The Eastern Regional Library Show 28th January 2009

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

The movie Twilight has sent a lot of people into the library to read the book on which the film is based. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is the first of four about teenager Bella Swan who falls in love with a vampire, Edward Cullen. Talking with Pia on air today about the controversy which often can be aroused by popular novels which deal with occult themes, we remembered some of the criticism aroused by the Harry Potter series. Interestingly, authors like Harry Potter's J.K.Rowlings, and Stephenie Meyer never claim to actually believe in the occult or have any interest in propomoting it, they use it in the same way writers of fairy tales use magical concepts as allegory and to heighten the drama of the story. Meyer on her website is quoted as saying that being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a huge influence on who she is and her perspective on the world, and that she has been asked more than once, "What's a nice Mormon girl like you doing writing about vampires". If you are interested in visiting her website, follow this link http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/index.html. It may be relevant to some readers that she does not believe in sex before marriage, and that the relationship between the teenagers is as much about being different and being persecuted as it is about a love affair. There are many other writers of fantasy for teenagers whose works have attracted a wider audience in the last few years, including Phillip Pullman, Garth Nix, Lian Hearn and Anthony Horowitz to name a few.

Pia also reminded us that the regular activiites for pre-schoolers through to teenagers will be commencing again next week, so for details about Storytimes and after-school activities and bookclubs, go to http://www.erl.vic.gov.au/kidteen/kidteen.htm.

Cheers, Maryanne

Valley Mobile

The Valley Mobile will not be visiting Yarra Glen today. It will however be at Chirnside Park. Items can be returned to another branch, renewed online if you have your PIN or returned on the next visit to Yarra Glen.

Cheers, Maryanne

iBistro catalogue is down

Our server is having a memory upgrade so the iBistro catalogue is temporarily unavailable. I'll let you know when it's back up.

Update: Sorry, I forgot to come in and update this yesterday. The iBistro catalogue came back up.

Cheers, Maryanne

Staying cool

With all of the hot weather at the moment you might want to check out the following sites with tips on staying cool without air conditioning.

Cool yourself without Air Conditioning
Staying cool in Summer

Of course, don't forget our air-conditioned libraries if you're venturing out. My favourite tip, if you're at home, is to pop in a cold DVD - my personal favourite is The Day After Tomorrow with Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal. There's nothing like a screen of ice and snow to cool you down. With that in mind, enjoy the following snow photo:



Cheers, Maryanne

Stamford Park redevelopment update

Find out the lastest information about this major development in Rowville, including the opening of the new road, Stamford Park restoration, residential development and the new major wetlands.

When: Thursday 19th February 7pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Rd, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Beginning Family History

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

When: Thursday 19th February 1:30 pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59624423

Cheers, Maryanne

Comforts of home

Simon Woodland from the Shire of Yarra Ranges will be at Lilydale Library to share tips on having an energy efficient home.

When: Tuesday 17th February 7pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson St, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 21st January 2009

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

After two weeks off the airwaves because of tooth trouble, I was wondering whether the wind would whistle through the gap left by the removal of the troublemaker. Fortunately this was not the case, but I was prepared for the worst, and had brought along a new double CD The essential Placido Domingo, feeling that several tracks of his delightful mellow voice would be a good fallback position. As it was, we heard the duet he performed with John Denver 'Perhaps love', which became wildly popular when it was released in 1981, but also generated a lot of criticism from the classical world about opera singers sinking to the level of popular music. Since that time there have been many more successful pairings of different styles of singers. One which springs to mind is Luciano Pavarotti singing with U2 for 'Miss Sarajevo', and is on the U2 CD The best of 1990-2000.

I don't think there is anyone who has not heard of Domingo, Pavarotti and Jose Careras' work together as The Three Tenors, and some of their performances are available in the ERL collection, on CD and DVD, The original three tenors concert which was in Rome in 1990, and The three tenors Christmas. If you are interested in the Los Angeles concert of 1994, it is available through inter-library loan.

