Libraries social stories – Chris loves the space to just be

Joondalup Libraries mean different things to different people. The new Social Stories initiative will share the many ways members access, use and benefit from the services.

Chris is a long-term library member, first visiting Woodvale Library in 2005. She visits the libraries at least once a month, and frequents all four branches, although she does spend more time at Joondalup.

When she visits the library, Chris enjoys listening to eBooks while she knits. She loves the space available in each of the libraries to sit and just be. A comfy chair and a good story sound like the perfect combination!

A crime buff, Chris’ favourite genre is crime fiction, especially anything set in the United Kingdom. Some of her top authors include J D Kirk, Joy Ellis, Dervla McTiernan, Helen H Durrant, Chris Hammer, Candice Fox, Wilbur Smith, Jeffrey Archer and Michael Rowbotham. Chris hopes to come along and meet Michael Rowbotham and Chris Hammer when they visit the libraries in the coming weeks and months.

Chris has been a member of the Joondalup Library knitting club for nine years. “We meet on the fourth Saturday of the month and knit items for several charities while enjoying each other’s company. I was also a member of the Photography Club for two years, where I visited some new places and learned how to take great photos on my phone.”

Chris has also aquired a few new skills through Discovery Sessions and courses. “Some of the recent events I have attended include discovery sessions on dehydrating food and making bone broth. I have also enjoyed a few Meet the Author events and computer related sessions.”

“I enjoy many things about Joondalup Libraries, but the thing I appreciate the most is the helpful, friendly and supportive staff. I love the relaxed atmosphere at the libraries. It is a place where you can just sit and read, or knit, or whatever you enjoy, and listen to the kids having fun. It is very special,” she said.

Duncraig Library’s 50th Birthday!

1974 – 2024 – Half a Century of Literary Joy!

The month of July is all about Duncraig Library, as we celebrate its milestone 50th birthday! We are looking forward to sharing our celebrations and memories with our local community at two special events.

Duncraig Library was officially opened on 27 July 1974 by then Shire of Wanneroo Councillor Mick Nanovich MLA.  It was the second public library to be built in what was then the Shire of Wanneroo.

The Library has undergone several transformations since 1974 to meet community demand. In the mid-1980s the building was extended to almost twice its original size. A second refurbishment in 2005 saw the introduction of its iconic mascot, Max the whale, as well as the installation of an after-hours chute.

Duncraig Library is well known for the edible garden located in the forecourt. The garden was established in 2014 and provides a regular supply of herbs, fruits and vegetables for all members of the community.

A special birthday image was created by local artist, Sean E Avery, incorporating all of the elements of Duncraig Library that make it unique. The artwork features on all of the marketing for the celebration and on the cover of the Winter Events and Programs Guide.

Members of the community are invited to join us at the two community events as we celebrate this golden milestone.

50th Birthday Quiz Night – SOLD OUT
Wednesday 24 July, 6.30pm
Duncraig Library

Join us for a night of fun and nostalgia. Test your knowledge and share laughs to celebrate half a century of literary joy.  Grab your friends, form a team, and let’s make this a memorable evening filled with trivia, prizes, and library love.

Tickets $10 each. Book and pay online

Duncraig Library Open Day
Saturday 27 July, 10.00am-12.30pm
Duncraig Library

Join us for a morning of reminiscing, music, face painting, good coffee, and sweet treats as we commemorate five decades of stories, knowledge, and community connections at Duncraig Library.

No cost. No booking required.

We would also love to hear from our community, with an invitation to leave a message, memory or story for inclusion in our Memory Book. Messages can be submitted online.  Anyone who would like to share photos of the library can email them to sociallibrary@joondalup.wa.gov.au.

One of the top ten lending libraries in the state, Duncraig Library remains a popular destination for the community, offering a relaxing and friendly environment to browse, borrow, work, study, learn and play.

Fun Facts

  • Duncraig Library has loaned just over 14 million items since opening on 27 June 1974.
  • 9,289 people attended 502 programs and events held at Duncraig Library in 2023.
  • Over 100,000 people visited Duncraig Library in 2023.

World Wide Knit in Public Day

Calling all knitters, young and old! Join in at Joondalup Library for World Wide Knit in Public Day on Saturday 11 June at 1.00pm. Bring your current knitting project or start something new on the day.

The purpose of World Wide Knit in Public Day is to show that knitting is for all ages and that it’s a fun and enjoyable social activity, especially in a large group. Let’s join in the fun as events are held in different locations all over the world such as Germany, the United States, Sweden, South Africa, Poland, Norway, Ireland, France, Finland, England, China, and here in Australia.

World Wide Knit in Public Day was started in 2005 and takes place on the second Saturday of June each year. It began as a way for knitters to come together and enjoy each other’s company. Knit in Public Day is the largest knitter run event in the world.

Join a regular group

Joondalup Libraries host regular knitting and crochet groups that provide further opportunities to get together and socialise. Meet new people, create community craft projects, knit for charity or simply complete your own knitting work in the company of fellow knitters. All welcome. No bookings required. Find details of all sessions and more activities here.

Books by Design

Books by Design is a fresh approach aimed at offering customers a new and exciting way of selecting books of interest.

Our experienced and knowledgeable team at the City of Joondalup Libraries will design and curate topical and popular collections, presenting them in a convenient and attractive manner.

If you’re short on time, then browse the themed Book Bundles range for junior to adult readers.

Whether you choose to grab one of our Book Bundles and go, or take your time to browse our Curated Collections, we’ll have something of interest for young and old.

This new concept is now available at all City of Joondalup Libraries and is a fabulous way to discover something new and different on your reading journey.