A free coffee, a good book and a room full of dads chatting while their little ones play. That's the simple formula behind Books, Blokes and Bubs, a growing program at Mornington Library that's helping fathers and father figures build connections within their community.
These Saturday morning sessions have been bringing together dads, stepdads, grandfathers and other male role models with children under four for Storytime, shared play and relaxed conversation. Spending time doing activities as a group is one of the program's biggest benefits. The kids have fun learning, exploring, and playing alongside one another, and the blokes do too.
As the role of fathers and male caregivers continues to evolve, Books, Blokes and Bubs is a relaxed group where men can connect and spend quality time with their children and maybe make a mate or two along the way.
The sessions give dads and father figures a space of their own, where they can connect with each other and with their children. Our Child and Family Health service cares deeply about the wellbeing and emotional health of fathers, recognising the significant role they play as role models in their children's lives. Having the chance to play and share books together is a wonderful opportunity for both dads and their little ones.
Books, Blokes and Bubs is a collaborative initiative delivered by Child and Family Health, Libraries, Positive Ageing and Community Partnerships, and Wellbeing and Inclusion.
The next session will be a Bush Playgroup pop-up on 5 December, before sessions return in February 2027.
