Members are invited to the launch of 'Kingdom of Men' by Lea Weaver and Alayna Cole, a book that tells the story of Zoe, who has always believed that when something frightens her it is worth pursuing.

When a client offers Zoe a job teaching Shiatsu at a high-security men’s prison, she says yes. Each week, Zoe enters a classroom alone with a group of men she has been warned to fear. She connects with her students, bends the rules, and gradually finds herself more at ease with the prisoners than with the guards, her clients, and even her friends. What begins as an unlikely job evolves into a deeply human story of love, grief, and defiance. In this place known for violence and fear, the men offer Zoe something she has rarely known: respect.

Author Lea Weaver has done many things in her life, including teaching weaving at the Rudolf Steiner Curative Home, completing her Bachelor of Education in Arts and Crafts from Melbourne University in 1992, being an artist-in-residence at various primary schools, and teaching Shiatsu at the Port Phillip high security men's prison. She recently spent two years as a co-presenter and interviewer for the JOY 94.9fm writers’ program 'Take Me to Your Reader'.

Author Alayna Cole has spent the last decade working in and around the games industry. She’s been a producer in various studios, run a not-for-profit, mentored emerging developers, and taught game studies at several Australian universities. She has published short stories, a memoir, textbooks, and journal articles. Her most recent book, 'Becoming Wild: Essays on Self and Society', is a creative memoir about what it means to be ourselves.

Thursday 3 December 2026
Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start.
This event is free for members and non-members.
Bookings can be made through Trybooking using this link

The Pierre Jaquinot Trio will perform at the library for the first time with a program of tunes from some of Pierre’s favourite composers.

The songs will focus on the works of legendary jazz figures such as Thelonius Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Jim Hall and Dave Brubeck.

Pierre Jaquinot has been described is USA’s Jazz Guitar Today as “one of the finest jazz guitarists in Melbourne”.

His current trio, which includes the talents of Ben Robertson on double bass and Scott Hay on drums, formed three years ago and has performed at many venues across the state.

Friday 27 November 2026
Doors open at 5:40pm for a 6pm start.
This event is free for members and non-members.
Bookings can be made through Trybooking using this link

In this talk, Professor David McInnis explores how Shakespeare and fellow dramatists wrote their plays, tracing the textual evolution from authors’ hands to playhouses and eventually the printers.

This period features a fascinating array of experimental approaches to translating the success of ephemeral performance to the printed page. Understanding how the plays of Shakespeare’s day were transmitted to us in the present is a vital aspect if we are to appreciate their meaning and significance now.

David McInnis is Professor of Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama at the University of Melbourne, and is editor of Shakespeare Quarterly.

Thursday 26 November 2026
Doors open at 6:40pm for a 7pm start.
This event is free for members and non-members.
Bookings can be made through Trybooking using this link

Join Alissa Duke for an inspirational class/workshop with watercolour pencils amongst the bookshelves, and learn tips and techniques along the way.

No previous experience is required – just bring your enthusiasm. Kits will be available to purchase on the day for $25.

Alissa Duke was the library’s 2024 artist-in-residence and is a librarian who is part of a global Urban Sketchers movement.

Alissa carries her sketchbook, watercolour pencils and ink pen everywhere as she says there is always something to draw.

Saturday 14 November 2026
2pm to 5pm.
This event is free for members and non-members.
Bookings can be made through Trybooking using this link

Join our haiku writing workshop in the library to explore this Japanese short-form of poetry. Haiku consists of three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third.

Presented by the Melbourne Fringe Myrtles Haiku Group and its convenor, Rob Scott, the workshop will include guided activities to help you observe, write and share haiku.

Saturday 31 October 2026
3pm to 5pm.
This event is free for members and non-members.
Bookings can be made through Trybooking using this link