Take the plunge at your local library

FIRSTIVAL will return to South Australia’s public libraries this month offering a month-long calendar of more than 350 events encouraging South Australians to try something for the first time at their local library.

Now in its third year, Firstival has demonstrated significant community impact, driving visitation to public libraries across the state, with more than 42,000 people attending events last year.

Public Libraries Association of SA (PLSA) president Pepper Mickan said the response to Firstival has been tremendous.

“In 2024 we saw almost 7,000 new members join the Libraries SA OneCard network during the month of July, an increase of more than ten percent on the previous year,” Ms Mickan said.

“We are delighted the festival has built momentum and increased visitation to our state’s public library network.

“People of all ages are discovering the unique and wonderful ways to connect with their local library through Firstival.

“Coming into its third year we expect that again the program will offer more than 80% of events for free with the remaining low cost, providing an accessible and inclusive program for all South Australians to enjoy, particularly as households are tightly managing costs.”

This year’s Firstival program includes hundreds of new events hosted by individual public libraries across the state with events suitable for all ages.

“Encouraging community connection amongst all age groups at libraries is a key focus of the festival,” Ms Mickan said.

“Libraries offer a safe, welcoming environment for people to study, socialise, play and learn and we are thrilled to again offer such a diverse program as part of Firstival. It’s all part of our ongoing focus to offer communities more at our public libraries. There really is something for everyone at their local library.”

For more information on events at each library and to book, please visit www.firstival.com.au

LIMESTONE COAST EVENTS:

Mount Gambier Library

Paint your first ugly portrait – paint fun portraits with a friend, with wine and cheese (adults only).

Thread your first cross stitch – volunteer Val will guide you through creating your first cross stitch (free).

Join your first teddy bear’s picnic (free)

Start your first podcast – learn the steps required to start your first podcast, including planning an episode, basic equipment and how to make your podcast available to listeners (free).

Groove at your first baby rave – a fun filled dance party for babies and toddlers (free).

Paint your first D&D figure – discover the art of painting miniatures to bring characters to life (free)

Play your first game of Minecraft – come along and try your first game of Minecraft at the library (free)

Experience your first VR armchair travel – immerse yourself in VR and travel anywhere you like around the world in the comfort of your armchair (free kids 6+).

Join your first book club – dedicated session to connect with a new book club group at the library (free, ages 16+).

Naracoorte Library

Lego challenge – Lego kits provided with timed challenges and a competition board setup (suitable for all ages).

A night at the Naracoorte library – families invited to attend evening story time in pyjamas, with games in the Bat Cave.

Kingston Community School Library

Paint and Plant – kids’ activity, decorate pots and seedlings with Kathy’s Hot House.

Brick and Chip – kids Lego activity to build your own mini-Lego kit creation with snacks (free).

Build and sip – florals and formula 1 – Lego building florals or formula 1 kits with drinks and nibbles (Adults event).