Lifelong learning

Bruce–Finding His Voice Through Conversation Café

Bruce’s English language journey has been a challenging one—but thanks to Preston Library’s Conversation Café, it’s also been a rewarding and hopeful experience.

“Before studying at the library, I couldn’t understand even one sentence,” he says. “Now, I can talk to local people.”

Originally from China, Bruce struggled with remembering words and forming sentences in English. “It was immensely difficult,” he explains. “I often forget, so I need more practice.” That’s exactly what the library has provided: a welcoming space to listen, speak, and grow in confidence.

At Conversation Café, Bruce practices English with others who are also learning, alongside friendly locals and volunteers.

“Libraries provide these opportunities, especially for Chinese people who live here a long time but still can’t speak English because they don’t look for ways to practice.”

Learning in a group has made a big difference. “More conversation and talking with local people helps me remember,” he says. He now hopes the library will offer even more chances to improve. His advice to others? “Keep learning.”

For Bruce, Preston Library is more than a place to borrow books—it’s where he found his voice, built confidence, and discovered the power of learning together.

Conrad—An Artist Expanding His Reach Through Lifelong Learning

Conrad is a respected artist and designer who has exhibited in the UK, Greece, India (as a recipient of the British Council Commonwealth Scholarship) and Australia. For him, painting is both a passion and a lifelong pursuit—one that only deepens in complexity and meaning with time. But in today’s world, being a successful artist means more than just creating the work; it means finding ways to share it. 

“Self-promotion is incredibly important nowadays. People aren’t going to help you much. So you have to be incredibly independent, and you just have to learn the digital skills.”

That’s where the library has played a vital role.

With the support of library staff and in programs like Device Advice, Conrad began learning new skills: creating posters, managing emails, building a website, and most recently, navigating Instagram. These steps have allowed him to reach a wider audience and take control of how his art is seen and shared.

The library has become more than just a place to exhibit—it’s a calm, welcoming environment where Conrad has been able to grow as an artist and as a learner. When asked what is the most challenging aspect about learning something new, Conrad replies: 

“The most difficult issue is getting started and not being frightened of the complications.”

Greek Seniors Digital Literacy Program—Learning Together in Language 

Every week at Reservoir Library, a group of Greek seniors gathers for a computer basics class run by Pronia and Darebin Libraries. Taught in Greek, the class removes language barriers that might otherwise prevent participation. 

“The language barrier can be a challenge,” one learner shares, “but it’s no obstacle—because it’s in our language.”

What began as a daunting journey into unfamiliar digital territory has become a joyful social experience. Under the patient guidance of their tutor, Anestis, learners support each other through the basics—sending photos, reading online newspapers from Greece, listening to church music, and even planning travel back home.

“We learn how to send photos to our kids... we learn how to travel when we go home.” 

Participants proudly share achievements like learning the Australian national anthem or simply feeling confident using an iPad on their own.

For many, the best part is the sense of connection—both to the digital world and to one another. “Never stop learning,” they say. “Never let an opportunity go to waste, and it’s never too late.”

Through community, culture, and curiosity, this group proves that digital literacy isn’t just about technology—it’s about opening up the world together.

Lois—Listening and Learning

Lois has always loved talking books. As a long-time Preston Library member, she regularly borrowed audiobooks on CD, enjoying the comfort of listening at home. When she realised her CD player couldn’t handle MP3 discs, she mentioned it to staff—who quickly arranged help through the Darebin Home Library Service.

That support opened new doors. Lois was introduced to a Daisy Player, specially designed for ease of use, and later received regular home visits. With help from friendly library staff, she learned to use an iPad, giving her access to Borrow Box and Libby—digital library apps that let her listen to audiobooks and read eBooks any time she likes.

While the trial of the Envoy device wasn’t quite the right fit, Lois didn’t let it discourage her. 

“I try my best to do it myself, and when I can’t, I ask for help,” she says.

From physical CDs to Daisy Players, iPads, and soon Kanopy on her TV, Lois continues to discover new ways to enjoy her favourite library resources—all from the comfort of home.

Her love of listening, paired with ongoing support from the library team, has turned technology into a tool for joy, independence, and lifelong learning.

Manikya and Aneisha—Learning as a Family

Darebin Libraries:

What have you learned through the library and what are you currently learning?

Manikya: 

Her time here has helped expand her vocabulary; this story time session is not only highly educational but also enjoyable for her. She loves coming to the library, and it has helped her learn the routine, knowing that every Tuesday is library day! Aneisha memorises everything she learns, including the songs, and she teaches them to her sisters at home, which is crucial for her development. For me, coming to the library is a break from the routine, allowing me to spend quality time with my child and just be myself.

I brought my second daughter to these sessions when we moved here 11 years ago, so when we had Aneisha, I knew we had to bring her as well. The library provides a wide range of resources that many people are unaware of; in fact, it truly has everything educational one could need! You make friends and build a community—it’s wonderful.

Darebin Libraries:

What do you want to learn next?

Aneisha:

More stories and books.

Megan—Learning Together at Chess Club

Megan began attending chess sessions at the Preston Library to support her son, who was eager to learn the game. At first, she just sat nearby, listening in to the rules and basic strategies. Megan has always loved board games, but chess felt intimidating—too complex, and not something she had the time to learn.

After a few visits, though, things began to click. She found herself picking up the rules just by listening. One day, a child from the group invited her to join a game. Slightly nervous but encouraged by the friendly environment, she gave it a go—and really enjoyed it. Since then, she’s been learning alongside her son, practicing moves at home and exploring beginner strategies.

What Megan appreciates most is the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of the library. There’s no pressure to perform, and learners of all ages and skill levels are supported. The sessions are run by knowledgeable, passionate volunteers who make everyone feel included.

