A weekly ESL book club for adults at Lionel Bowen Library in Maroubra. Free graded readers provided and bookings are essential.
Tuesday 27 January 2026
to Tuesday 31 March 2026
12:00pm - 1:00pm
669/673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035, Australia
Free
This friendly English as a Second Language (ESL) book club is designed for adults who want to build confidence reading and discussing books in English. Expect a relaxed, supportive environment where conversation, vocabulary growth and community are the focus — perfect for busy parents looking to keep learning in small, manageable weekly sessions.
Sessions use abridged graded readers and contemporary titles to make reading accessible and enjoyable, with facilitators guiding discussion and language practice. The group atmosphere encourages participation and allows members to practice everyday English used at school events, playground chats and community activities.
Parents will appreciate a predictable weekly slot that fits around school drop offs and pickups, and the opportunity to meet other local learners in Maroubra. This event highlights ESL learning, book club conversation and community connection as practical ways to improve language skills.
The sessions run for one hour with gentle pacing and clear support for language learners, focusing on reading comprehension and spoken English. Facilitators will introduce the text, prompt discussion and model useful phrases and vocabulary for everyday life.
There is no requirement to be an advanced reader; materials are chosen to match a range of levels so participants can feel successful each week. The emphasis is on conversation practice, mutual support and building confidence so parents can use English more easily at school events and in daily life.
The club fosters social connection and language improvement in a calm library setting, encouraging participants to practise outside the session and bring questions about grammar, pronunciation or cultural references to the group.
The program begins on 2026-01-27 and runs weekly on Tuesdays during Term 1 until 2026-03-31, meeting from 12:00 to 13:00. It is part of a yearlong schedule that repeats across school terms, with participants asked to attend most sessions for continuity and progress.
Key term dates and frequency are listed so parents can plan around school holidays and family routines:
- Term 1: 27 January 2026 to 31 March 2026
- Term 2: 21 April 2026 to 30 June 2026
- Term 3: 21 July 2026 to 22 September 2026
- Term 4: 13 October 2026 to 15 December 2026
Participants must be 18 years or older and library membership is required but free. All books are provided and there is no cost to attend, however bookings are essential and limited to one ticket per person to keep groups manageable.
Sessions are held at Lionel Bowen Library, 669-673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra, a short drive or bus ride from local schools and family neighbourhoods. The library is a familiar community venue that is easy to reach for parents juggling school runs and errands.
The library is committed to accessibility and inclusion, and staff will work with participants to support access requirements. If transport or mobility support is needed, contact the library in advance so arrangements can be discussed.
Arrive about 10 minutes early to register and collect materials so the session can begin promptly at 12:00. The location and friendly staff make it simple to combine this learning activity with other family routines in Randwick and Maroubra.
Bookings are made through Eventbrite and registration opens on 2026-01-13 at 09:30, however you only need to register once to attend across the year until 2026-12-15. Please cancel your ticket if you can no longer attend so another parent can take the place.
By registering you agree to the library terms and conditions, including Covid safe measures and the possibility of digital recording for promotion. Latecomers may not be admitted to preserve the session flow and the comfort of all participants.
The program requires participants to be library members and to commit to attending most weekly discussions for continuity. If you have access needs or questions about suitability, contact the library ahead of time so staff can advise and assist.
The event is free of charge and all reading materials are supplied by the library, making this an affordable option for parents who want structured English practice and community connection. There is no fee, but places are limited and bookings are essential via the Eventbrite booking link.
Registration opens online on 2026-01-13 at 09:30 and you only need to sign up once to attend the weekly program through to December 15 2026, excluding school holidays. Tickets are limited to one per person and duplicate tickets will be cancelled.
If you experience any issues with booking, contact the library by phone or online for assistance and to confirm accessibility needs. The friendly library team can help with joining procedures and information about collecting your first book.
