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 showPeople who love the natural world, who don't mind spiders in their hair, camels breathing down their neck, or wading up to their armpits in mud to find a rare and elusive frog, are a special breed. And if they can write well, or enthuse you with their passions through a TV show they are doubly special.
Many of us are familiar with the life of the veterinarian through James Herriot's books, and with the world of wild animals through David Attenborough's documentaries. ERL libraries hold both books and TV programs on DVD of both these respected men. But did you know that many other vets have written about their experiences in as lively a manner as James Herriot? David Grant is an English vet who seems to have more in common with Seigfried Farnon than James, but with the same ability to bring his working life vividly before you. An American working with horses in Kentucky, Grant Kendall, also has the knack of telling a humourous and endearing story. Other writing vets are David Perrin, Oliver Jones, Joe Inglis, Harry Cooper, Tony Sheldon, David Taylor and Hugh Lasgran.
If you want to indulge in a hearty laugh at the extraordinary experiences of naturalists, you can't go past Gerald Durrell. I have just finished
The Corfu Trilogy which describes the five years his family spent on the island of Corfu which began with
My family and other animals. From stories of a hungry gull under the dinner table nipping the guests knees to idyllic picnics on remote beaches at sunset, the writing of Gerald Durrell is a delight. The memoirs of David Bellamy, Jolly Green Giant are not quite as laugh aloud, but equally informative, well written and full of warmth.
David Suzuki is another environmentalist who should need no introduction, as his books and TV programs have won many awards. For a more personal, and again warm and humourous insight, his
David Suzuki : the autobiography is a great read. Finally, for a very poetic and illuminating read, try
Build me an Ark : a life with animals by Brenda Peterson. She has watched grizzlies in the Rocky Mountains, worked for the restoration of wild wolves, studied dolphins, whales and orcas, and believes humankind cannot live without animals.
---- LesleyI love reading autobiographies of Naturalists, Vets and Zookeepers - they have the wildest tales (no pun intended....well maybe a little). My interest in these books started as a teenager while reading
My Family and Other Animals and as I wanted to study Zoology it was natural. In addition to the wonderful authors listed (I may just have to take note of a few new ones) may I add Desmond Morris, author of
The Naked Ape.
I did end up with a degree in Zoology and still love wildlife stories and documentaries.
Cheers, Maryanne
Darren Jackson from Colchester Nursery will talk about what's new in nurseries - new plants, new ideas, fruit trees - pruning and planting as well as preparing the garden for Spring.
Eastern Regional Libraries' second Bag A Book evening to celebrate Library Week was held at Knox Borders on Tuesday 20th May.
Croydon Library are having a large booksale of ex-library and donated titles. Grab a bargain or two.
Join Jill Hess for a Cupcake decorating demonstration and stay for morning tea. If you make a donation on the day and leave your details you'll go into to the draw for a lovely teapot. All funds raised for The Cancer Council.
Master chocolatier, Didier Cadinot from Kennedy and Wilson, will be demonstrating how to create your own special chocolate goodies.
Are you interested in finding out about your past and the history of your illustrious ancestors? Yes? Then head down to your local branch and book some time on a PC so that you can search through the library's latest database. It's called Find My Past and is a genealogy database that has over 500 million family records online. It is especially useful if your ancestors hail from the UK. You can search census records and trace births, marriages and deaths so that you can bring your family history to life.
Are you interested in being part of an informal group of people who share an interest in D.I.Y. home improvements? If you are, the Lilydale Library is keen to hear from you. Call Linda on 92943120 for further information.
Celebrate the Biggest Morning Tea in a very special way. Everyone has a story, and our living library books have all been chosen for their interesting life experiences. Take the opportunity to borrow a living book, have a talk and share in their story. The books are free, the experience is priceless!
Come along and spend the library's money to purchase a special book for your branch. Take the opportunity to do some personal shopping, Borders are offering a 15% discount on items purchased on the evening (conditions apply). There will be giveaways, quizzes and cake and lots of beautiful books. Bookings essential at any branch of Eastern Regional Libraries, or telephone 9800 6409.
