View Leader newspapers online

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community with online access to the Leader community newspapers at Leader Community ePaper. This is great for those people interstate or overseas who want to catch up the old neighbourhood.

You can select your local area from the map, use the search box at the top or click on select title and browse for your Leader newspaper.

Click on the articles to zoom in. As you scroll over an article there are icons to print or listen to the article. Sounded a bit British - odd.

You can even register to get your Leader newspaper delivered via email.

Cheers, Maryanne

Vampire Academy - Meet Richelle Mead

Rose Hathaway is 17, half human, half vampire. Sworn to protect her best friend Lissa from the dreaded Strigoi, forbidden to love Dimitri ……If you love Twilight then sink your teeth into the Vampire Academy.

This is your chance to meet New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead during her whirlwind Australian tour and have her sign copies of her bestselling titles including the new release Blood Promise. Bookings are essential - you'd better be quick 'cos this will book out so fast.

When: Monday 14th September 5pm
Where: Knox Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Free event. Great food, wicked prizes
Bookings essential phone 98011422

Cheers, Maryanne

Update on Ranges Mobile

The Ranges Mobile is still off the road today getting the brakes fixed.

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile

The Ranges Mobile will not be attending Upwey or Belgrave Heights sites today due to an issue with the trailer brakes. We will advise about Friday tomorrow.

Cheers, Maryanne

Knitting demonstration in the library

Are you lost casting off, do you wind up with 10 extra stitches or don't know how to check your tension? Janette McLaughlan will be demonstrating the beautiful craft of knitting for4 days each Friday in August. Come along with your knitting questions and Janette will be happy to help you. Sounds fantastic.

When: Friday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th August 10:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
No bookings needed

Cheers, Maryanne

Inside Their Minds - Meet Rochelle Jackson

Inside their Minds, Rochelle Jackson's latest book (2008) probes the minds and motives of some of Australia's most infamous criminals including Martin Bryant, Ivan Milat and Carl Williams. The book has been shortlisted for the Davitt Award and is now in its second printing.

Rochelle Jackson is known to listeners of 774 through her Crime Couch segment on Derek Guille's evening program. By profession an investigative journalist, Rochelle has worked on Australian Story, Today Tonight and as a media consultant with the NSW Police. Her previous book was In Your Face (2005) a look at the life and crimes of Bill 'the Texan' Longley.

When: Thursday 6th August 7pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 9294 1300

Cheers, Maryanne

Armchair Travellers - The Santiago de Compostela Camino pilgrimage with Clare

The Santiago Camino in Northern Spain, has been traversed for thousands of years by saints, sinners, generals, misfits, kings and queens and now Clare!

Clare will take you on a journey from the Pyrenees westward to Santiago, an 800 kilometre walk she recently completed over 5 weeks. Come and join us...

Tea and Coffee provided. Bookings preferred but not essential

When: Thursday 6th August 2pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97268200

Cheers, Maryanne

Yoga for mums with preschoolers

Sheila will show you how you can do yoga for yourself and involve your young child.

When: Tuesday 4th August 11am
Where: Yarra Junction Library Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

It's all about Antiques

Auctioneer and antiques expert Lester DeVere will introduce you to the world of collecting. Lester has over 25 years experience as an antique dealer. The afternoon will be in two parts.

Part one will provide an introduction to collecting. Following afternoon tea Lester will do an appraisal session. Strictly one item per person please

When: Sunday 2nd August 2pm
Where: Millers Homestead, Cnr Melrose Court and Dorrigo Drive, Boronia.
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone any of our branches on 1300737277

Cheers, Maryanne

Literary Lunch - James Phelan

James Phelan is passionate about literature; he holds an MA in writing and is a member of a number of Australian writers’ organizations.

His first book Literati was published in 2005 to considerable acclaim. The year 2006 saw the publication of his first novel Fox Hunt drawing on characters he first developed as a teenager. This book proved so popular that it has been followed by two further books Patriot Act (2007) and Blood Oil (2008) featuring hero Lachlan Fox. His fourth novel Liquid Gold will be published in August.

When: Thursday 30th July 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $10
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

Keeping chooks with Pete the Permie

Find out all you need to know about setting up your hen house, caring for and breeding chickens with "Pete the Permie". All Welcome, tea & coffee provided.

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

Cheers, Maryanne

Rowville open, Lilydale closed

Well it's all happening today. Rowville Library has just opened after their refurbishment. You can check out the latest refurbishment pics I've uploaded to their Flickr account.

Also Lilydale Library are now closed for their small refurbishment. Mostly what they'll be doing is taking down the old lime green shelving and replacing it with Rowville's old blue shelving.

Lilydale will be closed from 4pm Sunday 19th July, reopening at 10am Monday 10th August. The bookchute will be open for returns during this period.

