PC Basics

Would you, or someone you know, like to learn about computers but don't know where to start? Join Louisa from Orana Community House for this 2 hour introductory workshop.

Orana Neighbourhood House is currently taking enrolments for Term 4 computer courses, phone 9801 1895.

When: Friday 11th September 11am - 1pm
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98011422

Cheers, Maryanne

Spring luncheon & fresh ideas - a Cook's Kitchen event

Celebrate spring at Healesville Library’s Fresh Ideas luncheon. Join celebrated cook and author Vikki Leng at our spring luncheon and launch of the new Fresh Ideas recipe exchange and cook book group. A door prize of a beautiful autographed cook book to be won.

Book early as places are limited.

When: Thursday 10th September 1pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Cost: $10 (pay in advance to secure your place)
Bookings essential phone 5962 4423

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile

The maintenance work on the Ranges Mobile has taken longer than expected so unfortunately it is not due back on the road until Wednesday at the earliest. I'll keep you apprised on the blog and on the website.

Cheers, Maryanne

School holiday program

The September/October school holiday program is out. Check out the program and book at your local branch.

View Sept/Oct holiday program (pdf, 170Kb, 2 pages). Hard copies should be arriving at the branches next week.

Events include Sand Art Wizard at Rowville, Discover the Universe with Dr. James Murray at Knox, Science experiments from the library dungeon at Croydon, Worry dolls at Healesville and Ben 10 at Moorolbark.

Cheers, Maryanne

Book Bites – Meet Jane Clifton

Show business all rounder Jane Clifton has had a busy career as an actress and singer, equally at home on television, radio or stage.

In 2002 Jane’s first book Half Past Dead was published to both critical and popular acclaim. Her second novel A Hand in the Bush was published in 2005. Jane has received two fellowships to pursue her writing and is hard at work on both fiction and non-fiction projects.

Join us for an entertaining event.

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

Cheers, Maryanne

Wire jewellery workshop

Adult Learner's Week 1st-8th September

Join Melita as she shows you how to make a pair of spiral heart earrings. The second session will only be run if the first session is full.

When: Wednesday 9th September 10:30am and 12:30pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: $4 per person, please pay before the day
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Plant swap & chat

There's an upcoming plant swap & chat coming up at the start of September that you might be interested in. It's BYO lunch, a plant or cutting to swap and a gold coin donation.

When: Tuesday 8th September 12:30pm
Where: The Bridge Community Garden Centre, 49 Durham Road, Kilsyth
Cost: Gold coin donation
Bookings essential phone 97251932

Cheers, Maryanne

Growville Growers Spring Lunch - The Unusual Life of Edna Walling with Sara Hardy

The gardens of Edna Walling are much loved and admired. Sara Hardy looks at the life of Edna - her enormous energy and her distinctive garden style. Sara will talk about the development of her award winning biography The Unusual Life of Edna Walling. Copies of Sara’s book will be available for sales and signing.

When: Friday 4th September 12:30pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: $10 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Singed Sisterhood - six years on

In March 2009, just after the Victorian fires were extinguished an email (originally from an article from The Canberra Times) entitled Tips from a bushfire survivor, was circulated. The email was written by Liz Tilley who lost her home in the Canberra bushfire of January 2003. She writes:

A great relief effort is one that is based on the experiences of previous disaster situations, and yet, after the Canberra bushfires, we were so often ‘re-inventing the wheel’. I just can’t bear to see those victims in Victoria not benefit from what we learned in Canberra.
Canberra's bushfire victim's tips for a great relief
The Canberra Times Wed 11th February 2009

Liz and Karen Downing (also a Canberra Bushfire survivor and member of the Singed Sisterhood) have very kindly agreed to visit the Yarra Ranges in September and share their experience with our community.

Two events will be held:

When: Friday 4th September 7pm
Where: De Bortoli Winery, Pinnacle Lane, Dixons Creek
Cost: Free event
Drinks and Nibbles provided
Bookings essential phone 1300368333 or email

When: Saturday 5th September 1pm
Where: Healesville R.S.L 275 - 279 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville
Cost: Free event
A light lunch will be supplied
Bookings essential phone 1300368333 or email

Maryanne

Moving Project - exciting opportunity for artists

I just heard about an exciting opportunity for artists, schools and community groups.

