Melbourne Cup day - Libraries & mobiles closed

Rounding the first turn in the 2005 Melbourne Cup (courtesy of VRC)

All branches and mobiles of Eastern Regional Libraries will be closed for Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 3rd November.

Branches and mobiles will resume normal hours on Wednesday 4th November.

You will be able to return items through the bookchute during this time. Note: Croydon bookchute is closed.

So plan early, either return your items on the weekend or, if you know your PIN, you can renew your items via the library catalogue. Follow the instructions in the catalogue tutorials. If you don't know your PIN, apply for it now through the library website.

For the latest news and events on the Melbourne Cup Carnival, visit the Victoria Racing Club's Cup Carnival website. I'm off to the Derby tomorrow, should be fun. Hopefully the weather's a bit better.

If you're looking for something else to do on Tuesday check out what's on at Melbourne CitySearch.

Cheers, Maryanne

The latest news on WiFi, new PCs & Internet membership

Lots of things happening in IT at the moment, especially in November.

WiFi in November & December

The WiFi testing at Knox has been going well. Electrical work & furniture additions are happening in our Knox & Maroondah branches, as well as Lilydale. We are looking at the implementation of WiFi hotspots at Boronia, Ferntree Gully, Rowville, Croydon, Ringwood and Lilydale libraries in November. The other Yarra Ranges branches look to be getting WiFi access in December.

What do you need to access WiFi? Firstly you'll need a device with a wireless network adapter like a laptop, PDA or phone. Secondly you'll need your library card number starting 20023 and PIN (library staff will be able to look this up if you don't know).

New PCs in November

Also in November, 45 new PCs will be rolled out to our Knox branches, courtesy of a grant obtained by Knox City Council.

The PCs have arrived and are sitting behind me ready to be imaged.

Internet Membership available in November

A new Internet membership is going to be promoted and available in November. This membership is for WiFi, Internet and travelers who only want to access the PCs or WiFi network. There will be no loan rights for these cards and they will be valid for 12 months. They can be upgraded to an ordinary member with borrowing rights at any time if needed. We'll be advertising this soon.

Cheers, Maryanne

Opera & the catalogue upgrade

There is a known issue with the Opera browser when you're on the My Account - Review My Account page all you see are the tabs Account Summary, Checkouts, Holds. The rest of the information is hidden.

I have passed on the feedback that several of our members using Opera are having difficulties with the new layout. SirsiDynix, the software provider, list the following supported browsers - Internet Explorer 6 & 7, Firefox 2x & 3x, Safari on a Mac. I suggest trying one of these. I've got Internet Explorer 8 & Firefox 3 on my PC at work and it works on those. I've also tried it out on Google Chrome and although it isn't supported it seems to work fine.

Download Internet Explorer
Download Mozilla Firefox
Download Safari


Cheers, Maryanne

Changes to the catalogue

I'm currently working on a font issue with the catalogue when Internet Explorer users have their font set to smaller or below in the browser. I should have that sorted out by the next reboot tomorrow. In the meantime if the font looks a tad small go to View > Text Size and set to medium.

I have had one feedback so far about the new tab layout for My Account - preferring the old style with everything on the one page. What does everyone think? Not that I have much control over it but I can pass the feedback on and see what I can do.

Cheers, Maryanne

Growville Growers

Join Neil from Amgrow to learn all about exciting products to make gardening easier. Amgrow are one of Australia’s largest manufacturers of home garden products, distributed to garden centres, hardware outlets, variety stores and supermarkets across Australia, including potting mixes, mulches, soil conditioners and Wettasoil soil wetting products.
When: Friday 6th November 2pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

18th Yarra Junction Library Bird Walk

Join Ken Simpson for a circuit walk along the Yarra River at Warburton. Bring hat, sunscreen or coat if raining and binoculars if you have them.

Morning tea provided.

When: Saturday 31st October 8am
Where: Meet at the Senior Citizens building on Dammons Rd (north side of the river). Melways: 290 A4.
Cost: Free event
Bookings appreciated phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday @ your library - Well groomed fillies

Join Ann Dixon for a nostalgic look at Melbourne Cup fashions from the 1860's onwards.

