The Ranges Mobile will not be on the road today

The Ranges Mobile will not be on the road today. We apologise for any inconvenience. Items may be returned to any branch or renewed online once via the catalogue.

Cheers, webgurl

The ERL National Year of Reading Children's Ambassador is...Adam Wallace

2012 is the National Year of Reading and we'll be celebrating big-time with a year full of events to promote reading.

We are thrilled to announce that poet and cartoonist Adam Wallace has agreed to be the National Year of Reading Children's Ambassador for ERL.

Adam writes poetry that really appeals to kids, especially boys. When he presents a workshop he presents in rhyme, also lots of fun!

We look forward to seeing quite a lot of Adam next year.

Adam Wallace - official website

Cheers, webgurl

p.s. I only wish I could have written this in rhyme

Our libraries will be closed for Melbourne Cup Day

All Eastern Regional Libraries branches and mobiles will be closed on Tuesday 1st November 2011 for Melbourne Cup Day.

Items may be renewed online if you have your library card number (userID) and PIN. If you need to apply for your PIN you can do so on our Get a PIN form. With the public holiday it might take us a little longer to work our way through the PIN requests and website feedbacks that have come in over the weekend.

Items may be returned through the bookchute at our branches.

Have an enjoyable Melbourne Cup day everyone. If you're looking for something to do this weekend check out That's Melbourne and CitySearch. For anyone going to The Cup, check out the official Melbourne Cup site and book early.

Cheers, webgurl

Cook's Kitchen: Fresh and Fabulous with chef Stephen Wilson

Delicious vegetables and crisp salads are perfect on their own or as the accompaniment to any meal. Join chef Stephen Wilson for some fabulous dishes that you can prepare for your family and friends, including:

• Gresh pasta salad with tomato and rocket
• Indian Pakora
• Tzatziki dip
• A nut free seed mix

Stephen Wilson is a chef with over twenty five years of experience in a career that has taken him around the world and includes time spent at the Savoy and the Hilton in London. He has now returned to Melbourne where he is the proprietor of Chilled Out Cooking Classes.

When: Thursday 3rd November 1:30pm
Where: Healesville Library, 110 River Street, Healesville
Cost: $3
Bookings essential phone 59624423

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 26th October 2011

Library staff members Lyn Baines, Jessica Bonner 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 week for a great show.

On today's show 

In recent years publishers have rediscovered great authors of the past & brought their books back into print. The success of Philippa Gregory's novels of the Tudors has led to novels by Jean Plaidy, Margaret Campbell Barnes & M M Kaye returning to the shelves in beautiful new covers. Georgette Heyer has never been out of print but her novels have recently been reissued again & a new biography by Jennifer Kloester has just been published. Winifred Holtby's South Riding has been made into a TV series (coming to your library soon) & more of her novels have been reprinted. Winifred's great friend, Vera Brittain, wrote a moving memoir of WWI, Testament of Youth, & the 1980 TV series based on the book has just been released on DVD. 

Lyn also promoted forthcoming talks by Maggie Millar on Elizabeth Jolley & Jessica Rudd about her new book.

---- Lyn

Valley Mobile will not be at Chum Creek or Dixon's Creek today

The Valley Mobile will not be visiting Chum Creek or Dixon's Creek sites today. We apologise for an inconvenience. Items may be returned to any branch of Eastern Regional Libraries or renewed online via the web catalogue. If you have any difficulties please contact us via the website.

Cheers, webgurl

Ranges Mobile will be off the road on Monday

The Ranges Mobile will be off the road on Monday 24th October. We apologise for any inconvenience. Items may be returned to any branch or renewed via the web catalogue.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 19th October 2011

Library staff members Lyn Baines, Jessica Bonner 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 week for a great show.

On Wednesday's show 

Next week is History Week & there are a number of talks on local history happening around ERL.

Lyn focussed on history with some new books just arrived on the shelves. Athelstan by Sarah Foot is about an Anglo-Saxon king whose achievements have been overshadowed by his famous grandfather, Alfred the Great. Matilda by Tracy Borman is the biography of Matilda of Flanders, wife of William the Conqueror. Young Henry by Robert Hutchinson tells the story of Henry VIII's childhood & his first glorious years as King before he became best known for executing his wives. A N Wilson's The Elizabethans is a survey of life & society in the reign of Elizabeth I.