Call for artist submissions for Moving Project

What is Moving Project?

Moving is an exciting new project offering artists an opportunity to show their work. Based in Ringwood (opposite the railway station) artists will be offered a vacant shop window to show their work with the aim of enlivening the area and offering a rich cultural and artistic experience for residents and visitors. The area where the vacant shops are located are planned for redevelopment, as such, the space is only temporary. The date for completion of Moving Project has yet to be confirmed however participating artists will be given a least two weeks’ notice to vacate.

Who can apply?

Local artists, schools, students and community groups are encouraged to apply. Artists living and working outside of Ringwood are also welcome to apply.

What artists will receive?

• An opportunity to show your work
• A fee for service of up to $1000 for artist fees/materials/costs
• Electricity supply to the shop
• Assistance with curating and shop window dressing (if applicable)
• Promotion of project and participating artists

Selection Criteria

• Artistic merit
• Ability to respond to the theme ‘Moving’
• Ability to respond to the spaces/shops
• Willingness to move in and out of a temporary space

Moving theme can relate to:

• Capable of or having movement
• Causing or producing motion
• Involved in changing the location of possessions
• Actuating, instigating, or impelling: the moving spirit behind the party
• Stirring or evoking strong feelings or emotions

Enquires and Applications and Closing Date

Enquiries: Jacque Robinson (Village Well) 9650 0080 or 0421 103 877.

View the application form (pdf, 3 pages, 50KB)

Closing date for first round of applications: close of business 11th September 2009


Send applications

Via email: or

Via post: Jacque Robinson Village Well, Level 6, 43 Hardware Lane, Melbourne, 3000


Selection Process

Artists will be selected on their ability to respond to the selection criteria. Funds are limited so applicants are encouraged to apply promptly. All applications will receive notice as to whether their application is successful or not.

Cheers, Maryanne

Music @ your library – Croydon Library

Browse the shelves to the sounds of a wonderful musician, part of a 3 month program. This month Jim Stevens will be playing great guitar arrangements of your favourite melodies. Join us for a special Sunday at Croydon Library.

When: Sunday 30th August 2pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free event

Cheers, Maryanne

Valley Mobile

Just caught up with the news that the Valley Mobile will not be at Wonga Park this afternoon as there is no power.

Cheers, Maryanne

Calling the 1300 number

Members can navigate the 1300 auto attendant easily without having to listen to all of the menu options. Each menu option has a number assigned. These are known as the quick codes. As soon as the auto attendant starts and Alan starts speaking, type in the quick code for the branch wanted and you get straight through.

1300737277

Branch quick codes (menu options)
Administration - enter 1
Boronia Library - enter 23
Ferntree Gully Library - enter 24
Knox Library - enter 21
Rowville Library - enter 22
Croydon Library - enter 31
Ringwood Library - enter 32
Belgrave Library - enter 42
Healesville Library - enter 45
Lilydale Library - enter 41
Montrose Library - enter 46
Mooroolbark Library - enter 43
Mt Evelyn Library - enter 47
Yarra Junction Library - enter 44

If you select a branch that is closed you will be redirected back to the auto attendant to select another branch (unless the branch has an answering machine set up for after hours calls).

If we're closed for a public holiday a special holiday message is read letting you know that the branches and mobiles are closed and books may be returned via bookchutes at all branches except Croydon.

Cheers, Maryanne

Children's Book Awards 2009 winners announced

The winners of the Children's Book Awards for 2009 have been anounced. They are:

Older Readers Book of the Year
Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan

Honour - Into White Silence by Anthony Eaton
Honour - A Rose for the Anzac Boys by Jackie French






Younger Readers Book of the Year
Perry Angel’s Suitcase by Glenda Millard, Illus: King, Stephen Michael

Honour - The Wish Pony by Catherine Bateson
Honour - Then by Morris Gleitzman



Early Childhood Book of the Year
How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham

Honour - Leaf by Stephen Michael King
Honour - Tom Tom by Rosemary Sullivan, Illus: Dee Huxley







Picture Book of the Year
Collecting Colour by Kylie Dunstan

Honour - Home and Away by Matt Ottley, Text: John Marsden
Honour - The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness by Colin Thompson




Eve Pownall Book of the Year
Alive in the Death Zone by Lincoln Hall

Honour - The Word Spy by Ursula Duborsarky, Illus: Tohby Riddle
Honour - Simpson and his Donkey by Mark Greenwood, Illus: Lessac, Frané




Congratulations to the winners and honours.

