Firstival will return to South Australia’s public libraries this July offering a month-long calendar of over 350 events encouraging South Australians to try something for the first time at their local library.


Now in its third year, Firstival has demonstrated significant community impact, driving visitation to public libraries across the state, with more than 42,000 people attending events in 2024.


Winter entertainment is sorted with events at Mount Gambier Library including start your first podcast, groove at your first baby disco, experience your first VR armchair travel and thread your first cross stitch.


Public Libraries Association of SA (PLSA) President Pepper Mickan said the response to Firstival has been tremendous.


“In 2024 we saw almost 7000 new members join the Libraries SA OneCard network during the month of July, an increase of more than 10% on the previous year,” she said.


“We are delighted the festival has built momentum and increased visitation to our state’s public library network. People of all ages are discovering the unique and wonderful ways to connect with their local library through Firstival.


“Coming into its third year we expect that again the program will offer more than 80% of events for free with the remaining low cost, providing an accessible and inclusive program for all South Australians to enjoy, particularly as households are tightly managing costs.”


This year’s Firstival program includes hundreds of new events hosted by individual public libraries across the state with events suitable for all ages.


The winter school holidays are sorted for families with children’s activities such as Nitro science workshops, a Mario Kart Challenge, ukelele for beginners and nature journalling amongst the offering. Whilst teens can enjoy trying a session on how to sell on Etsy, STEMM in Your Future or Pizza and Politics.


Other program features include K-Pop dance classes, pasta making workshops, paint and sip sessions and how to be a ride share driver and social media influencer.


Firstival will be held from July 1 to July 31 across the state’s network of 130 public libraries.


For more information on events at each library and to book, please visit www.firstival.com.au