Win a Wii

Join at any branch of Eastern Regional Libraries during the month of May to go into the draw for 1 of 4 fantastic prizes!

• Nintendo Wii
• 2 x $25 Borders vouchers
• Bag of books

Cheers, Maryanne

Book Bites with Robyn Annear

Writer, historian and one of the most fascinating speakers you will ever hear, Robyn Annear’s first book Bearbrass: Imagining Early Melbourne (1995) won the A A Philips Prize for Australian Studies in the 1995 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards. Since then she has written several books on such diverse subjects as the Tichborne Case, Whelan the Wrecker and the Eureka Rebellion. Her expertise has been recognized by her election to the Board of the State Library of Victoria, her selection as a judge of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and the Age Book of the Year, and even a page on the Tourism Victoria website.

Robyn will talk about her favourite books. Join us for a delightful literary lunch.

When: Thursday 14th May 12:30pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: $7.50
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Bill Handley Maths program

Bill Handley is back, this time with his Maths program at Rowville Library. Come along and learn about different techniques that encourage and inspire people of all ages. I'm actually reading a few of Bill's books on Speed Maths at the moment. I love new ways of working things out.

When: Thursday 7th May 6:30pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 22nd April 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 22nd April show

Pia talked today about the germination of an idea in regards to the book Graveyard by Neil Gaiman. The idea came to him a number of years ago as his 2 year old son was riding his bike around a graveyard. Apparently their house at the time didn't have a backyard and the inside wasn't suitable for riding his bike around so Neil took him over the road to the graveyard. Whilst there he thought about a child being brought up by the ghostly occupants much in the same way the Mowgli is brought by the animals in The Jungle Book. He didn't think he had enough experience to write the book back then so put it on the back burner for years. The book begins with the murder of three members of family. A baby is the sole survivor. He ventures from his cot because he hears a noise and toddles down the street to the graveyard. The occupants of the graveyard decide to look after the little boy. A vampire agrees to help as he is the only one who can leave the graveyard to buy food for the baby. They name him Nobody as they don't know his real name. The story follows his life as he is growing up. Lurking in the background is the murderer who still wants to find him to finish the job! It sounds strange but is a very good book. It has been released with adult and children's editions illustrated by different people.

The two other books Pia reviewed were Her Mother's face by Roddy Doyle, illustrated by Freya Blackwood (an Aussie), and Wish pony by Catherine Bateson. The first book is about a young girl whose only memories of her dead mother are her hands, voice and being lifted to collect conkers. One day while sitting beneath the conker tree in the park she meets a beautiful lady to whom she can talk to about her sadness, and is cheered. The story goes on to describe how as a mother herself she can talk to her father about the lost mother and warmth is returned to their lives. This story hovers around the borderline of Picture book and a lovely book to read to primary age children.

The wish pony is about how the arrival of a new baby can be traumatic for older siblings; especially if Mum is unwell during the pregnancy. Ruby is the 10 year old who feels left out amid all the fuss around the new baby, and there are many trials and tribulations to be dealt with before she comes to terms with the change in her life. This book has been shortlisted for Children's Book of the Year Award and is suitable for 8-12 year olds.

---- Lesley

Ranges Mobile

Due to driver illness, the Ranges Mobile will not be going to Macclesfield today. Items may be returned to any of our branches if you can make it there or renewed via phone on 1300 737 277 (select any branch) or the web catalogue if you know your PIN.

Cheers, Maryanne

Mooroolbark Library Growers & Weeders

Come along and enjoy chatting with other gardeners, exchange plant cuttings, listen to guest speakers, discuss your garden queries and browse our gardening books. We have lots of fun.

Our friendly group meets every month at Mooroolbark Library. This month it's time to start preparing your garden for next Summer. Learn how to drought-proof your garden with Bonnie from Bunnings in Croydon. All welcome, tea and coffee provided.

When: Wednesday 29th April 2pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Enquiries phone 97268200

Cheers, Maryanne

Bag a Book

Have you ever thought it would be great to select books for the library? Well here's your chance. Come along and spend the library's money to purchase a special book from Borders for your favourite branch or mobile. It could be fiction, non-fiction, adult, children's or teenage.

