Writers in Restaurants - Craig Sherborne

Senior journalist with the Herald-Sun, Craig Sherborne is also an author, playwright and poet. Winner of the Wal Cherry Award for best play of the year in 2004, his book Hoi Polloi was shortlisted for both the Victorian and Queensland Premier's Award. The launch of the second part his biographical trilogy Muck was a feature at the recent Melbourne Writers' Festival.

When: Sunday 18th November 10:30 am
Where: Rose Cottage, Monbulk
Cost: $20 (includes brunch)

Brunch Menu
Bacon & Eggs with Spinach and Grilled Tomato served with a Warm Croissant
Homemade slices and scones to share
Tea, Coffee and Fruit Juice

Bookings essential phone 9298 8455 or your local branch.

Cheers, Maryanne

Liz Porter talk cancelled

Unfortunately, due to a lack of numbers, the Liz Porter talk on Forensics (Thursday night at Ringwood) has been cancelled.

Cheers, Maryanne

Digital photography : from camera to pc

Ron Cork, president of the Knox Photographic Society, will give a talk on:

• camera selection
• differences between compacts and SLRs
• value of pixels
• composition of photos
• what to do when you get them on your PC.

These talks book out so quickly so book now.

When: Thursday 15th November 7pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Bookings phone 9294 1300

Cheers, Maryanne

Christmas Cooking with Jill Hess

For our last cookery club meeting for the year, Jill is returning to demonstrate some wonderful Christmas cooking.
(in a Homer Simpson voice) Hmm.....Christmas pudding.

When: Monday 19th November 12:30pm
Where: Mt Evelyn Library, 50 Wray Crescent, Mt. Evelyn
Bookings phone 97363851

Cheers, Maryanne

Garden recycling

Nicole from Envirocon will be giving a demonstration of composting and worm farming. Very topical!

When: Wednesday 14th November 2pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Bookings on 59624423
Free Talk
Light refreshments provided

Cheers, Maryanne

Reading Cafe - Meet Sharyn Munro

Sharyn Munro is a freelance writer as well as an award-winning short story writer and regularly contributes non-fiction pieces to ABC Radio National’s Bush Telegraph program. She is a mother of two, grandmother of seven and is also a late-blooming environmental activist.

She lives in a solar-powered mudbrick cabin on her mountain wildlife refuge in the New South Wales Hunter Valley and is regenerating her property’s vegetation at a pace dictated by ageing knees.

Her first book, The Woman on the Mountain, has just been released by Exisle Publishing.

When: Monday 12th November 12:30pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Ph: 9294 3120
Cost: $7.50 Bookings essential

Cheers, Maryanne

The Librarians

Well the publicity for the new show The Librarians has been floating around our tea rooms for months now and we've been eagerly waiting to find out when it starts.

One of our regular blog readers has contacted the library to remind me that the first episode is Wednesday 9:30pm on the ABC (right after The Chasers).

For those who aren't aware, The Librarians is a comedy/drama set in a fictional public library. Head Librarian Frances O'Brien is forced to employ her ex best friend Christine (who's out on bail for drug trafficking) as a Children's Librarian.

Libraries can be crazy places at times so this should be a hoot. Check it out!

Cheers, Maryanne

p.s. thanks to the member that let me know about this

Liz Porter - Forensics talk

Do you love watching CSI and want to hear some stories of the real thing? Liz Porter, author of Written on the Skin will discuss this Thursday at Ringwood how pathologists, chemists, entomologists, DNA specialists and document examiners have used their expertise in solving dozens of crimes and mysteries.

We need a few more bookings for this talk to go ahead, so don't hold back. Book now!

When: Thursday 1st November 7pm
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Melbourne Street Mall, Ringwood
Bookings phone 98700177.

Cheers, webgurl

Knox Library is turning 30!

Knox Library is celebrating 30 wonderful years and you're invited to join us for morning tea and enjoy the music of Zanthii Blue.

When: Thursday 8th November 10:30am
Where: Knox Library, Knox City Shopping Centre, Burwood Highway, Wantirna Sth.

