Welcome to Central West Libraries
Our Libraries at Blayney, Canowindra, Cowra, Forbes, Manildra, Molong and Orange are welcoming spaces for everyone. Come and see us for all your reading, watching and listening enjoyment as well as access to research, databases, newspapers, free WiFi, family literacy programs, school holiday activities, author events and more…
Please enjoy all our online activities – Story Box Hub, author talks, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines through Borrowbox, Indyreads, Libby and Hoopla, and stream movies: Kanopy Kids, Kanopy and Beamafilm. Access these services on your own device anywhere anytime using your CWL Membership Card. If you need assistance with your membership, please call us on 6393 8132.
Central West Libraries News
Central West Libraries is a regional library service with branches at Blayney, Canowindra, Cowra, Forbes, Manildra, Molong and Orange.
We are social!
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and Subscribe to our CWL Newsletter.
CWL Library Survey Now Open
Our Library survey is now open!!! Please share your thoughts to help shape the future of your local library.
Your feedback will directly influence the programs, resources, and collections offered at our libraries – Blayney, Canowindra, Cowra, Forbes, Manildra, Molong and Orange – and ensure they reflect the needs and interests of the community. Best of all, the survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
Please click the Survey link here to participate and provide your thoughts and suggestions. Every response plays a vital role in enhancing the library experience and creating as welcoming space for all.
Paper copies of the surveys will also be available in your local library.
We appreciate every response that will help us provide the services each community needs. Thank you.
2024 Banjo Paterson Writing Award Winners
The 2024 Banjo Paterson Writing Awards winners announced at the Orange Readers and Writers Festival are:
Kim is presented with her prize by Orange Deputy Mayor Gerald Power
Short Story: Kim Ulrick, South Coast NSW, for Shame the Stars.
David Judge is awarded his prize from Orange City Librarian Sean Brady
Contemporary Poetry: David Judge, Bendigo VIC, for Extracted or Polluted or Extinct.
ABC Radio Children’s Award First Prize: Sophie Wisdom, Perth WA, for All or Nothing.
Lucinda was presented with her prize at the Orange Readers and Writers Festival
Second Prize: Lucinda from Orange for her story Artistic Limitations
Third Prize: Mikayla from Jerilderie for her poem Anxiety.
Previous winning entries can be found at Central West Libraries’ online resource Recollect https://centralwest.recollect.net.au/ for inspiration.
The awards are supported by Orange City Council, ABC Central West, and the Central Western Daily newspaper. The next call for entries will be on the anniversary of Banjo Paterson’s birthday 17 February 2025 and winners will be announced at the Orange Readers and Writers Festival to be held on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 August 2025 at the Hotel Canobolas.
Book in for all our events and programs listed on eventbrite.com.au here or call your local library. See you soon!
Family Literacy Programs Return for School Term 4
Our free family literacy programs return for School Term 4 in October 2024. We have lots of fun and children and carers are invited. If you have any enquiries please call the Library you wish to attend.
Book in for all our events and programs listed on eventbrite.com.au here or call your local library. See you soon! We look forward to seeing you!
Storytimes –
Blayney: Now held each and every Thursday at 11am during School Term.
Canowindra: Fun and engaging storytimes are held each and every Thursday at 10.30am. *Please note the later starting time to allow our Librarian time to set up for you.
Cowra: Join in Storytimes on Mondays at 10am
Forbes: Birth to Kinder Rhyme Time Fridays 10.30am
Molong: Now held on 1st and 3rd Friday of the month 11.15am – 12 noon during school term
Orange: Enjoy stories and craft on Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays 11am
Ten Minutes A Day – Orange: Mondays at 11am and Thursday at 9.30am
*Please Note*: 1,2 Books at Cowra is now Rhyme Time
Cowra Rhyme Time: Wednesdays 10am
1,2 Books
Orange: Mondays and Tuesdays 10.15am – 10.45am
Music For Little Ears – Orange: Wednesday at 10am – 10.20am, and Fridays 10.30am – 10.50am.
Code Club – Orange: Thursdays 4.30pm – 5.30pm
Lego Club –
Blayney: Tuesdays 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Molong: Last Friday of the month 3.45pm – 4.45pm
Orange: Mondays 4pm – 5pm
Inklings Book Club – Orange: 2nd Monday of the month 4pm – 5pm
Make/Do Teen Meet Up – Orange: Tuesdays 4pm – 5pm
Chess Club – Orange: Fridays 4pm – 5pm
Homework Help – Blayney Library: after school
Canowindra Library has moved
Canowindra Library has relocated to the Freemasons Hall (Masonic Lodge) at 39 Blatchford Street, Canowindra while renovations take place at the Gaskill Street address.
We look forward to welcoming you to the new space. See you soon!
New Molong Library Officially Open
Come and visit the recently completed Cabonne Community Centre – home to the new Molong Library at 98 Bank Street.
We can’t wait to show you this community space!! It looks fantastic!!!
Cowra Library has re-opened to the community after refurbishment and trials Extended Hours
Cowra Library space has been transformed with new murals, flooring, carpets, painting and shelving. You are invited to come and see the lovely welcoming space. There is something for everyone. And come and visit during our extended hours: Monday – Friday 9.30am – 6pm and Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm. See you soon!
Cowra Library has installed a Book Locker providing 24 hours collect and return service, seven days a week to the Cowra community. It is a first for the Central West Libraries service.
Funded by the State Library’s Public Library Infrastructure Grant program, the 24/7 Book Locker adds to the Library’s technical resources. It is the final item as part of the recent Cowra Library transformation to create a modern welcoming community space.
When reserving items choose “Cowra Locker” as the pick-up location. You will be notified when the item is ready for collection from the book locker, touch the screen, enter their Library Membership Card Number and the respective locker opens and they collect your item.
If you have any questions, please contact Cowra Library on 6340 2180.
***
Recollect Central West
A digital space to capture and share history, heritage and stories of Central West NSW.
The CWL app is live!
Download the new Central West Libraries app to streamline your library experience.
Available on your phone or tablet, the app brings the library to you!
Download now by searching for Central West Libraries in your app provider, or visit one of our branches, call on 6393 8132 or email us at [email protected]