By ANNA USHER

School holidays are almost here — and for Year 12 students, it’s the final sprint.

With just a few weeks to go until the start of the 2025 HSC written exams on Thursday 16 October, local libraries across the lower north shore are stepping up with extended hours, quiet study spaces, roaming tutors, wellness workshops and even therapy dogs to help students get across the finish line.

From Mosman to Willoughby and North Sydney, here’s your ultimate HSC Survival Guide, powered by free local resources that can ease the pressure and boost your marks. Parents, this one’s worth forwarding on!

MOSMAN LIBRARY

Monday 29 September – Wednesday 5 November
Barry O’Keefe Library + Mosman Youth Centre

Mosman Library will provide extended hours from 9:30am to 9pm during this time. There will also be pet therapy dogs (Frankie, Fisher and Rusty) on site at various times.

On Monday evenings between 5.30pm-9pm you can expect a roaming tutor, breakout spaces and food at the Library.

On Wednesday evenings between 5.30pm-8pm students can get free academic help at the Library, plus breakout spaces and food at the Youth Centre.
James Ferry will be the roaming tutor available on Wednesday evenings. James graduated in 2023 with an ATAR of 99.75 and a Premier’s Award for All-round Excellence. He represented Australia in the International Earth Science Olympiad, winning two silver medals. He currently works as a tutor. Specialty subjects: Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry.

View full Mosman program.

NORTH SYDNEY LIBRARY (STANTON)

Sunday 28 September – Thursday 23 October
Stanton Library, 234 Miller Street

Stanton Library is offering a suite of free support options for Year 12 students during the HSC exam lead-up, including extended silent study hours, therapy dog visits, and a wellbeing workshop delivered by Relationships Australia.

Silent Study Space will operate in the Level 2 Conference Room from 9:00am – 5:00pm on most weekdays, and from 10:00am – 5:00pm on Sunday 28 September. These sessions are strictly individual and no group study is permitted.

Pet therapy dogs from PAWS (including Frankie, Fisher and Rusty) will be on-site on multiple dates throughout the exam period.
Confirmed session times:

Silent Study Space:

• Sun 28 Sept: 10:00am–5:00pm
• Tue 30 Sept – Thu 23 Oct: 9:00am–5:00pm (see full dates here)

PAWS Pet Therapy:

• Wed 1 Oct: 1:00pm–2:00pm
• Thu 9 Oct: 1:30pm–2:30pm
• Mon 13 Oct: 12:00pm–1:00pm
• Fri 17 Oct: 12:00pm–1:00pm
• Tue 21 Oct: 12:00pm–1:00pm
  • Thu 23 Oct: 12:00pm–1:00pm

A one-hour workshop on exam stress and wellbeing will be presented by Relationships Australia on Wednesday 25 September from 4:00pm–5:00pm.

View full North Sydney program.

WILLOUGHBY LIBRARY (CHATSWOOD)

Friday 3 October – Friday 17 October
Chatswood Library, 409 Victoria Avenue

Willoughby City Library will host three Friday night HSC Study Help sessions at Chatswood Library during the October exam period. These evenings are designed to give students targeted support in a low-stress environment.

Each session includes:

• One-on-one access to HSC tutors
• A dedicated Creator Space reserved for silent study
• A de-stress zone featuring board games, quiet activities and ambient lighting

Session dates and times:

• Friday 3 October: 6:00pm–9:00pm
• Friday 10 October: 6:00pm–9:00pm
• Friday 17 October: 6:00pm–9:00pm

No bookings required. All HSC students welcome.

View full Willoughby program.

Final Word

Whether you’re hitting the books hard or need a breather with a four-legged friend, help is available — and it’s all close to home. Libraries across the Lower North Shore are here to support HSC students and families during this high-pressure time.

PS: Got an HSC event or offer we should include? Email us at [email protected]