Greater Dandenong Libraries provides programs and resources to support children from 0 to 12 years in their development of skills to encourage literacy, creativity and lifelong learning. These free programs provide the opportunity to explore and are designed to grow with your child from early years to primary school.
For more information see the What's On calendar or contact the Library during opening hours on 1300 630 920.
Subscribe and receive information on local events from Greater Dandenong Libraries each month.
Baby Bounce (0-23 months)
Songs, stories and rhyme time for parents/carers and babies aged 0-23 months. To attend registration is required. See individual event listings for more information and how to register.
- Wednesdays 10.30am-11am at Dandenong Library (during school terms only)
- Fridays 10.30am-11am at Springvale Library (during school terms only)
Toddler Time (2-3 years)
Stories, songs and rhymes for children aged 2-3 years. To attend registration is required. See individual event listings for more information and how to register.
Mondays 10.30am-11am at Springvale and Dandenong Libraries (during school terms only)
Storytimes (3+ years)
Storytelling, songs and craft for children aged 3+ years. To attend registration is required. See individual event listings for more information and how to register.
Thursdays 10.30am-11.15am at Springvale and Dandenong Libraries (during school terms only)
Children's Activities and School Holiday Programs
Fun, educational and creative programs to enhance a child's development happen throughout the year.
- Think Tank - a monthly science program for children aged 7-11 years and their parents
- Code Club - a regular program with a range of coding workshops using technology
- STEAM - an annual festival that celebrates all things Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics
- School Holiday Programs, including the Big Summer Read over the summer school holidays
See individual event listings below for more information and how to register.
Borrow books and online resources
The children's collection provides a wide range of free resources that includes:
Boards books, picturebooks, Begin-to-Read, junior fiction and non-fiction.
Visit the catalogue to browse the collection.
Online resources include:
- eBooks and eAudiobooks: BorrowBox and OverDrive
- StoryBox - picture books read aloud by favourite Australian personalities online
- Unlimited streaming of children’s movies and television shows with Kanopy for Kids
- Educational games and activities: Tumble Book Library, Tumble Maths and Busy Things
- Encyclopedias and databases to support online learning: Britannica and Infobase
- Tutoring for Year 3 and up, available 24/7 with Studiosity
Library members may be required to login with a library card number and PIN to access some resources.
It is free to join the library. For more information view the Library Membership page.
Join the library
It is free to join the library and membership is open to everyone.
For more information view the Library Membership page.
Join a reading program
The library encourages a love for reading and literacy development with reading programs available for children throughout the year. They require registration but are free to join. Contact the library for more information and about how you can join these programs.
1000 Books Before School
1000 Books Before School is a state-wide reading program that encourages parents to share stories with their children from birth to develop literacy skills that will prepare them for reading at school.
Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge
A reading program that encourages those from birth to Year 10 to read a set number of books over the year and record this online.
The library holds many titles on the Premiers’ Reading Challenge booklist in both physical and digital formats. These items be found on the online catalogue. Online books are available through Overdrive: Grades P-2, 3-4, 5-6
Big Summer Read
A popular program run each summer during the school holidays open to all primary school aged children. It aims to promote reading as a fun leisure activity and is combined with a range of activities to do and competitions to enter. The Big Summer Read (formerly Summer Reading Club) is a seasonal program occurring between December and January.
Need reading suggestions
New Titles
Read and Relax Blog
Library staff provide book reviews of children's and Premiers' Reading Challenge titles.
Bookmatch
Have you run out of ideas for books to read? Library staff can create a list of suggestions just for you based on your likes and dislikes. Fill in the online form and a list of 5 items will be emailed to you within 7 working days.
Who next?...a guide to children's authors
Lists children’s authors who write in a similar style, as well as key books and series.
Help with homework and school projects
Homework Help
The library offers:
- assistance finding information for homework tasks
- support accessing eBooks, eAudiobooks, online resources and online programs
- guidance in using technology
Contact the library during opening hours on 1300 630 920 if assistance is required or complete the Homework Help form. A reply will be received within 3 business days.
Peer2Peer
Get homework or assignment help from volunteer tutors in the library. Peer2Peer Homework Club provides learning support to students from Year 6 to Year 12. Students have access to library resources and will also have the opportunity to interact with peers, to assist each other, or to request help from facilitators. During school terms only at Dandenong library.
Studiosity
Students are able to receive help from online tutors during school terms with the library’s Studiosity online resource.
Connect online 24/7 with live experts or receive feedback in writing within 24 hours. Login with your Library card number and pin. Not a member? Join online.
Ask a Librarian
Ask a question about accessing our digital collection. Ask for help finding information for a school project.
Or just not sure what to read next? Ask one of our librarians for assistance.
Complete the Ask a Librarian form with a question and a reply will be received within 3 business days.
Family Literacy Program - Reading Buddies
A special literacy program that provides reading support for primary school aged children and their families.
For more information contact the Library during opening hours on 1300 630 920.
Be Safe Online
Greater Dandenong Libraries is an eSmart accredited service and the library has a selection of resources and information to support cyber safety.
This assists library users with skills for smart, safe and responsible use of technology for children and parents/carers to help children have safe experiences online.
