Haymarket Library Now Open For All

Haymarket Library Now Open For All

Mandarin rhymes, Chinese horoscopes and calligraphy are just some of the free activities planned to celebrate the reopening of Haymarket Library.
 
The George Street library will reopen for lending on Monday 1 July following a $270,000 makeover. It boasts the largest Chinese language book collection of any public library in Australia.
 
“Explore one of the most extensive Asia language book collections in Australia – right in the heart of Chinatown,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
 
“Haymarket Library is now fully accessible, with a new elevator to take visitors from the ground to the two other levels.
 
“The beautiful building, which dates back to 1875, has a new meeting room, upgraded computer area and display area, as well as new paint and carpet.”
 
The library holds almost 20,000 Chinese-language books, over 1,000 Thai books, almost 900 Vietnamese books and over 650 Indonesian titles. Visitors can also read daily newspapers in English, Chinese and Vietnamese, as well as a selection of English, Chinese, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Thai magazines.
 
Like all City of Sydney libraries, it has an ever-changing selection of books, CDs and DVDs, free wireless internet and public access computers, as well as scanning, printing and photocopying facilities.
 
To celebrate its reopening, the City is hosting a series of exciting free events at Haymarket Library, 744 George Street, Haymarket, including:
 
Horoscope talk
Wednesday 3 July, 10am-midday
Learn more about Chinese horoscopes and how to read them at this fascinating introductory talk by Ken Ng. The talk will be in Cantonese. Free; bookings essential on 02 9298 3110 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
 
Calligraphy demonstration and workshop
Thursday 4 July, 2-4pm
Skilled artists from the Australian Chinese Artists’ Society will demonstrate their skills and host a workshop on the beautiful arts of Chinese calligraphy and painting. Learn from the best and take home a picture, phrase or elegant couplet on paper. Free; bookings essential on 02 9298 3110 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
 
Chinese Rhymetime
Friday 19 July, 10-10.30am (program will continue weekly, except during school or public holidays)
Chinese Rhymetime is an animated sing-along in session in Mandarin for babies and toddlers, which supports language and literacy development as well as providing a wonderful cultural exchange. For toddlers aged three and up. Free; no bookings necessary.
 
Bilingual storytime
Friday 19 July, 11am-11.45am (program will continue weekly, except during school or public holidays)
Bilingual storytime is a fun session of storytelling and craft activities for pre-schoolers, with stories read in English and Mandarin to support language and literacy development, as well as providing a wonderful cultural exchange. For toddlers aged three and up. Free; no bookings necessary.
 
Felt Craft
Friday 5 July, 3-4pm
Join crafty librarian Sharlene as she demonstrates the basics of felt craft. The workshop is suitable for beginners and people with craft experience, and participants will create their own felt masterpiece to take home. Basic materials are provided. For ages 12-18. Free, bookings essential on 02 9298 3110 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
 
Dance and tea presentation
Tuesday 9 July, midday-1pm
Join the Ultimo Community Centre Chinese Seniors’ Group as they perform a traditional Chinese folk dance. They will also be sharing their knowledge of the Chinese culture of tea brewing. Join in or sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy the presentation.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9298 3110 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
 
Bush Tucker
Wednesday 10 July, 2-3pm
This bush tucker talk for the whole family will also include special tastings of local nuts, ferns and berries.
Talk with be in English, with a Mandarin interpreter. For ages five and over.
Free, bookings essential on 02 9298 3110 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
 
Paper Craft
Friday 12 July, 3-4pm
Join crafty librarian Sharlene as she shares her talent for paper craft. She will take participants through the steps to cut, fold, rip, and scrunch their way to beautiful paper craft. The workshop is suitable for both beginners and people with craft experience. Basic materials will be provided. For ages 12-18 years.

ENDS

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