Family History is fun

Celebrate Family History Week with an opportunity to hear some funny stories and coincidences discovered in family history research. Hosted by Ann Dixon.

When: Tuesday 7th August 7:30pm
Where: Ringwood Library 4 Ringwood Street Mall Ringwood Ph: 9870 017
Refreshments available.

Cheers, Maryanne

More Hints and Advice from our Vegie Man

Join Sazan Halit to talk about all things vegetable. Using the seasons to best advantage, composting, soil preparation, erecting a climbing rack for beans and peas, feeding plants, pruning, watering methods, staking and tying tomatoes.

When: Saturday 4th August 11am
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction

Bookings appreciated Ph: 59 671 588
Tea and coffee provided

Cheers, Maryanne

Gully gardeners

Find out about the use of Mosaics in the garden with Joy.

When: Thursday 2nd August 1:30pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Ph: 9294 8140

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show

Library staff member Lesley Conway runs 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 this week's show

Pia Butcher, Youth Services Librarian at Knox Library was a guest on the show. The following are the books she discussed.

Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon - Mini Grey
You've read the rhyme now find out what happens next in the exciting adventures of the Dish and the Spoon.

Owen & Mzee : the true story of a remarkable friendship - Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu with photos by Peter Greste and Owen & Mzee : the language of friendship - Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu with photos by Peter Greste
These are the true stories of two great friends, a baby Hippo named Owen and a 130 year old giant tortoise named Mzee.

And Tango makes three - Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell illustrated by Henry Cole
In the zoo there are all kinds of animal families. But Tango's family is not like any of the others.

Doubting Thomas - Morris Gleitzman
Thomas has an embarrassing secret. Is it a rare and special gift or the worst thing that could happen to a boy?

Frog Princess - E.D Baker
One kiss with a frog who calls himself Prince Eadric and Emma's who life turns upside down.

Dragon's breath and Once upon a curse - E.D Baker
Further tales of Princess Esmerelda and Prince Eadric.
........Pia

Cheers, Maryanne
p.s. still working on getting a copy of the radio show to podcast.

Fiction Connection

I had another look at Fiction Connection today (a reader's advisory resource on Global Books in Print available to Eastern Regional Libraries members) and realised what a fantastically cool resource this is.

Now I don't like to read lists to find new titles, I'm more of a visual person, so I love the way that Fiction Connection uses the visual Aquabrowser to make the connections between genres & topics. This won't make any sense yet. I'll take you through the steps to searching Fiction Connection and hopefully you'll see what I mean.

1. From the library's Online Resources page, scroll down to the resources under Reading & Libraries and click on the H next to Global Books in Print (to access from home).

3. Enter your library card number at the prompt. You will be taken to Global Books in Print.





















4. Click on The Fiction Connection link on the right-hand side of the screen (under Complimentary Resources)

5. There are two ways of searching. You can type in the title of a book you really enjoyed into the search box at the top or you can click on one the the keywords listed below under topic, genre, setting, character, location, timeframe.


















6. I love Janet Evanovich books so let's see if I can find any titles like her first Stephanie Plum book One for the Money. Enter that title and click the Go button.





7. If there is more than one result, click on the Find similar button next to your title.













8. Change the Sort drop-down menu to sort by year.














If I click on any of the book titles I can read summaries and reviews. From there I can write down a few titles and check to see if the library has them. At present I haven't got any of these linked into the catalogue.

OK, so that was searching with the title. The really cool bit is searching with the keywords.

I read a lot of true crime books and crime novels. For this search we'll look for books on serial killings (I know.......not the cheeriest topic).

1. Click on the green Topic button.


















2. Click on the keyword serial killings.




















3. The Aquabrowser shows the topic I clicked on in the middle and other related topics. Topics in white are associations, topics in yellow are translations, lime green topics are spelling variants and orange topics are the discovery trail (like a history of topics you've clicked on).

4. If I wanted titles that featured Forensics I would click on the topic labelled Forensics in the Aquabrowser. Forensics is now located in the middle and the results displayed at the right are fictional titles featuring serial killings and Forensics.

I can write down a few titles and check to see if the library has them.

Why not try Fiction Connection with your own interests? You have to be a member of Eastern Regional Libraries to use this resource.

Cheers, Maryanne

Catalogue colors and fonts

I've had a few people asking about the colours and size of the fonts in the library catalogue.

I'm about to start work on adjusting the colours of the catalogue according to my original design. This has more contrast and the menu items and headers are much larger. I'll let you know once I finish this so you can have a look.

I'll also be adjusting some of the wording used on the buttons and error messages so it is something more useful.

In addition, I'll be activating the Favourites report so that those members who have been diligently adding authors and subjects to their Favourites will start being notified once new items are added.

Cheers, Maryanne

Side menu

I've changed a few of the groupings in the menu to the right. Links to the library website and blog help can now be found under About me. There are several new groupings:

Readers & writers contains most of the library links for avid readers and a link to the storywriting competition as well as a link to the new titles in the catalogue. Newsletters contains links to our online newsletters with information on subscription. The Contact group contains links to Ask a Librarian and the library contact form. We still have links to our activity programs and the Top 10 reads for the month.