When: Friday 30th October 12noon  
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98011422

Cheers, Maryanne

Join us for History Week

Discover the wonders of Victoria's past during
History Week 25th October - 1st November

We have a busy week of exhibitions and events including:

Belgrave Library
Monbulk Historical Society
Photographic display of the artisans of Kallista, The Patch and Monbulk localities
When: Monday 26th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event


Research queries
General research queries answered.
When: Wednesday 28th October & Thursday 29th October 10:30am-1pm, Friday 30th October 2-5pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event


Croydon Library

Military History group - Hidden military tunnels
Local amateur archaeologist Mark Rawson will give a talk about the hidden military tunnels from the areas of Mt Evelyn, Merri Creek & Dandenong Ranges.
When: Friday 30th October 2pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Sq, Croydon
Cost: Free event


Croydon Historical Society
Heritage walk leaving from Croydon Hall, 212 Mt Dandenong Rd, Croydon

When: Thursday 29th October 10am
Where: Croydon Hall, 212 Mt Dandenong Rd, Croydon
Cost: Free event


Historic display
Historic display in the Museum Room, Croydon Library Complex
When: Saturday 31st October
Where: Museum Room, Croydon Library Complex, Civic Sq, Croydon
Cost: Free event


Healesville Library
Healesville & District Historical Society
Photographic display
When: Tuesday 27th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville
Cost: Free event


Knox Library
Knox Historical Society
Photographic display
When: Monday 26th October - Sunday 1st November
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna Sth
Cost: Free event


Lilydale Library
Lilydale & District Historical Society
Help with research queries
When: Sunday 25th October, Saturday 31st October, Sunday 1st November
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson St, Lilydale.
Cost: Free event

Guided tour of the Lilydale Cemetery
When: Thursday 22nd October 1:30pm
Where: Meet at the main gate Lilydale Cemetery, 120 Victoria Rd, Lilydale
Cost: $5 per tour
Contact Ruby on 97350294 or Beth on 97395466

Churches & pubs tour
When: Thursday 22nd October 1:30pm
Where: Meet at the Athenaeum Theatre, Castella St, Lilydale
Cost: $5 per tour
Contact Ruby on 97350294 or Beth on 97395466


Montrose Library
Montrose Historical Society
Photographic display
When: Monday 26th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Montrose Library, Cnr Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd & Swansea Rd, Montrose
Cost: Free event

Open Day
When: Saturday 31st October
Where: Historic Montrose Cottage, (Montrose Town Centre, near library) Cnr Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd & Swansea Rd, Montrose
Cost: Free event

Antiques & Collectibles appraisals
When: Saturday 31st October 12noon - 4pm
Where: Montrose Town Centre, near library, Cnr Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd & Swansea Rd, Montrose
Cost: Free event


Mooroolbark Library
Mooroolbark History group
Memorabilia & photographic display celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Mooroolbark Community Centre and the Red Earth festival.
When: Monday 26th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station St, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event


Mt Evelyn Library
Mt Evelyn History group
Mt Evelyn through the Artist's Eyes exhibition in the Mt Evelyn Community Resource Centre
When: Monday 26th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Mt Evelyn Community Resource Centre (aka the library), 50 Wray Cr, Mt Evelyn
Cost: Free event


Wandin & District Historical Museum Society
Photographic display
When: Monday 26th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Mt Evelyn Community Resource Centre (aka the library), 50 Wray Cr, Mt Evelyn
Cost: Free event


Ringwood Library
Warrandyte Historical Society
Photographic display
When: Monday 26th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Melbourne St Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event


Ringwood Historical Society
Photographic display focusing on a drive for material on North Ringwood for the upcoming North Ringwood Heritage Weekend. The Ringwood Historical Society are undertaking a number of oral histories of ex-North Ringwood residents.
When: Monday 26th October - Sunday 1st November
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Melbourne St Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event


Book Launch - From horseshoes to High Fashion, a history of Eastland by Richard Carter
When: Tuesday 27th October 8pm
Where: Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Ave, Ringwood
Cost: Free event


Yarra Junction Library
Upper Yarra Living History group
Photographic display for identification. Help identify local photos.
When: Tuesday 27th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Melbourne St Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event

Cheers, Maryanne

Opening the doors to early literacy

Whether you're a parent or caregiver for young children you'll pick up some great tips from the following US librarians. Participants will learn ways to promote early literacy skills using activities and ideas for parents, caregivers and service providers who interact with young children.


9:45am  Birth to two years of age with James Thomas
James has worked as a children's librarian since retiring as a Library Science Professor at Texas Women's University. He has undertaken postdoctoral studies in early childhood literacy, and is the author of a number of books. James will be demonstrating rhymes and finger plays for parents and carers to use with under two's.


10:15am Two Years Old with James Thomas
In this session James will demonstrate stories, rhymes and games specifically designed to promote reading readiness for the 2 year old age group.


