Vote for your favourite book

What's your favourite book of all time? Vote at the Border's website for your chance to win the final 100 favourite books.

Cheers, Maryanne

New photos of the Rowville refurbishment

I just uploaded a whole stack of new photos to Rowville Library's Flickr account. They've taken down the front desk and have started dismantling the display cabinet. Lots of photos of shelving etc. Not quite as messy as Boronia though.

View Rowville Library refurbishment

Cheers, Maryanne

PC Basics

Do you know someone who'd like to learn about computers but doesn't know where to start? Louisa from Orana Community House will be giving a 2 hour introductory workshop at Knox Library in July.

Orana Neighbourhood House is currently taking enrolments for Term 3 computer courses 9801 1895

When: Friday 17th July 10am
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98011422

Cheers, Maryanne

Meet Peter Klein

Peter Klein commenced work in the racing industry at age 16, and worked as a strapper with some of the best known names in Australia, both human and equine. However he may have also been destined to become a writer, his mother Robin Klein is one of Australia’s best loved and most awarded authors.

His first book the autobiographical A Strapper’s Tale (2004) was very well received, and was followed in 2007 by his first novel Punter’s Luck. Peter is still connected to the turf as the racing manager for Australian Associated Press, his second novel Punter’s Turf was published by Pan Macmillan in 2009.

When: Thursday 16th July 1pm (cancelled)
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 92948140

Cheers, Maryanne

Bring a Graphic Novel to Life - Animation Workshop

Move over Wallace and Gromit! Knox Youth Services and Eastern Regional Libraries invite young people 10-25 to participate in a free hands-on animation workshop with Gregg Brown from Playanimation. You will learn skills including: animation principles, character and set design and filming.

You will get free food and a free DVD of the final animation.

When: Saturday 11th July 10am-2pm
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98011422

Cheers, Maryanne

Cupcakes

Join local chef Julia Flower for a demonstration and tips on how to decorate cupcakes for simply stunning results.

When: Thursday 9th July 2pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59624423

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 17th June 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 17th June show

Books for Troops is a project dear to the heart of Alan Bennett, our resident Military History buff. He has managed to send 50 parcels overseas this year, but needs more contributions. If you have any paperback fiction or non-fiction in good condition that you are prepared to donate, drop it into one of our branches and we will send it on to Alan at Croydon. Alan's June edition Military History Group newsletter has just come out, and you can read it on this website, or subscribe for it to be emailed to you. It is always an interesting read.

There is also a regular newsletter on Family History from Kathy Smalley, with updates on new resources in our libraries and information and training sessions. Kathy also keeps track of interesting events coming up with The Genealogical Society of Victoria (www.gsv.org.au) and the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies (http://www.aigs.org.au)

Music today was from Strauss and Co, from Andre Rieu and his orchestra

---- Lesley

New hours at Mt Evelyn

Mt Evelyn Library has some new hours to go with the new look.

Mon. 10am-5pm
Tues - Thurs. 1pm-5pm
Fri. 10am-5pm
Sat. 10am-12noon
Sun. Closed

Cheers, Maryanne

Wanted: Australia's missing newspapers

The Australian Newspaper Plan is an ongoing project to collect and preserve every newspaper published in Australia so that they are available for public access.

However the National Library needs your help. Browse the list of missing titles from each state, if you may know about a missing newspaper, please contact the library in the state or territory of the newspaper's origin or the National Library of Australia.

• VIC missing newspapers
• ACT missing newspapers
• NSW missing newspapers
• NT missing newspapers
• QLD missing newspapers
• SA missing newspapers
• TAS missing newspapers
• WA missing newspapers

Cheers, Maryanne

Mt Evelyn & Rowville Libraries' refurbishment

Sorry I was a bit incommunicado last week, was off sick for a few days. Slowly catching up with everything and that includes the Mt Evelyn and Rowville refurbishments.

Mt Evelyn Library re-opened today to lots of members with lovely positive comments about the recent refurbishment. They said it was more open but still retained the lovely feel it always had. I've uploaded the latest photos sent to me of the library. You can check them out at Mt Evelyn's Flick site.

Rowville Library has now closed for it's refurbishment and will be re-opening Monday 20th July. I will be starting a Flickr account for them as well and will edit this post as soon as I have the address.

Rowville refurbishment photos at Flickr

Cheers, Maryanne

Valley Mobile - Dixons Creek site

Major roadworks will be undertaken at the Dixons Creek Primary School over the school holidays - Monday 29th June to Friday 10th July 2009. Mobile services to Dixon's Creek will be suspended for this period. Looking at the timetable the affected timeslot is Wednesday afternoons 12:15-1:15pm.

Items may be returned to any of our branches or to the mobile at other sites.

Valley Mobile schedule

Cheers, Maryanne

Book Bites – Meet Ann Creber

Ann Creber has had a wonderful career as an author, journalist, editor, food consultant and stylist. Ann is no stranger to broadcasting, having been a regular guest on ABC radio. She now has her own radio program on 3MDR The Good Life which features interviews with some of Australia’s best known authors and many future greats.

Join Ann for a feast of contemporary Australian literature.

When: Thursday 9th July 12:30pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: $10 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Final Wheel of Time novel to be split into three novels

One of our staff members, Heidi, has alerted me to the news regarding Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series.

"As many of you will know Robert Jordan died a couple of years ago. As he knew he was very ill & probably would not finish the final book, left very detailed instructions what he wanted included & how it should end.

After his death, his wife chose Brandon Sanderson (a big fan & author) to write the final book in the series. Sanderson has decided that there was too much to be written for only one book. So there will be three more books, the first The Gathering Storm is due for publication in November."

For a list of the books in the Wheel of Time series visit our Sequel Search site.

Cheers, Maryanne

Winners of the May membership drive prize draw

The winners of the May membership drive prize draw have been selected and contacted. Congratulations to the following winners:

Timothy G. from Belgrave Library won a Nintendo Wii
Kate-Louise S. from Montrose & Jordanna B. from Ferntree Gully Libraries each won a $25 Borders voucher
Yvonne D. from Healesville Library won a bag of books.

Thanks to everyone who participated.

Cheers, Maryanne

June/July holiday activities

Looking for something to keep the kids occupied these next school holidays? Book in for the fantastic holiday events at our libraries, including an African drumming workshop, paper plane challenge, scrapbooking and Richard Cutler magic show.

View June/July holiday activity program (pdf 2 pages, 160Kb)

Bookings at any of our library branches.

Cheers, Maryanne

African Drumming workshop with Rhythm Arkadia

Come along for an African Drumming worshop with Alena from Rhythm Arkadia.

Two sessions
10:30-11am Ages 5-12 years
11 - 11:30am Ages 13+ years

When: Friday 3rd July 2 sessions 10:30-11am (5-12 yrs), 11-11:30am (13+ yrs)
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: $5 per child
Bookings essential phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

Image workshop with Swish Mobile beauty

Discover the proper way to apply makeup and more at this image workshop with Swish Mobile beauty. Workbook and sample bag included.

For ages 12-20 years.

When: Thursday 2nd July 10am-12 noon
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: $10 per person
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Fancy spinning a yarn?

Marion Wheatland will be visiting Lilydale Library to demonstrate spinning wool. No bookings required.

When: Wed 1st July 10am - 3pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Marion will also be conducting spinning classes in the library on the following dates.

When: Tues 14th, 21st, 28th July & 4th August 10am - 12noon
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Contact Marion on 0409250969 to register your interest.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 10th June 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 10th June show

Mid year can be stressful for students and their families. Mid-year exams, assignments due in by the winter holidays in two weeks time, school reports coming out. Now is the time to draw a deep breath and think about whether appropriate study habits are in place, and about how to do some things differently. In our libraries we are constantly talking to students and parents, and there is some basic advice we can pass on from our experience............

• start looking for information and resources early. It may be necessary to order information from other branches or libraries, particularly if there is a class project on the same subject and the demand is high in your local branch.
• be sure the student understands the topic or questions. If they don't, go back to the teacher and clarify. We see lots of good assignments in the library, but some ambiguous and poorly expressed ones too. You can ask for it to be explained better.
• know what sorts of resources are needed. We are often told these days that teachers want to know that students have used resources other than the internet. This could mean using books, but also newspapers, magazines, dvds and cds too. If you know this from the start you are more likely to find what you need.
• there is a difference between databases on the internet and Google. Google is an open ended search engine which retrieves information world wide, and from a huge range of sources. Students do not always realise that information they are using can be from an unreliable source. Databases which are made available from ERL's website are from reputable organisations which previously provided information in print form. You can for instance access a wide range of well-known encylopedias such as the Britannica; newspaper and magazine articles from The Age, The Herald-Sun, Choice, Time and many more; and resources which are especially useful for students such as Opposing Viewpoints.
• check out the website of your school or university for study hints and information. You can also go further afield to the Education Department's site for example and a link to support material for students http://www.education.vic.gov.au/connect/default.htm
• classes to teach study technique are run by several universities and colleges over the summer holiday break, and sometimes in other holidays too. Check out your nearest community Living and Learning Centre also.

Music today was from A little nonsense, Charles Mackerras and the Pro Arte Orchestra, the soundtrack of The Wedding Singer, and Divas 2

----Lesley

Antiques event booked out

The Antiques event at Miller's Homestead toward the end of June is booked out. If you are still interested get your name put on the waiting list because if there is sufficient interest in this event we'll run another one in the next few weeks.

Cheers, Maryanne

New picture book & graphic novel titles

If you frequently look at our lists of new titles in the catalogue (by clicking on New Titles in the navigation area at the top) you will see a couple of new entries - New Picture Books & New Graphic Novels. I've just set up the reports for these so from tomorrow, clicking on these links will display the picture books and graphic novels we've added in the month prior (don't click today as you'll get an error message).

The suggestion to add picture books comes from one of our members. If you ever have a great idea for something you'd like to see in the catalogue just let me know through our contact form. Some things I may not be able to set up, but it's worth asking.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 3rd June 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 3rd June show

Napoleon Bonaparte was very generous to his brothers and sisters, making them kings and queens of countries he conquered. His younger sister Pauline was the exception, and Lyn says that in the latest biography of her, she comes across as a bit silly, naive, not a paticularly pleasant person, and very promiscuous. Yet she was also very beautiful, courted by many, and was devoted to her brother, who loved her and lavished her with jewels and money. In Flora Fraser's biography Pauline Bonaparte : Venus of Empire we have a very readable picture of the politics, the manouvering and the scandals of the Republic. Pauline accompanied Napoleon on his first banishment, and supported his attempted return to power which was ended at the battle of Waterloo.

Another dip into history is The sisters who would be queen : the tragedy of Mary, Katherine and Lady Jane Grey by Leanda De Lisle. As Lyn said, when we study history, we often think of there being a seamless continuity between one king or queen and the next. More often than not, the transition is surrounded by conspiracy and ambitious double dealing. As we discover in this book, not only Lady Jane Grey but her two sisters were groomed for power by their family, and came to unhappy ends. It is a fascinating look at the politics of the time and the people who held power behind the throne.

Music today was from Chris Isaak's new CD Mr Lucky

---- Lesley

Vision Australia Radio - Hear This!

Just found out about a great weekly radio program, Hear This!, produced by the Vision Australia Library Information Service and Vision Australia Radio. They chat about online resources, new books, favourite books and life changing books and advertise community library events.

When: Every Friday 10:30am on 1179AM Vision Australia Radio in Melbourne
Listen on the web: Live stream at www.visionaustralia.org.au/radio.

Cheers, Maryanne

Growville growers today - garden craft

Growville growers is on at Rowville Library today. The theme is garden craft.

When: Friday 5th June 2pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Rd, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Proposed Budget & Library Plan - Public inspection copies

The Eastern Regional Libraries Board, at its Ordinary Meeting on 28 May 2009, having prepared its proposed Budget 2009/10 and Library Plan 2009 - 2013, resolved to call for written public submissions in accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989.

Budget Report 2009-2010 (pdf, 318Kb, 30 pages)
Proposed Library Plan 4.0 2009-2013 (pdf, 269Kb, 27 pages)

Any person wishing to make a submission in relation to the proposed Budget 2009/10 or the Library Plan 2009 – 2013 must do so no later than 12 Noon on 10 July 2009. Written submissions should be sent to the address detailed below. A person may request to be heard by the Board in support of his/her written submission. Oral submissions will be heard by the Board at its Ordinary Meeting on 27 August 2009 at the address detailed below, at which meeting the Board may adopt its 2009/10 Budget and Library Plan 2009 - 2013.

Post: Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation
7B Eastgate Court, Wantirna South 3152
Fax: 9298 8424
Email:

Cheers, Maryanne

Queen's Birthday holiday

All branches and mobiles of Eastern Regional Libraries will be closed on Monday 8th June for the Queen's Birthday holiday. Normal branch and mobile hours will resume on Tuesday.

Items may be returned via the bookchute at all branches except Croydon. If you know your PIN you can renew your items via the library catalogue. If you don't know your PIN yet, don't wait for the weekend, you can ask us now either via the phone on 1300 737 277 or via the Get a PIN form.

Have a great long weekend everyone. If you're stuck for something to do, check out CitySearch.

Cheers, Maryanne

Literature Lakeside - Meet Kate Holden

Melbourne author of In My Skin, a searingly honest and wonderfully written account of a life on the streets, on drugs and on the skids. All of Kate's appearance in the past have sold out quickly so book now.

When: Sunday 28th June 10:30am
Where: Lakeside Cafe Shop 2 293/305 Maroondah Highway Ringwood
Cost: $20 includes brunch
Bookings essential phone 9800 6409 or at your local branch library.

Cheers, Maryanne

Literary lunch - Amra Pajalic

The main character of Amra Pajalic's coming of age novel is fifteen year old Sabiha/Sammie Oberovic, an Australian Muslim of Bosnian heritage. Sabiha has many problems to confront, identity, bullying, a mother with mental problems. The novel has been described as 'funny, sharp and insightful'.

Amra Pajalic was born in the western suburbs of Melbourne to Bosnian parents. She has written several short stories prior to this, her first novel. Tne manuscript for this book was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier's Awards.

The Good Daughter was published in May 2009.

When: Thursday 25th June 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $7.50
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

Stretch your dollar

Thirteen years ago Cath Armstrong found herself looking into a financial black hole. By making a few changes she established security and a good lifestyle on less money. Her Cheapskates Club has helped thousands of people save money and build a secure future. Cath will share her money saving tips.

When: Saturday 20th June 1:30pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne