What’s On in October at Wollongong City Libraries

This October, Wollongong City Libraries is buzzing with book clubs, author talks, starting school storytimes, and our second annual toy swap! Whether you want to discover your next great read, learn a new skill, or enjoy quality time with family, you’ll find something to inspire.

How to book

Events are marked as either bookings required or no bookings required. For those requiring bookings, visit the Wollongong City Libraries website and follow the links on the events page, or call your local library to reserve your place. All events are free unless ticket prices are listed.

Thursday 2 October - Therapy Dog Study Visit at Wollongong Library, 4-5pm

Ollie the therapy dog will be walking around Wollongong Library to give a break to students studying hard. Free, just drop in.

Friday 3 October - Author Talk with Chris Hammer at Corrimal Library, 2-3pm

Join Chris Hammer for an exclusive talk about his latest thriller, Legacy, where Martin uncovers a deadly conspiracy linked to a disgraced footballer’s ex-wife, a fugitive from the past, and two legendary explorers. Free, bookings required.

Saturday 4 October - Seed and Sapling Swap at Corrimal Library, 10-11am

Come swap seeds or saplings with other garden enthusiasts. Free, just drop in.

Tuesday 7 October - Toy swap at Corrimal Library, 10am-12pm

This sustainable community event invites families to exchange pre-loved toys, discover new treasures, and connect with others. Free, just drop in.

Wednesday 8 October - Native Garden and Bush Medicine Talk at Wollongong Library, 10-11am

Learn about native plants, their healing qualities, and lessons we can learn from Country. For people with disability and their carers. Free, bookings required.

Thursday 9 October - Author Talk with local indie authors at Wollongong Library, 10am-12pm

Readers and writers alike will be inspired as local indie authors Helen Carter, John Wegener, Matthew Derbridge and Karen Lane share their creative journeys. From fantasy to sci-fi, tall tales to true stories, learn about their published works and what it took to create them. Free, bookings required.

Stories in the Park at Bulli Beach Reserve Playground, 10-11am

Enjoy some stories, rhymes and songs outdoors with your friendly local library staff. Free, just drop by.

Therapy Dog Study Visit at Wollongong Library, 4-5pm

Ollie the therapy dog will be walking around Wollongong Library to give a break to students studying hard. Free, just drop in.

Friday 10 October - Family trivia at Helensburgh Community Rooms, 2.30-4pm

Family-friendly trivia featuring questions on books, movies, games and music. Free, bookings required.

Wicked & Wizard of Oz family trivia at Warrawong Library, 5.30-7pm

Are you ready for Wicked: For Good? Test your knowledge of the first movie, the musical and the original that launched the story. Free, bookings required.

Monday 13 October - The New Aged Care Act: A Changed System of Care at Dapto Library, 10-11.30am

Come and learn more about the new Aged Care Act and how it can help you. Free, bookings required.

Global Climate Change Week: Eco-Smart, Wallet-Wise at Dapto Library, 1-2.30pm

Join us for a practical and engaging session on how to save energy, reduce bills, and cook smarter at home. Free, bookings required.

The Open Book Club at Warrawong Library, 2-3pm

Share your thoughts on this month’s book in a friendly, informal discussion. Perfect for avid reads and anyone looking to discover new authors. Free, just drop in.

Get Creative: Sew a Veggie Bag at Wollongong Library, 6-8pm

Ditch the plastic and learn to make your own veggie bag. Free, bookings required.

Tuesday 14 October - Global Climate Change Week: Eco-Smart, Wallet-Wise at Corrimal Library, 12.30-2pm

Join us for a practical and engaging session on how to save energy, reduce bills, and cook smarter at home. Free, bookings required.

HSC Library Lock-In with Ollie at Warrawong Library, 5-7pm

Year 11 and 12 students are invited to an after-hours study session, with snacks and cuddles with Ollie the therapy labrador. Free, bookings preferred, but drop-ins welcome.

Wednesday 15 October - Starting School Storytime with Billy Backpack at Corrimal Library, 10-10.45am

Getting ready for big school? Come along to this special Storytime where Billy Backpack will pop in to give some big high fives to children starting school soon. Free, just drop in.

Global Climate Change Week: Understanding climate literacy at Wollongong Library, 6-7pm

Confused by climate change talk? Join Professor Troy Heffernan from UOW who will unpack key terms and concepts in plain language. Free, bookings required.

Thursday 16 October - Seeds and stories for people living with dementia at Unanderra Library, 10-11.30am

Join us for a relaxed and friendly morning for people living with dementia and their carers. Free, bookings required.

Third Thursday Book Club at Warrawong Library, 1-2pm

Connect with fellow readers and discuss this month’s literary pick. A relaxed space to share thoughts, discover new stories, and enjoy good company. Free, just drop in.

HSC Library Lock-In at Helensburgh Library, 5-7pm

Year 11 and 12 students can stay in the library for a special after-hours study session. Snacks provided. Free, bookings preferred, but drop-ins welcome.

Global Climate Change Week: Health Impacts of Indoor Gas Appliances at Wollongong Library, 6-7pm

Is your home making you sick? Learn about the hidden dangers of indoor gas appliances with local health expert Prof Rowena Ivers. Free, bookings required.

Friday 17 October - Starting School Storytime with Billy Backpack at Dapto Library, 10.30-11.15am

Getting ready for big school? Come along to this special Storytime where Billy Backpack will pop in to give some big high fives to children starting school soon. Free, just drop in.

Let's Try... Rock'n'Roll Dancing at Corrimal Library (Ages 18+). 6-8pm

Get swept up in the fun, fast-paced energy of Rock 'n' Roll partner dancing. Free, bookings required.

Monday 20 October - Take better photos with your phone at Wollongong Library, 10am-12pm & 2-4.30pm

Love taking photos but not sure how to get the best shot? Join us for Get Online Week to learn some easy phone photography tips. Free, bookings required.

Tuesday 21 October - Starting School Storytime with Billy Backpack at Thirroul Library, 10-10.45am

Getting ready for big school? Come along to this special Storytime where Billy Backpack will pop in to give some big high fives to children starting school soon. Free, just drop in.

AI: the good, the bad and the ugly at Warrawong Library, 1-2.30pm

At this Get Online Week event we will present a simple explanation of what AI is, giving some examples. Then you can ask questions and join in a discussion on how AI is changing the way we do things, or not. Free, bookings required.

Wednesday 22 October - Get Online Week: Smartphone filmmaking at Thirroul Library, 10-11.30am

Bring your own phone or tablet to learn how to turn it into a professional film camera with the world leaders in smartphone filmmaking, SF3. Free, bookings required.

Starting School Storytime with Billy Backpack at Wollongong Library, 10-10.45am

Getting ready for big school? Come along to this special Storytime where Billy Backpack will pop in to give some big high fives to children starting school soon. Free, just drop in.

Author Talk with Benjamin Stevenson at Wollongong Library, 6-7pm

Million-copy bestselling author Benjamin Stevenson returns with his most cunning mystery yet, Everyone in this bank is a thief. Join us as he reveals how he blends devious mysteries with laugh-out-loud humour, turning seemingly impossible plots into brilliantly executed whodunits. Free, bookings required.

Thursday 23 October - AI: the good, the bad and the ugly at Wollongong Library, 9.30-11am

At this Get Online Week event we will present a simple explanation of what AI is, giving some examples. Then you can ask questions and join in a discussion on how AI is changing the way we do things, or not. Free, bookings required.

Friday 24 October - Starting School Storytime with Billy Backpack at Helensburgh Library, 10.30-11.15am

Getting ready for big school? Come along to this special Storytime where Billy Backpack will pop in to give some big high fives to children starting school soon. Free, just drop in.

Monday 27 October - Get Creative: Sew a Veggie Bag at Wollongong Library, 10am-12pm

Ditch the plastic and learn to make your own veggie bag. Free, bookings required.

Tuesday 28 October - Starting School Storytime with Billy Backpack at Warrawong Library, 10.30-11.15am

Getting ready for big school? Come along to this special Storytime where Billy Backpack will pop in to give some big high fives to children starting school soon. Free, just drop in.

Friday 31 October - Family spooky LEGO challenge at Dapto Library, 5-6.30pm

Join our family spooky LEGO challenge and you could win a prize. Free, bookings required.

Halloween Pride Night at Wollongong Library (Ages 18+), 6-8pm

LGBTQIA+ community members and allies are invited to celebrate Halloween at a fun afterhours social event. Come dressed to impress!