11am Ready to read - Three to five years with Shannon Schinagl
Shannon is a Children's Librarian with the Seattle Public Library in Washington State. She holds a Masters in Library Science and specializes in children's literacy.

Shannon will be working with 3 - 5 year olds demonstrating stories, songs and activities to promote reading to pre-schoolers.


11:30am Sing in to reading with Nancy Stewart
Nancy has been performing for young children since 1985. She has entertained children across West Coast America and is a sought after performer and presenter with many awards to her credit.

Come along for a fun performance with Nancy.

When: Friday 30th October (sessions as above)
Where: Lilydale Lake Community Room, Lilydale-Montrose Rd, Lilydale (Community Room is at the far end of the Main Car Park) Melways Ref: 38 G7
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

Wifi update

The WiFi pilot at Knox Library has been going very well. Currently we are setting up furniture and doing electrical work at Ferntree Gully, Boronia, Knox, Ringwood & Croydon libraries in readiness for these WiFi access points. Hope to have some more news in the next couple of weeks.

Cheers, Maryanne

Swinburne Living Library...... with webgurl

Swinburne are having a special event in October - the Swinburne Living Library. Come in and spend 15 minutes chatting to a living, breathing book. In other late breaking news, I have just been asked to be one of the books and speak to readers about cybersafety.

When: Friday 29th October 10:30am-12:30pm
Where: Swinburne University Library, Wantirna Campus, 369 Stud Rd, Wantirna
Cost: Free event
No need to book, just come along.

Cheers, Maryanne

Timepieces

Join us for a chat with Kevin from A Watch in Time about the concerns, history and care of timepieces. Patrons are welcome to bring along an item for Kevin to look at and chat about. This event is related to our Antiques Collection at the Croydon Library.

When: Thursday 29th October 7pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Literary Lunch - Meet Catherine Bateson

Catherine Bateson is an award-winning poet and writer for younger readers and young adults. The Wish Pony, her latest book for younger readers was recently awarded an Honour book in the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards. Marriage for Beginners, her third collection of poetry has just been published by John Leonard Press. Catherine has also taught Professional Writing and Editing at TAFE colleges for the last seven years.

View the Catherine Bateson official site

When: Thursday October 29th 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $10
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

New catalogue called e-Library launching tomorrow

Tomorrow is a big day as we'll be launching our new catalogue. The catalogue will now be called e-Library and I'm sure I'm hearing lots of applause from all of those folks that never liked or understood the use of the previous name iBistro. I guess at least it's not iBistro 2.0.

So what actually has changed? You'll probably notice some of the cosmetic changes first, but if you look a bit closer you'll see the following:

• Links to feature films on DVD & documentaries on DVD available from the front Quick Search page.
• Links to some of the sites from Reader's Corner appear on the front Quick Search page.
• My Account now has a new tabbed layout. Click on checkouts to view your checkouts, holds to view holds.

I've uploaded a document with a list of the changes onto the website at:

http://www.erl.vic.gov.au/using/ERL_eLibrary.pdf (pdf 205KB)

FRIDAY'S UPDATE: This is now happening Saturday.Made lots of changes and they're trying to catch up on them all.

Cheers, Maryanne

Halloween Hullabaloo for kids

The biggest event in the ERL calendar is almost upon us. Yes it's Boronia Library's Halloween Hullabaloo for kids. Come dressed in your best costumes (oh yes, there are some incredibly creative ones and we love when the parents get in the spirit as well (pun intended). See Carp Production's show Where things go bump in the night! and eat freaky food. Be there or be scared.

Even though Carolyn (left) has moved to Knox Library she will still be co-ordinating Halloween. What crazy costume will she be making this year? Hmmm.....I don't even know.

Bookings are essential & you'd better be quick.

When: Friday 30th October 6:30pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Cr, Boronia
Cost: $4 per child pay on the night
Bookings essential phone 97624099

Cheers, Maryanne

Hats, History and the Cup

Ann Dixon will talk about the history of the Melbourne Cup and fashionable wear from the 1860's to the present day with an emphasis on hats from her collection.

When: Wednesday 28th October 1:30pm
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

Image courtesy of salsachica at StockXchng

Music @ your library – Croydon Library

As part of a 3 month program of music in the library at Croydon, browse the shelves to the sounds of Alex Legg, singer/songwriter/guitarist with a rich acoustic flavour. Fantastic!

