Kiama Library in Kiama, New South Wales | Community organisation

Kiama Library

Locality: Kiama, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 4233 1133

Address: 7 Railway Parade 2533 Kiama, NSW, Australia

Website: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/library

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24.01.2022 Have you ever heard of the Allen Penny of Kiama? It's quite literally priceless ... In the early years of the colony there was very little small change about, so shopkeepers and traders often commissioned their own tokens to be made and used as currency in their businesses. John Craven (J.C.) Thornthwaite was the first person to manufacture tokens and medals in Australia. Born in London in 1820, John married in 1848 then migrated to Sydney the following year. His first known... token is dated 1850. In 1855, Thornthwaite was commissioned to make some tokens for John Allen’s General Store of Kiama and also for his relative William Allen’s General Store in Jamberoo. The pennies were 34 mm in diameter and made of copper. One side featured the name of the issuer, John Allen (or William Allen) General Stores Kiama (or Jamberoo), surrounding a central image of a rose, shamrock and thistle bouquet. On the other side of the coin it features a rough version of the Coat of Arms of NSW, with ADVANCE AUSTRALIA 1855. Unfortunately, Thornthwaite didn’t have the necessary equipment or raw material to make the tokens with precision, and subsequently both sets of tokens were rejected because of their poor workmanship. After his tokens were rejected, they were 'disposed of by Thornthwaite at a penny each to the toll gatekeeper at Annandale [Sydney], who passed them on in change to the hapless wayfarers' (Andrews, 1921). Tokens were declared illegal in NSW in 1868. Today, the Kiama Allen penny is priceless as there are only four known coins still in existence, one of which resides in the British Museum and one in Museum Victoria. The Jamberoo Allen penny is also among the most desirable of early colonial tokens as there are 25 still in existence, and it has been known to have sold at auction for $6000. Might be a good time to check your change drawers! #throwbackthursday #tbt #throwback #colonialpennies #kiamaremembers #kiamansw #jamberoo #localhistory #kiamalibrary Gerringong Historical Museum

23.01.2022 Another fabulous new book club kit has landed - 'The Switch is a warm, funny and feisty tale of generational location swapping that will have you laughing and tearing up in equal measure' (says Mike Gayle, author of 'Half a World Away'). It's a staff favourite here at the library. What's your book club reading? . . . #theswitch Beth O'Leary #bookclub #bookclubs #whatareyoureading #nswpubliclibraries #kiamalibrary

23.01.2022 Take a moment this weekend to stop and appreciate the riot of stunning spring flowers on show at the terrace houses in Collins Street, Kiama. Simply spectacular . . . @kiamaterracehouses #kiamansw #jacarandaseason #jacaranda #sunflowers #kiamalibrary

21.01.2022 Hands on buzzers for #tuesdaytrivia. 'Travel far enough, you meet yourself.' Can you guess the title of this epic work of fiction from the quote and visual clues? Bonus points if you get the author too. We'll reveal the answer in the comments tomorrow. . . #litquiz #booksbooksbooks #fortheloveofreading #librarylife #librarychallenge #kiamalibrary

20.01.2022 Published June 2019. Oh well, you can only try! . . #bookssavelives #readmorebooks #librarylife #nswpubliclibraries #kiamalibrary

20.01.2022 Good thing for Rex our eLibrary is open 24/7 for all your audiobook needs! . . . #elibrary #listenup #audiobooks @borrowbox @bolindaaudio #bolinda #borrowbox #indyreadsbooks #rbdigital @rbdigitalaus #kiamalibrary

20.01.2022 Margaret Wild has done it again! Teaming up with the talented Ann James, this pair have scored a nomination for CBCA Book Week early childhood book of the year with their book, ‘Goodbye House, Hello House’. A beautiful story about moving, changes and new beginnings, this book is like a big, warm hug, leaving you with a lasting smile. . . . #CBCA2020 #bookweek #curiouscreatureswildminds #goodbyehousehellohouse #margaretwild #annjames #nswpubliclibraries #kiamalibrary

