August is National Family History Month and Penrith Library has arranged a varied programme of activities during the month.

Tickets will be available from Penrith Library from 17th July. All events are free, but bookings are essential due to limited availability for some sessions.

To book a place at any of these activities, call into any branch of Penrith City Library or call (02) 4732 7891.

All activities are located within Penrith Library, 601 High Street, Penrith.

Workshop: Family history research with a local twist
August 2^nd           Wednesday        10:00 – 12:00      PC Training Rm

Using the resources found in the Library, especially the treasures to be discovered in the Research Room, Information Librarian Lorraine Stacker will present a talk on getting started in family history using the internet and Ann-maree Bonner, Research Librarian, will detail some of the wonderful local records that can be used to flesh out your family tree.

Movie Morning: Dad and Dave: On Our Selection
August 18^th         Friday                    10:00 – 12:00      Peter Goodfellow Theatrette

There will be a short talk by Lorraine Stacker, Information Librarian, to introduce this 1995 remake of the Chauvel Classic starring Leo McKern, Dame Joan Sutherland (in her only non-singing role), Geoffrey Rush and a host of well-known Australian actors. The movie will be accompanied by light refreshments.

Guest speaker:  ‘The History behind Who Do You Think You Are?’
August 22^nd         Tuesday               10:00 – 12:00      Peter Goodfellow Theatrette

For the past eight years, Linda Emery has been a member of the research team for the SBS television genealogy program Who Do You Think You Are?, and is about to start work on Series 9. This will be a behind the scenes look at the research work involved in creating the programme. Light refreshments will be provided.

Workshop: Recording Oral Histories
August 24^th         Thursday             10:00 – 12:00      Peter Goodfellow Theatrette

Ever thought about recording your family memories for posterity? Lorraine Stacker, Information Librarian, and Vanessa Stockford, Research Coordinator, will provide some practical tips on creating oral history recordings and preserving them for the future.

Guest Speaker: ‘Jane Austen: Her Life and Works’                                                    
August 29th          Tuesday                1pm – 3pm               Peter Goodfellow Theatrette

2017 marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death at 41. Her six completed novels are well-loved classics and relevant even today. Susannah Fullerton OAM FRS(N), President of the Jane Austen Society of Australia, writer and Jane Austen fan, will talk about Jane, her family and her work. Light refreshments will be provided.