She also values that it’s free, community-run, and filled with familiar faces from the local school.

“I’m learning too, and I always wanted to know how to play chess.”

S.W. Book Club—Learning through Connection

The S.W. Book club has seen many members and read hundreds of books in the 17 years they’ve been meeting at the Preston Library. When the libraries were closed due to the Pandemic, the group continued to meet on Zoom and later at member’s houses. 

“The library would deliver the books and we would pick them up from the doorstep. It was a good way of maintaining connection over Covid. Libraries help people connect to their communities.”

The members also connect over reading the same book at the same time “It’s like the days when we would all watch the same tv show and talk about it all week.”

“Being in a book club gives you a chance to build friendships with people of different ages and interests that you might otherwise not have met and to read outside your comfort zone, try new genres. It has also introduced us to the different ways you can access books through the library.” 

While one member of the group only reads electronically – “I can change the font size and I don’t have to hold a heavy book”, another says “These days I can’t just sit still and read, I use an audiobook and get a different experience of the book”. 

Alphington Community Centre offers a wide range of craft classes including Men in the shed and Women in the shed sessions. Other groups include gardening, travel photography, book clubs and history. During COVID 19 they have been making masks with the Country Women’s Association.

Phone: 03 9499 7227
Email: info@alphingtoncommunitycentre.org.au

Bridge Darebin (Preston Neighbourhood House Inc.) is an innovative, not-for-profit community organisation based in Preston and Thornbury.

Their training is focused on getting job-ready, office technology and computer courses, small business beginner courses, arts and wellbeing and learning English.

Phone: 03 9484 5806
Email: connect@bridgedarebin.org.au

Bundoora Homestead Art Centre is a public art gallery and the home of visual arts in Darebin, built on lands of the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung people.  

Phone: 03 9496 1060

Email: bundoorahomestead@darebin.vic.gov.au

Get Active in Darebin is a free community-based exercise program aimed at increasing the physical activity and wellbeing levels of Darebin residents. 

the Intercultural Centre City of Darebin is a place where people cultivate mutual respect for each other's cultures and identities and can equally participate in civic and community life through conversations, programs, activities and events. 

Phone: 03 8470 8440

Email: intercultural@darebin.vic.gov.au

The Islamic Museum of Australia is a not-for-profit foundation founded in May 2010 with the purpose of establishing the first Islamic Museum in Australia. It is the first centre of its kind in Australia and showcases a diverse range of Islamic arts including architecture, calligraphy, paintings, glass, ceramics and textiles. 

Phone: 1300 915 171

Email: admin@islamicmuseum.org.au

Jika Jika Community Centre hold many wellbeing sessions with a range of Yoga styles, Tai Chi and Pilates. They also off cultural music, dance, craft and choir sessions. Jika Jika have a range of basic computer classes.

Phone: 03 9482 5100

NDIS Registered Disability Support in Bundoora and Bendigo delivers both accredited training and a variety of group-based activities as well as one-to-one support to people 18 years and over with an intellectual disability. Established in 1998, Latrobe Lifeskills is a Registered Training Organisation and registered NDIS provider. 

Phone: 03 9479 1474

Email: info@lifeskills.vic.edu.au

La Trobe University is a Victorian university with its main campus in Bundoora. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as short courses, microcredentials and professional development programs. Study areas include health, education, business, arts, science and technology, with options for online and on-campus learning.

Phone: 1300 135 045
Other ways to contact La Trobe University

Melbourne Polytechnic offers over 170 courses from VET courses, Higher Education degrees and short courses. Programs focus on practical skills and hands-on experience, offering students personalised pathways, flexible study options and learning support.  

Phone: 1300 635 276

Email: info@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au

Activities for older adults City of Darebin helps connect you with groups, clubs, community centres and activities that meet your needs, interests and culture. 

Phone: 03 8470 8063

PRACE (Preston Reservoir Adult Community Education) is a registered not-for-profit charitable organisation committed to meeting the language, literacy and numeracy, vocational training and further education needs of the local community.

Their vocational training courses are in areas such as barista work, bookkeeping (MYOB), carpentry and commercial cleaning. PRACE also runs a number of youth programs and is registered as an independent school PRACE College.

Phone: 03 9462 6077
Email: office@prace.vic.edu.au

Reservoir Neighbourhood House offer craft classes, computer classes and a community garden. They have a Japanese playgroup and offer the “wonder learn” program for Pre-school children. During COVID 19 they offer trivia sessions, creative writing, story time videos by community members, free IT support. They offer a food relief support service.

Phone: 03 9462 4611

SPAN Community House holds many creative activities such as “Art for all abilities” and the Thornbury writers’ workshop.

They teach Microsoft Office, online buying and selling, cooking, preserving and horticulture. They also have a range of exercise sessions including Pilates and Tai Chi.

Phone: 03 9480 1364
Email: info@spanhouse.org

Speaking Made Easy Public Speaking Classes are full of fun and friendship while members and visitors gain confidence through learning and practicing speaking skills. Many women have used their Speaking Made Easy skills to gain new employment, enjoy educational opportunities, join community organisations and speak at various social and community functions. 

Email: vic.membership@speakingmadeeasy.com.au

Social Support Groups and Activities provided by Your Community Health offer a welcoming environment in which to make friends, have fun, learn a new skill and be entertained. Activities include cultural and activity-specific groups, craft and games, outings and day trips, gentle exercise and movement to music, and much more!

Phone: 03 8470 1111

Preston Skills and Jobs Centre work alongside local industry and communities to provide expert advice and assistance on training and employment opportunities. 

Phone: 1300 635 276