19.01.2022 We're excited about the release this month of Chris Hammer's latest crime thriller, 'Trust'. Book your spot for our free #nswpubliclibraries online author talk on Wed 14 Oct at 6.30pm https://library.kiama.nsw.gov.au//chris-hammer-in-conversa . . #chrishammerauthor #authortalk #crimethriller #kiamalibrary

19.01.2022 Join the bestselling master of teen fantasy Garth Nix for a special #nswpubliclibraries Zoom event as he talks about his latest book, 'The Left-handed Booksellers of London'. . Need a hook? A girl's quest to find her father leads her to an extended family of magical fighting booksellers who police the mythical Old World of England when it intrudes on the modern world. (He had us at magical fighting booksellers.) . For more info and to register for this free event visit https:...//library.kiama.nsw.gov.au//garth-nix-online-in-conv. . #thelefthandedbooksellersoflondon #lefthandedbooksellersoflondon #garthnix #garthnixbooks #urbanfantasy #historicalfantasy #bookstagram #nswpubliclibraries #kiamalibrary See more

19.01.2022 Jenny Marshall is retiring today after 22 years working for Kiama Council at the Library. Jenny ran the Gerringong Library branch for 17 years and has been working casually at Kiama Library since she retired from Gerringong in 2018. We will certainly miss her unfailing good humour, good company and wise words here at the library. We are consoled that she is looking forward to spending time at the new Gerringong Library next year albeit on the other side of the counter. Farewell, Jenny, and thanks for everything! . . . #kiamalibrary @kiamacouncil #gerringonglibrary #gerringong

18.01.2022 Millions fell in love with Li Cunxin's memoir 'Mao's Last Dancer'. Finally, here is Mary's story ... Join Australian ballerina Mary Li on Thursday 10 December at 6.30 pm as she talks about her highly anticipated memoir, in conversation with Therese Scott from Mosman Library with the support of NSW Public Libraries Association. 'Mary’s Last Dance' is a powerful and uplifting memoir about chasing an impossible dream, and sacrificing one’s own ambition for the love of a child. I...t is a moving and unforgettable story of passion, dedication and devotion and the highly anticipated sequel to one of the world’s most beloved books. Numbers are limited for this free virtual event and bookings are essential https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mary-li-presents-marys-last . . . #nswpubliclibraries #maryli #maryslastdance #licunxin #maoslastdancer #onlineauthorevent #kiamalibrary

16.01.2022 Kiama Baby Storytime is back! Live sessions resume Tuesday 20 October at 10 am. Bookings essential www.trybooking.com/BLRLE - see our website for more details. . . . #babystorytime #storytime #rhymetime #kiamalibrary

16.01.2022 What are we excited about this week? Booker prize-winning author Richard Flanagan's new novel, 'The Living Sea of Waking Dreams', about a disappearing world. What are you reading this weekend? . . . #bookfacefriday #bookface #richardflanagan #thelivingseaofwakingdreams #booksbooksbooks #librarylife #fortheloveofreading #whatareyoureading #nswpubliclibraries #kiamalibrary

16.01.2022 If you think a gothic horror novel is just the thing for a gothic horror year, 'Mexican Gothic' by Mexican Canadian author Silvia Moreno-Garcia is the perfect read for you. Happy #bookfacefriday! What are you reading this weekend? . . . #bookface #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #whatareyoureading #librarylife #nswpubliclibraries #kiamalibrary

14.01.2022 At lunchtime today you’re invited to stop what you’re doing for an hour, pick up a book and read to yourself or the children in your life for Australian Reading Hour. Read at home, in your favourite cafe, at the beach or your local library, or get a few friends together and throw a silent reading party. Or join us at Hindmarsh Park for an Australia Reads picnic between 1-4 pm today - BYO book (or read one of ours), snack and picnic rug or chair. Find out more here https://lib...rary.kiama.nsw.gov.au//australian-reading-hour- . . . #australiareads2020 #australianreadinghour2020 #arh2020 #australianreadinghour #getyourreadon #reading #kiamansw #kiamalibrary See more

