Mentone Public Library

10/03/2026

MENTONE PUBLIC LIBRARY'S NEW BEGINNING
One of Bayside’s oldest and beloved institutions announces a brand new identity and direction: Kingston Writers Centre

As Mentone Public Library celebrates its centenary, it’s time for it to take a new direction as Kingston Writers Centre.
“Ever since 1925, MPL has served the local community as a place where locals can meet authors, learn new writing skills, enter writing competitions and more,” commented newly-elected President Steve Carey. “But its original purpose an independent, volunteer-driven, membership-based lending library has long been overtaken by the superb services provided by Kingston Council’s libraries. And here’s the evidence: last year Mentone Public Library loaned out just nine books!”
The library’s new Committee has voted to rebrand as Kingston Writers Centre, reflecting its service of a much wider community than just Mentone. “We want to encourage, inspire and develop new writers in our community,” says Carey: “Whether you want to write your family history, memories of your own life, a social history, poetry, short stories, fiction… Whatever is in your heart, we can help you get it onto paper!”
Kingston Writers Centre isn’t turning its back on it past, however, pledging to keep all that people love about MPL – the friendly, relaxed, welcome and the volunteer-led, community-based activity. Its mission continues as place where the community can meet authors, celebrate writing, read together and learn new skills.
One sad task remains: it’s time to say goodbye to the books. “We just don’t have the room or the volunteer workforce to maintain a lending library,” says Carey. “We’ll definitely keep books by local authors and books about writing skills and publishing. But otherwise, our members and friends can grab a bargain – and bring us some much-needed funds to deliver all the courses and activities we plan for our community.”
Members of Mentone Public Library, their families and friends will have access to a special sale at 10am on Sunday 22nd March. The public will be able to come and grab their books on Saturday 28th March from 10am. Find out more at https://mentonepubliclibrary.com

10/03/2026

Our new President talks about our new direction as Kingston Writers Centre on radio, interviewd by Leanne Cutler between 9-10am this Friday, 13th March on Ambrosia on 88.3FM.
You can listen to it anywhere on the Southern FM website or Community Radio Plus app. And the show will be podcast from straight after the show for one week. Just go to the program guide on the website, scroll to Friday 9am Ambrosia and hit ‘play’.

https://www.southernfm.com.au

08/11/2025

Do you have an hour or two a week to get yourself some experience in event management while also contributing to your community? You might enjoy volunteering for the library. Come along to our AGM to find out what’s involved or DM us for more details.

02/11/2025

Lovely story about a very similar library to our own. Worth a read.

The Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute has had a reading room for 165 years but today it has just 530 members – and tens of thousands of book lovers are missing out

10/09/2025

Strap yourself in!
True Crime Authors Panel
Presented by Mentone Public Library Writers Centre
Murder, mystery and mayhem at life’s darkest edge!
Featuring best-selling authors Vikki Petraitis (‘The Frankston Murders’), Emily Webb
(‘Angels of Death: Doctors and Nurses Who Kill’), and Kerryn Mayne (‘Lenny Marks
Gets Away With Murder’) discussing some of Australia’s most chilling crime stories.
Not to be missed!
Saturday October 4
11.00 am – 12.15 pm
Mentone Activity Hub, 27 Venice Street, Mentone.
$5.
Bookings are essential.
Go to TryBooking link:

Murder, mystery and mayhem at life’s darkest edge! Featuring writers including ‘The Unthinkable’ podcaster Emily Webb (‘Angels of Death: Doctors...

04/09/2025

Overheard at the library just now: “I read for escapism, pure escapism, and impure escapism.” 😂

06/07/2025

Bit cheesy but here goes… 2pm this Sunday…