History Week events range from Murder & Death in Ringwood with Russ Haines to Tall Tales of the Yarra Valley with Ernest Buckmaster. All the details are on our website at www.yourlibrary.com.au - just click on Calendar of Events on the right.

---- Lyn

Valley Mobile will be off the road Thursday and Friday

The Valley Mobile will be off the road today and Friday. Apologies for any inconvenience. Items may be returned to any branch or renewed online through the web catalogue.

Cheers, Maryanne

Look good for less - come along to The Salvos Fashion Parade

'Look good for less' with The Salvos and Eastern Regional Libraries. All the fashion paraded is pre-loved and available for sale on the night. Seating is limited so bookings essential.

When: Friday 28th October 7-8:30pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97624099

Cheers, webgurl

Dust off that old teapot you inherited. We've got an antique evaluation with Lester DeVere

Lester Devere has over 25 years experience in the antique business as an auctioneer and commission agent. Please bring along an item for Lester to appraise.

Afternoon tea provided.

When: Friday 28th October 2pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97268200

Cheers, webgurl

Celebrate Children's Week in our libraries with storytime

National Children's Week - 22nd - 30th October 

"Lets go, baby-o!" storytime
Join us for a special storytime to celebrate Children's Week with "Lets go, baby-o!" by Janet and Andrew McLean. Morning tea provided.

When: Thursday 27th October 11am
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Melbourne Street Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98700177 or book online - Baby-o Ringwood

When: Friday 28th October 11am
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92948140 or book online - Baby-o Ferntree Gully


Bayswater West Community Café storytime
Join us at the Bayswater West Community Café for a special storytime. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate - Gold coin donation.

When: Thursday 27th October 2pm, Monday 14th November 9:30am, Thursday 1st December 2pm
Where: Bayswater West Community Café, Guy Turner Reserve, Phyllis St, Bayswater
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92948140 or book online - Community Café

Cheers, Maryanne

National Year of Reading 2012 - Our Story - Read the 6 shortlisted books & vote for your favourite

This summer, discover six wonderful books with a Victorian flavour, and help State Library of Victoria choose the winning book. The shortlist, including fiction and non-fiction, will be announced on 18th October. 

Get reading over the summer break, and vote for your favourite by 6th January, online, at any branch of Eastern Regional Libraries or bookshop. 

The winning book will represent Victoria in the national Our Story program in 2012. For details, visit slv.vic.gov.au/our-story.

Our Story is part of the National Year of Reading 2012, and the Victorian program is coordinated by the State Library of Victoria in collaboration with the Public Libraries Victoria Network.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 12th October 2011

Library staff members Lyn Baines, Jessica Bonner 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 week for a great show.

On Wednesday's show
Wednesday on Eastern FM, Jessica reviewed a selection of books ranging from the creepy to the crafty.  

Dracula's Guest by Michael Sims - This is an anthology of classic vampire short stories from 19th century Victorian era in tribute to Bram Stoker's classic Dracula. In a time where vampire novels are flooding the market, it is refreshing to come across a collection of stories that speak to our fascination with the undead at a grass roots evel. Authors include well renowned poet Edgar Allen Poe, Lord Byron and Alexei Tolstoy. Fascinating read, classically eerie and will leave you looking over your shoulder at night!  

Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran - This is a cleverly written account of the life and career of the famous waxworks sculpter, Marie Tussaud. Set in France at the beginning of the French Revolution, it follows how Marie Tussaud survived the guillotine by making a deal to make the death masks of those who were executed, many of whom she knew. This novel is rather well done and well paced, as it highlights just amazing how this woman survived that turbulent and violent period.  

World of Geekcraft by Susan Beal - This is a craft book purely centred on creating crafts with a sci-fi, gamer and techie flair. With projects ranging from Star Wars terraniums, Space Invader embroidery to Coraline Sewing Kits this is definitely worth checking out and getting in touch with your inner geek!!