RSVP Knox 9801 1422 by Monday 5th November.

Cheers, webgurl

Getting Dressed with Jane

From her head to her toes, from her chemise to her hose, Lise Rodgers recreates the world of Jane Austen through costume.

Join us for champagne and nibbles in the garden, and a delicious evening with Lise and Jane!

When: Friday 9th November 7:30pm
Where: Miller’s Homestead, Cnr Melrose Crt and Dorrigo Dve, The Basin
Cost: $10.00
Bookings essential phone 98011422 or your local Eastern Regional Libraries branch.

Book now as there are only a few spaces left.

Cheers, Maryanne

Crime Night - Meet Liz Porter author of Written on the Skin

At the very heart of forensics is the knowledge that although people may lie, evidence doesn’t, and the way in which forensic investigators use their expertise to solve these puzzles makes for compelling viewing and reading.

Prolific journalist and award winning author Liz Porter, has pieced together a riveting case book on how forensic investigators – including pathologists, chemists, entomologists, DNA specialists and document examiners – have used their expertise in solving dozens of crimes and mysteries.

When: Thursday 1st November 7pm
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Ringwood Street Mall, Ringwood
Free event Bookings essential. Ph: 9870 0177

Books available for sales and signing

Cheers, Maryanne

Mobile Changes

Due to changes in the Valley Mobile timetable, services to the Wonga Park Mobile Library site will cease from Wednesday 14th November 2007. Library users are being directed to:

Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation
Lilydale Library, Ringwood Library and Croydon Library

Whitehorse Manningham Regional Library Corporation
Warrandyte Library and The Pines East Doncaster.
(Wonga Park is zoned to the City of Manningham).

From Monday 19th November 2007, the Mt Dandenong Mobile Library site will be visited on a Wednesday 3-5:30pm (previously Saturday morning).

Cheers, Maryanne

Booker Prize

The winner of the Booker Prize is...........

The Gathering by Anne Enright

The Booker Prize is awarded annually for the best original fiction book of the year. In The Gathering Veronica comes to terms with her brother's suicide and recalls her life growing up with him and the abuse which she believes led him to this point.

We've just bought some copies recently so start placing your holds now.

Have you read The Gathering? What are your thoughts? Comment away!

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday @ your Library - Melbourne Cup Fashions

Come along and see Ann Dixon's beautiful collection of vintage clothes.

When: Friday 26th October 12noon
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South

Tea / coffee provided

Bookings essential phone 9801 1422

Cheers, Maryanne

Literary Lunch - Ann Cliff

Ann Cliff is that most rare of authors, a writer of English family sagas who lives in Australia. A journalist, she commenced writing non fiction books and articles, before publishing her first fiction book Moorland Lass in 2006.

Ann lives in Gippsland, where she and her husband breed Angus cattle, but retains strong connections to her home in Ripon Yorkshire where her brother still works the family farm.

Her second novel, Bitter Inheritance was published by Robert Hale in February 2007.

When: Thursday 25th October 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch

Bookings essential phone 9754 7266

Cheers, Maryanne

Crabapple Cupcake Afternoon Tea

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Join Jennifer Graham from the Crabapple Cupcake Bakery for this very special afternoon tea, and support breast cancer research. I don't think I've ever had a crabapple cupcake but it sounds interesting and it's for a great cause.

When: Tuesday 23rd October 1:30pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: $3.00

Bookings essential phone 9294 8140

Cheers, Maryanne

Childlike, Like Minds

The Victorian Writers Centre just contacted me to advertise a seminar they are having. If you're an aspiring children's author you won't want to miss this.

Meet writers Paul Collins, Deirdre Kessler and Sally Rippin as they you guide you through the fantasy and reality world of children’s writing. The writers will discuss how they entered this realm of genre writing and provide insight into current trends, along with tips to new and emerging writers.

For further information and author bios – visit our website – www.writers-centre.org

When: Friday 2nd November, 6:30-8pm
Where: VWC space – 1st Floor, Nicholas building, 37 Swanston st, Melbourne, 3000
Cost: Non-member $25 VWC Members $15/$12 VWC conc.