The other track played today was Margaret Rutherford and Frankie Howard with a risque dialogue to the tune of 'Nymphs and Shepherds' from Vintage Comedy Collection Vol 1. Margaret Rutherford's ditzy and charming character made roles such as Miss Marple in films based on the Agatha Christie stories totally endearing. The Miss Marple Collection on DVD is available on request through the Consortia libraries, and several other movies in which she appeared, such as The importance of being Ernest and Blythe Spirit are in the ERL collection. While Margaret Rutherford was a lot of fun in the role of Miss Marple, a more recent representation by actor Geraldine McEwan in a well-produced TV series was very successfull. Several are available in the ERL collection, and more through the Consortium libraries.

---- Lesley

Australia Day

Monday 26th January is Australia Day and all libraries and mobiles are closed on that day.

You can return items though the bookchute at most of our branches and renew items through the web catalogue if you have your PIN.

Have a great break. Happy Australia Day! If you're looking for something to do on Australia Day, a great start is the Melbourne progam of Australia Day events.

A reminder that Ferntree Gully Library is closed until the 2nd February, please return to another branch of Eastern Regional Libraries.

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile

Due to extreme fire danger, the Ranges Mobile will not be operating today. Apologies for any inconvenience. Any items due may be renewed through one of our branches or, if you know your PIN, through the web catalogue.

Cheers, Maryanne

Meet Stephen Powell

Meet Australian wildlife artist Stephen Powell and find out about his time in Africa, as well as tips on capturing wildlife on canvas.

Note new date, time & branch

When: Wednesday 18th February 7pm (plus more dates coming up in March at Ferntree Gully and Rowville)
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free

Bookings essential, phone any of our branches.

Cheers, Maryanne

Clothing swap

I've just heard that the Shire of Yarra Ranges Youth Services is holding a clothing swap for teenagers at the Lilydale Library. For details and bookings call 92946716.

UPDATE: Just as I got you excited about the clothing swap, I have just received news that it has been cancelled due to lack of numbers

When: Thursday 22nd January 5:30pm cancelled
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson St, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92946716

Cheers, Maryanne

Love Bites

Keri Arthur, author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy novels such as Hearts in Darkness and Deadly Desire introduces you to the vampire lovers of her popular series.

Stay on after dark for a screening of the fabulous 1994 Mel Brooks movie Dracula: Dead and Loving It starring Leslie Nielsen, rated PG.

When: Saturday 14th February 7pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 14th January 2009

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

Fortified by plum pudding and a decent holiday, Lyn Baines brings us some new titles that are worth whiling away some time with. Clarissa Dickson-Wright has a new cook book out, Clarissa's comfort food. If you know of her, or of Two Fat Ladies you will know that you are in for an entertaining read; but even if you don't know her, but hunger for new and readable cook books, then Clarissa's comfort food, the many Fat Lady cook books, and her autobiography Spilling the beans are all full of good things.

Ian McIntyre was Controller of BBC Radio 3 for nine years and is a former associate editor of The Times. He is the author of a highly acclaimed biography of Robert Burns and more. In Hester : the remarkable life of Dr Johnson's 'dear mistress' he has tackled the relationship of Hester Thrale with Dr Samuel Johnson, which has been the subject of endless speculation. She was his confidante, she wrote about him, to his and Boswell's irritation, and was one of the most remarkable women of her time.

A little further back in English history, Trea Martyn comes to the Elizabethan period through the rivalry of two courtiers, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and William Cecil who attempted to outdo each other in the creation of magnificent pleasure gardens and festivities to entertain Elizabeth I. Elizabeth in the garden is about two great gardens, the gardeners, the owners, and the place gardens had in the social life of the times.

---- Lesley

Melba at Miller's

As part of the Summer Reads Program author Ann Blainey will talk about Dame Nellie Melba as seen through her book I am Melba. Enjoy the lovely surroundings as you sip Melba Champagne to the strains of a Celtic harp.

Champagne at 7pm, Ann Blainey at 7:45pm

When: Friday 6th February 7pm
Where: Miller's Homestead, Cnr Dorrigo Road and Melrose Drive, Boronia
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 9801 1422

Cheers, Maryanne

Update on Ferntree Gully

I have just uploaded about 20 photos to Ferntree Gully's Flickr site of the refurbishment. There is still about two weeks to go. What do you think so far?

Cheers, Maryanne

Deeper than the Dead cancelled

Just passing on some news I just heard that publication of Tami Hoag's Deeper than the Dead has been cancelled. We are currently deleting all holds and contacting the members with holds.

I have contacted Random House for more information and I'm awaiting a reply. I'll keep you posted. If you hear anything please leave a comment and let us know.