---- Jessica

Patchwork & quilting get together at Ferntree Gully library today

Come along and share your stories, ideas, patterns and chat. Bring along a project if you have one. We will be discussing ideas for quilts for charity.

When: Friday 14th October 2pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92948140

Cheers, Maryanne

Writing catalogue reviews just got easier with Facebook and Twitter logins

ChiliFresh have just added Facebook and Twitter integration into it's reviewing system. This means when you click on Write a review on a record in our catalogue you can click the Login with Facebook or Sign in with Twitter buttons and use these existing social networks.

You will need to login to your account and with Twitter you need to authorise the application however the application will not be able to:

• Access your direct messages.
• See your Twitter password.

Give it a test drive and let me know if you have any issues via out contact form or on Twitter.

Cheers, webgurl

History Week: Travel back in time with Marion from the Mooroolbark History Group

The Mooroolbark History Group are compiling a book on the history of Mooroolbark. Marion will talk about Mooroolbark's history, the heritage listed english style village of Bickleigh Vale, which was landscaped by Edna Walling and the history of the Mooroolbark Station.

Share some memories, bring along your memorabilia and have a cuppa and a chat with other local residents.

Tea and coffee provided.

When: Thursday 27th October 2pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings preferred but not essential phone 97268200 or book online - Mooroolbark

Cheers, Maryanne

Free parenting information session - Talking about sex - a parent's role

Knox Youth Services is offering an interactive presentation aimed at parents/carers of secondary aged children, providing practical tips for talking with your child about sexual issues including:

• what do young people want to know from their parents about sex? 
• what are the challenges? 
• young people and sexual development the stats - sexual behaviour of adolescents in Australia

The information session features guest speaker Mandy Stevens from Family Planning Victoria.

When: Wednesday 19th October 7-8:30pm
Where: Knox Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South 3152
Cost: Free event
To register, or for further information, please contact:
Knox Youth Services
Sarah Waters 9298 8311 or sarah.waters@knox.vic.gov.au


Cheers, Maryanne

Literary Lunch - Author Adrian Hyland discusses the heroes of the 2009 bushfires

"This is a masterpiece of storytelling about the most terrifying natural disaster in Australia’s recorded history."

Kerry O’Brien

Adrian Hyland’s latest book Kinglake-350 records the experiences and heroism of those caught in the 2009 bushfires. The book has garnered warm praise from readers and reviewers alike.

Adrian’s two previous books, Diamond Dove and Gunshot Road are set in Central Australia and feature Aboriginal sleuth Emily Tempest. Diamond Dove was the winner of the Ned Kelly Award for First Fiction in 2007.

Adrian is a lecturer at La Trobe University.

When: Thursday 27 October 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $10 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

From the first settlement in Healesville and beyond

Bryn Jones from the Healesville Historical Society will take us back to first settlement in the Healesville area and how this has expanded to become modern day Healesville.

When: Wednesday 26th October 1:30pm
Where: Healesville Library, 110 River Street, Healesville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59624423 or book online - Healesville

Cheers, Maryanne

Understanding clutter - what it is and how to get rid of it

Understanding clutter - know what it is, where it comes from, and how to get rid of it. Presented by Angela Lo Valvo, a member of the Australasian Association of Professional Organisers.

When: Wednesday 26th October 7pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92948140

Cheers, Maryanne

Tell Tales of the Yarra Valley - The A.M.E. Bale Mystery

Artist Ernest Buckmaster said he was encouraged to live in Mt Evelyn by the artist A.M.E. Bale, after seeing a sketch of the house Grantully in her home. He later bought the house with his Archibald Prize money.

A.M.E. Bale maintained that Grantully had belonged to Governor La Trobe, but it has taken a long while to establish that this might have been the case.

Who was A.M.E. Bale, and what did she know about Mt Evelyn that we don’t? Art historian Liz Ward will talk about the woman who is emerging from the oblivion women artists often experienced in the past. A book about the work of A.M.E. Bale is to be published this year.

Refreshments provided.