Cheers, Maryanne

Message on catalogue - unavailable for display

You might find at the moment if you search the library's web catalogue for a title and Eastern Regional Libraries doesn't have a copy that you get a list of titles to browse and clicking on these titles gives the following message:

unavailable for display

There is a workaround for this bug. If you click on the Search for ALL libraries button at the top of this list of results you will get the record displayed.



The bug will be fixed with the next upgrade in August.

Oh and while I'm discussing the catalogue, the old logo that mysteriously appeared this week should be replaced today.

UPDATE: Logo has been fixed. Please refresh/reload your browser if you still see a blue oval logo on the catalogue.

Cheers, Maryanne

Meet Robyn Annear

Author Robyn Annear will be our special guest at the ‘new look’ Rowville Library on Monday 27th July at 2pm

Robyn is the author of a number of books including the award winning Bearbrass, The Man Who Lost Himself and A City Lost and Found: Whelan the Wrecker’s Melbourne. Her reputation is confirmed by her appointment to the Board of the State Library of Victoria in 2006.

Stay on for afternoon tea to celebrate the Library’s renovation.

When: Monday 27th July 2pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday @ Your Library - Australians in Vietnam

Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia brings to you a living history of the Vietnam War. Come along while a Veteran gives you a first hand account of his experiences. Gold coin donation in support of WAA Welfare Patriotic Fund, used to help Veterans in trouble.

When: Friday 24th July12 noon
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Gold coin donation
Bookings please phone 98011422

Cheers, Maryanne

Make your own hand dyed silk scarf

Pam Earl is conducting a workshop in the library to teach you how to dye silk using your microwave. Everyone gets to make & take home their own beautiful silk scarf.

Places are limited so bookings are essential. Payment will be required at time of booking.

When: Saturday 25th July 1-3pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: $5 per scarf
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

Mooroolbark Library 25th anniversary celebration

You're invited to join us in celebrating Mooroolbark Library's 25th anniversary.

The fabulous patchwork quilt made especially for the Mooroolbark Library by the Cheryl Young & her group of 5 patchworkers, who are sponsored by Bendigo Bank Mooroolbark, Sandlyn House and Edge to Edge Quilting Services, will be unveiled and a delightful morning tea will be served.

Local singer/songwriter Alex Legg will entertain us with his wonderful acoustic music.

Hope you can join us to celebrate. Bookings are preferable for catering purposes but not essential. All welcome.

When: Friday 24th July 11am
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97268200

Cheers, Maryanne

Making rag baskets with Joy Serwylo

Joy will demonstrate techniques for making rag baskets. Joy is providing the tools and materials so you can try on the day.

When: Thursday 23rd July 1pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97624099

Cheers, Maryanne

Update your email address

Have you changed Internet Service Providers or jobs and hence email addresses in the last couple of years? If so, next time you're in the library check with staff that we have the most up-to-date email address for you.

When hold and overdue notices bounce back to us we delete the email address on your record and alter the record for phone or paper notification.

So don't miss your notices.

Cheers, Maryanne

Chance to win over $500 in children's books

Do you have young children who are not yet at school?

Then complete the Reading and families with pre-school children survey to go in a draw to receive a pack of children’s books (valued over $500). Prize draw terms and conditions

The survey, created by the State Library of Victoria, will help the library to provide better support to parents, carers and professionals in encouraging children to develop an enjoyment of reading.

Cheers, Maryanne

Montrose Gardeners - Heritage fruit trees

Heritage Fruit trees, including Dwarf Fruit Trees suitable for kitchen or small gardens.
Graham George, from the Yarra Valley Permaculture Group, will reveal the delights of growing "old-fashioned" fruit trees - varieties that have stood the test of time - where taste and reliability are the all-important factors.

When: Tuesday 21st July 1:30pm
Where: Montrose Library, Corner Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road & Swansea Road
Montrose
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97284224

Cheers, Maryanne

Event cancelled

Just letting everyone know that the Lunch with Peter Klein event at Ferntree Gully Library on Thursday 16th July has been cancelled.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 24th June & 1st July

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. We've got two updates today

On 24th June show

Pia had some delightful new books on hand today. Frog Princess is a picture book by Rosalind Allchin which is a very different version of the classic tale of the Frog Prince. When a lady frog finds the Princes' golf ball she insists that he kiss her so she can turn into a Princess. Cleverly the prince suggests that she try being a princess for a day and if she still wants to, he will kiss her at midnight. Through a series of funny misunderstandings the Frog discovers that being a princess isn't quite what she thought it would be and leaves her somewhat disappointed.

A book for young adult readers is Beastly by Alex Flinn, another book which takes a fresh look at at a fairy tale. Kyle Kingsbury had it all , money and popularity. Unfortuantely it didn't make him a nice person. One day he goes a bit too far and tries to humiliate a witch. For his punishment she changes him into a beast, only to be changed back if he finds love's true kiss. Kyle quickly finds that his popularity was only superficial. Life as a beast changes Kyle in ways he could never imagine. A movie is currently being made of this story. Will it be the next Twilight?

With this year being the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, a number of books have come out telling his story. Several for children...What Mr Darwin saw by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom is a wonderful account of Darwin's momentous trip on the Beagle. We follow Darwin as he voyages around the world exploring the Andes, the Brazillian rainforest and last but not least the Galapagos islands. This story allows the reader to learn how Darwin fomulated some of his theories. The facts come in diary format as well as illustrations with little boxes on the side containing more facts. One beetle too many: the extraordinary adventures of Charles Darwin By Kathryn Lasky and Matthew Trueman is another wonderful account of Charles Darwin's travels on the Beagle. This is what is called faction or an information novel. There are some wonderfully detailed illustrations emulating some of Darwin's scientific drawings as well as some funny illustrations.

We also talked about podcasts and how there are some that I enjoy listening to.

Adult book shows
The Radio National Bookshow with Ramona Koval http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bookshow/
BBC World Bookclub http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/

Children's Book show
Just one more book http://www.justonemorebook.com/


On 1st July show

Lyn Baines has been sleeping poorly lately. The blame for this can be laid at the door of writers who write genuinely scary novels. Sarah Waters The Little Stranger has received some rave reviews, and Lyn testifies to the great writing and intriguing plot. It centres around the decaying grand house of the village, refuge for the last three members of a family, which becomes disturbed by mysterious sounds, writings on the wall, and eventually murder. The narrator is the doctor who grew up in the village,and now lives uneasily between the working class and gentry. The novel has many threads to it, including class friction, the dramatic social changes in post WW II Britain, and the supernatural.

A Perfect Death by Kate Ellis is a novel set in contemporary Britain which combines Lyn's love of history and detection. It is the latest in a series of crime novels which bring together a police detective and his archaeologist friend. The author skilfully draws the discovery of the archaeological dig into the crime mystery, and in this case it centres around some Roman ruins threatened by housing development, and the murder of a woman which almost replicates a medieval murder in the same location.

Music today was from Great voices of the Twentieth Century : John McCormack, and Lyn recommends another CD by the voice of our time Bry Terfel, which includes several of the same lovely British folk songs, Scarborough Fair.

---- Lesley

Changes to the Marvellous Melbourne events at Millers

We have a few changes to the order of events at Marvellous Melbourne at Millers. The order is now:

Wed15th July 1:30pm Madame Brussels
Wed 22nd July 1:30pm Making Modern Melbourne
Wed 29th July 1:30pm E W Cole: chasing the rainbow

The cost is $7 per session or $18 series concession ($15 pensioners)

We apologise for any inconvenience. Bookings may be made at any of our branches.

Cheers, Maryanne

Croydon closing early

Croydon Library will be closing at 5pm today due to a water problem - they have none as a result of a burst water main. The problem should be fixed this evening and Croydon is expected to be open tomorrow at 10am. As Croydon does not operate a bookchute items can be returned to Ringwood Library or tomorrow at Croydon (just advise staff you attempted to return them Friday evening).

Cheers, Maryanne

Knox Mobile

Due to staffing issues the Knox Mobile will not be on the road today. Items may be returned to any of our branches or renewed over the phone on 1300 737 277 (select any of our branches on the list) or if you know your PIN via the web catalogue.

Cheers, Maryanne

Email notices

Have you set your library record up to receive email notices for holds and overdues? It's super quick and easy, much better than waiting for paper notices.

Set up your library record:

1. In person - Give library staff your library card number & email address on your next visit and they'll set it up for you
2. Via the phone - Phone 1300 737 277, select your preferred branch and give library staff your library card number and email address
3. Via the website - Contact us through our contact form on the website and provide your library card number and email address.

While you're at it if you can confirm your residential address we'll let you know your PIN so you can login to the catalogue and renew your items or place holds. We even have a PIN application form on the website.

Cheers, Maryanne

Ann Creber recommends

Ann Creber has had a wonderful career as an author, journalist, editor, food consultant and stylist. Ann will be joining us for Book Bites at Croydon Library next week. Join us 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

Ann has generously shared a few recommendations with us.

Cookbooks

My cousin Rosa by Rosa Mitchell (Sicilian cooking)
Pete's table by Pete Evans (Australian)
Serendip by Peter Kuravita (Sri Lankan)
Eating for eye health by Ita Buttrose & Vanessa Jones (sounds a bit dull I know, but very good recipes and ita was fun to interview!)
Ingredients by Skye Gyngell
Snowflakes & Schnapps by Jane Lawson (some of the recipes are pretty exotic but both the photography and presentation of the book are gorgeous!)

Factual/biographical/autobiographical/historical

Shooting balibo by Tony Maniaty
On paths of ash by Peter Townsend (POW story)
One for the road by Janelle McCulloch
Roots of civilization by John Newton (beautiful book - lovely to handle)
1788 by David Hill
Foxey's hangout by Cathy Gowie (includes recipes)
The well-dressed ape by Hannah Holmes
Strange places by Will Elliott (an exploration of of his schizophrenia)
The artists' lunch by Alice McCormack & Sarah Rhodes (published late last year but my favourite book for 2008)
Reunion by Andrea Goldsmith
The girl on the landing by Paul Tordray (favourite book so far)
The better woman by Ber Carroll (bit w/weekly but an interesting concept)
A lost life by Steven Carroll ( a really beautiful book to handle and an intriguing theme.... A "story" of T.S. Eliot and the woman who was the love of his life, as Steven interpreted it, juxtaposed with the tale of young lovers whose paths they crossed.

Crime

Close up by Esther Voerhoef (translated from the Dutch)


Other

Penguin anthology of poetry compiled by John Kinsella


Cheers, Maryanne

Rowville Community Library morning tea

Join us for morning tea to celebrate the new look library.

When: Thursday 23rd July 10:30am
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
No need to book, just come along.

Cheers, Maryanne

Rowville Library front desk gone

It's amazing to see the Rowville Library without the front desk and display cabinet. It's going to make a big difference and open the library up. Check it out on the Rowville Library's Flickr.

Cheers, Maryanne

Valley Mobile

The Valley Mobile will not be visiting the Yellingbo or Gruyere sites tomorrow, however it will be attending Seville. Items may be returned to any of our libraries or renewed via phone (1300 737 277) or online if you have your PIN.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Moon

The Moon is a constant in our night sky. It has marked the passing of time and ruled the seas through the tides. How much do we know about our astronomical companion and what is there still to learn? On the 40th anniversary of the Moon landings learn more about the Moon in this fascinating talk by professional astronomer, Dr James Murray.


When: Wednesday 22nd July 7 pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $4
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

Marvellous Melbourne at Millers

Join us for a series of three talks featuring an insight into Melbourne’s fascinating past. The venue will be lovely Millers’ Homestead in Boronia, itself a part of the history of Melbourne.

The talks will be followed by Devonshire tea in the warmth of dining room.

E W Cole: Chasing the Rainbow
Author Lisa Lang will introduce us to the fabulous world of E W Cole of Cole’s Book Arcade and Funny Picture Book fame.

When: Wednesday 15th July 1:30pm
Where: Miller's Homestead, Cnr Melrose Court and Dorrigo Drive Boronia
Cost: $7 per session or $18 series concession ($15 pensioners)
Bookings essential phone 9800 6409 or your local library


Making Modern Melbourne
Trace Melbourne’s early history from its pioneer beginnings to a thriving city with historian and author Jenny Lee.

When: Wednesday 22nd July 1:30pm
Where: Miller's Homestead, Cnr Melrose Court and Dorrigo Drive Boronia
Cost: $7 per session or $18 series concession ($15 pensioners)
Bookings essential phone 9800 6409 or your local library


Madame Brussels
Numbers 32 and 34 Lonsdale Street housed the first brothel owned by Caroline time Hodgson ‘Madame Brussels’. By the time of her death in 1908 she was the subject of legend. Join author Lenny Robinson for the life and career of ‘Madame Brussels’.

When: Wednesday 29th July 1:30pm
Where: Miller's Homestead, Cnr Melrose Court and Dorrigo Drive Boronia
Cost: $7 per session or $18 series concession ($15 pensioners)
Bookings essential phone 9800 6409 or your local library

Cheers, Maryanne

History of Puffing Billy Railway

Come and discover the history of the Puffing Billy Railway. Don Horsburgh will be the "driver" in this interesting presentation. Morning tea provided.

When: Saturday 18th July 11am
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Lilydale Library refurbishment

I've just found out that Lilydale Library will be closed for refurbishment from 4pm Sunday 19th July, re-opening 10am Monday 10th August. They will be putting up the nice blue shelving inherited from Rowville Library.

The bookchute will be open for returns during this period. You can borrow items from any of our branches, the closest libraries would be Mooroolbark, Montrose, Mt Evelyn and Croydon. View our library branches. Renewals can be done over the phone on 1300 737 277 (speak to staff at any library) or if you have your PIN, via the web catalogue.

Cheers, Maryanne