club participants also have the chance of winning an iPad, iPod, book or magazine pack in the national draw!
• To claim your prize, you must hand in your completed booklet by 12 January 2013 the latest and attend the Untangled Party! at your library

For more information and details of the Untangled Party please click here.

Totally Tangled Teen Read

Welcome to the Totally Tangled Teen Read!

If you would like to do some reading over the summer break, here’s your chance to read and win. Register 

at your local branch when you borrow books and add a bunch of reviews to the library’s catalogue between 

30 November 2012 and 12 January 2013.

Once you have added five reviews to the catalogue, you will go into the prize draw for movie tickets as well as 

the chance to win an iPad, iPod, book and magazine packs in the national draw. 

But why stop at five reviews? Just keep writing them, as other people love reading them

For information about how to post a review click here

Big Storytime Christmas Party 2012

Calling ALL Preschoolers

Join Us for the

BIG Storytime Christmas Party 

on 

Tuesday 11 December 

at 

11am in St John's Church Hall 

351 - 355 Princes Highway, Rockdale 

(across the road from Rockdale Library)

Join us for music, craft, face painting, food and Santa

Parents and Carers 

please bring a SMALL present with your child's name attached (from Santa).

This is a free event, for more information please call 9562 1821 or see the flyer

Greek Storytime Christmas Party 2012

Join us for our

Greek/English Storytime Christmas Party 

on

Friday 7 December 2012 

11am -12 noon for our 

at

Bexley North Library

24 Shaw Street

Bexley North

For more information please see the flyer or phone Bexley North Library on 9562 1814

Paper Sculptors go to Origamiland

Paper Sculptors go to Origamiland, a set on Flickr.

This Thursday is the last Origamiland session. Here are some photos of the amazing work our Paper Sculptor group has done.

1st Wednesday Book Group - 5 December 2012

The December meeting of the 1st Wednesday Book Group is on 5 December 2012. The group will be discussing Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion at 10.30am in Rockdale Library.

This is the last meeting of the 1st Wednesday Book Group for 2012. The first meeting for 2013 will be on 6 March 2013.
 If you are interested in joining the group in 2013, please call Natalie on 9562 1821.

Sans Souci Knitting Group - 3 December 2012

Come to the next meeting of the Sans Souci Knitting Group

All levels are welcome. Please bring your own needles and wool.

When: 3 December 2012

Time: 10.30am - 12 noon
Where: Sans Souci Branch Library
104 Russell Avenue (Cnr Russell and Clareville Avenue)SANS SOUCI NSW 2219


This is the last meeting of the Sans Souci Knitting Group for 2012. The next meeting will be on Monday 7 January 2013.


Please phone Nina for more information on 9562 1817 or email sanssoucilibrary@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Untangled Tales Summer Reading Club Launch

Online Ticketing for Launch of Untangled Tales Summer Reading Club powered by Eventbrite

Paper Sculptors Are Going to Origamiland

Sell Tickets through Eventbrite

Rockdale Readers Book Group - 16 November 2012

The next meeting of the Rockdale Readers Book Group is on 16 November 2012 at 5.30pm in Rockdale Library. The group will be discussing The Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion.

This is the last meeting of the Rockdale Readers Book Group for 2012. The first meeting for 2013 will be on 15 February.

For more information or to join the group in 2013, please call Natalie on 95621821

1st Wednesday Book Group - 7 November 2012

The November meeting of the 1st Wednesday Book Group is on 7 November 2012. The group will be discussing The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion at 10.30am in Rockdale Library.

The next meeting will be on 5 December to discuss Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier.

If you are interested in joining the group in 2012, please call Natalie on 9562 1821.

Sans Souci Knitting Group - 5 November 2012

Come to the next meeting of the Sans Souci Knitting Group

All levels are welcome. Please bring your own needles and wool.

When: 5 November 2012
Time: 10.30am - 12 noon
Where: Sans Souci Branch Library
104 Russell Avenue (Cnr Russell and Clareville Avenue)SANS SOUCI NSW 2219


The next meeting will be on Monday 3 December 2012


Please phone Nina for more information on 9562 1817 or email sanssoucilibrary@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Dungeons & Dragons Afternoon - 20 October 2012

Join us for a fun filled Dungeons & Dragons afternoon on Saturday 20 October, 12 noon to 4.45pm at Rockdale City Library.

We also have dates in the photo above for the rest of the year to put in your diary.

This is a free event for teens 13+. Bookings are essential on 9562 1821

Rockdale Readers Book Group - 19 October 2012

The next meeting of the Rockdale Readers Book Group is on 19 October 2012 at 5.30pm in Rockdale Library. The group will be discussing To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion.

The next meeting will be on 16 November 2012. The group will be discussing Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh.

For more information or to join the group in 2012, please call Natalie on 95621821

Rockdale City Library Celebrates Grandparents

Join us at Rockdale, Bexley North, Arncliffe, Sans Souci and Bexley Libraries in October and November 2012 for a special storytime to celebrate grandparents.

There will be face painting and a yummy morning tea.

Please see the flyer for dates, times and locations.

Sans Souci Knitting Group - 8 October 2012

Come to the next meeting of the Sans Souci Knitting Group

All levels are welcome. Please bring your own needles and wool.

When: 8 October 2012
Please Note: The October meeting has moved to the 2nd Monday, due to the October long weekend.
Time: 10.30am - 12 noon
Where: Sans Souci Branch Library
104 Russell Avenue (Cnr Russell and Clareville Avenue)SANS SOUCI NSW 2219


The next meeting will be on Monday 5 November 2012


Please phone Nina for more information on 9562 1817 or email sanssoucilibrary@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

No Baby Rhymetime & Toddler Time during school holidays

Our Baby Rhymetime and Toddlertime programs will take a break over the school holidays, 24 September - 5 October at all branches.

These programs will resume the week of  8 October 2012.

Storytime will continue as usual.

For days and times please see the flyer

Author Talk - Robin De Crespigny on The People Smuggler

Join us to hear Robin De Crespigny talk about her book The People Smuggler

The remarkable and inspiring story of how one man escaped from Saddam Hussein's Abu Ghraib and eventually became known as 'the Oskar Schindler of Asia'. The People Smuggler is an utterly gripping portrait of a man striving to retain his dignity and humanity while saving his family and others from an impossible position. Its power and insight may challenge us politically as a nation, but most profoundly as individuals with conscience.

Day: 26 October 2012

Time: 1pm

Location: Rockdale City Library

448 Princes Highway, Rockdale

Please use the form below to book your spot.

Event registration for Robin De Crespigny - The People Smuggler powered by Eventbrite

1st Wednesday Book Group - 10 October 2012

The July meeting of the 1st Wednesday Book Group is on 10 October 2012. The group will be discussing Between The Assassinations by Aravind Adiga. Please note that this is a week later than scheduled.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion at 10.30am in Rockdale Library.

The next meeting will be on 7 November to discuss The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan.

If you are interested in joining the group in 2012 please call Natalie on 9562 1821

Journaling To Your Hearts Content a workshop by Marilyn Roberts

Join us for Journaling to Your Hearts Content

A workshop to give meaning and affirmation to your own life’s story. Learn how to use your journal writing to revel in your triumphs, grow from your struggles and use your story to entertain, inspire and empower others.

Participants will need to bring a notebook

Day: 12 October

Time: 2pm

Location: Rockdale City Library - Committee Room

448 Princes Highway, Rockdale

Places are limited. Please use the form below to book.

Sell Tickets Online through Eventbrite

Dungeons & Dragons Afternoon, 22 September 2012

Join us for a fun filled Dungeons & Dragons afternoon on Saturday 22 September, 12 noon to 4.45pm at Rockdale City Library.

We also have dates in the photo below for the rest of the year to put in your diary.

This is a free event for teens 13+. Bookings are essential on 9562 1821

September/October School Holiday Activities

Bookings for our Spring Holiday Program are open. Most branch libraries are holding activities for primary school-aged children at different times during the holidays. Please see the flyer for dates, times and locations.

Activities are free but bookings are essential. Please contact your local library to book in for the activities.

Art and craft activities can be messy, so please wear appropriate clothing. Parental supervision is required.

Public Holiday Closures - October Long Weekend

Rockdale Library and the branches at Arncliffe, Bexley, Bexley North and Sans Souci will be closed on Monday 1 October 2012 for the Labor Day Long Weekend.

Usual opening hours will resume on Tuesday 2 October 2012.

We hope you have a nice long weekend!

Rockdale Readers Book Group - 21 September 2012

The next meeting of the Rockdale Readers Book Group is on 21 September 2012 at 5.30pm in Rockdale Library. The group will be discussing Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion.

The next meeting will be on 19 October 2012. The group will be discussing To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf.

For more information or to join the group in 2012, please call Natalie on 95621821

How Safe Is Your Bathroom? A talk by Antonietta Natoli

When you think of your bathroom most of us recall that room we use every day, often not ever thinking about it (until guests are coming…).  Most of us are blissfully unaware of the hidden elements present in the majority of everyday products we use for personal care and cleaning. It is now common knowledge that ingredients in many common products have a variety of effects on our bodies including hormonal disruptions, allergies, headaches, depression, chronic fatigue, birth defects, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, irritability, reduced immune system, memory loss and even CANCER.

What's worse is we’ve all contributed to help create the most dangerous room in the house – the bathroom. Do you know why and how we created it? Did you know the effects of what we commonly use in the bathroom has been proven to not only affect you and your family but also future generations?

Come and discover the hidden truth of what lurks in your bathroom at a FREE talk by Antonietta Natoli Natural Health Practitioner at Health By The Bay.

Day: Friday 14 September 2012

Time: 1pm

Location: Rockdale City Council Chambers

448 Princes Highway, Rockdale

Free entry with light refreshments provided

Bookings essential on 9562 1821



Father's Day Storytime 2012

We are hosting a special Father's Day Storytime 10 - 11am on Saturday 1 September at Rockdale Library.

Father's day will also be celebrated at Bexley, Bexley North and Sans Souci Library during their regular Storytime, Baby Rhymetime and Toddler Time from 27 -31 August. Please contact your local library for more details

1st Wednesday Book Group - 5 September 2012

The September meeting of the 1st Wednesday Book Group is on 5 September 2012. The group will be discussing Agnes Grey by Anne Grey.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion at 10.30am in Rockdale Library.

The next meeting will be on 3 October to discuss Between The Assassinations by Aravind Adiga.

If you are interested in joining the group in 2012 please call Natalie on 9562 1821

Storytime, Baby Rhymetime and Toddler Time Takes a Break

There are some changes to our usual Children's programs during the next two weeks 20 August to 31 August as we celebrate Children's Book Week. Over 3,000 children will be visiting us in the next couple of weeks, so our usual children's programs will take a short break. See the photos for the changes to Storytime during Book Week.

Sans Souci Knitting Group - 3 September 2012

Come to the next meeting of the Sans Souci Knitting Group

All levels are welcome. Please bring your own needles and wool.

When: 3 September 2012
Time: 10.30am - 12 noon
Where: Sans Souci Branch Library
104 Russell Avenue (Cnr Russell and Clareville Avenue)SANS SOUCI NSW 2219


The next meeting will be on Monday 8 October 2012. The October meeting has moved to the 2nd Monday due to the October Long Weekend.


Please phone Nina for more information on 9562 1817 or email sanssoucilibrary@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Rockdale Readers - 17 August 2012

The next meeting of the Rockdale Readers Book Group is on 17 August 2012 at 5.30pm in Rockdale Library. The group will be discussing The Plot Against America by Philip Roth.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion.

The next meeting will be on 21 September 2012. The group will be discussing Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey.

For more information or to join the group in 2012, please call Natalie on 95621821

Dungeons & Dragons Afternoon - 11 August 2012

Join us for a fun filled Dungeons & Dragons afternoon on Saturday 11 August, 12 noon to 4.45pm at Rockdale City Library.

We also have dates in the photo above for the rest of the year to put in your diary.