Bookings: 9654 9068

Cheers, Maryanne

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 Wednesday's show


For all you readers who want something 'real', there is a lot on the shelf in the non-fiction collection, but.....how to find it? We often send you to the Biography collection which in most of our libraries is a separate collection, but there are a lot more personal experiences which come in diary or letter form, or are about the writers work or travel experience and which are not in with Biography.

If you know that the number system on the books indicates the subject of the book, then you know if you browse from 900 to 920 you will find books about travel, including travel writers reminiscences and personal stories. If you would like a bit more detail though, our branches have subject lists available which give you the number to look for on the shelf for a topic of interest. Our staff are always happy to advise and assist too, so don't hesitate to ask if you would like to read about formula 1 racing car drivers, or mountaineers, or philosophers.

Some books which I found on the shelf this week include Between a rock and a hard place by Aron Ralston. Most people would remember the newspaper reports about this young man who found himself pinned by the arm while rock climbing alone, and who had to amputate his arm to survive. He writes fluently and with a lot of background detail, quite engrossing. Another great read is Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand, which was made into a very successful movie. It is a story of 3 men who took an unlikely horse and created a winner which caught the imagination of the US in the same way that Phar Lap did here in Australia. There is wonderful background on the world of horse racing in the 1930's, and some larger than life characters. If you like reading about the world of movie making, a truly entertaining book is With Nails by Richard E. Grant, who documents 10 years of his life as he progresses from being an unknown actor from Swaziland to partying with the stars in Hollywood.

Even fiction can give some autobiography in fictional form such as Mystic River by Norman MacLean and Snobs by Julian Fellows. Last but not least, there is some wonderful listening on audiotape and audiodisc, one of my all time favourites being Gerald Durrell's writing about his travels to collect animals for his zoo. Today I played an excerpt from Encounters with animals, and recommend also his The stationary ark, Overloaded ark, The Bafut Beagles, How to shoot an amateur naturalist, and A zoo in my luggage.

--Lesley

I love real stories as well. Gerald Durrell is fantastic. I love My Family and other animals, a book he wrote about his childhood. I was also fascinated reading Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air, a story about the 1996 Everest expedition that ended in tragedy. Jon was a member of the expedition. Another of his books is Into the Wild, the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man from who, after his college graduation, donated all of his money to charity, changed his name and began travelling the American West. It has been made into a movie that is coming to cinemas soon.

Cheers, Maryanne

Join Our Pink Party - Breast cancer - debunking the Myths

• Myth 1 - A blow to the breast causes Breast Cancer
• Myth 2 - Women wearing deodorant are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer
• Myth 3 - Ill fitting bras cause breast cancer

Be in the pink and enjoy the fun and information with Breast Screen Victoria

When: Tuesday 23rd Oct 1:15-3pm
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction

Cheers, Maryanne

Keeping chooks in your backyard

Not just fresh eggs, but a real part of the eco system, chooks make a wonderful addition to the garden environment. Judy Witney, Secretary of the Victorian Rare and New Breeds Society will introduce you to the pleasures of poultry. Meet Judy and her feathered friends. Awww cute and no I don't want to clean up after the activity.

When: Friday 19th October 11am
Where: Mt Evelyn Library, 50 Wray Crescent, Mt. Evelyn
Bookings essential phone 9736 3851

Cheers, Maryanne

Vikki Leng "vibrant veggies"

If you love your veggies you won't want to miss this talk by Vikki Leng. Vikki has had a varied career working with food, as a food stylist, cooking presenter, event manager and author of 14 books. An advocate for healthy eating Vikki has worked with Deakin University's Food and Nutrition Program and with the Cancer Council of Victoria. Join Vikki as she shares her passion for fresh seasonal produce and demonstrates how vegetarian cooking can be versatile and imaginative.

When: Thursday 18th October 7pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Ph: 9294 1300

Cheers, Maryanne

Herbs

Ray Boatman from The Herb Society of Victoria will talk about various herbs, especially the culinary herbs.

