The Library launched its new Book Club series on 30 July with a well-attended lunchtime event exploring the theme Powerful Girls, led by Flinders academic and award-winning author ⁠Lisa Bennett.

Held in the Leisure Reading Collection space at Central Library, the event invited staff to reflect on powerful female characters in literature — from magical heroines and rebellious teens to historical figures and speculative icons.

Participants brought along their favourite books and joined in a relaxed, open conversation. Drawing on her expertise in genre fiction and Viking Age studies, Lisa sparked rich discussion around how these characters inspire and challenge readers.

The event was supported by the University’s Wellbeing and Campus Activation Project, which aims to promote staff wellbeing, connection, and the joy of leisure reading.

It also showcased the Library’s growing Read & Return collection — a casual borrowing model where staff can take books straight from the shelf and return them when finished. A themed display encouraged browsing, and some suggested titles from the day’s discussion may be added to the collection in future.

Light refreshments, curated bookmarks, and a welcoming atmosphere helped create an engaging space to connect, share, and unwind over a shared love of reading.  To explore the Library’s leisure reading collections, visit the Library website.

The next session in the series, Memoirs – resilient life stories with Marina Deller, will take place on Thursday 21 August. This lunchtime event will explore the power of personal storytelling and life writing to connect, heal, and inspire.

Spots are limited — register now via Eventbrite.