Friday, November 28, 2008

Festive Cooking

Be ready for Christmas with some delicious festive fare with Jill Hess.

When: Monday 17th December 12:30pm
Where: Mt Evelyn Library, 50 Wray Crescent, Mt. Evelyn
Cost: $7.50 including afternoon tea
Bookings essential phone 97363851

Cheers, Maryanne

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Update on Christmas hours for the Knox Mobile

I've just received an update on the Christmas hours for the Knox Mobile. It will be closing at 5pm on Tuesday 23rd December 2008. Will resume the normal timetable on Tuesday 13th January 2009.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 26th November 2008

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.

On Wednesday's show

No one's child
is the story of author Judith McNeil's childhood from the age of five to fourteen, in a family which followed the father's work as a railway fettler around the Queensland countryside in the 1950's. Judith spoke to us on air several weeks ago about her first book, The girl with the cardboard port, which described her flight from her violent step-father at 16, to marriage to a Singaporean student and several difficult and dangerous years living in Singapore and Malaysia at the mercy of her eratic husband, until her return to Australia at 24 years of age.

Judith came back today to talk about the earlier years, and described how some crucial friendships helped her gain strength and confidence in herself in spite of a violent father, extremes of poverty, and constant thwarting of her passion to gain an education. Judith writes with clarity, spare and eloquent description and a great ear for dialogue. She says in her epilogue
" I have been either blessed or cursed by and extraordinary memory", and this channels into a powerful story which conveys both the challenges she faced, and the joys of friendship and learning which sustained her. Judith draws a vivid picture of a time full of physical challenges and of racial and gender discrimination.

Her story reminds me in many ways of the stoical and positive A.B. Facey who wrote A fortunate life, and of the books written by Patsy Adam Smith whose family worked the railways in country Victoria in the 1940's. I recommend this as a book you will pick up and not put down until you have read the last page.

---- Lesley

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Celebrate Christmas

Celebrate Christmas at Yarra Junction Library. St. Joseph's Primary School Choir will be singing carols. Kids can make a decorated gift bag with handles. Limit of 20. Aged 6+

When: Wednesday 10th December 1:30pm and Thursday 11th December 3:45pm
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

Yummy Christmas gifts from your kitchen

Join us while Jill Hess shows us how to create simple and delicious Christmas gifts.

When: Wednesday 10th December 12noon
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98011422

Cheers, Maryanne

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The Melbournaires Harmony Chorus

The Melbournaires are Victoria's leading all-male a cappella ensemble. They are coming to the Lilydale Library to entertain you! For more info check out the Melbournaires website

When: Sunday 7th December 2:30pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
No need to book

Cheers, Maryanne

Salvation Army @ the library

Join us to welcome in the festive season with the Salvation Army choir and musicians. Donations of food can be dropped off at the library.

When: Saturday 6th December 11am
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
No need to book

Cheers, Maryanne

Croydon Library Monster Booksale

Grab a bargain at Croydon's Monster Booksale.

When: Saturday 6th December to Wednesday 24th December
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon

Cheers, Maryanne

Christmas & New Year opening hours

I have just added the Christmas & New Year opening hours for our branches and mobiles to the library website. Make sure you know your PIN so you can place holds and renew over the holiday break. If you don't know your PIN please ask library staff on your next visit or fill out the online Get a PIN form and get it emailed to you.

Christmas & New Year Opening hours PDF (145Kb 1 page. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or Accessible Acrobat Reader)

Christmas & New Year opening hours HTML

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday, November 21, 2008

Armchair Travellers - The climb of your life!

Our talk for December will take you on a journey to the summit of the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Helen will tell you about her recent Bridge climb experience. Come and be inspired to taste for yourself one of the thrills Sydney has to offer.

Please come and join us for afternoon tea and lots of travel tales, everyone is welcome.

Be sure to watch the noticeboard for 2009 Armchair Travel Talks.