Cheers, Maryanne

National Poetry Competition

Eastern Regional Libraries is running a National Poetry Competition for Australian residents.

Entries close Friday 23rd October
View the entry form (pdf, 287Kb)


Judge - Patricia Sykes
Patricia Sykes is an award-winning poet, and a librettist. Her first collection of poetry, Wire Dancing, arose out of her experiences as a performer with the Women’s Circus and was shortlisted for the Anne Elder and Mary Gilmore awards


Prizes
Adult 1st Prize $1000
Local Award $500 for residents of Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges
Teenage 1st Prize $300 13-18 years
Junior 1st Prize $200 9-12 years

Sponsored by QLS


Conditions of entry
All entries to be submitted to any branch of Eastern Regional Libraries 7B Eastgate Court, Wantirna South, Victoria 3152 (Faxes and emails will not be accepted)

• Entries close Friday 23 October 2009
• Entries posted after this date will not be accepted
• A Registration Fee must accompany each entry form
• $5 (inc. GST) for Open entries
• $2 (inc. GST) for Teenage and Junior entries (NB If 2 poems are submitted the fee covers both poems)
• Entrants should be Australian residents
• All poems must be original and not have been previously published in print or online, or entered in any other competition.
• Poems should not exceed 40 lines in length
• Teenage and junior entries may require proof of age
• Schools are requested to limit the number of entries submitted per class.
• In order to ensure anonymity entries should be submitted without the author’s name appearing on the entry.
• All entries should be typed on A4 paper and stapled if required.
• Please ensure all personal details are included on the registration form
• The judge’s decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into.
• Eastern Regional Libraries reserves the right to retain a copy of prize winning entries and to reproduce these for loan.
• Copyright remains with the writer and is not taken over by the Library.
• Poems will not be returned.
• Entrants are advised to retain a copy of the poems submitted
• Winners only will be notified
• Results will be published in the local media and displayed in all branches of Eastern Regional Libraries and on the library’s website www.erl.vic.gov.au
• Prizes will be awarded at a presentation evening in late November.

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile re-opening delayed

Just heard the news from Grant, that the Ranges Mobile will not be on the road next week as planned, hopefully we will have it back by late next week and ready for service on the 31st August. We'll keep you updated via the blog & website.

Cheers, Maryanne

2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report

We've ordered 3 hard copies of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report that should be arriving within a week or so. In the meantime, you can download a copy from the Royal Commission website:

2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report

Maryanne

Victoria literary map

Navigate your way through the literary map of Victoria and learn about our writers and their origins, or visit the places where some of our greatest writing was created or set.

Exhibition - The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria

When: 24th April - 25th October
Where: State Library Victoria, Keith Murdoch Gallery

"The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria is a free exhibition that celebrates Victoria's rich and diverse written culture, highlighting the stories, the voices and the spirit of independence that have made our literature unique."
State Library Victoria

Cheers, Maryanne

17th Yarra Junction Library bird walk

Join Ken Simpson for a bird walk at Lillydale Lake. Morning tea approx. 11am. BYO Binoculars, suitable clothing for the weather, a thermos and mug. We will supply tea, coffee and soup. These events are popular so book now.

When: Saturday 29th August 8:30am
Where: Lillydale Lake, enter from Swansea Rd. Meet at the main South End Carpark Melway: 38 G7
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

Magical moments - a very special bookchat

The last week in August is Children's Book Week and to celebrate we are asking you to join us for a trip down memory lane. Did you have a special book you loved as a child that you would like to share with us? Mine was Brer Rabbit. Bring it along and join us for this very special celebration.

Afternoon tea to follow.

When: Thursday 27th August 2pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
No need to book, just come along.

