Strathfield Library

Due to safety concerns Extended Hours Access is unavailable until further notice. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Join us at the library for Bilingual Preschool Storytime (Ages 3-5) to enjoy songs, stories, and craft activities in both English and Korean!

📅 Monday 1 June
🕗 10.30am start

No bookings required, just show up and join in the fun!

The Bark Huts Gold Hoax
Prospectors by S.T. Gill. Courtesy National Museum of Australia

The Bark Huts settlement on Liverpool Road was briefly famous during April 1852 when gold was ‘discovered’ in the chain of ponds under the bridge over Cooks River. Local butcher, John Smith was reported to have found gold less than 50 yards from the Bark Huts Inn. The report was initially backed by respected Sydney citizens. Gold prospectors and dubious reporters flocked to the site and there was even a suggestion that the Governor-General would visit. Residents prepared a speech of welcome. However the story was quickly labelled a hoax with the only beneficiary being the proprietor of the hotel.

Read more: https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/Council/Local-Studies-Blog/The-Bark-Huts-Gold-Hoax

Council is recognising Reconciliation Week by holding a special Preschool Story Time followed by a Smoking Ceremony at Strathfield Library on Wednesday 3 June 2026. These events are free with everyone in the community invited to attend.

Special Preschool Story Time
(Suitable for children aged 3-5 years and their parents/carers)
📅 Wednesday 3 June
🕗 10.30am start
📍 Strathfield Council Library and Innovation Hub

Smoking Ceremony
📅 Wednesday 3 June
🕗 11.30am start
📍 Outside Strathfield Council Library and Innovation Hub

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Join us for a special Preschool Storytime session to celebrate National Simultaneous Storytime – an annual event in Australia where libraries read the same picture book across the country to promote literacy and the joy of reading!

We will read this year’s book ‘Luna Roo the Kangaroo Footballer’ written by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, illustrated by Jake Minton.

No bookings required, just show up and join in the fun!
📅 Wednesday 27 May
🕗 10:30am – 11:15am
📍 Strathfield Council Library & Innovation Hub

https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/Play/Events-Calendar/National-Simultaneous-Storytime-2026

The Hunter Estate, May 1926
The Hunter Estate, 1926. Courtesy State Library of NSW

The first subdivision of the Hunter Estate was offered at auction on 22 May 1926. These lots fronted Glenarvon and Augusta Streets with another two lots on Yarmouth Road (now Wallis Avenue), Strathfield. Most of the lots on the south side of Glenarvon Street were owned by Mrs Mary Hunter of Vaucluse and this is probably where the name of the estate originated. Some lots had previously been offered for sale in 1923 as the Stratholme Estate. Further subdivision of the Hunter Estate in 1927 offered lots on the south side of Augusta Street, Palmer Avenue and Yarmouth Road.

Read more: https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/Council/Local-Studies-Blog/The-Hunter-Estate-May-1926

Do you know a Cantonese speaking senior looking to build their digital skills? Bookings for Tech Savvy Seniors in Cantonese are now open. Spaces are limited so get in quick!

科技樂耆英 - 粵語班 Tech Savvy Seniors - Cantonese Get Tickets on Humanitix - 科技樂耆英 - 粵語班 Tech Savvy Seniors - Cantonese hosted by Strathfield Council Library & Innovation Hub. Strathfield Council Library & Innovation Hub, 65-67 Rochester St, Homebush NSW 2140, Australia. Tuesday 2nd June 2026. Find event information.

Want to enjoy a chat and a cuppa with fellow local crafters? Come along to our upcoming Cuppas & Craft session - it’s a relaxed, welcoming space to work on your own craft projects, meet new people, and share ideas.

No bookings required, just show up with your own materials and the project that you are working on. All types of craft are welcome.

UPCOMING CUPPA AND CRAFTS SESSION:
📅 Wednesday, 13 May 2026
🕗 1 – 4 pm (drop in whenever suits you!)
📍 Strathfield Council Library and Innovation Hub

Hear from Cathy Jones, Secretary of the Strathfield-Homebush District Historical Society for a free local history talk!

Learn all about the rise of films and cinemas from the late 1910s and the building of many lavish suburban cinemas in Sydney, which became an important social and recreation venue in the mid-20th century.

📅 Sunday 31 May 2026
🕗 2pm - 4pm
📍 Strathfield Council Library and Innovation Hub

This is a Strathfield-Homebush District Historical Society event, with support from Strathfield Council.

Visit our page to secure your spot >> https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/Play/Events-Calendar/Strathfield-History-talk

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Pizza & Ping Pong Drop-In Session for youth last week. Also, shout-out to our Mayor Councillor Benjamin Cai for sharing his table tennis tips with us all!