Bathurst Library

From the archive… Today is World Smile Day
And it sure is hard to find a smile in our local history photos. Here are two contenders: Hayes, Ethel [1907] and Howells baby [1916]. Ethel is definitely smiling because we can see her teeth. What do you think: is the Howells’ baby smiling or is it just gas?
Why don’t older photos have smiling faces? One possibility was that people didn’t want to show bad teeth. Another common explanation was that it took a long time to take a picture, although by the early 1900s exposure times were much quicker. A more widely held belief is that photography took guidance from the portrait art of earlier centuries where grins were considered uncouth. So studio photographers would create formal photographs, directing clients into staid expressions. You can read more in this 'Time' article https://time.com/4568032/smile-serious-old-photos

Don't forget double demerit points are in place this long weekend 🚗⚠️

Take care on the roads and the safest option is not to If you are drinking and would like to know how much alcohol is in your drink, visit the 'Know Your Standard Drinks Guide' https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/drug-info/alcohol/standard-drinks or drop in to Bathurst Libraryand pick up a wallet-size 'Know Your Standard Drinks' guide to keep handy wherever you go.

Plan ahead, stay safe and enjoy the long weekend responsibly.

In Conversation – Sally Piper
Wednesday, 21 October 2026 | 06:00 PM
Bookings: 6333 6281

Join Sally for a conversation on her powerful new book People Like Us, that celebrates the power of female friendships and the promise of new beginnings found in unexpected places.

About the book
After losing her family home in a bitter divorce, Tina Lamb finds herself starting over in a caravan on the city’s fringes. When she takes a job caring for the wealthy and formidable Mrs Bell, an unlikely friendship develops. As the two women navigate life, independence and insecurity, they discover that financial security is about far more than money.

About Sally
Sally Piper is the author of four novels: Grace’s Table (2014); The Geography of Friendship (2018), which was shortlisted for the ABIA Small Publishers’ Adult Book of the Year; and Bone Memories (2022), a finalist in the Queensland Literary Awards for a Work of State Significance and the People’s Choice Book of the Year Award, and longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award and a Davitt Award. Her latest novel is People Like Us (2026).

Copies of the book will be available for purchase on the night.

BooksPlus Bathurst Sally Piper - Writer

From scales to fur, our library transformed into an animal adventure with Me & Zoo 🐍🦎🕷️🐱

Today we met spiders, lizards, snakes and a beautiful Bengal cat while learning all about their unique behaviors, habitats, and adaptations. A memorable experience for animal lovers of all ages!

Did you have a favourite animal from the show? Let us know below 👇

October is Mental Health Month. The relationship between mental health and drug and alcohol use is complex because one can effect the other.

Find out about the relationship between drugs, alcohol and mental health at sl.nsw.gov.au/drug-info/alcohol/mental-health

Me & Zoo @ Bathurst Library for the School Holidays
Book via Humanitix Join us for an interactive live animal presentation.
https://events.humanitix.com/host/bathurst-library

Join us for an interactive live animal presentation.

Find out all about the animals, their habitats, how to stay safe and the best way to care for them.

You will be able to:
🟢ask questions
🔵touch some animals
🟢take your own photos.

Event details:
$5 per child.
For ages 5yrs+ (age limit is firm).

Children must be signed in and out of the program and picked up promptly at the end of the program.

Please let us know if you need to cancel your ticket or use the online cancellation link on your confirmation email.

Way Back Wednesday . . .
A 1911 photo showing a section of All Saints’ Denominational School that was located in Church Street. The Church of England School was often called All Saints Denominational School and later, All Saints Cathedral School.
In the 1880s the playground facing William Street was sold for commercial development and this section of the school was demolished in 1924 to make way for the Walshaw Soldiers’ Hall.

Wow! We had a busy week last week with three special events!

Saturday 19 September we welcomed author's Tess Woods and Lisa Ireland for a special event speaking about Tess's fabulous new book 'The Cairo Bridal Shop'.

On Monday 21 September we were joined by sociologist Cory Alpert in conversation with Jac Underwood and speaking about AI and the impact it has on 'truth'. It was an incredibly fascinating and timely discussion.

And, on Wednesday 23 we were thrilled to welcome author's Sue Williams and James Dunbar for the special History & Mystery author event. Sue spoke about her book 'The Dukes Secret' and James about his brand new crime fiction 'Bloodmoon'.

Keep up to date with all our special events via our email newsletter https://tinyurl.com/mry5ct2f

Thankyou to everyone who came along to the events.