A first time for everything
Published on 19 June 2023
Try something completely new at Onkaparinga Libraries this July during South Australia's inaugural Firstival.
Puzzle over a Harry Potter-inspired escape room, lovingly tend indoor plants, or get focussed during a photography workshop.
Get creative as a newcomer to lino prints, or a first-timer in a group of crafters.
Plant your own herbal tea garden, blend an aromatic original blend of herbal tea, or brew your first beer.
Onkaparinga's diverse program of nine events and experiences is aimed at complete beginners and features warm, engaging and expert hosts such as local craft brewer Dave Peacock from Snapper Point Brewing, indoor plant guru Markus Hamence, and local photographer Luke Greaves.
This year's Firstival is an inaugural month-long festival launched by Libraries SA that offers more than 300 great firsts around the state.
Held throughout July, the program features more than 350 events across the state’s 130 public libraries.
Helen Walkden, Onkaparinga’s Manager of Libraries and Customer Relations, says libraries are about life-long learning, but that doesn’t have to be about books and daunting study sessions.
“Our Firstival activities are hands-on and definitely made for fun,” she says.
“We invite you to come along and give one of these activities a go, whether it’s something you’ve always wanted to try or a totally new experience.”
Head to council's website for Onkaparinga's Firstival program or visit the LibrariesSA website for the full state program. Bookings are essential for most activities, with costs ranging from free to $15.
Firstival in Onkaparinga
Solve your first Escape Room
The Magical Mystery of Monty Magorian
Noarlunga and Hub Libraries
Six sessions across the month
Ages: 14-plus; free
With local craft brewer Dave Peacock
Aldinga Library
6:30-8:30pm Wednesday 5 July
Ages 18-plus; cost $15
With horticulturalist Markus Hamence
Woodcroft Library
2-3pm, Sunday 9 July
All ages; free
Seaford Library
6-8pm, Thursday 20 July
With photographer Luke Greaves
Ages: 18-plus; cost $10
Noarlunga Library
10am-noon, Saturday 22 July
Ages 15-plus; cost $5
Noarlunga Library
10am-noon, Wednesday 26 July
Ages 15-plus; free
Willunga Library
1:30-3pm Wednesday 26 July
Ages 15-plus; free
With local artist Gail Kellett
Woodcroft Library
10am-noon, Friday 28 July
Ages 18-plus; free