Cheers, Maryanne

Literary Lunch - Meet Peter Klein

Peter Klein may have been destined to become a writer, his mother Robin Klein is one of Australia’s best loved and most awarded authors.

Peter 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. His first book the autobiographical A Strapper’s Tale was a runaway success. Punter’s Luck his first novel followed in 2007.

Peter is still connected to the industry as the racing manager for Australian Associated Press, his second novel Punter’s Turf was published by Pan Macmillan in 2009.

When: Thursday 27th August 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $10 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

Falls prevention talk in Cantonese

Edmond Wong, the physiotherapist from the Knox Community Health Service, is giving a talk in Cantonese on falls prevention. It is aimed to help elderly Chinese residents living safely at home.

When: Monday 24th August 1:30pm - 3pm
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Free event
No need to book, enquiries phone 98011422

Cheers, Maryanne

Updated the bookclub list

For all of those bookclub members out there, I've uploaded an updated list of the bookclub books in our collection and it's available on Reader's Corner Bookclubs. We've made a lot of additions and deletions so it's worth checking and printing off a list for your next meeting.

If you're running a bookclub in our area and you haven't registered it with Eastern Regional Libraries here's how it works. Bookclubs register at one of our branches and pay an annual fee of $190 (including GST). This gives you access to our phenomenal bookclub collection. Each book club set consists of 10 copies and there are notes supplied for many of the titles, some even have DVDs. To place holds on the bookclub set just make sure to add bookclub to the keywords. Another easy way to browse and see what's on shelf is to click Find it Fast on the catalogue and then Bookclub collection.

Further information is available at any branch of Eastern Regional Libraries. Please note that we cannot assist you in joining a bookclub that uses this service.

I occasionally get enquiries from interstate bookclubs and unfortunately we can't join you up to the service as the costs of sending the books would be too large.

Cheers, Maryanne

Children's Book Week event change - Welcome Mike Spoor

There been a slight change to one of the events for Children's Book Week. Mark Carthew is unable to make it but are happy to introduce UK artist Mike Spoor who has illustrated over 200 books including the Dinosaur Cove series. See how he creates his characters and brings them to life on the page. I've just been checking out some of his work and it's really cool. Have a look:






When: Saturday 29th August 3pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free
Recommended for ages 8-12
Bookings essential, phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Yoga for parents with preschoolers

Join Sheila in a yoga session for yourself and involve your child.

When: Tuesday mornings at 9:30am
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
No need to book, just come along. Enquiries phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

Poetry Slam & other news

Calling all poets! Eastern Regional Libraries is playing host to a heat of the Australian Poetry Slam '09. You've got 2 minutes & a microphone to deliver your original poem, any way you like. Heat winners will compete in the state final at the State Library of Victoria on 12th November.

Rules and further information
Aust Poetry Slam 09 on Twitter

When: Monday 21st September 7pm (register at 6:30pm)
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
Bookings and enquiries phone 92948140

Anyone wanting to get in a bit of practice before the heat can turn up to one of 2 poetry open mic nights - Monday 17th Aug 7pm at Ringwood Library (Book on 98700177) & Monday 31st August 7pm at Belgrave (Book on 9754 7266).

In other poetry news we will have the entry forms for the National Poetry competition in the libraries and on the website by Friday 21st August.

Cheers, Maryanne

Mobile updates

Just updating you all on the status of our mobiles

Knox Mobile

The Knox Mobile will not be on the road today, Thursday 6th August. This affects the following sites - Glengollan Retirement Village and Bayswater Shopping Centre.

Ranges Mobile

The Ranges Mobile is on the road today however just a reminder that the Ranges Mobile will be off the road for major work from 1pm Friday 7th August with it back on the road Tuesday 26th August.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Libraries Show - 22nd July & 29th 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 updates for the last couple of radio shows.

22nd July

Pia reviewed a range of novels today, the first four falling into the adult and young adult category.

A lion called Christian by Bourke and Rendall grew from a 2008 Youtube.com film clip about the emotional reunion of two young men and their pet lion, Christian. They had left him in Africa with Born Free's George Adamson, who would introduce the lion into his rightful place in the wild. This is their story written by those young men. (View the amazing story of Christian, Bourke & Rendall, with links to the video....webgurl)

Dewey: the small town cat who touched the world by Myron is the tale of a kitten who was found in a library overnight chute and grew up to being a loyal companion in the Spencer, Iowa library. Dewey helps Vicki Myron, the author, and the people of the town of Spencer to face life.