ERL's Library Week Ambassador Kevin Rabalais will be in attendance and there will be giveaways, quizzes, cake and lots of beautiful books.

You can take the opportunity to do some personal shopping as Borders are offering a 15% discount on items purchased on the evening (conditions apply).

Bookings are essential and can be made at any branch of Eastern Regional Libraries or by telephone on 9800 6409. Hurry, this will book out fast.

When: Tuesday 26th May 6:30 pm
Where: Borders, Knox City Shopping Centre, Shop 3110, 425 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna Sth
Bookings essential phone 9800 6409

Cheers, Maryanne

Gypsy Morph by Terry Brooks - unfinished word intentional

On page 283 of Gypsy Morph by Terry Brooks there is an unfinished word that many believed was a misprint or misbound book.

We've just found out from the Bookseller that the author intentionally unfinished the word to convey what happened. I can't elaborate without spoiling the story, but I'm sure once you read it you'll know what I mean.

Apparently they've been receiving a lot of email concerning this on Terry's website.

"For those who want to know exactly what happened to that character, Terry asks you to go back and re-read the last few paragraphs leading up to the last sentence. It should become apparent what happened to that character. If it does not become apparent, feel free to visit the Forum where it is being discussed right now and learn the fate of that character and why the chapter ends as it does: The End of Chapter 25."
Source: The Wondrous World of Terry Brooks, 8th September 2008

Cheers, Maryanne

Libraries closed for Anzac Day

Just a reminder that all libraries and mobiles are closed Saturday 25th April for Anzac Day. The catalogue will also be unavailable on Saturday 25th April from approximately 9am-6pm due to scheduled maintenance. For renewals, please try accessing later that evening or contact staff via the contact form.

Cheers, Maryanne

Montrose no power, closing at 5pm

Montrose Library currently has no power due to an accident out the front of the library. Therefore they are closing at 5pm. Items may be returned through the bookchute. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

Library Week 2009

LIBRARY WEEK 25th - 30th May

Well, not only is the 25th May my birthday, but it also kicks off Library Week. Join in the festivities at our branches.

Biggest Morning Tea
Just to be different, start Library Week with morning tea at midday. Help a great cause, Cancer Australia.
When: Monday 25th May 12noon
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Gold coin donation
Bookings essential phone 97547266


A Conversation with Kevin
Join ERL’s Library Week Ambassador author and reviewer Kevin Rabalais for a lunch to celebrate the joy of reading. This is a chance to hear a truly excellent speaker and not to be missed.
When: Monday 25th May 12:30pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Highway, Ferntree Gully
Cost: $7.50
Bookings essential phone 92948140


Bag a Book
Meet ERL Library Week Ambassador Kevin Rabalais 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.
When: Tuesday 26th May 6:30pm
Where: Borders, Knox City Shopping Centre
Bookings essential phone 98006409


Cooking the Books
Everyone has a favourite cookery book. Join celebrity foodies Ann Creber and Ben Higgs from Wild Oak Café for a talk about their favourite cookbooks. Bring along your own favourite cookery book to share with the group. Afternoon tea will be served
When: Wednesday 27th May 1:30pm
Where: Healesville Library, Maroondah Hwy, Healesville
Cost: $3
Bookings essential phone 92948140


Biggest Morning Tea
Donations and proceeds to Cancer Australia
When: Thursday 28th May
Times:
Ferntree Gully 10am
Munch to the music of Scottish fiddler Pria Schwall-Kearney. Plant sale courtesy of the Gully Gardeners.
Cost: Donations to The Cancer Council Australia

Knox 10am
Cath Connolly plays the Celtic harp, whilst you enjoy morning tea.
Cost: Donations to The Cancer Council Australia

Boronia 10am
Enjoy a delicious morning tea and be inspired to dance it all away with belly dancer Aileen.
Cost: Donations to The Cancer Council Australia

Croydon 10am
Morning tea, new books and music from the Croydon Secondary College.
Cost: Donations to The Cancer Council Australia

Yarra Junction 10am
Sunni will serenade with women’s songs, morning tea will be provided by the CWA – Yum!