This is a free event for teens 13+. Bookings are essential on 9562 1821

Sans Souci Knitting Group - 6 August 2012

Come to the next meeting of the Sans Souci Knitting Group

All levels are welcome. Please bring your own needles and wool.

When: 6 August 2012
Time: 10.30am - 12 noon
Where: Sans Souci Branch Library
104 Russell Avenue (Cnr Russell and Clareville Avenue)SANS SOUCI NSW 2219


The next meeting will be on Monday 3 September 2012


Please phone Nina for more information on 9562 1817 or email sanssoucilibrary@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

1st Wednesday Book Group - 1 August 2012

The August meeting of the 1st Wednesday Book Group is on 1 August 2012. The group will be discussing We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion at 10.30am in Rockdale Library.

The next meeting will be on 5 September 2012 to discuss Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte.

If you are interested in joining the group in 2012 please call Natalie on 9562 1821

Rockdale Readers - 20 July 2012

The next meeting of the Rockdale Readers Book Group is on 20 July 2012 at 5.30pm in Rockdale Library. The group will be discussing Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion.

The next meeting will be on 17 August 2012. The group will be discussing The Plot Against America by Philip Roth.

For more information or to join the group in 2012, please call Natalie on 95621821

Dungeons & Dragons 14 July 2012

Join us for a fun filled

Dungeons & Dragons afternoon

When: Saturday 14 July

Time: 12 noon to 4.45pm

Location: Rockdale City Library.

This is a free event for teens 13+.

Bookings are essential on 9562 1821.

Paper Sculptors at Rockdale Library in July 2012

After the success of our Youth Week paper sculpture event, Rockdale library would like to collaborate on something big.

Come to Rockdale Library at 4 -5pm on
Wednesday 4 July
Thursday 12 July
Wednesday 18 July

This is a free event for teens 13+.
Bookings essential on 9562 1821

July 2012 School Holiday Program

The July 2012 school holidays are not too far away. Rockdale City Library will be running a fun filled holiday program celebrating NAIDOC Week.

Holiday activities are for primary school-aged children.

Art and craft activities are a bit messy, so children should wear appropriate clothing. Parental supervision is required.

Activities are free but bookings are essential, please call the branch listed on the flyer.

For information about the activities, locations and times have a look at the flyer at http://bit.ly/LjDGeu

1st Wednesday Book Group - 4 July

The July meeting of the 1st Wednesday Book Group is on 4 July 2012. The group will be discussing The Painted Veil by Somerset Maugham.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion at 10.30am in Rockdale Library.

The next meeting will be on 1 August to discuss We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver.

If you are interested in joining the group in 2012 please call Natalie on 9562 1821

Sans Souci Knitting Group - 2 July 2012

Come to the next meeting of the Sans Souci Knitting Group

All levels are welcome. Please bring your own needles and wool.

When: 2 July 2012
Time: 10.30am - 12 noon
Where: Sans Souci Branch Library
104 Russell Avenue (Cnr Russell and Clareville Avenue)SANS SOUCI NSW 2219


The next meeting will be on Monday 6 August 2012


Please phone Nina for more information on 9562 1817 or email sanssoucilibrary@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Public Holiday Closure - Queen's Birthday 11 June 2012

Rockdale Library and the branches at Arncliffe, Bexley, Bexley North and Sans Souci will be closed on Monday 11 June 2012 for the Queen's Birthday Holiday.

Usual opening hours will resume on Tuesday 12 June 2012.

Rockdale Readers Book Group - 15 June 2012

The next meeting of the Rockdale Readers Book Group is on 15 June 2012. The group will be discussing Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer.

The group meets at 5.30pm in Rockdale Library.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion.

The next meeting will be on 20 July 2012. The group will be discussing Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
For more information or to join the group in 2012, please call Natalie on 95621821

1st Wednesday Book Group - 6 June 2012

The June meeting of the 1st Wednesday Book Group is on 6 June 2012. The group will be discussing Love In the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Marquez Garcia.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion at 10.30am in Rockdale Library.

