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The Long and Winding Road

Summary:

One of the world's bestselling storytellers, Lesley Pearse writes brilliantly about survivors. Why? Because she is one herself . . .

Lesley Pearse didn't publish her first novel until she was 48. Now she has sold over ten million books around the world and is a constant presence on the bestseller chart.

A writer of heart-stopping stories, Lesley's books are filled with heroines struggling to make it in a difficult world.

Yet this description could apply to Lesley herself. In this, her first ever autobiography, she tells of growing up in an orphanage after her mother's death, her racy twenties in London during the swinging sixties and working as a bunny girl and dressmaker.

Packed full of Lesley's signature warmth, wit and poignancy, this is the story of a woman and a writer fighting against the odds to achieve her dreams.

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The Doctor of Hiroshima

Summary:

With what this poor woman had been through the sight of her crying tore at my heartstrings. What if something should happen to her; who would care for her little baby? To conceal the fear and terror in my heart I left her, trying to put up a cheerful front. But no one could conceal from her the ominous import of the dark spots that had appeared on her chest.

The Doctor of Hiroshima

is the extraordinary true story of Dr Michihiko Hachiya, whose hospital was less than a mile from the centre of the atomic bomb that hit on that warm August day. In immense shock and pain, he and his wife Yaeko dragged themselves to the devastated hospital building and what colleagues they could find.

In time, they begin to heal, and start to treat the impossible numbers of patients - a small girl covered in burns, an elderly man with pneumonia, a young boy and his little sister looking for their parents. They also began to investigate the strange unexplainable symptoms afflicting his patients - things he never dreamed he would see...

Told simply and poignantly in Dr Hachiya's own words, The Doctor of Hiroshima is a unique and deeply moving human story of survival about a small, committed band of hospital staff in the face of unthinkable destruction and loss.

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The Promise

Summary:

In rural Victoria, Arnold Dix is known to locals as a farmer and a part-time truck driver. But his name reached global recognition when he played a pivotal role in rescuing forty-one Indian workers trapped after a deadly tunnel collapse. What many don’t know is that Arnold is also a barrister, scientist, engineer – a ‘quirky’ Aussie bloke who proves that extraordinary courage can come from the most unexpected places.

In vivid detail, Arnold recounts the unlikely rescue that transformed him into a global hero. He reflects on the extraordinary challenges he faced, culminating in his unwavering promise: `Forty-one men are coming home alive.’

But his incredible story goes far beyond this one remarkable event.

Arnold’s compassion also led him to assist thousands of migrant workers in Qatar, and his journey took him from surviving politically motivated assassination attempts in Albania to working in the tunnels of Ground Zero after 9/11. His story is one of steadfast courage, filled with themes of adventure, sacrifice and selflessness. It’s a tale that explores what it truly means to defy the odds and challenge the status quo in pursuit of the impossible.

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Cook Ahead

Summary:

Forget the latest gadgets, the humble freezer is the unsung hero of every home kitchen! In Cook Ahead, Justine Schofield shows you how to make the most of yours, saving time and money in the process.

Justine covers everything you need to know about freezing, from organisation, storage and labelling tips to a handy guide on how long to freeze different foods and the essential rules for safe freezing, thawing and reheating.

She also shares 90 recipes for delicious, everyday dishes that can be eaten straight away or stored in the freezer for a later date. As well as easy weeknight meals, there's a chapter on batch cooking, so you can load up your freezer for nights when you don't have time to cook. There are chapters on basic sauces, marinades and side dishes for freezing, so you can whip up delicious meals with a solid head start, and a ready-to-bake chapter, showing you how to pre-prepare scrolls, muffins, pies and more.

Because this is a book for the whole family, Justine includes freezable food for babies and toddlers - everything from their first sweet and savoury purees to kiddie favourites like fish fingers and zucchini slice. And of course you'll find delicious freezable treats, such as sorbets, choc tops and smoothie packs.

This is the ultimate freezer-friendly cookbook for every family budget.

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The Let Them Theory

Summary:

What if the key to happiness, success, and love was as simple as two words?

If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn't you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words-Let Them-will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama, and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. The Let Them Theory puts the power to create a life you love back in your hands-and this book will show you exactly how to do it.

In her latest groundbreaking book, The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins-New York Times Bestselling Author and one of the world's most respected experts on motivation, confidence, and mindset-teaches you how to stop wasting energy on what you can't control and start focusing on what truly matters- YOU. Your happiness. Your goals. Your life.