When: Thursday 4th December 2pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97268200

Cheers, Maryanne

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Searching the catalogue from your browser search box

I've just added an open search plugin that will allow you to add the Eastern Regional Libraries catalogue as a search provider in the search box in your browser (at present Internet Explorer and Firefox). Once the catalogue is added to the list of search sites you can type your author, title or subject in the search box, select ERL catalogue from the search list and enter. You'll be taken straight to your list of results.

The plugin comes courtesy of one of our members, Jason Peart. You'll need to visit the Browser plugins and addons page to add the search plugin. Follow the directions on the page. Let me know through our contact form if you have any problems.

Cheers, Maryanne

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Around Words - The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif by Najaf Mazari

Meet Robert Hillman, the co-author and hear the background to the book, The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif. It is a story of Afghanistan, asylum seekers, Woomera Detention Centre and a new life in Australia.

When: Wednesday 3rd December 11am
Where: Yarra Junction Library Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday @ Your Library - Waste Minimisaton & Green Purchasing Workshop

This workshop is the last in a series of sessions run by the Knox City Council Greenleaf project. This is as ongoing partnership through which individuals, businesses, schools and Council can work collectively to reduce our combined impacts upon the environment. The project seeks to engage the different segments of the community by providing simple, practical and affordable solutions to sustainability issues in a way that suits individuals.

When: Friday 28th November 12noon
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential. Book at Knox Council www.knox.vic.gov.au or phone 92988419

Cheers, Maryanne

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Easy Christmas entertaining - A Cook's Kitchen event

Learn how to create simple but stunning sweet and savoury finger food and delicious Christmas gifts from your kitchen. Join Jill Hess for hints, tips and recipes that will make Christmas entertaining a breeze.

When: Thursday 27th November 1-3 pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Cost: $5
Bookings essential phone 59624423

Cheers, Maryanne

Literary Lunch - Meet Sara Hardy

Actor, playwright and biographer Sara Hardy was the inaugural winner of the Peter Blazey Fellowship in 2004. This gave her the opportunity to complete her biography of Edna Walling which was published to much acclaim in 2005. Sara has now completed her long awaited volume on the life of Dame Joan Hammond. Join us for lunch with this fascinating author and learn more about the life of the gifted and quirky Dame Joan.

When: Thursday 27th November 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 12th November 2008

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.

On Wednesday's show

What makes you laugh? It's such a personal thing, and I don't know about you, but it's impossible to explain too. I laugh as much at the slapstick of Eric Sykes in The plank as I do at the verbal nonsense of Victor Borge and the funny stories of Bill Cosby.

Our libraries have a huge, and growing collection of CD's and DVD's of some brilliant comedy. You can find DVD's of some very early TV comedy such as The Honeymooners, The rag trade or Steptoe and Son, to M*A*S*H*, Kath and Kim and Summer Heights High.

If you have fond memories as I do of listening to some great radio programs, you should enjoy the range of humour on CD. Today we heard a skit from George Burns and Gracie Field and song from Ethel Merman and Jimmy Durante on the CD Vintage Comedy Collection : vol 3. There are three volumes in our libraries, all with a treasure house of timeless comedy. If you hunger to hear Victor Borge doing his Phonetic Punctuation skit again, you will find it on The hilarious Victor Borge, or his wonderful version of Chopsticks, then Comedy : Victor Borge and Tony Hancock is the one. If you're looking for current comedians, Billy Connelly, Dawn French, Lano and Woodley, French and Saunders and Lenny Henry are all in the collection, and many more.

---- Lesley


As far as comedians go for me it's Bob Newhart. Unfortunately we don't have one of his CDs at Eastern Regional (I must rectify that), but if you get the chance to listen to one, particularly listen to the following skits The Driving Instructor and King Kong.
"Did he cover starting the car? And the "other way of stopping". What's "the other way of stopping"? Throwing it in reverse. That … would do it."
The Driving Instructor - Bob Newhart

"Yes, sir, I looked in the handbook index under 'unauthorized personnel' and 'people without passes' and 'apes,' and 'ape's toes,' but it's not in there"
King Kong - Bob Newhart
What makes you laugh?

Cheers, Maryanne

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Eastern Regional Libraries training day

On Monday 8th December all Eastern Regional Libraries branches and mobiles will be closed for the day so staff can participate in a regional training day, which is a first for Eastern Regional Libraries.

It is a good opportunity to gather staff from a large area to discuss the challenges of introducing new technologies to provide a better service for our members.

Cheers, Maryanne

Have fun with Christmas activities

Book in the children now for the great Christmas activities at our libraries.

Pretty Paper Garland
Create a colourful garland to decorate your house for Christmas. They make a nice change from paper chains. For school aged children.

When: Monday 17th November 4pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $3
Bookings essential phone 97547266


Make your own Christmas Cards
Make a beautiful Christmas card to give to Mum or Dad or you favourite aunt. For ages 5+

When:
Wednesday 19th November 4pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Cr, Boronia
Cost: Free
Bookings essential phone 97624099


Felt decorations
These cute decorations are simple to make and look great on the Christmas tree. For school aged children.

When: Monday 24th November 4pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $3
Bookings essential phone 97547266


Create a Christmas Decoration
Cool Christmas decorations for your tree. For kids aged 5+

When: Wednesday 26th November 4pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Cr, Boronia
Cost: Free
Bookings essential phone 97624099


Table Top Christmas tree
Make this pretty tree to brighten up your Christmas table (may need to return another day to finish project). For school aged children.

When: Monday 1st December 4pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $3
Bookings essential phone 97547266


Cardmaking
Make cards for someone special.

When: Monday 1st December 4pm
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Ringwood Street Mall, Ringwood
Cost: $2
Bookings essential phone 9870 0177


Make Santa and a reindeer
Make a Santa and reindeer to impress Santa on Christmas night. For kids aged 5+

When:
Wednesday 3rd December 4pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Cr, Boronia
Cost: Free
Bookings essential phone 97624099


Christmas Tree Window
Make a Christmas tree window to give to friends and family

When:
Wednesday 3rd December 4pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free
Bookings essential phone 97268200


Christmas Bedtime Storytime
Come in Pj’s and bring your favourite friend to cuddle. Listen to Christmas stories and meet Santa.

When:
Thursday 4th December 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free
Bookings essential phone 92945640


Feathery Christmas Angel
Make your own tree decoration. Age 7yrs +

When: Thursday 4th December 4pm
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Ringwood Street Mall, Ringwood
Cost: $2
Bookings essential phone 9870 0177


Fire Breathers Book club Christmas
Come along and make Christmas decorations using CDs. For primary school children only.

When: Tuesday 9th December 4pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free
Bookings essential phone 92945640


Make your own Christmas Crackers
Make some Christmas crackers to share. For kids aged 5+

When:
Wednesday 10th December 4pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Cr, Boronia
Cost: Free
Bookings essential phone 97624099


Christmas star chains
Make sparkling Christmas star chains and glittery hearts for your Christmas tree

When:
Wednesday 10th December 4pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free
Bookings essential phone 97268200


Feathery Christmas Angel
Make your own tree decoration. Age 7yrs +

When: Wednesday 10th December 4pm
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Ringwood Street Mall, Ringwood
Cost: $2
Bookings essential phone 9870 0177


Make your own decorations
Make glittering Christmas decorations to put on your tree at home.

When: Thursday 11th December 4pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free
Bookings essential phone 9294 1300


Christmas Fairy Storytime
Join our Christmas Fairy for a wonderful session of Christmas stories and songs. Ages 4yrs+

When:
Thursday 11th December 4:30 - 5:15pm
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Ringwood Street Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free
Bookings essential phone 9870 0177


Santa Claus door hanger
Make a Santa Claus door hanger.

When: Tuesday 16th December 4pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free
Bookings essential phone 92941300


Christmas cards
Make perfect Christmas cards to give to your family and friends.

When: Wednesday 17th December 4pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Monday, November 10, 2008

New James Patterson non-fiction

I have just learnt that the latest James Patterson non-fiction book (co-written by Hal Friedman) has two titles. The American edition is called Against Medical Advice : a true story, whilst the Australian edition is called Torn Apart. We have copies under each title however there are more copies of the Australian edition so if you are placing holds you should place them on Torn Apart.

Torn Apart is the story of Hal's son, Cory and his sudden development of Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder and other neurological conditions and the heartbreaking journey to find a treatment. Find out more and read an excerpt at James Patterson's official website.

Cheers, Maryanne

Meet author Peter Watt

With a variety of occupations (military, police, builder's labourer, deckhand on a prawn trawler) Peter has plenty of experiences to incorporate into his exciting adventure novels which include Shadow of the Osprey, Cry of the Curlew, Flight of the Eagle, Papua, and more. Check out Peter Watt's website for more.

When: Friday 21st November 7pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event or cost
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Christmas cooking with Ann Creber

Christmas is the time for special treats for giving, or for your own table. Join fabulous ‘foodie’ Ann Creber as she shares ideas for Christmas goodies. Only a few places left so book now!

When: Friday 21st November 2pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97624099

Cheers, Maryanne

Bollywood Dancing

This event's back by popular request. Join us for some fun and learn to Bollywood. Wear comfy clothing and easily removed footwear.

When: Thursday 20th November 7pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event or cost
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

November Book Bites cancelled

The Book Bites session at Croydon Library featuring author Stefan Laszczuk has been cancelled.

Cheers, Maryanne

Local for locals - Take Home a Christmas Elf

Meet Fiona and Cathy from Catnap Quilts who will show you how to complete a Quilted Elf. It's free to come and observe, or yopu can purchase a kit on the day for $15. Afternoon tea is provided.

When: Wednesday 19th November 1:15-2:15pm
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free to come and observe. Kits available on the day $15
Bookings essential phone 5967 1588

Cheers, Maryanne

Thursday, November 06, 2008

The Eastern Regional Library Show 5th November 2008

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.

On Wednesday's show

There is always a lively debate when a novel is turned into a film as to whether justice has been done to the original story. At the moment the film Brideshead revisited has sparked a lot of comment, some that it was impossible to better the TV series made in the 1980's, others that it doesn't do justice to the novel. The only way to find out is to go and see it, which Lyn Baines did last week, and feels that it was an entertaining and well made film. Lyn has admitted that she can be very hard on re-makes of the Austen stories or Jane Eyre on film or TV. But then we all have a personal take on what we read and see, and what will please one, will upset another. So it's worth checking out the many versions of classic stories we hold in our library collection to see what you think. There are any number of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Bronte, Thomas Hardy which have made it onto film, and of course the Brideshead Revisted TV series, and Lyn's great favourite Cold Comfort Farm. There is not currently a copy of Cold Comfort Farm on DVD in ERL at present, but it can be ordered from a Consortia library, and Lyn has rushed off to order new copies for our library collection.

Call me old-fashioned, you can even call me a Luddite, but I do prefer a book every time, and Lyn had some new titles with her today. Susan Hill's new novel The Beacon is a departure from her detective novels. This is the story of a family challenged by the revelations of a book written by one of the siblings, accusing the father of childhood abuse. It is a study of character, of how individuals cope differently with the conflict and has a dramatic finish.

Blood in the Cotswolds by Rebecca Tope on the other hand is very much in the 'cosy crime' genre. The crime or crimes in question are old, a skeleton in fact, and the investigator a young woman who is house sitting in that most beautiful of English regions, the Cotswolds. Her boyfriend is a police detective, but he's laid up with a slipped disc, so our heroine decides to work out the mystery herself.

Music today was from the CD As time goes by : the best of Jimmy Durante

---- Lesley