14.01.2022 Another Book Week nominee ... If you had to describe the sound of an Australian summer, the hum of a cicada would rate highly. Lesley Gibbes and Judy Watson’s searching for cicadas is a nostalgic nonfiction narrative. A great read for young and old which will stir up old memories and maybe even present some new facts. . . #bookweek #bookweek2020 #searchingforcicadas #CBCA2020 #curiouscreatureswildminds #lesleygibbes #judywatson

14.01.2022 Every now and then you pick up a novel and you know you've found something wonderful. Another fabulous shortlister for this year's CBCA Book Week Book of the Year for Older Readers. Happy #bookfacefriday! . . . #bookface #cbca2020 #bookweek2020 @helenafoxoz #bookstagram #nswpubliclibraries #kiamalibrary

14.01.2022 It's #tuesdaytrivia time. Can you guess the title of this big scale action thriller classic from the cryptic clues? . . . #litquiz #booksbooksbooks #fortheloveofreading #kiamalibrary

14.01.2022 Can you guess the name of the classic literary character from the visual clues? You could be this week's winner of #tuesdaytrivia! . . . .... #litquiz #fortheloveofbooks #librarychallenge #kiamalibrary See more

12.01.2022 The Fredericks family has had a retail presence in Jamberoo since the 1920s and the family has occupied the heritage-listed building that is home to the Jamberoo IGA since 1961. Ernest Fredericks married Annie Wright of Albion Park and they had seven children: Eileen, Merle, Ray, Eric, Alwyn, another son that died at birth, and Marie. The family lived in a house called ‘Kurrara’ that was built on the ‘Curlave’ property. Ernest Fredericks was always engaged in business. He wor...ked for Mr Stewart in his Jamberoo store and then for John Nelson in his general store in Jamberoo. Ernest started his own store in 1924 in a new shop that was built opposite the Jamberoo Post Office. Unfortunately, Ernest died in hospital in 1938, aged 64. After his death, his two teenage sons, Eric and Alwyn, took over the management of the shop for their mother. By this stage, the family owned two general stores in Jamberoo. Alwyn Fredericks married Merle King, who had come to Australia from the UK at age 13. Alwyn and Merle had three children, Karen, Rhonda and Trevor. Trevor and his wife Carmel took over the management of the store in 1991. The building, which dated back to the 1880s, was renovated in 2002, keeping in line with its heritage features. When the timber shelving was removed during the renovation, it revealed a lot of the traditional architecture, and underneath the lino was the original hardwood floor. In 2012, the original building was destroyed by fire after an arson attack. Trevor and his family rebuilt the store, replicating its original architectural features, and reopened the new store in April 2014. The Fredericks sold the Jamberoo IGA store (but not the building) in 2014 but have since bought back the business. . . #throwbackthursday #tbt #throwback #kiamaremembers #jamberooremembers #jamberoo #localhistory #kiamalibrary @Gerringonghistoricalmuseum

11.01.2022 Only 1 week to go until Book Week 2020! Different dates, same amount of fun. Stay tuned this week for some of our favourites from the short list as we count down to the announcement of the Children’s Book Council book of the year winners. See our Kid's Library page for some fun Book Week competitions and activities https://library.kiama.nsw.gov.au/news/news/kids-library-home . .... . #CBCA2020 #cbcashortlist2020 #curiouscreatureswildminds #gwynperkins #kiamalibrary See more

08.01.2022 And this year's Booker Prize goes to ... Scottish author Douglas Stuart for his debut novel 'Shuggie Bain', about growing up in working class 1980s Glasgow. Congratulations Douglas Stuart! . . . .... #bookerprize #kiamalibrary See more

06.01.2022 Nominated for CBCA Book Week Picture Book of the Year, Stephen Michael King’s 'Three' is a beautiful story of gratitude. The reader is taken on an adventure through the eyes of a three-legged dog named Three, where we share his world and all the things he is thankful for. . . . @cbcaustralia #bookweek2020 @stephenmichaelking #bookstagram #nswpubliclibraries #kiamalibrary

