This July, the Library is all about storytelling. It could be that the winter weather drives us to crave cosy gatherings and sharing tales with one another. No matter the reason, you can choose your own adventure from a range of great events, including:

• Learning how to unlock memories in a writing workshop for adults
• A TQI accredited teacher professional development created from the Papunya readers
• A school holiday activity for children to explore ways of sharing stories
• The role of books in connecting First Nations peoples

Program

Workshops: Writing the book only you can write

1 July | 10:00am and 2:00pm | $30 - $35

A few spots are still available in the 10am workshop teaching participants how to use a simple, creative framework to begin writing with clarity and confidence, preserving memories for future generations.

Wangka Wakanutja: Teacher Professional Development with Dr Melanie Saward

1 June | 3:30pm | $25

Teachers – it’s TQI accredited Professional Learning, but creative and inspiring too! Learn about Dr Saward’s process of creating a culturally respectful online teaching resource from the Papunya readers collection.

Author talk: Marie & Marie

2 July | 12:30pm | Free

The first event in a new series of lunchtime talks with a poetic theme. Hear about Adrienne Eberhard and Catherine de Saint Phalle’s collaboration on the French translation of poetry Marie & Marie.

School holiday activity: The love of storytelling

15 July | 10:00am | $5

Children are invited to experiment with different modes of storytelling and explore Library spaces designed for sharing stories. This activity is suitable for children 3 to 8 years of age, with all materials supplied.

Winter Tales presents Alison Alder

26 July | 2:00pm | $20

A visual artist whose work blurs the lines between studio and social/political art practice, Alison Alder speaks about her life and work in this fundraising series of talks supporting the Australian Women’s Register.

Story Dogs on Sunday

26 July | 11:00am | Free, no bookings necessary

Drop in on the last Sunday of every month for a paw-sitive reading experience with trained volunteers and their accredited dogs. 

Indigenous Literacy Foundation: Strength in our stories

27 July | 6:00pm| Free, in-person and online

Presented in connection with our current exhibition, Wangka Wakanutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre, this talk by Ben Bowen reflects on the role of books in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples with language, culture and stories. 

Virtual exhibition for Wangka Wakanutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre

Online now | Free

The online version of our current exhibition is available on our website now. No matter where you are in Australia, you can learn about the remarkable efforts of the Papunya community to record language and culture and keep it alive. 

Media enquiries

Lauren Conron, Media Liaison, National Library of Australia

Phone: 0401 226 697

Email: media@nla.gov.au