At Zillmere and Mt Gravatt libraries, Honk the Ibis turns one of Brisbane’s most familiar park characters into a storytime star, complete with author Gregory Donald White reading, singing and sharing ibis facts. It’s the beginning of a school holiday library line-up that gets increasingly specific about children’s reading obsessions.
There’s Horrible Histories for kids who retain gruesome facts with astonishing accuracy, Pokémon and The Baby-Sitters Club sessions for devoted fans, and a teen-only Demon Slayer book chat. Younger readers can meet dinosaur puppets or follow storytime with a scavenger hunt, while Healthy Harold’s appearance may cause an unexpected wave of nostalgia among accompanying parents.
The age brackets for these activities stretch from two-year-olds to teenagers, so enthusiasm for the same book doesn’t necessarily mean siblings can attend together. We’ve put the dates, ages and booking details for all ten below… and if your child suddenly ‘develops an interest’ in The Baby-Sitters Club or The Magic Faraway Tree, we promise not to ask whose idea that was.
This card is made to be grabbed and saved, so session times are easy to check while you’re out.
Honk! the Ibis’ storytime
An ibis makes a fitting Brisbane storytime star. Author Gregory Donald White reads and sings along with Honk, sharing facts about a bird that children may already know rather well from the park.
When: Tuesday 22 September, 10:30am–11am at Zillmere and 2pm–2:30pm at Mt Gravatt
Where: Zillmere Library and Mt Gravatt Library
Ages: 3–5
Cost and bookings: Free – Bookings required through the host library
More information: Honk! the Ibis storytime
You Are Not a Pup! storytime
Author Annaleise Byrd reads You Are Not a Pup!, with a scavenger hunt and craft following the story.
When: Friday 25 September, 3:30pm–4pm at Bracken Ridge – Monday 28 September, 2:30pm–3pm at Wynnum – Tuesday 29 September, 2pm–2:30pm at Sunnybank Hills
Where: Bracken Ridge Library, Wynnum Library and Sunnybank Hills Library
Ages: 2–6
Cost and bookings: Free – Bookings required through the host library
More information: You Are Not a Pup! storytime
Roarsome storytime and puppet meet-and-greet
Dinosaur stories get a theatrical addition with puppets and craft at six Brisbane libraries — built for children whose favourite books feature teeth, tails and prehistoric creatures.
When: Six sessions between 29 September and 1 October – Times vary by venue
Where: Carina Library, Garden City Library, Inala Library, Sandgate Library, Sunnybank Hills Library and Toowong Library
Ages: 3–10
Cost and bookings: Free – Bookings required through the host library
More information: Roarsome storytime and puppet meet-and-greet
Little Shark Lulu writing workshop with Josie Montano
Children can try making stories of their own after author Josie Montano reads her picture book, Little Shark Lulu. Marine-themed writing, drawing and craft follow the reading.
When: Thursday 1 October, 10:30am–11:30am at Wynnum – Friday 2 October, 10:30am–11:30am at Brisbane Square
Where: Wynnum Library and Brisbane Square Library
Ages: 5–10
Cost and bookings: Free – Bookings required through the host library
More information: Little Shark Lulu writing workshop with Josie Montano
Horrible Histories: Gory stories and gruesome games
Gruesome facts, games and themed craft bring the less polite side of history to four libraries, for children who remember every disgusting detail and conveniently forget where they left their shoes.
When: Tuesday 22 September, 10am–11am at Sunnybank Hills and 2pm–3pm at Kenmore; Thursday 24 September, 2pm–3pm at Chermside; Friday 25 September, 10am–11am at Carindale
Where: Sunnybank Hills Library, Kenmore Library, Chermside Library and Carindale Library
Ages: 8–12
Cost and bookings: Free – Bookings required through the host library
More information: Horrible Histories: Gory stories and gruesome games
Demon Slayer book chat
Manga discussion and trivia let Demon Slayer fans compare notes with other readers at this teen-only session — younger siblings will need their own plans.
When: Thursday 1 October, 2pm–3pm at Mt Gravatt; Friday 2 October, 2pm–3pm at Wynnum
Where: Mt Gravatt Library and Wynnum Library
Ages: 13–17
Cost and bookings: Free – Bookings required through the host library. For Mt Gravatt, phone 07 3403. 7775
More information: Demon Slayer book chat
Story explorers: Baby-Sitters Club
Ann M. Martin’s The Baby-Sitters Club provides the starting point for themed activities at three libraries. Fans can spend an hour with a fictional world they already enjoy, alongside other young readers.
When: Tuesday 22 September, 10:30am–11:30am at Nundah – Wednesday 30 September, 1pm–2pm at Chermside – Thursday 1 October, 3pm–4pm at Everton Park
Where: Nundah Library, Chermside Library and Everton Park Library
Ages: 7–12
Cost and bookings: Free – Bookings required through the host library
More information: Story explorers: Baby-Sitters Club
Story explorers: Pokémon
A Pokémon manga adventure anchors these sessions at Garden City and Fairfield, with themed activities and games rounding out the hour.
When: Tuesday 29 September, 2pm–3pm at Garden City – Friday 2 October, 11am–12pm at Fairfield
Where: Garden City Library and Fairfield Library
Ages: 6–12
Cost and bookings: Free – Bookings required through the host library
More information: Story explorers: Pokémon
Story explorers: The Magic Faraway Tree
Ashgrove Library celebrates Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree with adventure-inspired craft, for children who’ve been imagining the worlds above the branches.
When: Monday 28 September, 1:30pm–2:30pm
Where: Ashgrove Library, 87 Amarina Avenue, Ashgrove
Ages: 6–12
Cost and bookings: Free – Bookings required. Phone Ashgrove Library on 07 3407 1940.
More information: Story explorers: The Magic Faraway Tree
Healthy Harold children’s sessions
Parents may recognise this particular giraffe before the children do. Life Ed’s Healthy Harold visits Robinson Road Marketplace for free half-hour sessions throughout the second week of the holidays.
When: Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October; 30-minute sessions at 10am, 11am and noon
Where: Robinson Road Marketplace, Aspley
Ages: Preschool and younger primary-school children
Cost and bookings: Free – Bookings essential, with a maximum of 20 children per session
Program: Harold’s Healthy Day on Monday, Wednesday and Friday – Harold’s Big Feelings on Tuesday and Thursday
More information: Healthy Harold at Robinson Road Marketplace