The next meeting will be on 4 July 2012 to discuss The Painted Veil by Somerset Maugham

If you are interested in joining the group in 2012 please call Natalie on 9562 1821

Sans Souci Knitting Group - 4 June 2012

Come to the next meeting of the Sans Souci Knitting Group

All levels are welcome. Please bring your own needles and wool.

When: 4 June 2012
Time: 10.30am - 12 noon
Where: Sans Souci Branch Library
104 Russell Avenue (Cnr Russell and Clareville Avenue)SANS SOUCI NSW 2219


The next meeting will be on Monday 2 July 2012


Please phone Nina for more information on 9562 1817 or email sanssoucilibrary@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Starting School Information Night 31 May 2012

Rockdale City Council is hosting a parent/carer information night with expert speakers to help your child get ready for the big day!

Thursday 31 May 2012, 6pm–7pm

Rockdale City Council, Conference Room

2 Bryant Street, Rockdale

Special Guest Speakers

Ms Kathy Northwood, Principal of Bardwell Park Infants School, and Ms Ana Levar, Lecturer at the University of Western Sydney, will talk about all aspects of the best start to school for your child. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Free child minding will be provided but bookings are required. Light refreshments will also be served.

Please register for this great information session by calling Rockdale Library on 9562 1821

National Simultaneous Storytime 23 May 2012

Join children around Australia in a simultaneous storytime reading The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland

Date: 23 May

Time: 11am

Location: Rockdale City Library,

448 Princes Highway, Rockdale

Bexley Library 499 Forest Road, Bexley

Phone for details: Rockdale City Library 9562 1821

Free event, no bookings necessary

Downloadable Audiobooks At Rockdale City Library

If you love audiobooks, you are going to love Rockdale City Library's new downloadable Clipper audiobooks.

Library members can use their library card to borrow and download free audiobooks any time of the day.

There are over 600 global bestsellers encompassing everything from adventure to romance.

It's free for members of Rockdale City Library! Just login to your account on the library catalogue http://library.rockdale.nsw.gov.au/ and click on the "Clipper audiobooks" banner to access our OneClickdigital site.

The first time you use OneClickdigital, you will need to create a username and password. To do this, click the link in the top right corner that reads Create New Account.

You need to tell OneClickdigital what sort of computer you are using – select either Windows or Mac as your Operating System. If you have a Mac, that's all you need to do in this section. If you have a Windows computer, you'll also need to indicate your Download Method (Media Manager is recommended) and what type of portable device you'll be downloading the audiobooks to. If you have an iPod, iPad or other Apple device, choose Apple Device; otherwise, select Other.

Lastly, on the right hand side of the screen, please provide a few details such as your name and email address, and create a username and password for yourself. When you've completed all the details, click Create an Account and you will have a OneClickdigital account that you can use from any internet-connected computer, any time, anywhere.

HSC Workshop - Belonging

Rockdale City Library invites HSC students to a workshop on the 2012 HSC English Area of Study ‘Belonging’

Date: Thursday 24 May 2012
Time: 5pm–6:30pm

Be early for a slice of pizza
Cost Free, bookings essential
Where: Rockdale Seniors Hall
36 George St, Rockdale

Bookings Rockdale City Library on 02 9562 1821

For more information about the talk, see the flyer at http://bit.ly/I6g6g4

Rockdale Readers Book Group - 18 May 2012

The next meeting of the Rockdale Readers Book Group is on 18 May 2012. The group will be discussing Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver.

The group meets at 5.30pm in Rockdale Library.

If you have read this book, please join us for the discussion.

The next meeting will be on 15 June 2012. The group will be discussing Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer.

For more information or to join the group in 2012, please call Natalie on 95621821

Law Week Talk 17 May 2012 - Older People and the Law

Come Along to a Law Week Talk

Older People and the Law

Presented by Jeff O’Brien of Redmond Hale Simpson

This talk will cover wills and power of attorney and retirement villages and the law

When: 17 May 2012

Time: 1pm Where: Rockdale City Council

Conference Room, Level 2

2 Bryant Street, Rockdale

Free entry with light refreshments provided

Bookings essential, phone 9562 1821