Mooroolbark 10am
Join the Bookchat group and stay on for ‘The Perfect Scone’ with Jill Hess at 11am, scones, jam and cream are a certainty!
Cost: Donations to The Cancer Council Australia

Lilydale 11am
BMT Café with Scottish singer, songwriter Alex Legg. Experience the talents of a very gifted musician whilst enjoying the delights of a late morning tea.
Cost: $5.00


Literary Lunch – Jarad Henry
Author Jarad Henry has drawn upon his experience as a strategic advisor for the Victoria Police to create two award winning popular crime novels. He is an excellent speaker and presenter and this will be a fascinating literary lunch.
When: Thursday 28th May 12:30am
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $7.50
Bookings essential 9754 7266


Price It! Antiques Evaluation with Lester DeVere
Celebrate the launch of Croydon Library’s new collection of books for antique enthusiasts. Antiques expert Lester DeVere will be on hand to value your special treasures. One item per person please.
When: Friday 29th May 10am
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free
Bookings essential 9298 5640

Cheers, webgurl

Duplicate phone and paper notification

We may have some members out there that will receive paper notification for a hold or overdue in the next few days when they have already been notified by phone. This is the result of an error that halted the report to generate these. Apologies to the trees, but it was better to get two notifications than none at all.

Cheers, Maryanne

Subscribe to this blog via email, it's easy

Have you subscribed by email to What's New @ your library yet? It's an easy way to subscribe to the blog without having an account at a news aggregator site such as Bloglines or Newsgator.

All you need to do is:

1. Click on the Get updates via email link in the sidebar at the right of this blog.
2. Enter your email address and fill in the letters you see displayed in the box below it (it's done to prevent spam)
3. Click the complete subscription request button.

If I post any articles to the blog you'll get an update sent overnight to your email. Here's an example of the email update I got sent last night. Click to enlarge.



Cheers, Maryanne

Libraries closed for Anzac Day

All Eastern Regional Libraries branches and mobiles are closed on Saturday 25th April for Anzac Day. Our libraries will re-open at the normal times on Monday 27th April.

On Saturday 9am - 6pm there is scheduled maintenance occurring on our iBistro catalogue, therefore the catalogue will be unavailable for searching, holds and renewals on that day. If you are wishing to renew, try again later that evening or on the Sunday. Bookchutes are available to return items at all branches except Croydon library.

As the Book a PC site uses the iBistro catalogue to authenticate members, this will be unavailable over the weekend. You will need to contact staff at the branches to book library computers for Internet use, Microsoft Office etc for Sunday and next week. The Book a PC site will be available again from Monday.

Cheers, Maryanne

Dan Brown's new novel now called The Lost Symbol

Just heard from Lyn, our Collections Manager and star reviewer at Reader's Corner Reviews of a change in title for Dan Brown's new book, a sequel to The Da Vinci Code, that will be published on 15th September. It is now called The Lost Symbol (formerly Solomon Key).

Lyn has updated the record on our database and has transferred any holds. You can read about it on Dan's official website.

Brown said about the book:

"This novel has been a strange and wonderful journey. Weaving five years of research into the story's twelve-hour timeframe was an exhilarating challenge. Robert Langdon's life clearly moves a lot faster than mine."
Source: Dan Brown official website

Place your hold on The Lost Symbol

Cheers, Maryanne

Cooking with Jill

Mother's Day is just around the corner. Jill will demonstrate how to put together a delectable morning/afternoon tea for Mum. Sandwich fillings, cupcake toppings and melt & mix slices.

When: Wednesday 6th May 6:30pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: $5 Includes recipe sheets and samples to taste
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

Bright Star for babies 4-6 months

Bright Star is a special four week program for babies 4-6 months. In a relaxed atmosphere, interact with baby through a range of traditional and new rhymes and songs. Enjoy stories and learn some baby signing. Maximum group size 12. Bookings essential. For further information contact Bernadette on 9762 4099


When: Tuesday 5th May 2pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97624099

Cheers, Maryanne

Textile & Costume art

Meet Tiani, the designer of the beautiful items in the Yarra Junction library display cabinet. She will display and speak on costume, textile and studio art, plus fabric embellishments, lace making, applique, beading, embroidery.