When: Thursday 18th October 1:30pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia

Enquiries and bookings97624099

Combined event of Boronia Library & The Basin/Boronia Sustainable Living Group

Finger Food for Crowds

Food is popular! The Finger Foods for crowds talk at Lilydale library is fully booked. If you wish to be put on the waiting list please contact Lilydale library on 9294 3120.

Jill Hess will be demonstrating how to prepare food for weddings, 21st birthdays etc on a budget.

Cheers, Maryanne

Mental health talk cancelled

The mental health talk scheduled for Ringwood on Wednesday 10th October has been cancelled. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

Teen hat or fascinator design cancelled

Due to lack of numbers we have had to cancel the Ringwood teen activity Hat or Fascinator Design.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

Affordable Weddings

Meet Ruth, a local wedding celebrant, for tips on planning your ceremony without breaking your budget.

When: Saturday 13th October 1pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale

Bookings phone 9294 3120

Cheers, Maryanne

Pasta - A Cook's Kitchen event

Ever wanted to make your own pasta but not sure where to start? Grace Molluso will take you through the steps to creating your own delicious pasta. Hmmmmm.......fresh pasta.

When: Thursday 11th October 1:30 pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville

Bookings phone 5962 4423

Cheers, Maryanne

Mental Health: What do you know?

Expand your awareness and knowledge of mental health in Australia. You are invited to attend a talk to be given by Jim Goodin, Vice President, Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Vic).

When: Wednesday 10th October 11am
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Melbourne Street Mall, Ringwood

Bookings phone 9870 0177
Refreshments provided

Cheers, Maryanne

Sally Hammond visit cancelled

Unfortunately I have to advise that we have cancelled the Sally Hammond writers in restaurants visit on Sunday 6th October. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

Book Bites - Meet Rosalie Ham

Rosalie Ham worked at a number of jobs before writing her first novel, The Dressmaker in 2000. The book received critical acclaim and was a VCE Literature text for 2006. Rosalie completed her second novel Summer at Mount Hope in 2005.

When: Wednesday 10th October 12:30pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch.

Bookings esssential phone 9294 5640
Books available for sales and signing.

Cheers, Maryanne

Kevin Heinze garden visit

Take a tour around the garden gifted to the Shire, with Montrose's "Living Legend", Mr Kevin Heinze.

Check out this Gardening Australia Fact Sheet on Kevin with a quick glimpse of his garden.

When: Tuesday 9th October 1:30pm (Meet at Montrose Library at 1:15pm)
Where: Montrose Library, Corner Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road & Swansea Road Montrose

Bookings essential 9728 4224

Cheers, Maryanne

12th Yarra Junction Library Bird Walk

Join Ken Simpson, our amazing bird man for a walk along the Warburton Trail from the old Seville Railway Station to the old Killara Railway Station and back. Meet at the old Seville Railway Station, Station Rd. Seville. Melways map 119 K8. Turn at the Seville round-about and follow the road.

Bring binoculars if you have them and a flask of hot water. Morning tea provided. Ken will distribute a bird list of what we hope to see.

It's really, really early so it's unlikely I'll be there but it sounds like a fantastic morning. I hope the trail is buzzing with wildlife.

When: Saturday 6th October at 7.30am (finishing at approx. 11am)
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Bookings appreciated phone 5967 1588

Cheers, Maryanne

Writers in Restaurants-Brunch with Sally Hammond

Sally Hammond wrote her first book at eleven, a fictional journey across Europe. She now lives the dream travelling the world with her photographer husband Gordon writing about her favourite subjects travel and food.

From the wonderful Australian Food Guide to the fabulous Pardon My French!, Sally books have attracted rave reviews. Join us for a delightful brunch.

When: Sunday 6th October 10.30am
Where: Marybrooke Receptions, 10 Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke
Mel. Ref. 75 J2
Cost: $20.00

Bookings essential 92988457
Books available for sales and signing

Cheers, Maryanne

Changes to charges

As of today, 1st October the following changes to library charges apply:

• overdue charges are 25c per item per day for adult and junior items (up to a total of $5 per junior item, $10 per adult item)
• placing holds are free

Cheers, Maryanne