When: Tuesday 25th October 2pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

Russ Haines talks murder and death in Ringwood

Russ Haines (President of the Ringwood & District Historical Society) will speak on murder in Ringwood. Russ has been researching an episode in the history of Ringwood, which led to lengthy litigation.

When: Monday 24th October 7pm
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Melbourne Street Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97363851

Cheers, Maryanne

Hop on the Gully Gardeners annual bus trip to visit an amazing garden

Join us on our annual bus trip - this year we are going to visit the incredible garden of Karen Meeuwissen, a finalist in the Gardener of the Year for ABC Gardening Australia. Antique roses are her passion, but her enthusiasm for constructions, whether pergolas, archways or pathways shows in her property.  Karen is only too happy for us to take cuttings from any of her many plant series. Karen spoke to our group about salvias in July 2010.

• BYO picnic
• secateurs and plastic bags for cuttings

When: Monday 24th October 10am
Where: Meet at Coonara House at 10.00am - 22 Willow Road, Upper Ferntree Gully 3156 - Mel Ref: 74 D7
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92948140

Cheers, Maryanne

The Comfort of Water: A river pilgrimage by Maya Ward

Maya walked from the sea to the source of the Yarra. In her personal, poetic and impassioned story, she weaves together the natural and cultural history of the Yarra, ancient Wurundjeri dreaming stories and will share with you new ways of understanding the land we live within.

Some of our local identities feature in this special story.

When: Saturday 22nd October 10:30am
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59671588 or book online - Maya Ward

Cheers, Maryanne

Do you know someone who struggles with maths? Book them in for Speed Mathematics

Join author Bill Handley for another session on speed mathematics, a great confidence-builder for people who struggle with maths or an ingenious method for those who enjoy maths. Try it and see!

When: Friday 21st October 6:30pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300 or book online - Speed Maths

Cheers, Maryanne

Jacinta discusses sustainable clothing and the 9ine Lives Project

Jacinta, owner of local boutique Black Cat, will talk about sustainable fashion and the 9ine Lives Project. From the Black Cat Boutique website:

"We are sourcing clothing that has been made locally especially in Victoria and the Yarra Valley, from more sustainable fibres including  recycled and reclaimed textiles.

We prefer to source from fair trade accredited factories."

Black Cat Boutique - 9ine Lives Project

When: Friday 21st October 10:30am
Where: Healesville Library, 110 River Street, Healesville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 5962 4423

Cheers, Maryanne

Talks in English & Mandarin - Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui

Edgar (Lok Tin) Yung will present a session with topics including; Chinese Astrology is not just 12 animal signs and What is Feng Shui and tips to improve harmony! The first session will be held on Thursday 20th October at 6:45pm and the second session will be conducted in Mandarin for our Chinese Friendship Group at 11am on Thursday 27th October. Free event. All welcome. Bookings please.

When: Thursday 20th October 6:45pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300 or book online - Chinese Astrology

Talk in Mandarin
The session will be conducted in Mandarin for our Chinese Friendship Group.

The Chinese Friendship Group meet monthly. It does not matter whether you speak Mandarin or Cantonese, all Chinese background people are welcome to join the weekly gathering at Rowville library. We provide free tea. You may chat, read newspapers, surf on the Internet (library computers have Chinese input functions), borrow or read books, magazines and DVDs in English or Chinese.


When: Thursday 27th October 11am
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
No need to book - all welcome

Cheers, Maryanne

Family History talks for beginners and beyond

Whether your just starting out or have been researching your family's ancestry for a while we've got some great talks you'd be interested in. 

Using Find My Past in your research

When: Thursday 20th Oct 1:30pm
Where: Healesville Library, 110 River Street, Healesville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59624423 or book online - Find My Past

Frustrated with not getting the most out of FindMyPast.uk and FindMyPast.au? Join us at Healesville Library for this informative talk presented by Gail White.



Beginning Family History

Interested in researching family history but not sure how to begin? Start the hunt for your ancestor with Ann Dixon.

When: Thursday 20th Oct 2pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97547266 or book online - Beginners

Cheers, Maryanne