Shellharbour City Libraries & Museum will be closed on Monday 5 October for the Labour Day public holiday. We will re-open for normal business hours on Tuesday, 6 October.

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Adam and Eve

Summary:

November 11th, 1918. As the guns of the Great War fall silent, two babies draw their first breath.

Eve is the daughter of an Earl. Adam, a shepherd's son. Yet from their first meeting they form an extraordinary bond that neither privilege nor prejudice can break.

Then on a single September night in 1940, as Hitler prepares to invade the British Isles, their actions will change his mind. Determining not just their own futures but the fate of a nation.

They will show extraordinary courage. They will make unimaginable sacrifices. And the story of what they did will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

From the broads of Norfolk to the beaches of Dunkirk, Adam & Eve is a breathtaking epic of courage, sacrifice, and love forged in Britain's darkest hour.

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London Station

Summary:

What if the CIA and British intelligence began spying on each other? This is the question at the heart of David McCloskey's thrilling fifth novel. A new US Administration has taken office, installing a brash and unconventional CIA Director determined to disrupt the Agency and sceptical of its close relationship with their cousins across the Atlantic. Case officers, including newly installed London Chief of Station, Artemis Procter, must now navigate a tense environment as old friends become adversaries and no one knows who to trust. When agents run by both services begin dying, Procter and her team at London Station must decide whether loyalty to the Mission and their friends means disobeying the Agency they serve.

Immersing readers in the technological revolution upending intelligence tradecraft, David McCloskey's brilliant new thriller depicts the nuts-and-bolts mechanics of how CIA and MI6 collaborate and explores what happens when politics threaten to destroy the 'Special Relationship' between America and Britain.

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The Heights

Summary:

The Heights: a gleaming, high-end high-rise looming over Hyde Park. Newly built from steel and smoked glass, a billionaire's playground offering sumptuous suites for the global elite.

But when a night concierge is found murdered in the lobby, the building's rarefied atmosphere is shattered, and the gilded lives within come under intense police scrutiny.

In a world designed to keep prying eyes out, where the residents are not used to being held to account, born-and-bred Londoner Detective Gillian Gish must find a way past their power, wealth and unimaginable influence.

The rules may be different at the top - but is anyone truly above the law? Or could it be that the higher you rise, the further you fall...?

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The Dying Light

Summary:

The deadliest truths are those in the shadows . . .

Detective Matthew Venn is called in to investigate a puzzling death. The body of a young woman has been found in the swimming pool of Tide House, a luxurious holiday home in North Devon, and her best friend is missing. The property belongs to rising political star Paul Armstrong and the case quickly draws intense media scrutiny.

As a scorching heat wave rages and further tragedy strikes, Venn and his team begin questioning a community brimming with secrets. The dead woman and her friend had been spotted at a nearby music festival the day before, an event which brought locals and outsiders together - some of whom may have been more connected with the Armstrongs than first thought.

Caught between a powerful family's secrets and a powder keg of local tensions, Venn must navigate a treacherous path. Knowing that the real answers lie not in what people say, but in the silence that they keep . . .

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Full Circle

Summary:

Travis Somerland is a man accustomed to danger, but nothing can prepare him for the peril, the intrigue or the ruthlessness that confront him at Montechino. Or the murders.

Montechino: part palace, part fortress, and the secluded estate of the uber-wealthy Claptons, modern-day robber barons who believe business is arithmetic, not morality.

Now Travis finds himself entangled in the ultimate power struggle, generations in the making, as the Claptons challenge the authority of one of the country’s most formidable families. Can he survive the dynastic rivalries to bring some measure of justice to an unjust world?

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As We Fall Through Time

Summary:

In the beginning, the world will end.

This is the story of what happens next.

When Cal meets a soldier of the French Revolution, he knows his lover is destined to die.

But what is the point of being a time traveller if you can't make a few small tweaks to the course of history?

A little paradox here, an alteration there - nothing Cal can't fix, to save the man he loves.

When Fadimatu walks into a museum in 2018, she stumbles upon her own mummified corpse, setting her on the path to a betrayal that has already killed her, and a murder that has not yet come to pass.

And when a sudden rupture in the fabric of history rips through the lives these travellers have built, breaking both past and future, they must reckon with death foretold, love forsaken, and a secret that will shatter time itself.

Fall through history on a thrilling journey of shattered time, broken futures and a love that can never be erased.

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The Paris Prize

Summary:

In the rugged heart of sheep country, a woman can dream ... From the shearing sheds of the Great Dividing Range to the highlands of Scotland, Maddy Rainforth is on a mission to make the finest Merino wool and turn dust into Dior.

Australian grazier Maddy Rainforth breathes one dream: producing the finest Merino wool the world has ever seen.