Crank is a very sad tale of a young girl with a bright future damaged by drugs. A verse novel skillfully written by Ellen Hopkins from her own experiences of her young daughter's addiction. And Glass also by Hopkins, the continuing story of Kristina and her spiral into the depths of drug addiction.

The last two books reviewed are Picture books. Me, Oliver Bright by De Kantzow and Rippen, in which Oliver Bright explores how much life has changed since his Grandpa's times through his school project. A warm hearted look at families and how the adventure of growing up. And Jasper McFlea will not eat his tea by Fox and Vane which deals with Jasper McFlea who will not eat his tea, only pasta. But what will it take to get Jasper to eat everything from avocado to zucchini? A delicious rollicking feast.


29th July

For some time there has been a debate about whether electronic information would wipe out the appeal and usefulness of the book. Evidence would suggest that both the computer and the book have their unique qualities, and will co-exist happily. Today, I featured some of the interesting electronic resources which are making both information and fiction easily available to us all. You may already have looked up magazines like Choice on our ERL Onefile database, but have you discovered that you can access an enormous range of e-magazines via the catalogue? When you do a simple subject search for 'australia history e-magazine' you will get a list of 25 titles; a search of 'diabetes e-magazine' gives you 15 titles. From the icon in the bottom right hand corner, you are taken to the magazine records where the issues are listed by year, and once into the records you can put in a subject search.

Another wonderful resource is e-books, material which is out of copyright or which authors have decided to put in the public domain and forgo copyright. Try putting e-books into a Google search to see something of the huge range available. Another interesting search is to go go to www.gutenberg.org, the site of the first project to put books out in the public domain. You may have heard too that Google are working with libraries around the world to put material which is out of copyright onto the web. What this means boggles my mind, but is also very exciting. A useful example of this accessible material is when a student asked recently if our libraries held a copy of a letter Oscar Wilde wrote called De Profundis. She needed it for study, her university library has all copies on loan, and to buy a copy would cost $35. A quick check on the Internet, and we found that it is freely available.

Music today was from The Royal Australian Navy Band's CD A flagship recital

----Lesley

Knox Mobile

The Knox Mobile will not be visiting the Scoresby site today (3pm-5pm Berrabri Drive, in front of kindergarten)

Cheers, Maryanne

Celebrate with us

Come celebrate with us! Rowville Library is celebrating its 20th Birthday on Saturday 22nd August. Join us for a special storytime at 10:30am. At 11am it’s morning tea with music from vocalist/guitarist Michael Lloyd. I'm marking this down in my diary - I actually worked for 8 years at Rowville Library as Youth Services Librarian. It has certainly changed a lot over the years.

We will announce the winners of our colouring competition on the day.

When: Saturday 22nd August 10:30am
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Montrose Gardeners : Local plants & animals in the home garden

Almost everyone would like to attract wildlife of some kind into their garden - without a little wildlife the suburbs are sterile, lifeless and boring places. Fortunately, by intelligent use of local native and exotic plants we can attract a range of Australian wildlife into even city gardens. In the outer east we are fortunate to have so much bush around us, offering us a greater variety of birds, butterflies, mammals and reptiles. Additionally, by providing habitats for these animals in our gardens, we are helping local conservation efforts to ensure their survival.

Daniel, from Candlebark Community Nursery will talk on helping to conserve our local plants and animals in the home garden

When: Friday 21st August 1pm
Where: Montrose Library, Cnr Mt. Dandenong Tourist Rd & Swansea Rd, Montrose
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97284224

For your diary: Plant swap & chat at The Bridge Community Garden Centre, 49 Durham Road, Kilsyth. Tuesday 8th September 12:30pm.
BYO lunch, a plant or cutting to swap, & a gold coin donation. Bookings essential 97251932

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday @ your library - Chocolate

Sylvia Kiska from Sissy's Gourmet Delights will demonstrate the art and the joy of chocolate making. Samples are a certainty!