Cheers, Maryanne

Creative Arts at Belgrave Library

You are invited to join us for wine & cheese as we celebrate our new Creative Arts space. Browse a great selection of new books in art, craft, photography, design & music. From 5pm onwards.

When: Thursday 5th February 5pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

Back from holidays

Well I'm back from a one week holiday at Phillip Island. It was fantastic. While I've been away they've been working hard on the Ferntree Gully Library refurbishment. Check out some of the early photos. I'm sure you'll love the mural on the airconditioning duct (update: I've just found out that the mural work isn't new and appears in the community room at Ferntree Gully)

Ferntree Gully refurbishment

Cheers, Maryanne

p.s. this is my 1,000th post. Wow!

Destination Peru

After returning from Peru, Graham Strachan, who has been honorary Mayor of Peru for one year, will share his experiences and knowledge of this largely unexplored land, the culture and traditions, the mystique of Machu Picchu and the heartstopping beauty of Peru.

If there is travel in your blood, then South America is the ultimate destination!

Come along, share travel stories and have a cuppa with us.

Armchair Travellers is held bi-monthly on the first Thursday of the month. Watch the noticeboard for dates.

When: Thursday 5th February 2pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97268200

Cheers, Maryanne

Healthy Eating with 'The Casual Chef' - A Cook's Kitchen event

Join Eric Jorgensen to learn how to plan and cook healthy meals at home with the minimum of fuss.

When: Thursday 5th February 1:30 pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59624423

Cheers, Maryanne

Got a question? Ask a Librarian

When you've tried Google and books and still can't find the answer to that elusive question, why not Ask a Librarian. We'll guide you to the right sources. We had 328 enquiries through the Ask a Librarian service in 2008, let's try and top that in 2009.

Cheers, Maryanne

Holiday activities

Are the kids looking for something to do this school holidays? Check out our January Holiday Activity program. We've got performers Richard Galbraith (cartoonist), Richard Cutler (magician) and Mike Jackson (musician) and lots of craft activities including Chinese fan craft, scuba diver in a bottle, dingly dangly creatures and a wood workshop.

The Holiday program runs from Monday 12th-Friday 23rd January.

Also the Summer Reading Club* has begun so bring the kids down to the library, register and collect a reading sheet. Read 10 books and receive an invitation to the Reading Club Party on Tuesday 20th January 11am at Boronia Library. There are some great prizes to be won, so join in the fun!

*running at all libraries except Healesville.

Cheers, Maryanne

ERL on the web - the 2008 review

As usual at this time of year I start totalling the stats I've compiled throughout the year and reviewing the usage of the library sites. It's been a great year for the library website. Our overall visits to the front page of the website hit half a million for the first time (574,341) and there were 61,008 searches of our Who Writes Like database. We've added some branch blogs which the staff have enjoyed updating and have started podcasting our author visits. I've compiled a Top 10 and thought I'd share with you all:

Top 10 Eastern Regional Libraries sites for 2008

10. 4 Kids Fun & Games (9133)
9. Teen Online Fashion (9609)
8. What's New @ your library blog (10463)
7. Job vacancies (12851)
6. Contact us (12928)
5. Email and Search (14202)
4. Teen Online Games (15823)
3. Using the library (20939)
2. 4 Kids Science (24025)

and

1. Find a library (34053)

I hope you've found our web services useful. I'll continue to look for ways to improve the service and offer great new resources.

Cheers, Maryanne
aka webgurl

2nd Annual Teddy Bears Picnic

If you go to Lilydale Lake be sure of a big surprise... it's the 2nd Annual Teddy Bears Picnic @ the Lilydale Lake Rotunda at 10:30am.

Bring your teddy and picnic basket and get ready for teddy fun stories, songs and activities.

Cordial provided. Meet at the rotunda decorated with balloons. The Community House will be open.

When: Friday 23rd January 10:30am
Where: Lilydale Lake Rotunda (entry via Swansea Rd, Lilydale)
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

Scuba diver in a bottle

Create an underwater world and help your diver rise and fall through the water. Experiment with water pressure and learn about science, while making something cool and fun.

Fo ages 4-13 years.

When: Wednesday 21st January 11am
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Cost: $2 per child
Bookings essential phone 59624423

Cheers, Maryanne