Local Authors Fair 2026
Join us for the Local Authors Fair as part of Local Word Writers Festival. Discover new books, meet local writers and find your next favourite read.
New What's On brochure out now!
Discover the highlight events happening at the library in July and August
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
See the huge line up of activities for all children from pre-schoolers to youth. The theme is Create & Connect. Book your place today!
Keep up to date with what's happening at your library by subscribing to our monthly eNewsletter.
Discover how lived experience can strengthen your storytelling. Author Bruce McLeod shares techniques for building authentic characters, psychological tension and realism in crime fiction.
Book here
Saturday, 22 August 2026 - 10:30am to 12:30pm Colac Library
Learn the fundamentals of speculative fiction with award-winning author Rhett Davis. Explore world-building, character development and plot while creating stories that balance big ideas with human connection.
Sunday, 23 August 2026 - 10:30am to 4:30pm Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
Discover the story behind bestselling author Mark Smith's latest thriller, Where Truth Ends, exploring truth, loyalty and justice in conversation with author Rhett Davis. A Local Word pop-up event
Book now
Wednesday, 15 July 2026 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
Join local author Rhett Davis and be part of this book club-style session. Join in the conversation about Arborescence, Rhett's latest novel. In partnership with Apollo Bay WORDfest.
Sunday, 26 July 2026 - 3:30pm to 4:30pm Apollo Bay Library
Finished your manuscript but unsure what comes next? Author Stef Gemmill shares practical guidance on editing, submissions and navigating the publishing industry, with hands-on tips to help get your work publication-ready.
Book now (SOLD OUT - JOIN THE WAITLIST)
Saturday, 1 August 2026 - 9:30am to 4:00pm Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
Join Emily Baulch, former head of Bluey’s global publishing program, for a practical workshop on writing for children, with insights into storytelling, audience expectations and current trends shaping today’s publishing market.
Sunday, 2 August 2026 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm Corio Library
Join this crowd-funding event where local organisations pitch ideas, focused on empowering women. Discover how collective action can support change. In partnership with Give Where You Live Foundation
Wednesday, 5 August 2026 - 5:00pm to 8:30pm Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
Curious about turning your story into a film or TV series? Learn how to adapt fiction for the screen, translate ideas into visual storytelling, and develop a treatment for your own work.
Saturday, 8 August 2026 - 9:30am to 1:00pm Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library
Join bestselling author Sophie Green discussing her latest novel about the beauty of the second-hand, the power of second chances, and becoming who you were always meant to be.
Tuesday, 11 August 2026 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm Ocean Grove Library
Poet Maxine Beneba Clarke and performer Amaya Laucirica present a collaborative poetry-music performance exploring trauma, hope and resilience, followed by Q&A. In partnership with Wheeler Centre
Wednesday, 12 August 2026 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
Explore new approaches to creative writing through movement, observation and visual prompts inspired by the natural world. Leave with fresh ideas and your own piece of writing or poetry.
Friday, 14 August 2026 - 1:30pm to 4:30pm Queenscliff Library
Learn how to write about illness, injury and healthcare with accuracy and care. This practical workshop covers research, realistic medical details, and creating authentic characters free from stereotypes.
Saturday, 15 August 2026 - 1:30pm to 4:30pm Torquay Library
Dr Simone Boer explores neuroscience behind confidence, decision-making and change, sharing practical brain-based tools from her book Ultimate Brain Hacks to improve habits, self-belief and everyday performance.
Tuesday, 18 August 2026 - 11:00am to 1:00pm
Empowering Women 50/50 presentation on preventing gendered violence, with guest speaker Helen Bolton, CEO of Respect Victoria. Presented in partnership with Women in Local Democracy
Friday, 21 August 2026 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
Turn memories, observations and personal experiences into narrative poetry. Explore imagery, metaphor and poetic form while developing new work or refining existing poems in a supportive workshop setting.
Saturday, 22 August 2026 - 10:30am to 2:30pm Bannockburn Library
Author Vikki Petraitis in conversation with Alli Sinclair explores storytelling craft and real-life crimes behind her fiction, offering fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into crime writing.
Saturday, 29 August 2026 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
The Warm Winter Read is a state-wide challenge that aims to help encourage everyone to slow down and get reading! And yes—you can win great prizes!
uLibrary offers immediate access to audiobooks, with no wait times and is free with your membership.
