Children's Activities

To make a booking phone 03 8664 7099, email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au or book online through What's On.

Storytime on World Book Day
Enjoy children's stories on UNESCO World Book Day, a worldwide celebration of books and reading! Each child attending will receive a book to take home.
Time: Thurs 23 April, 11am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Free (bookings required)

National Simultaneous Storytime
Join the fun, as Pete the Sheep (Jackie French's acclaimed story book) is read simultaneously at libraries and schools across Australia! Followed by an art-and-craft activity.
Time: Wed 27 May, 11am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Free (bookings required)

Sparky Stories
Free Sunday fun for kids! Inspired by illustrated books from the Library’s collection, each child will create a digital picture-book, complete with illustrations and their own narration. (For ages 6 to 12.)
Time: Sun 28 April; 10 & 24 May; 7 & 21 June; 5 & 19 July; 2, 16 & 30 August; 13 September; 11 & 25 Oct, 10am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Free (bookings required)

Super-action storytelling
With storyteller Bernard Caleo, children will discover the Library's galleries and the amazing stories they tell, then make a creative record of their experience. (For ages 6 to 12.)
Time: Sun 17 May, 14 & 28 June, 12 July, 23 August, 20 &  27 September, 11am–12.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Free (bookings required)

Dreamtime stories
Hear Dreamtime stories that have been passed on through many generations, told by a storyteller from the Indigenous community and followed by an art-and-craft activity. This program marks NAIDOC Week  (5–12 July).
Time: Mon 6 July, 11am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Free (bookings required)

My type of book
Enjoy a free guided tour of the magnificent exhibition Mirror of the World: books and ideas to see rare and beautiful books, followed by an optional half-hour activity making an illustrated book. (For ages 5 to 12.)
Time: Wed & Fri 1, 3, 8 & 10 July, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Free (bookings not required)

Put yourself in the story!
In this one-day workshop, learn about famous Melbourne writers and their stories in the exhibition The Independent Type, then put yourself in your favourite story using digital tools, and take it home on DVD. Each participant receives a free book. (For ages 8 to 14.)
Time: Mon 29 June–Fri 3 July, 10.30am–4pm
Venue: Experimedia
Cost: $40 (bookings required)

Book of the Year stories
Children's stories chosen from the Children's Book Council Awards shortlist, followed by a fun activity. This program marks Children's Book Week (22–28 August).
Time: Fri 28 August, 11am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Free (bookings required)

International Literacy Day storytime
Come along for some great stories from a special guest and then take part in a fun story activity!
Time: Tues 8 September, 11am–12noon 
Venue: Experimedia
Free (bookings required)

Byte-sized comics
In this one-day workshop, you'll learn about different comic styles and view fantastic comics from the Library's collection. Using digital media, you'll storyboard, write and illustrate a comic story and take a printed copy home. Each participant receives a free book. (For ages 8 to 14.)
Time: Mon 21–Fri 25 September, 10.30am–4pm
Venue: Experimedia
Cost: $40 (bookings required)

Illustration

EW Cole, Cole's Funny Picture Book No. 1, Melbourne, EW Cole, c. 1906 (detail)