Jeremy Scott will discuss his inspirational biography, The Long Road From A Broken Heart, on Thursday, July 26.

As a toddler, Scott suffered from a huge hole in his aorta valve and at age four, he had open heart surgery. 

Thirty-four years later, with practically no experience or training, he took the courageous plunge and began a two-and-a-half-year, 51,916km bicycle ride through 29 countries from London to New Zealand. He went on to receive the Australian Open Heart Foundation's ‘Heart Hero Award’. 

"Jeremy's story about the beautiful side of humanity is an example of what someone can achieve if they believe in themselves and have the courage to chase their dreams," Cessnock Library’s library services coordinator Rose-marie Walters said.

Scott’s author talk will run from 10.30am to 11.30am.

The following evening (Friday, July 27) acclaimed crime writer Amanda Howard will present an after-dark talk, Monsters who Murder, at the library from 6pm to 7.30pm.  

Howard has written 25 books over the past 14 years, including 15 books on a wide range of true crime cases. 

Dubbed the ‘Serial Killer Whisperer', she has interviewed some of the world's most heinous serial killers over more than two decades and has collected a vast pool of information on various types of killers, their motives and rituals. 

Ms Walters said that true crime was one of the most popular genres at the library and encourages all who are interested to come along.

“Truth is stranger than fiction and true crime is also about the mystery, psychology, history, and sociology of crimes and trials that have shocked the nation and the world," Ms Walters said.  

Monsters who Murder is an over-18s event, with refreshments available, courtesy of Kelman Vineyard. Books will be available to purchase on the night.  

Book your spot at both events by calling the library on 4993 4399.

The extensive school holiday program continues at Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Libraries this week.

Monday, July 16 will be a busy day at Cessnock Library, with Rhymetime at 10am, Kids Can Knit at 1pm and Makerspace Cardboard Automata at 3pm.

Cessnock Library will hold story time at 10am on Tuesday, July 17, while a Hogwarts Escape Room will be held at Kurri Kurri Library at 4pm that day. 

Rhymetime and Storytime will be held Kurri Kurri Library at 10am Wednesday, July 18, followed by Kids Can Knit at 1pm and Makerspace Cardboard Automata at 3pm.

The fun continues on Thursday, July 19 with JD Howlett’s magic and juggling workshop at Kurri Kurri at 10am and Cessnock at 2pm (cost: $7); and the Hogwarts Escape Room at Cessnock at 4pm.

Bookings are essential for some events, call 4993 4399 (Cessnock) or 4937 1638 (Kurri Kurri) or find out more at libraries.cessnock.nsw.gov.au.

READ MORE: Winter holiday fun around Cessnock City