Kempsey Shire Library

31/05/2026

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 2026
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week 2026 with Kempsey Shire Council. Enjoy a morning tea, smoking ceremony and cultural activities on Tuesday 2 June 2026, from 10am to 11:30am, out the front of Kempsey Library. This family-friendly event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

We would love for you to join us next month for a morning tea to celebrate National Reconciliation Week for 2026.

The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

Find out more: ksc.pub/eat-yarn

We hope to see you there 🖤💛❤

29/05/2026

MEMOIR WRITING WORKSHOP WITH EDWARD H. CARPENTER
Turn experience into story at this hands-on memoir writing workshop. Join Edward H. Carpenter, the author of bestselling memoir, Blue Helmet, for a practical session on writing your own life’s story. At this workshop, you’ll explore how to find your central theme, how to shape your lived experience into story, write honestly without losing perspective and get guidance on finding your own unique ‘voice’.

Bookings essential. This workshop is on Wednesday 24 June 2026 from 1pm to 3pm. To register, call Kempsey Library on 6566 3210 or head to ksc.pub/memoir.
All materials and light refreshments provided. Copies of Carpenter’s bestselling memoir will be available for sale and signing on the day.

28/05/2026

AUTHOR TALK WITH EDWARD H. CARPENTER
'War Stories from a U.S. Marine' is a fascinating author talk from celebrated writer Edward H. Carpenter. Drawing on his time as a warfighter turned U.N. peacekeeper, Edward H. Carpenter has firsthand experience in what being an elite U.S. Marine is really like.

Carpenter will share riveting stories from his career, from the interesting people he met, what holds communities together during wartime, and why Edward now calls regional Australia 'home'. This will be a memorable conversation about the life lessons learnt from difficult places.

This event is on Wednesday 24 June 2026 from 10am to 11am. Bookings essential. Call Kempsey Library on 6566 3210 to book your spot or head to ksc.pub/author-talk-ec. Copies of Carpenter’s bestselling memoir Blue Helmet will be available for sale and signing on the day.

27/05/2026

STORYTIME - ON THIS FRIDAY
Join us at 10:30am on Friday 29 May for a fun frog-themed Storytime session. Enjoy stories, songs and a craft activity. No bookings required.

Storytime is designed for children aged 3 to 6 years, and aims to develop early literacy skills in a fun and social environment. Can't make it this week? Find out when Storytime's on next at ksc.pub/storytime.

25/05/2026

VAN VILLAGE VISITS
Drop by our mobile library while it visits Hat Head on Tuesday 26 May from 11am - 12:30pm, parked in front of the Lower Macleay Anglican Church.

The mobile library will also be cruising into Crescent Head on Wednesday 27 May from 9:30am - 11:30am, setting up in the Baker Drive carpark (near the Rotunda).

Browse our collection, borrow and return items, sign up for a library membership, and more with our little library on wheels! Learn more at https://library.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/Services/Library-van.

25/05/2026

LAST CHANCE LOOK: DRIFTING ALONG BY JOY LE CERF
You’re invited to the final viewing, with silent auction and closing night offers on selected works by Joy Le Cerf.

Join us at the Slim Dusty Centre for a relaxed closing event celebrating the Drifting Along exhibition by local artist Joy Le Cerf. This is your final opportunity to view this stunning exhibition, with selected works available via silent auction and special closing-night offers.

Enjoy casual grazing and a welcome drink while you explore the exhibition one last time. Guests will also go into the draw to win a lucky door prize — a ticket to our upcoming event Dinner with Dobell.

Please RVSP for catering purposes at [email protected].

22/05/2026

QUESTACON’S FREE POP-UP SCIENCE CENTRE
Test your reflexes, challenge your balance, and discover how everyday forces shape the world around us at the Questacon Science Circus: a FREE pop-up science experience held at the Slim Dusty Centre.

With over 30 hands-on exhibits and spectacular science shows to spark curiosity, the Science Circus pop-up is a fantastic STEM experience for the whole family!

This unique event is on Thursday 18 June 2026 from 3pm – 7pm, at the Slim Dusty Centre, 490 Macleay Valley Way, South Kempsey. Bookings are essential. Get your free ticket now at bit.ly/QSC-NSW26.

This family-friendly event is suitable for all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Contact [email protected] or 0466 922 801 for enquiries.

21/05/2026

BABY BOUNCE - ON TOMORROW
Bring your little one along to Baby Bounce and enjoy the songs, stories, rhymes, toys and socialising. Our next Baby Bounce session is on this Friday (22 May 2026) from 10:30am - 11am. For ages 0 to 3 years. No bookings required.

20/05/2026

LAWFULLY ALERT: HOW TO STAY SCAM AWARE
Scammers are constantly changing the way they operate. This online webinar, part of NSW Law Week 2026's program, explains common scams, how to spot the warning signs, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.

This webinar is part of NSW Law Week, and runs on Friday 22 May 2026, from 12pm to 1pm. Register at https://legalaid-nsw-gov-au.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zgegHcPRScScFN1B8lQNHw #/registration.

20/05/2026

BEGINNERS POTTERY WORKSHOP
Join us for a perfect-for-beginners, hands-on pottery workshop. Enjoy the process, as well as your finished creations, and learn how to roll, pinch and shape clay into beautiful, simple pieces of art to take home and enjoy, or to give away as gifts.

Run by Tammy Kuijpers from Pipers Creek Pottery, this relaxed workshop will spark your creativity and show you how to make a small dish imprinted with leaves and an internally glazed pinch pot.

Bookings essential. This workshop is on Wednesday 10 June 2026 from 10am to 11:30am. Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit ‘earthy’.
Book your spot here: ksc.pub/pottery