Spotlight on Libraries: October 2026
Feel like you're rushing from one task to another without a moment's rest? This is your cue to stop, breathe, and take some time for yourself.
Life gets busy and it's easy to forget about your mental health. But we're encouraging you to take the opportunity in October to reconnect, reset, and revitalise through our libraries.
Looking after your mental wellbeing is different for everyone. With our range of free digital resources, books, games and events you can find something to boost your mood and connect with yourself and others. Why not try healing nature sounds, art therapy or tai chi chuan to calm your mind?
Jump to: Heritage| Books & Magazines | Events, Programs & Clubs | Campaigns | Movies & Shows
Music & Games
Healing Rain – Soothing Nature Sounds, Nature Sounds Therapy
Journey into nature's embrace, featuring high-quality, soothing rain sounds blended with 432 Hz and 528 Hz healing music designed to help you to unwind with ease. Log in to Hoopla with your library card to access this gem.
Mastermind
Put your thinking to the test with Mastermind: a classic code-cracking game of logic, strategy and deduction that keeps your mind engaged.
Heritage
Report on the South Perth Community Centre Association (1946)
Summarises the formation and early achievements of the Association, a case study in community based collective action.
South Perth Community Centre report
Books & Magazines
Audiobook (eBook)
Eight Million Ways to Happiness, Hiroko Yoda
This book demonstrates how Japan's approach to spirituality helps kindle gratitude and connection. Discover practical insights on how to spark joy, find balance, and discover what truly matters. Log into Libby with your library card to listen today.
Eight Million Ways to Happiness
Magazine
MiNDFOOD
Discover MiNDFOOD Magazine for thoughtful stories, inspiring ideas and engaging perspectives spanning health, culture, style, travel, food and everyday wellbeing.
eBook
Small Steps for Big Change, Patrick Regan
Drawing on his own experience of burnout and recovery, this award-winning author, activist and charity founder invites you to take small, practical steps that lead to lasting transformation. Log into BorrowBox using your library card to grab this title.
New book release
Art therapy for the every day: 365 tools & exercises to help you create, heal & grow, Nadia Fernanda Paredes Guapo
This book offers simple, transformative exercises backed by psychology to help you reconnect with yourself, ease anxiety and feel more grounded in just a few minutes a day.
Adult fiction
It will come back to you, Sigrid Nunez
From an inappropriate teenage crush to a therapist's second chance at love, Nunez showcases her dry humour and insight in this collection of short stories, all while exploring the philosophical questions that arise from ordinary life.
Children's book
Nature Knows, Yvette Farmer
This beautifully illustrated children’s book journeys into nature, discovering how wild spaces can calm busy minds, nurture our wellbeing and bring us home to ourselves.
Events, Programs & Clubs
Events
Uncover the Facts: Hearing Wellness
FREE | Thurs 29 Oct 10am-11:30am, Manning Library
Learn about hearing health, communication strategies, hearing loss awareness and the support services available to you in this informative session hosted by Audika. You can also have a free hearing screening and see how well your ears are hearing.
Popcorn and Pictures at the Library - Wildboy: Ten Years of Adventure Therapy
FREE | Thurs 22 Oct 10am-12pm, South Perth Library
Brando, a young man with ADHD, embarks on extraordinary adventures to find his purpose. More than just an adventure film, Wildboy is a deep reflection on mental health, identity, and the search for meaning in the modern world.
Real or Fake? Spotting Scams and Staying Safe Online
FREE | Tues 20 Oct 9am-10:30am, Manning Community Hall
It's not easy to know what's real online nowadays, but don't worry, you're not alone. Join this friendly, easy-to-follow session with Dr Eunice Sari to learn to spot tricks, avoid being caught, and feel safe online. No tech know-how required - just bring your questions.
Programs
Early Childhood Program
FREE | Tues - Fri, various times | Manning and South Perth libraries
Try our popular drop-in sessions for age groups under 5 years old to keep the little ones entertained while developing early language and literacy skills. Sessions include Story Time, Play Time and Rhyme Time.
School Holiday Program
FREE | 26 Sept - 9 Oct, various times | Manning and South Perth libraries
There's plenty of fun to be had this holiday season, including our Wheely Safe Adventure puppet show, Crafternoon activities, and LEGO day competition!
Campaigns
Public Library Outcomes Survey
Take a quick 10-minute survey to help improve programs, spaces and services at libraries across WA. Complete the survey to go in the draw to win 1 of 10 $100 vouchers.
Movies & Shows
My Year of Living Mindfully (2020)
In the midst of a global mental health crisis, millions have turned to mindfulness. But does it actually work? In a world-first experiment, mindful meditation is put to the test. Log into Kanopy using your library card to watch this title.
Tai Chi Chuan (2013)
Harmonise your mind-body connection and discover inner calm through the flowing movements of Tai Chi Chuan.
Visit our Libraries page for more information, resources and upcoming events. You can also subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter mySnapshot.
Media contact
- Phone 9474 0777
- Email media@southperth.wa.gov.au