Using the same no-nonsense, science-backed approach that's made The Mel Robbins Podcast a global sensation, Robbins explains why The Let Them Theory is already loved by millions and how you can apply it in eight key areas of your life to make the biggest impact. Within a few pages, you'll realize how much energy and time you've been wasting trying to control the wrong things-at work, in relationships, and in pursuing your goals-and how this is keeping you from the happiness and success you deserve.

Written as an easy-to-understand guide, Robbins shares relatable stories from her own life, highlights key takeaways, relevant research and introduces you to world-renowned experts in psychology, neuroscience, relationships, happiness, and ancient wisdom who champion The Let Them Theory every step of the way.

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Patriot

Summary:

Patriot is the exhilarating life story of one of the most fearless and inspiring figures of our time, who became a beacon to millions and the sole political threat to Vladimir Putin.

This is Alexei Navalny's life in his own words - his Soviet childhood, political awakening, his marriage and beloved family, his total commitment to taking on a corrupt regime and his enduring love of Russia and its people.

His 2020 poisoning by the Russian security services was a global news event. In 2024, he died in a brutal Siberian prison. He began writing Patriot while recovering from his poisoning; it ends with his prison diaries, seen here for the first time.

We witness the growth of his nationwide support. We see his many arrests and harassment and, in stunning detail, the attempt on his life. We understand why he felt he had to return to Russia. In prison, he shows a spirit and a sense of humour that cannot be crushed.

Patriot is as dramatic as its author's life - passionate that good and freedom will prevail. It is Alexei Navalny's final letter to the world, a rousing call to continue his work, an unforgettably positive account of a life that will inspire every reader.

City Library

Visiting Author: Natasha Lester

Thursday, 3 April 2025 | 6:30pm

Price: $5

City Library

Visiting Author: Ryan Butta

Thursday, 24 April 2025 | 6:00pm

Price: FREE

City Library

Visiting Author: Gina Chick

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 | 6:00PM

Price: $5

Latest news

Farewell Hoopla!

On 28 February 2025 we are saying goodbye to Hoopla…

 

Online craft at the library

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

Stocard is moving to the Klarna!

If you haven’t heard the news… Stocard is moving to the Klarna app – so here’s what you need to know!

The Fourth Wing

The Siege

The Night Circus

Recommended by
Jesse
Library Programs Officer

Fourth wing follows the protagonist Violet Sorrengail through her journey into a war college, where she faces threats from inside, dragons, and beyond the walls of Basgiath.

It’s fast paced, romantic and has many twist and turns. This is a good book for anyone who enjoys fantasy.

Recommended by
Luke
Team Leader Library Programs

I have read many of Ben Macintyre’s spy thrillers and have enjoyed them all. The Siege is no exception.

Ben Macintyre takes you behind the scenes of the thrilling and terrifying story of the Iranian Embassy hostage crisis in London.

The details, knowledge and perspectives of the hostages, the gunmen, the police, the SAS and of the British and Iranian governments is all meticulously laid out for the reader to enjoy.

History lovers will enjoy this one!

 

Recommended by
Matthew
Digital Librarian

‘The Night Circus’ by Erin Morgenstern is a magical story about a black and white circus. Two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, are forced into a magical competition entwined in a budding love story. Slow paced, ‘The Night Circus‘ unfolds in a dreamy, fairy-tale manner that is highly recommended.

Must reads

'When Molly Ate the Stars' by Joyce Hesselberth

Recommended by
Imma
Branch Supervisor –
Albion Park Library

Have you ever tasted the stars?  Surely it wouldn’t hurt to try just one….. Would it? 
This enchanting picture book will enthral readers young and old.
 
A modern fable with a quirky twist that shares timeless truths.
 
How the consequences of our actions affect those around us, how desire is not always what it seems, and how generosity and friendship glow brightest of all.  This gorgeously illustrated picture book features a cool purple and blue palette –  a lovely contrast to the warm, redheaded Molly and her starlit body.

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Fiona McIntosh

Blood Pact

Mel Robbins

The Let Them Theory

Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Warrigal Care to deliver Bee Connected, 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. 

Shellharbour City Libraries sponsors Project Bucephalus in their facilitation of the Shellharbour Robo Club. The club teaches youth to form robotics teams and particulate in the FIRST LEGO League tournament. 

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, Albion Park 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 Bee Connected, 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.

Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Illawarra Legal Centre 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 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.

Shellharbour City Libraries and the Youth Services team partnered with Fitness Cartel Albion Park to deliver a Youth Fitness program at Warilla Library. This program engaged local youth and taught them about health, personal fitness, and respect.

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!

For Library Lovers Day, Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Belladonna Book Club to produce a series of Book Review videos. 

These reviews were released on the Libraries’ Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as on the Belladonna Book Club’s social media channels.

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 Bee Connected, 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 deliver Bee Connected, 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 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.

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.