Have a great weekend!

Cheers, Maryanne

Croydon Bookchat

Join us around the Big Table on the first Wednesday of the month at 2pm for a chat about your latest favourite book. Hear what others have enjoyed reading.

When: Wednesday 1st August 2pm-3pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Ph: 9294 5640

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show

Library staff member Lesley Conway runs a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 99.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.

On this week's show

Rainy days and cold winds can send us all indoors and looking for something to do. If you haven't checked our the Eastern Regional Libraries Family History resources yet, go to the ERL website and follow the link.

Our guest today was Gail White, retiring Information Services librarian at ERL who is planning to do some family research and writing. She recommends the upcoming introductory course for Beginning Family History to be run at Lilydale Library on Saturday July 28th, and the Military History group which will be meeting at Croydon on Friday July 27th. Bookings can be made by phone to any of our branches. Gail mentioned that service records for Australian service men and women are available on the National Archives website.

Gail also alerted us to some interesting new databases which have been added to Online Resources, available to the public from our website. These include.....

Consumer Health Complete
Provides content covering all areas of health and wellness from mainstream medicine to complementary, holistic and integrated medicine. This full text database covers topics such as aging, cancer, diabetes, drugs & alcohol, fitness, nutrition & dietetics, children's health, men & women's health, etc. The database is updated on a weekly basis.

RealTime Health
This is an Australian product, actually produced in Melbourne (hooray!). The videos are of actual patients and their families so offer real-life insights.

PRICE IT!
Now for a bit of fun - identifying, researching and pricing art, antiques and collectables. Search by keyword or category eg. Breweriana or Lunch Boxes. Prices are from auctions and are in US dollars.

from Lesley

New Titles List in iBistro catalogue

I know everyone has been eagerly awaiting the New Titles List for new CDs and DVDs especially. This is now available on the library catalogue.

To have a quick look:

1. Go to the library catalogue.

2. Click on the New Titles link at the top









3. A menu will appear with links to New Adult Fiction, New Adult DVDs, New Adult CDs etc. Click on the link for the one you want and you'll get a list of the new titles added within the last couple of months.









You might see some items with an earlier publishing date than 2006/2007. This will be because we've added some new items to that title.

I'll have a play with this and see if I can add a direct link from the blog. I'll keep you all posted via the blog.

While I'm talking about the catalogue, have you set yourself up to receive email notices (overdues and holds)? Next time you're visiting the library give staff your email address and ask them to adjust your membership record so that you get email notices. It's super quick and saves paper!

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile off the road today

Snow at Ferny Creek

Just in...due to the hazardous conditions on the Dandenongs, the Ranges Mobile will be off the road today.

Apologies for any inconvenience, but stay safe everyone and enjoy the snow.

You can return your library materials to any of our branches or renew online through our web catalogue if you have your PIN. If you haven't got your PIN yet, just fill out the PIN form on our website and get one now.

Cheers, Maryanne

Beginning Family History

Start the hunt for your ancestors with Ann Dixon. Learn the what, where and how of Family History. Please note i have updated with the correct location. It should be at Lilydale Library.

When: Saturday 28th July 12:30pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson St, Lilydale
Bookings necessary, phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

Camera to Computer

Chris Hamnett returns to show you how to capture digital images, transfer them to the computer as well as edit and organize your images.

When: Saturday 28th July 11am
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Bookings appreciated on 59671588

Morning tea provided.

Cheers, Maryanne

Optus problem fixed

It appears that Optus has fixed their problem so members should now be able to access the library website.

Cheers, Maryanne

Problems reaching the website

We've had several members reporting that they cannot reach the library website. We believe that there is an issue with Optus so that their customers cannot reach our site. Hopefully this will be rectified soon.

In the meantime if you want to renew items please contact your local branch:

Belgrave Library 97547266
Healesville Library 59624423
Lilydale Library 92943120
Montrose Library 97284224
Mooroolbark Library 97268200
Mt Evelyn Library 97363851
Yarra Junction Library 59671588
Boronia Library 97624099
Ferntree Gully Library 92948140
Knox Library 98011422
Rowville Library 92941300
Croydon Library 92945640
Ringwood Library 98700177

Cheers, Maryanne

The Basin/Boronia Sustainable Living Group - Perfect Preserves

Join Ruth D'Alessandro from Enchanted Cottage Preserves as she demonstrates how to create wonderful jams, marmalades and chutneys.

Ruth will be bringing some of her delicious products for purchase.

When: Friday 27th July 10am
Where: Basin Community House, 1221 Mountain Highway, The Basin
Enquiries 97610209

This is a joint activity between Boronia Library and The Basin Community House

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday @ Your Library - Feng Shui

Find out about the art of Feng Shui with Sally Fischmann.

When: Friday 27th July 12noon
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South

Bookings Essential phone 9801 1422
Tea / Coffee provided

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show

Library staff member Lesley Conway runs a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 99.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.