When: Friday 21st August 12noon
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98011422

Cheers, Maryanne

The life of stars

What are stars? Why do they shine? Why are they different colours? How do they begin and how do they end?

Discover the answers to these and more questions in an evening talk by Dr James Murray, professional astronomer and science presenter.

When: Thursday 20th August 7pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $4
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

Poetry Open Mic Night

Calling all poets! Do you want to practice your poetry for National Poetry Slam, or just to share your poems with others? Join host Steve Smart for some open mic nights at Ringwood & Belgrave Libraries.

When: Monday 17th August 7pm
Where: Ringwood Library, Melbourne St Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98700177

When: Monday 31st August 7pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97547266

A heat of the National Poetry Slam will be held at Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Highway Ferntree Gully on Monday 21st September. Registrations 6:30pm for a 7pm start.

Cheers, Maryanne

Children's Book Week

Children's Book Week (22nd - 28th August) is fast approaching so you'd better be quick to book in for the following events at Croydon Library:

Create Your Own Storybook
When: Saturday 29th August 1:30pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free
Bookings essential, phone 92945640

Make our own very special book with artist Joy Serwylo. All ages are welcome at this workshop.


Meet Mark Carthew
When: Saturday 29th August 3pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free
Bookings essential, phone 92945640

Mark Carthew is both an author and a musician and his talks are loads of fun. He is also the author and creator of numbers of children’s books and CD’s. Come join us for a fun filled session.


Galosh the Gnome Storytime
When: Saturday 29th August 4pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free
Bookings essential, phone 92945640

It is very quiet in the library, in the corner sits Galosh the Storytelling Gnome waiting to tell some magical stories...Fairy bread afternoon tea to follow.

Cheers, Maryanne

Rochelle Jackson

The Rochelle Jackson visit has been cancelled due to lack of numbers.

Cheers, Maryanne

Melbourne Writers Festival

21st - 30th August

Coming up this month is the Melbourne Writers Festival. You won't want to miss the series of professional workshops and masterclasses including:

The Past is Not Dead: Historical Novels in Contemporary Literature – a masterclass with John Boyne (UK)

How to write GOOD fiction; From First Draft to Last – a masterclass with M J Hyland (UK/Aus)

Writing Non Fiction: From Choosing a Subject to Finding a Publisher – a workshop with Stephen Miller (USA)

Even if you're not a writer there are plenty of great events including the Big Ideas series at RMIT. Sessions include:

Does the end justify the means? with David Kilcullen (counterinsurgency expert) and Julian Burnside (barrister and human rights advocate)

Life, the Universe and Nothing with Theoretical Physicist Lawrence M Krauss who will discuss future of the Universe itself.

The festival is jam-packed so check out the official MWF website for the program of events.

Cheers, Maryanne

Knox Mobile

The Knox Mobile will not be on the road today, 4th August, due to driver illness. Items may be returned to any of our branches or renewed via 1300737277.

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile

The Ranges Mobile will be off the road from 1pm Friday 7th August, reopening 1pm Monday 24th August. The mobile will be undergoing maintenance during this period (re-roofed and the capsule repaired). Items may be returned to any of our branches.

Cheers, Maryanne

Get the best out of your camera

What are the elements of a good picture? Knox Photographic Society will present a practical talk on getting the most out of your camera. They'll also answer your photography questions.

When: Thursday 20th August 1:30pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97624099

Cheers, Maryanne

Meet Alison Wong

Alison Wong was born and raised in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, after her grandparents on both sides migrated from China’s Guangdong province in the 1890s. She studied mathematics at Victoria University in Wellington, worked in IT, and spent several years in China. In 1996 she held a Reader’s Digest NZ Society of Authors Fellowship in the Stout Research Centre, and in 2002 the Robert Burns Fellowship at Otago University.

She author of the poetry collection, Cup. As the Earth Turns Silver is her first novel.

When: Thursday 13th August 7pm
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98011422

Cheers, Maryanne

Ixchel Angora Bunny

Meet Charly, a funky fibre artist and her angora rabbits. See her spinning, dying, knitting and weaving art and hear about her pesticide free and organic breeding practices.

When: Wednesday 12th August 2pm
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne