Activities
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Free activities for primary school children are held at Merri-bek Libraries.
Lego builders
Come along and build, build, build! One hour of fun-packed free-play LEGO!
This session is for primary school aged children only. ALL children need to be accompanied by a parent/carer.
Fawkner Library, 2nd Tuesday of the month, 4pm
Curiosity Crew
A weekly STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) program encouraging children to learn through play and exploration, with the use of robotics, programming, digital technologies and creative arts.
This program is for children aged 8 years and over
For more information on sessions see our events on our Merri-bek Libraries Eventbrite page
Random Mondays
An hour of random fun activities every week. Craft, board games, LEGO® building, or something completely unexpected!
Coburg Library meeting room, every Monday during school term, 4pm.
This program is for children aged 5 and over.
Reading Challenges
BIG Summer Read
BIG Summer Read is a summer reading program aimed at primary school children, but anyone under 18 is welcome to enter. It encourages children to keep reading over the summer holidays.
The Big Summer Read has finished for this year. Thanks to everyone who participated and we hope that you found some fantastic books to enjoy over the holidays.
Our Merri-bek Big Summer Read LEGO prize winners have been chosen! Congratulations to Laura, Matilda, Kaveri, Abby and Isabel!
State-wide winners chosen by Public Libraries Victoria are yet to be announced.
Thanks to everyone else who participated and we hope you enjoyed discovering lots of fantastic books to read.
Keep an eye out towards the end of 2024 for the next Big Summer Read!
Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge
The Premiers’ Reading Challenge is a fun way of encouraging children to read. Premiers Reading Challenge books are easy to find. Just look for the colour coded stickers on the book spine. You can also search for books, by age category, using the library website or on the Education Victoria website.
Short story competition 2024
Entry period: July 26 to September 1, 2024 - Deadline extended to September 29, 2024.
Winners announced: October 28, 2024
The theme this year is My Dream Pet.
Unleash your imagination and craft a story about your dream pet, whether real or fictional. Stories should be 500 words or less, or a recording of 3 minutes or less.
Need some inspiration? Why not visit the Counihan Gallery to see Marvellous Mythical Mates: A Menagerie of Dream Pets? The free exhibition is designed by Vipoo Srivilasa for kids and their families, and invites you to create your own creature companion inspired be the sounds, smells and textures of Merri-bek.
Prizes
Up to 8 years old
Winner: $100 LEGO pack
Achievement: $50 Coles/Myer voucher
9 - 12 years old
Winner: $100 LEGO pack
Achievement: $50 Coles/Myer voucher
13 - 17 years old
Winner: $150 Coles/Myer voucher
Achievement: $50 Coles/Myer Voucher
Adult
Winner: $150 Coles/Myer voucher
Achievement: $100 Coles/Myer Voucher
Submit your story
Download the Entry Form (PDF 518KB)
Please return the completed form
- By email: libraryevents@merri-bek.vic.gov.au
- In person at your local Merri-bek Library
- By post: Merri-bek libraries short story competition
c/o Coburg Library, PO Box 113, Coburg VIC 3058
To find out more, email: libraryevents@merri-bek.vic.gov.au
CBCA Awards
The Children’s Book Council of Australia presents annual awards to books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children’s literature. Every year Merri-bek Libraries celebrates these books at storytimes.
Watch the special Shortlist announcement on the Children's book council of Australia Youtube channel.
Winner and Honour Books: Announced at noon AEST on the third Friday in August.
For more information visit the Childrens Book Council of Australia website.