On this week's show

Pia Butcher, Youth Services Librarian at Knox Library, interviewed Hazel Edwards for the radio program on Wednesday. They talked about a lot of her books but in particular...

Antarctica's frozen chosen
Kyle is employed as a marine biologist for the summer...in Antarctica!

Outback ferals
Swapping the cold for steamy Darwin, Kyle finds himself working undercover to discover who is bringing in illegal bugs into the country.

Cycling Solo : Ireland to Istanbul
This was co-authored by Hazel with her son Trevelyan Quest Edwards. 29 year old cyclist cartographer Trevelyan is a candid observer as well as a survivor. With a very limited budget, no watch he cycled alone for 5 months.

There's a hippopotamus on our roof eating cake
A modern classic. The tale of a little girl, a leaky roof and a great big hippo!

Cheers, Maryanne

Literary Lunch – Robin Bowles

In 1996 Robin Bowles read a newspaper report about the death of Benalla housewife Jennifer Tanner, which led to the publication of her first book Blind Justice, which is now in its 8th reprint. Since that initial book Robin has written a number of best selling works, including Justice Denied, an examination of the disappearance and death of toddler Jaidyn Leskie, and Dead Centre, an investigation into the disappearance of British tourist Peter Falconio.

Her latest book, Curse of the Golden Yo-Yo, a work of fiction was published in May 2007.

I went along to the the talk Robin gave at Rowville a few weeks ago. She is certainly an interesting speaker and offers a different insight on these prominent cases.

When: Thursday 26th July 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Bookings essential Ph: 9754 7266
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch

Cheers, Maryanne

Scrapbooking

Debbi Jackson from Creative Memories will show you how easy it is to preserve those precious memories.

When: Wednesday 25th July 1pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Ph: 9754 7266

Cheers, Maryanne

Basic Dog Obedience Talk

Erica Salvesen is giving a talk on the basics of training your dog. Important note - This is an animal free event!

When: Tuesday 24th July 2pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Tea & coffee provided.
No charge but bookings required Ph: 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

Aromatherapy

Join qualified aromatherapist and naturopath, Ingrid Perri to learn the secrets of how the oils can work for you.

When: Thursday 19th July 7pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Bookings please phone 9294 1300

Cheers, Maryanne

Viva Italia! A Cook's Kitchen Event

Italians are renowned for making food from the freshest ingredients, very often grown in their own garden. Fresh handmade pasta, tomato sauce, olives, eggplant and prosciutto. Grace Molluso continues her parents' food traditions and will inspire you with ideas for the kitchen and garden.

When: Thursday 19th July 2 pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Ph: 5962 4423

Cheers, Maryanne

Montrose Gardeners

Plant swap & chat, bring a plant or cutting to swap. Gold coin donation

When: Tuesday 17th July 1pm
Where: Japara House, 13 Leith Road, Montrose, 3765
Melway reference: 52 D7
Bookings essential, ring Japara House on 9728 3587

Joint activity between Montrose Library & Japara House.

Cheers, Maryanne

New online resources

We've had a few changes to the online resources offered through the website. We've added the following resources that can be accessed for free from home and the library with your library card.

Health

Consumer Health Complete
General health information including factsheets, encyclopedias and videos

Search Consumer Health Complete from home (enter your library card number at the prompt)

Realtime Health
Health information in a video format

Search Realtime Health from home (enter your library card number at the prompt)

History & Geography

Facts on File - Modern World History
Encyclopedia information on Modern World History including biographies, timelines, primary sources and images

Search Modern World History from home (enter your library card number at the prompt)

Facts on File - Ancient and Medieval History
Encyclopedia information on Ancient and Medieval History including biographies, timelines and primary sources

Search Ancient and Medieval History from home (enter your library card number at the prompt)

Facts on File - World Atlas
Geographic maps of countries, as well as thematic maps

Search World Atlas from home (enter your library card number at the prompt)

Newspapers and magazines

InfoTrac ONEFILE
Includes more than 6,300 full-text titles and full indexing of some of the world's greatest newspapers

Search InfoTrac ONEFILE from home (enter your library card number at the prompt)

MasterFILE Premier
Magazine and journal articles including general reference, business, education, health, general science and multi-cultural issues. Includes biographies and full-text primary source documents

Search MasterFILE Premier from home (enter your library card number at the prompt)

Reading & Libraries

Bloom's Literary Reference Online
Critical analysis of great works of literature as well as biographies of authors

Search Literary Reference Online from home (enter your library card number at the prompt)

Science & Technology

Science Resource Center
Encyclopedia and magazine articles related to Science. Also includes biographies, dictionary and timelines

Search Science Resource Center from home (enter your library card number at the prompt)

Other

PriceIt! Antiques and Collectibles
Check the price of your antiques and collectibles from recent sales

Search PriceIt! from home (enter your library card number at the prompt)

For a full list of resources visit our Online Resources page.

Cheers, Maryanne