When: Thursday 30th April 1:15pm
Where: Yarra Junction library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

Literary lunch - Lia Hills

Lia Hills is poet, novelist and translator. Her work has been published both here and overseas. Lia's poetry anthology, Possibility of Flight, won the IP Picks Best Poetry Award 2008. Her young adult novel, The Beginner's Guide to Living, was recently published to glowing reviews. Lia's next project a translation of Marie Darrieussecq's novel, Tom Is Dead, will be published in April 2009.

When: Thursday 30th April 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

Drought-proofing your garden

Apparently, it's time to start preparing your garden for next Summer. Learn how to drought-proof your garden with Bonnie from Bunnings in Croydon. All welcome, tea and coffee is provided.

When: Wednesday 29th April 2pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97268200

Cheers, Maryanne

Bill Handley - Fun learning

Bill Handley is back for a session on fun learning at Rowville Library. Come along and learn about different techiniques that encourage and inspire.

When: Thursday 23rd April 6:30pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Collecting military memorabilia

Alan Bennett from the Croydon Library is coming to Lilydale to give a talk on collecting military memorabilia & identifying military items. If people have something they want identified they should bring it along.

No charge but please book.

When: Thursday 23rd April 11am
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show - 1st April 2009 and 8th April 2009

Apologies, I've been remiss in posting the summaries of the latest radio shows. I'm also working on getting a few more podcasts up as well so sorry about their tardiness too.

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 1st April show

Sometimes the best next book to read is an old favourite. Today Lyn brought in some reprints of books which she first read many years ago. From the wonderfully named Felony & Mayhem Press comes Sheila Radley's Death in the morning, The Chief Inspector's daughter and A talent for destruction. This publisher has brought to light some classic British and American detective fiction, in two very nicely produced series. Radley's central detective is Inspector Quantrill, an old school policeman in an English market town who is sent a new sergeant, one of the new breed Oxford graduates, a bright young man. Much of Death in the morning is about the steep learning curve for the new sergeant, who discovers that entering pig pens without wearing wellintons is not wise, but does provide the locals with much amusement. You can find out more about this publisher at http://www.felonyandmayhem.com/

Another favourite author is Barbara Pym, who has a wry sense of humour and ability to bring the lives of 'ordinary' people into sharp focus with affection and insight. In Excellent women she introduces Mildred who is on the brink of spinsterhood, a capable woman who can cope with anything from birth and death to jumble sales and fetes threatened by bad weather. Is she vulnerable to the dashing new neighbour Rockingham Napier? Pym has several other equally enjoyable reads, Jane & Prudence, No fond return of love and An academic question.

The third author mentioned today was E.M.Delafield and her title The diary of a provincial lady was followed by The provincial lady in London and The provincial lady in America. Lyn feels that the first story was the best, and as an evocation of a time long gone, when 'everyone' had servants, and the battles with the cook and the kitchen range were more important than international events. It is a picture of a life between the wars which was never to return, and is portrayed with much humour. Next week I will be talking about some other authors of this period who wrote some delightful fiction and autobiography.

Music today was from Classic marches from the Royal Australian Navy Band.


On 8th April show

Charles Dickens and the Bronte sisters have never been out of print, but many good writers of the past have fallen from fashion, and from view. It is possible to find old editions in many libraries, and quite a few authors who have not been on book store shelves for many decades, have been reprinted in Large Print issues and in audio recordings.

One of my favourites is E.F.Benson (1866-1941) who published from 1893 to 1940, and whose two best known characters are Miss Mapp and Lucia. Benson wrote sharp and funny satire about the social hierarchy of an English village between the two world wars, in which autocratic spinster Miss Mapp and 'artistic' social climber Lucia via for supremacy. Queen Lucia was the first of the series, and my introduction to the characters was through Miss Mapp. There are several more, including Mapp and Lucia, which is available on audio CD read wonderfully by Prunella Scales. Benson was also an excellent writer of ghost stories, which appear in collections such as The restless ghost and other encounters and Classic ghost stories.

Another excellent writer of the same period is Elizabeth Von Arnim (1867-1940), who had a success with her first book Elizabeth and her German garden, published in 1898. The book is about the first year she spent on the isolated estate of her German husband, in Pomerania, very close to the Baltic sea. She writes with gentle whimsy and humour about her adaptation to her new culture and her growing love for her garden and the countryside beyond the estate. As a widow in 1910 she went to live in England, and perhaps it is her memories of a very wet Devon which suggested the story of one of her best known novels, The enchanted April. The story is about two women who meet at their club in London on a wet English spring day and dream of escaping to Italy. They follow their dream and rent a house which they share with two other woman, and revitalise their lives. It was made into a successful film, Enchanted April, with Natasha Richardson and Joan Plowright. Von Arnim wrote many more novels which often had an autobiographical starting point, and one of her most charming is All the dogs of my life. She insists that she is not writing her biography, but only about her beloved pets, yet details and reminiscences slip through in the most disarming way.

Music today was from the very mellow Ella Fitzgerald's double CD Ella Fitzgerald sings the Cole Porter songbook, the equally mellow Queen Latifah from Trav'lin light, and from the soundtrack of the movie Sex in the city.


---- Lesley

Win a paid gig at our poetry competition prize-giving evening

Great news for our poets out there. Among the prizes for our Poetry Slam later this month we are also offering a paid gig at the prize-giving evening for the National Poetry competition later in year. This is an amazing opportunity to perform in front of an enthusiastic audience. It's well worth coming along to compete in the Slam.

Poetry Slam
Our host for the evening is poet, Steve Smart.
When: Thursday 30th April 7pm
Where: Ringwood library, 4 Melbourne Street Mall, Ringwood, 3134
Cost: Free entry
Bookings: phone Ringwood library on 98700177.

Cheers, Maryanne

Mobile update

Sorry it's taken so long to get this update for the mobiles. Due to both driver and vehicle difficulties the Mobiles will only be providing limited services today - Wednesday 15th April.

Knox Mobile: as per timetable

Valley Mobile: will not be at Chum Creek and Dixons Creek but will visit Wonga Park as per timetable

Ranges Mobile: will not be on the road today. Sites not serviced include Sassafras, Olinda and Ferny Creek

Cheers, Maryanne

Recognising local heroes

Knox City Council invites ALL residents to attend a Community Civic Appreciation function

When: Sunday 19th April 11am - 1pm
Where: Knox Civic Centre grounds, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South

This is an opportunity to honour and acknowledge the bravery and service of local emergency services personnel who fought the recent Victorian bushfires, and served in the immediate relief and recovery phases.

Please note there will be no public parking available at the Civic Centre, with parking reserved for emergency response vehicles only. Public parking is available in the vicinity of the Civic Centre.

So everybody spread the word - digg, Twitter, Facebook etc.

Cheers, Maryanne

Valley Mobile tomorrow

Due to rostering issues, the Valley Mobile will not be at Chum Creek and Dixons Creek tomorrow Wednesday 15th April. However the Wonga Park site will be visited as usual. We apologise for any inconvenience. Items may be returned to any of our branches or renewed over the phone or online if you have a PIN.

Contact our branches

Cheers, Maryanne

A message for writers

Eastern Regional Libraries has conducted a Storywriting competition for the past 21 years... yes 21 years! This year ERL has decided to run a poetry competition. We will alternate the years, this year will be a poetry competition and next year we will conduct the competition for short stories. Every year we have received poetry entries that don't qualify for the storywriting competition. This way both poets and authors have an opportunity to test their skills and gain competition experience.

Entry forms will be available in July, so keep your eye on the website and also for the forms to be displayed in branch libraries.

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile off the road today

Due to a rostering issue, the Ranges Mobile will not be on the road today. We apologise for any inconvenience. Items may be returned to any of our branches or renewed over the phone or online if you have a PIN.

Contact our branches

Cheers, Maryanne

iBistro is available

The iBistro catalogue is back up.

Cheers, Maryanne

iBistro catalogue is currently unavailable

Thursday 9th April 2:56pm - The iBistro catalogue is currently down. I'll let you know when it's back up.

Cheers, Maryanne

Libraries closed over Easter

All Eastern Regional Libraries branches and mobiles are closed on the following days over the Easter break:

Friday 10th April - Monday 13th April inclusive

Our libraries will re-open at the normal times on Tuesday 14th April.

If you know your PIN, items may be renewed via the library catalogue. Items may be returned via the bookchutes at all branches except Croydon. Staff will be clearing the bookchutes over the weekend.

Have a great break everyone and take care.

Cheers, Maryanne

Feng Shui: Year of the Ox

Join Sally Fischmann and see how the Year of the Ox will influence your home and self. Afternoon tea is provided.

When: Wednesday 22nd April 1:30pm
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 5967 1588

Cheers, Maryanne

Calling all poets - book now for our Poetry Slam

Ringwood Library is hosting our library's first Poetry Slam in a few weeks. Here's your chance to share your poetry with an enthusiastic audience. poets will compete in rounds with the last poet standing winning a gig at our Poetry Competition prize-gibing evening later in the year. The time allowed for each poet is limited, so entrants need to get in early. Wine and cheese supper.

Our host is Melbourne poet Steve Smart.

When: Thursday 30th April 7pm
Where: Ringwood Library, Ringwood Street Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98700177

Cheers, Maryanne

Meet author Toni Jordan

Toni Jordan, author of Addition, will speak about her writing career and the astounding success of her first book. Addition is the story of Grace, obsessive counting and romance and is set in Melbourne. It's funny but thought-provoking, romantic but serious.

Check out the following interview with Toni Jordan at Readings.

When: Tuesday 21st April 1:30pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Fancy spinning a yarn?

Marion will sit in the library and demonstrate the beautiful craft of spinning wool. Sounds like a very relaxing way to spend an hour or so.

When: Wednesday 15th April 11am - 4pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event

Cheers, Maryanne

World Digital Library

Just found out about a new online resource, conceived by the US Library of Congress, that will soon be available - the World Digital Library. According to the site :

"The World Digital Library will make available on the Internet, free of charge and in multilingual format, significant primary materials from cultures around the world, including manuscripts, maps, rare books, musical scores, recordings, films, prints, photographs, architectural drawings, and other significant cultural materials."
World Digital Library

Sounds like an amazing opportunity. The digital library will launch on the 21st April 2009.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 25th March 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

School holidays are just around the corner, only ten days away in fact, and this is when we remind you that there is a wonderful range of activities for children at all of our branches. Check out the program on our website.

I am also going to encourage mum's who might have the chance, to sit back and read a book over the holidays (no rushing to get the kids to school, to basketball training and piano lessons for two weeks!).

An author I have thoroughly enjoyed for her humour, light touch with romance and quirky characters, is Victoria Clayton. She began her writing career with Out of love, which compared to the novels which followed, is about unrequited love. Her heroines are always beautiful, but not boring. They are often shy or stubborn or naive, and the course of true love is quite tortuous. What makes these novels really entertaining is the additional cast of very eccentric, sometimes loveable, sometimes hateful characters. Her latest is A Girl's guide to kissing frogs, with Marigold, a young ballerina on the brink of career success having to return to her parents in Northumberland to nurse a broken foot. Between her sweet ageing hippy mother, womanising father, handsome lord of the manor, assorted tinkers, village characters, and a mysterious German bussinesman who is renovating a romantic old house, the relationships take many unexpected twists and turns. If you like to read in correct sequence, you need to begin with Out of love, as a nice touch is that the heroine from each book appears briefly in the next. However, it won't make any difference to your reading pleasure if you don't follow the sequence. Victoria Clayton has an interesting, chatty web site at http://www.claytons.demon.co.uk/

----Lesley