When: Sunday 25th October 2pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile

The Ranges Mobile will be closing at 4pm today at Mt Dandenong. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

An afternoon with Lucy Malouf - A Cook's Kitchen event

In 1998 Lucy Malouf traded in her life as a Wall Street analyst to pursue her passion for food by marrying a chef and becoming a waitresss.  Although neither of these moves proved successful in the long run, they were the starting point for her new career as a food and travel writer. Lucy has written a regular recipe column for the Australian and co-wrote the best-selling food and travel books: Arabesque, Moorish, Saha and Turquoise.

When: Thursday 22nd October 1:30 pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Cost: $3
Bookings essential phone 59624423

Cheers, Maryanne

Chataboutabook club

Travel the world through books with Lilydale Library's new club Chataboutabook. Chat about the latest books you've read and browse the latest books at Lilydale. Tea & coffee will be provided.

A special guest in October to launch the group is Ann Creber. Ann is not only a food writer, journalist, stylist and editor, she hosts the Good Life on 3MDR on Mondays 3-5pm. Ann spent many years as a regular on ABC programs and has a slot on Radio National. Publishers seek Ann out to interview their authors, and she is invited to numerous literary events.

Join us for this great new group and share your favourite books.

When: beginning Wednesday 21st October 2pm-3pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

Historical folk & family costumes

Tiani returns to introduce us to family research through costumes and how to construct them. She will talk about folk and regional costumes with several costumes on display. Tiani will also demonstrate how to put on a sari. Bring and share anything you have at home. Afternoon tea provided.

When: Wednesday 21st October 2pm
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event or cost
Bookings essential phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

Antique Quilts

Bernie and Eileen Donnelly talk about and show you their collection of antique quilts.
When: Wednesday 21st October 1:30pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97624099

Cheers, Maryanne

Antiques on the road

Join antique expert Lester DeVere for a visit to the auction rooms of Leonard Joel in South Yarra. Here we will view the items for the Thursday weekly auction, with expert guidance from Lester.

We meet at Croydon Library for morning tea and then it’s onto the bus and off to South Yarra. Lunch will be in a room provided for us by the auctioneers. Leave South Yarra at 2pm to be back in Croydon by 3pm. 

When: Wednesday 21st October 9:45am
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: $21 includes bus trip and a lunch box from Banksia Nurseries Café
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Favourite books of all time

In June Borders ran a poll of your favourite books of all time. Well the results are in. Curious what made the top 10? Something old, something new? Check it out.

Favourite books of all time

How many have you read? Would you choose something different? I must say I'm surprised Janet Evanovich's One for the money didn't make the list. In fact the list looks suspiciously like our bookclub list.

Cheers, Maryanne

Montrose gardeners presents Heirloom Vegetables for the home garden

Graeme George, from Earthcare Permaculture, will talk about the advantages of growing Traditional Heirloom Vegetables in your home garden, rather than modern hybrid commercial varieties. These are the hardy, tasty varieties that have stood the test of time, that are still around because home gardeners prefer to grow them. Varieties suitable for our cool temperate climate will be emphasised.  There will also be seeds available for purchase.

When: Tuesday 20th October 1pm
Where: Montrose Library, Corner Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road & Swansea Road, Montrose
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97284224

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 16th Sept, 30th Sept, 7th Oct

This blog update comes with mega apologies. As I've been on leave for a couple of weeks I haven't posted the last few radio show updates.

For folks that are aware of The Eastern Regional Library Show, 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.

16th September
What do you know about Graphic Novels? All our branches have collections of these, but Belgrave has the SUPER collection. This is a style of book which has always been around, but has experienced a huge surge of popularity flowing from the boom of Japanese anime (a particular style of film cartoon) which has transferred over to book. However, it is not just the anime style of illustration which is being used, there is a wide range of brilliant illustration styles being used for both original stories, and for bringing classics and well known novels to a new audience.

I picked up Serenity [Graphic novel] : those left behind at Belgrave recently, because I love the TV series Firefly and movie Serenity, on which it is based (both of these are available for loan). It retells some of the story but also bridges the gap between the movie and the series. The style of illustration is partly comic strip and partly full page illustration. All the Graphic Novels use illustration in ways to best bring the story to life, so there is a wide range of story styles, from The curious case of Benjamin Button, Macbeth, The Discworld, to John Constantine, Hellblazer. Just do a keyword search with 'graphic novel' to see how wide the selection is.

Music today was from the soundtrack of Hairspray, and Travl'n light by Queen Latifah.

30th September
When the rain lashes down, and the tv is uninspiring, put on a great dvd. What? You don't have anything new? Then take a brisk walk down to your local library and browse the great dvd collection. I'll tell you about some of the dvd's I've been watching lately. As a bit of research for the French theme of Lilydale's first Chataboutabook on October 21st, I watched The last Metro, directed by  Francois Trufaut and starring the delectable Gerard Depardiue and Catherine Deneuve. Set in Paris in 1942, it portrays the difficulties faced by an actress who is both hiding her Jewish husband from the Germans, and trying to keep the theatre that he founded from being closed down. Another movie of the theatre, Being Julia is set in England between the world wars. A woman at the peak of her stage career falls in love with a younger man and finds the experience both rejuvenating and challenging. However, the young man is not as open as he seems, and soon she finds herself undermined on several fronts. How Julia (played with great charm by Annette Benning)  triumphs in the end makes for a very satisfying conclusion.

For a completely refreshing, laugh out loud experience, you could try any of the dvd's of poet Pam Ayres live performances. I have recently watched both Pam Ayres : in her own words and Pam Ayres : live on stage. They are wonderful viewing, for the poetry, the linking stories which are just as funny as the poems, and the warm rapport she has with her audience. A different type of humour, sometimes whimsical, sometimes black, sometimes totally hilarous, is to be found in the tv series Northern Exposure. This ran to six series, so there is a lot of compulsive viewing here. The range of quirky and endearing characters who populate the Alaskan town of Cecily are a challenge to (and challenged by) the new doctor, a New York Jewish sophisticate who is in Alaska very much against his choice.

Finally, another tv series that I missed when it went to air, but has been recommended to me by a great many library users is Cranford. Set in an idyllic English country town  during the 1840's, this is depicts a village society dominated by the strong and eccentric women of the town, who are decidedly averse to change. There are many challenges to the status quo personally and on a larger scale. The new young doctor who brings innovative ideas on medical treatment, the overseer of the local manor's property who would like to see education available to all, and the threat of the railway. There are extremes of drama and pathos in the story, but also a very happy romantic ending.

Music today was from cd 1 of a 3 cd series of Ella Fitzgerald, A-tisket A-tasket


7th October
You heard it here first....Lyn Baines is not going to buy a single book in 2010! I might be jumping the gun here, but on today's program Lyn was enthused by a new book from Susan Hill, Howard's End is on the landing. Hill is well known as detective fiction writer, but this book is an  autobiographical tale which began when she went hunting for her copy of E.M. Forster's Howard's End.

She came upon a book she had forgotten that she had bought a year previously, and resolved to spend a year reading through her own large collection , rather than buy any new books. It is a whimsical investigation of books she has loved, new books and reflections on her life. This title is not due out until November, but Lyn will put a record on the database within the next couple of weeks in case you are interested in ordering it.

A new autobiographical work from Margaret Drabble is on our shelves now. The pattern in the carpet grew from a period when Drabble was anxious about her husband who was being treated for cancer. As a relaxation she began making jigsaw puzzles, and became fascinated about where they came from. This book is an interweaving of the history of jigsaw puzzles, childhood memories of her aunt, and later relationships in her life. A poignant and gentle read.

Finally, Bluestocking by Jane Robinson is a history of English women's struggle to gain access to education and acknowledgement of their acheivements. Even though women were allowed to attend lectures and study at Oxford and Cambridge from the mid to late 1800's, it was not until 1920 that Oxford gave women degrees, and not until 1947 at Cambridge. This is a fascinating study of the women who challenged the status quo, and paved the way for women of our century to participate fully in our society.

Music today was from A-tisket A-tasket by Ella Fitzgerald.

---- Lesley

Andy Griffiths comes to Stringybark

Much loved children’s author Andy Griffiths will be a special guest at this year’s Stringybark Festival. Come and meet Andy and hear him talk about his much loved books.

Andy's books will be available for sale and signing.

When: Sunday 18th October 1:30pm
Where: Rowville Community Centre, Fulham Rd, Rowville Melways Ref 72 J12
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97363851

Cheers, Maryanne

Ray Smithies talk postponed

The talk & book signing by author Ray Smithies (Scorpio's Lot) has been postponed until the Maroondah Festival (Sunday 8th November 1pm at Croydon Library).

Also, the Speed Reading event at Lilydale on Thursday 8th October has been cancelled.

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile

The Ranges Mobile will not be on the road tomorrow Wednesday 7th October due to rostering difficulties.

Apologies for the inconvenience. Items may be returned to any branch or renewed via phone on 1300737277 or online via www.erl.vic.gov.au

Cheers, Maryanne