Cook Shire Libraries

28/08/2026

📖 Book week magic at the Cooktown Library!

The Cooktown Library was filled with stories, costumes, music and plenty of imagination as some of Cooktown's little readers celebrated Children's Book Week.

Children made their own musical shakers, experimented with different musical instruments, and engaged in sensory activities. ✨

To read the whole wrap-up, visit the website.
https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/2026/08/28/cooktown-kids-bring-stories-to-life-for-book-week/

28/08/2026

🌱 LET CREATIVITY GROW THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS! 🎨

Little gardeners and crafty creators are in for two weeks of FREE garden-inspired fun at Cook Shire Libraries!

🌼 Week One: decorate porcelain hanging baskets and mini terracotta pots
🍃 Week Two: create foliage and flower arrangements and nature collages

📍 Sessions at Cooktown, Lakeland and Bloomfield Libraries

There will also be a colouring-in competition throughout the holidays and a Community Collage at the Cooktown Library.

Bookings are required. Adult supervision and assistance is required.

Visit the website for session dates, locations and booking information.
https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/2026/08/25/let-creativity-grow-at-cook-shire-libraries-these-school-holidays/

27/08/2026

Hunt the killer in Candice Fox's latest bestselling crime novel where two cop brothers pursue a murderer while trying to outrun their shared, dangerous past. Read on BorrowBox now!

Penguin Books Australia

Download BorrowBox for free and start listening/reading today!
iOS: https://shorturl.at/PP7Vh
Android: https://shorturl.at/THD75

27/08/2026

“If I’m remembered 100 years from now, I hope it will be not for looks but for books.” — Dolly Parton

Today we remember Dolly Parton, a woman who used her extraordinary platform to help children discover the joy of reading.

In 1995, Dolly founded the Imagination Library, inspired by her father’s inability to read. What began as a local program grew into a global movement, gifting more than 300 million books to children.

Her legacy reminds us of the importance of talking, reading, singing and playing every day. Thank you, Dolly, for helping children around the world fall in love with reading.

26/08/2026

🏴‍☠️ Ahoy, little pirates! Adventure awaits at Pirate Playtime!

Set sail for a FREE morning of pirate stories, songs, music and treasure-filled fun aboard the Musical Ship.

Little buccaneers aged 0–5 years can climb aboard for imaginative play, sea shanties, storytelling and a swashbuckling adventure with other local families. Pirate costumes are welcome—but not required!

📅 Wednesday 16 September
🕥 10.30am – 12.00pm
📍 Musical Ship
💰 FREE

Morning tea will be provided.

Please remember children must be actively supervised by a parent or carer.

https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/2026/07/31/ahoy-mateys-pirate-playtime-is-ready-to-set-sail/

25/08/2026

25/08/2026

🎉SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

The September school holidays are shaping up to be packed with plenty to see, do and try across Cook Shire, with activities for children, young people and families happening throughout the two-week break.

There’s something for all kinds of holiday moods, including:
🎾 FREE tennis clinics with experienced coaches from Baseline Tennis Academy Cairns
🎬 FREE Movie Afternoons at the Cooktown Events Centre
🎭 A four-day drama workshop with Box Jelly Theatre Co.
🏊 Splash N’ Play and FREE Learn to Swim lessons at the Cooktown Swimming Pool
🎨 FREE garden-inspired craft activities at Cook Shire Libraries in Cooktown, Lakeland and Bloomfield

Some activities have limited spaces, require bookings or have associated costs, so it’s a good idea to start planning early and secure places where needed.

👉 Visit the website for the full September School Holiday Program, including dates, times, booking information and more details about each activity.
https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/2026/08/25/whats-on-these-september-school-holidays/

25/08/2026

📚 Indigenous Literacy Day at the Cooktown Library

This Indigenous Literacy Day, families are invited to come together at Cooktown Library for an afternoon celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, languages and cultures.

Enjoy book reading, creative activities, colouring, a free book giveaway and afternoon tea in a relaxed family-friendly setting.

📅 Wednesday 2 September
⏰ 3.00pm–4.30pm
📍 Cooktown Library
Free event

Bring the kids and share in an afternoon of stories, creativity and connection.

https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/event/indigenous-literacy-day-at-the-cooktown-library/

25/08/2026

🎨 Indigenous Literacy Day at Cooktown Library!

There’s plenty happening at Cooktown Library this Indigenous Literacy Day!

Bring the kids along for an afternoon of:
📖 Book reading
🎨 Creative crafts
🖍️ Colouring
📚 A free book giveaway
☕ Afternoon tea

Come along on Wednesday 2 September from 3.00pm–4.30pm and celebrate the voices, languages and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the joy of storytelling.

https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/event/indigenous-literacy-day-at-the-cooktown-library/

25/08/2026

🏴‍☠️ X marks the spot for a morning of pirate fun!

Hoist the sails, gather your little crew and set course for Pirate Playtime, where stories, songs and seaside adventure await aboard the Musical Ship.

Little pirates aged 0–5 years can hunt for treasure, sing along to sea-worthy tunes, enjoy pirate tales and let their imaginations run wild as they climb aboard for a fun-filled First 5 Forever session. It's the perfect chance to play, learn and make new friends along the way.

📅 Wednesday 16 September
🕥 10.30am – 12.00pm
📍 Musical Ship
💰 FREE

Morning tea will be provided.

Please remember children must be actively supervised by a parent or carer.

https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/2026/07/31/ahoy-mateys-pirate-playtime-is-ready-to-set-sail/