06.01.2022 Kate Atkinson calls it 'a beacon of pleasure', Ian Rankin says, 'So smart and funny. Deplorably good'. Your next book club read? . . . #bookclub #bookclubs @misterosman #richardosmanthethursdaymurderclub #kiamalibrary

06.01.2022 You'll never see me again ... unless you look on BorrowBox library. Don't miss this suspensful and heartwarming read. . . #youllneverseemeagain #lesleypearcebooks @borrowbox @bolindaaudio #bolinda #borrowbox #listenup #audiobooks #kiamalibrary

05.01.2022 It's #tuesdaytrivia time again! Can you guess the name of the famous literary character from the clues? First correct answer is this week's winner (the early bird gets the worm ... and all the glory too!) . . . #litquiz #librarylifechallenge #fortheloveofbooks #nswpubliclibraries #kiamalibrary

05.01.2022 Got plans on Monday night? Why not save the planet? Register for your free Zoom link to see Craig Reucassel (from 'The Chaser' and 'War on Waste') live online on Monday at 6.30 pm, discussing his new book 'Fight for Planet A' and the practical day-to-day changes we can all make to reduce our carbon footprint. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/craig-reucassel-presents-fi #nswpubliclibraries #FightForPlanetA #craigreucassel #kiamansw #kiamalibrary

04.01.2022 Q. What time did the duck wake up? A. The quack of dawn ( quacks us up every time!) If you've got an enthusiastic toddler who has been up since the quack of dawn, here is an all-new episode of Kiama Library Toddler Tales online to keep them amused. And yep, you guessed it, it's all about ducks! Happy viewing. .... . . #toddlertales #storytimeonline #storytime #kiamansw #kiamalibrary See more

04.01.2022 Have you ever wondered how Australia’s largest independent surf shop came to be in the small South Coast town of Gerringong? The story started back in 1970 when owner Kent Ladkin was 19 years old and opted our of studying economics at Newcastle University to live in a tree house and pursue an alternative lifestyle of yoga, reading and surfing. Back then, surfers were still using big blocks of brittle paraffin to wax their boards, but Kent discovered that by adding beeswax and...Continue reading

04.01.2022 Connecting Over Fair Food is celebrating Food Fairness Illawarra's 15th birthday, World Food Day and Global Climate Change Week this year with an online community building event and film screening of 'The Biggest Little Farm' on Wed 14 Oct 6-9 pm. Register online at https://foodfairnessillawarra.org.au//connecting-over-fai/

02.01.2022 Colourised photograph of Minnamurra Street and harbour, Kiama, c. 1900s. Many of these original worker's cottages on Pheasant Point still stand today and are protected by heritage order (but not so the neat little outhouses lined up out the back), as does the bluestone school house on the right (now part of the Sebel Harbourside complex). . . . #throwbackthursday #tbt #throwback #kiamaremembers #kiamansw #localhistory #kiamalibrary

01.01.2022 This week's #bookfacefriday is lush historical mystery 'Cartier's Hope' by M.J. Rose. . New York, 1910: A city of extravagant balls in Fifth Avenue mansions and poor immigrants crammed into crumbling Lower East Side tenements. A city where the suffrage movement is growing stronger every day, but most women reporters are still delegated to the fashion and lifestyle pages. But Vera Garland is set on making her mark in a man’s world of serious journalism ... . What are you rea...ding this weekend? . . . . . #cartiershope #bookface #whatareyoureading #weekendreads #historicalfiction #booksbooksbooks #librarylife #kiamalibrary See more

01.01.2022 ... seems appropriate this week Happy #bookfacefriday! . . . #bookface #secondbest Ben Pobjie #librarylife #booksbooksbooks #kiamalibrary

01.01.2022 Today, allied nations from around the world commemorate those who fought and died in war with two minutes of silence. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year has special significance because at this time, in 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. Originally known as Armistice Day, the name was changed to Remembrance Day after World War Two. In 1997, Governor-General Sir William Deane issued a proc...Continue reading