But farming in Australia is punishing – Maddy must battle and adapt to devastating drought, bushfires, dust storms and the attitudes of a growing industry ruled by the old ways. Fortunes can be made and lost all on the turn of a season, and Maddy gambles everything she holds dear in pursuit of her greatest passion.

Out of the ashes of the catastrophic years of World War Two, haute couture rises in popularity and European ateliers search the world over for quality fleece and fabric. Soon the prestigious Paris Wool Prize comes knocking, asking for more than Maddy can give. Can she compete on the global stage when the odds are stacked against her?

City Library

An Evening with Fiona McIntosh

Saturday, 24 October 2026 | 6:00pm

Price: $10

City Library

The Mermaid's Recycled Tail with Abi Tucker

Monday, 9 November 2026 | 10:30am

Price: $5

City Library

Chapter Chat!

Thursday, 19 November 2026 | 4:00pm

Price: FREE

Latest news

Fiona McIntosh LIVE at Shellharbour City Library!

Shellharbour City Library is excited to announce that the one, the only, the internationally bestselling author of FORTY ONE NOVELS Fiona McIntosh, has chosen us as the location of the pre-release book launch for her newest novel The Art Lovers!

Explore our digital programs

Did you know your library has a range of online programs, tutorials and resources ready for you to explore any time, day or night? There’s something for everyone in our Digital Programs Hub. Browse the range and learn something new today.

Latest news

All About Gut Health!

We have a feeling that YOU don’t know how good Cookbook Club is!

Cookbook Club isn’t simply sitting around a table talking about how good recipes are, it’s about whipping around our kitchen with nutritionist-by-day, head-chef-of-the-library-by-night, Emily Gardem

Sea of Tranquility

Ten Days that Shook the World

Innamorata

Recommended by
Lisa
Team Leader Library Experience

This is the sixth book from Canadian author Emily St John Mandel, written during the Covid Pandemic and explores simulation theory and time travel.

The story goes back and forward through time, Mirella, Edwin, Olive and Gaspery-Jacques all experience what they think is an hallucination – a dark forest, a violin and other sounds they don’t recognise.

This is speculative fiction at its best, an intriguing read with reflections on the Covid past and the future world.

Recommended by
Ben
Library Assistant

Brilliantly captures the drama of the October Revolution from the perspective of a sympathetic journalist from the USA. 

It is well-written, highly engaging, often exciting, full of interesting stories, and very effectively gives the reader some sense of what it would been like to be around for the Revolution.

Recommended by
Sienna
Digital Experience Officer

Innamorata is a dark gothic fantasy that weaves together political intrigue and a hauntingly romantic atmosphere. Ava Reid’s writing is beautifully immersive, creating a world that feels both eerie and enchanting, with characters whose desires and loyalties are constantly at odds. Perfect for readers who enjoy gothic fiction, morally grey characters, and stories where love and power come at a cost.

Ava Reid has a talent for introducing classic elements of gothic literature, and settings that feel old and long dead, into her novel, She is one of my favourite authors, in particular because of how strongly her imagery comes through and leave you feeling as if you’re a part of the story.

Must reads

'Jaws' by Peter Benchley

Recommended by
Michael
Team Leader Library Resources

I actually really enjoyed reading Jaws. Even though I knew the storyline (having watched the movie several times), the book still managed to keep me hooked from start to finish!

I feel Peter Benchley creates a real sense of tension and unease, making the shark feel like an ever-present threat beneath the waters surface. I also believe the book provided more depth about the characters and the relationships between them.

Overall, it’s a gripping thriller and another reminder why I don’t venture into the ocean… ever!

759

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Items borrowed

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Fiona McIntosh

Blood Pact

Mel Robbins

The Let Them Theory

Secret Link

Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Warrigal Care to deliver Gather and Grow, an intergenerational program aimed at forming meaningful connections between young people and seniors in the community through songs, games, reading, and crafts. 

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with UOW on a range of Paint Shellharbour REaD initiatives. Paint Shellharbour REaD is part of the Paint the Town REaD network, dedicated to promoting early childhood literacy. 

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with The Man Walk to deliver the Tall Tales program. This program aims to make connections with local, social, hobby and information organisations who appeal to male audiences and bring them into our library programs space. 

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Smith Family to promote early childhood literacy through the Paint Shellharbour REaD initiative. Paint Shellharbour REaD organises reading days and kids events throughout the year dedicated to fostering a love of reading. 

QBD

Shellharbour City Libraries have worked with QBD Shellharbour as the preferred bookseller at all of our Author Talk events. 

The Good Things Foundation are a future-focused digital inclusion leaders, advocating, partnering, educating and innovating to ensure no one is left behind in the digital world. The Good Things Foundation have partnered with Shellharbour City Libraries to facilitate Digital Skills sessions from Sptember 2025.

Shellharbour City Libraries collaborates with Paint the Gong REaD in conjunction with the Paint the Town REaD network. This partnership promotes early childhood literacy across the Illawarra through multiple reading events and activities. 

Shellharbour City Libraries has partnered with NSW Health to facilitate Independent Living Skills sessions aimed at teaching foster children health and wellbeing skills, in collaboration with the William Campbell Foundation.

The Multicultural Communities Council Illawarra attends Warilla library to utilise the 2528 community room. This is used for exercise and light physio sessions with senior community members.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Living Connected to offer drop-in Tech Help sessions to our customers at Warilla and City Libraries. These short one-on-one sessions are designed to assist customers in their digital skills development. 

Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Legal Aid NSW to bring free community talks across our branches discussing a range of legal topics and how people can access help and resources as a part of the Libraries Law Week celebration.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Kiama Community College to deliver Tech Savvy Seniors sessions at our libraries. Tech Savvy Seniors is a NSW Government and Telstra partnership coordinated by the State Library of NSW. The program aims to teach seniors digital skills and knowledge.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Junior Einsteins to deliver Gather and Grow, an intergenerational program aimed at forming meaningful connections between young people and seniors in the community through songs, games, reading, and crafts. 

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Judi Sandilands-Cincotta to bring Ollie and Shiko the therapy dogs to a range of children’s and youth programs. These programs aim to promote positive mental health and social connection.

The Sewing Collective is a vibrant and inclusive community hub where sewists of all levels come together to create. The Sewing Collective facilitates several sewing programs at City Library every month.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with HARS to deliver the Tall Tales program. This program aims to make connections with local social, hobby and information organisations who appeal to male audiences and bring them into our library program space. 

Shellharbour City Libraries organises Sensory Experiences with Greenacres Disability Services at Warilla Library.

Barrmarrany is an Aboriginal family-owned business based in the Illawarra region of the lands of the Dharawal people. They offer programs and workshops to various people and services seeking authentic and unique Indigenous experiences, including educational programs, cultural performances and authentic Indigenous experiences.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Ed U Play to facilitate programs and activities that bring young people together. These programs support social and emotional wellbeing amongst youth. The libraries support the Girls Only Project which aims to provide young women with knowledge of and access to positive activities in their own communities. Ed U Play are funded by the Communities for Children Program.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Bunnings to deliver free monthly Craft Workshops at City Library. In these sessions, experts from Bunnings teach our customers a range of crafting skills. These workshops include, Kokedama Balls, Painting Art Canvas and much more!

Afford provides disability services and community connection for people living with disability. Afford in partnership with Shellharbour City Libraries runs monthly craft sessions for disability groups, covering a range of craft themes.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Barnardos to promote early childhood literacy through the Paint Shellharbour REaD initiative. Paint Shellharbour REaD organises reading days and kids events throughout the year dedicated to fostering a love of reading.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Aruma Disability Services to deliver Library Links. Library Links is a program that aims to invite disability services groups into their local branches to utilise craft and puzzle kits as well as getting to know our collections. Aruma is the first group at the Warilla branch and comes monthly to utilise space, kits and collections with their joined organisation library card.

Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Warrigal Care to deliver Gather and Grow, an intergenerational program aimed at forming meaningful connections between young people and seniors in the community through songs, games, reading and crafts. 

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with the William Campbell Foundation to deliver the Independent Living Skills Program. This program involves teaching foster children integral health and wellbeing skills and knowledge. Additionally, the City Library hosts WCF’s fortnightly Homework Club.

Sydney Writers Festival

Every year, Shellharbour City Libraries partners with the Sydney Writers Festival to deliver author panel livestreams and local events as part of the festival’s Live and Local programming. 

Paint the town read

Shellharbour City Libraries leads Paint Shellharbour REaD, which is part of the Paint the Town REaD network. This initiative aims to promote early childhood literacy by connecting local early childhood education stakeholders and providers and collaborating with them to deliver reading events and activities. 

Little Zaks Bee connected

Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Little Zaks Academy to an intergenerational program aimed at forming meaningful connections between young people and seniors in the community through songs, games, reading and crafts. 

Frasers Property

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Frasers Property Australia to deliver Toddler Tales, a weekly childhood reading program, at The Waterfront Shell Cove. The libraries have also partnered with Frasers Property Australia to deliver a term of Tech Savvy Seniors at Shell Cove.

Frasers Property

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Frasers Property Australia to deliver Toddler Tales, a monthly childhood reading program, at The Waterfront Shell Cove. 

Paint Shellharbour REaD

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Big Fat Smile to deliver Transition to School programs to prepare pre-schoolers for their move into primary school. Big Fat Smile is also a part of the Paint Shellharbour REaD initiative, which organises events that promote early childhood literacy.