It’s Firstival time once again, giving you the chance to try something completely new – all free or at low cost.
This year, Onkaparinga Libraries invite you to warm the winter chills by knitting your first scarf or jazz up your woollies by crafting a unique piece of chaos jewellery.
You can weave your first woven artwork with Aunty Elaine Magias, start that children’s book you’ve been dreaming about, or sculpt a speckled clay trinket. Or why not try Lego for adults? First timers (and Lego aficionados) can rise to the Lego challenges set by the hosts.
If appreciating the creative and generative output of others is more your speed, why not play your first-ever vinyl record on Aldinga library’s new Audio-Technica turntable, hear novelist Holden Sheppard talk about his award-winning books, or start discovering the skeletons and stars of your family tree.
And if it’s all a bit much…relax and heal at your first qigong session, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine.
According to Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were, Firstival – now in its third year – is just one of the wonderful things that libraries offer to the community.
“The days of libraries being just about books are long gone. Libraries are places where everyone, regardless of age or background, can feel welcome and have equal access,” she says.
“Our residents love our libraries. They’re some of our most trusted institutions. That’s why we’re keen to see they’re funded well into the future.”
Onkaparinga’s Firstival starts on Tuesday 1 July and will be held throughout the month of July at various Onkaparinga libraries. It’s part of a month of amazing Firstival events brought to you by libraries across South Australia each July.
Booking for all sessions, free and low cost, is required at Eventbrite.
Firstival 2025 at Onkaparinga
Knit your first scarf
With Aldinga Knitters
Free; adults
10am-12 noon, Tuesday 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 July
Aldinga Library
11 Central Way, Aldinga Beach
Experience your first qigong class
With Churn Chi
Free; adults
6pm-7pm, Tuesday 1 July
Willunga Library
1 High St, Willunga
Bricks & brews
$7.50 (first drink included); adults
5pm-6.30pm, Thursday 3 July
Noarlunga Library
Hannah Rd, Noarlunga Centre
Play your first vinyl
Free; ages 13 plus
5.30pm-6.30pm, Thursday 3 July
Aldinga Library
11 Central Way, Aldinga Beach
Prune your first winter fruit tree
With Amanda Fleming, Willunga Fruit Tree Pruning
Free; all ages
1.30pm-2.30pm, Sunday 13 July
Woodcroft Library
175 Bains Rd, Morphett Vale
Weave your first woven artwork
With Aunty Elaine Magias
$10 (materials included); adults
2.30-4pm, Sunday 13 July
Hub Library
Hub Dve, Aberfoyle Park
Dance at your first toddler disco
Free; preschoolers and friends
10am-11am, 2pm-3pm, Thursday 17 July
Woodcroft Library
175 Bains Rd, Morphett Vale
In conversation with Holden Sheppard
Free; adults
6.30pm-8pm, Friday 18 July
Woodcroft Library
175 Bains Rd, Morphett Vale
Explore your first family tree
Free; adults
10am-11am, Monday 21 July
Hub Library
Hub Dve, Aberfoyle Park
Craft your first chaos jewellery piece
With Calamity Tash
$15 (materials supplied); ages 15 plus
5pm-6.30pm, Thursday 24 July
Noarlunga Library
Hannah Rd, Noarlunga Centre
Write your first children's book
With Katrina Germein
Free; adults
5.30pm-6.30pm, Thursday 24 July
Hub Library
Hub Dve, Aberfoyle Park
Shape your first speckled clay trinket
$5 (materials supplied); adults
6pm-7.30pm, Thursday 31 July
Seaford Library
Grand Boulevard, Seaford