Read your favourite newspapers online with PressDisplay

The latest addition to Eastern Regional Libraries' family of online resources is PressDisplay and can be found in Online Resources under Newspapers and Magazines of the library website.

With PressDisplay you can read your favourite newspapers online. Access newspapers from Australia and around the world on the day they are published.
Instant access to 1400 newspapers from 82 countries in 39 languages.

All of the newspapers have been digitised which means that you can read the entire edition as well as looking at the photos, cartoons, classifieds and all.

We have 3 consecutive users so please make sure you sign out once you finish.

Cheers, Paul & Maryanne

Stories written for children ineligible for Adult section of the Storywriting Competition

We have had several queries about one of the rules in the Storywriting Competition which states:

Please note: poetry and stories for children are not eligible

This refers to stories written for children by adults who wish to enter them in the Adult Section.
Cheers, Maryanne

Healesville Primary School students learned stop motion animation

Eastern Regional Libraries were the recipients of a State Government grant offered to libraries in the bushfire affected areas. We used our grant to organise an animation workshop for Year 5 kids from Healesville Primary School.

Gregg Brown from Play Animation sent us a note with a link to the final results. The kids did an amazing job.

"The students seemed to have a lot of fun being free to explore the skills I passed on. The sound track was fun to make for them too."
Gregg Brown - Play Animation

Healesville P S Animation from Play Animation on Vimeo.

Cheers, Maryanne

Follow us on Twitter

Have you joined Twitter? If so, follow the library at http://twitter.com/EasternRegional Not only is it a great way of finding out what's happening in our libraries but its also a fantastic way of communicating with us. I'm always happy to answer any questions you have about the library.

Cheers, webgurl
@imwebgurl

Venus Self Check unit at Montrose Library

We've installed the Venus Self Check unit at the newly refurbished Montrose Library. I've been working hard on the guide to its use and receipts and can give you a sneak peek.




Members will be able to check out and renew their own items with the units. Its quick and easy.



This is the welcome screen and guide to borrowing items through the Self Check.

1. Scan your library card by placing it on the shelf with the barcode facing up.
2. Stack your items, up to 4 at a time, on the glass. Spread them out a little so that the tags are detected. Each item successfully borrowed will display in green with a tick.
3. Touch the Print Receipt button and collect your receipt.
4. Don't forget your library card and items

Staff will be available to assist with any problems and to help with your book selections.

The units will be gradually introduced at our other branches in the coming months.

Cheers, webgurl

Cook-off at The Good Guys Bayswater has been cancelled

The cook-off scheduled for Saturday 26th June has been cancelled. We thank The Good Guys, Bayswater, Greg Rako and all of our judges and celebrity chefs (Ann Creber, Ben Higgs, Lucy Rushbrooke, Allan Campion, Scott Pickett, Greg Malouf) for their support.
Cheers, Maryanne

New judge for the Storywriting Competition is Rose Michael

Unfortunately Dale Campisi is unable to judge this year's National Storywriting competition, however we are pleased to announce this year's judge is publisher Rose Michael.

Currently a publisher with Arcade Publications, she is a former editor of Bookseller and Publisher, and was a judge of the 2009 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards. Rose is herself a published author, her book The Asking Game was published in 2009. She has lectured in Publishing and Communications at Melbourne University and will shortly take up a position with publishers Hardie Grant.

Cheers, Maryanne

From Friday 25th June all DVDs and videos will be 14 day loan

With RFID and self check approaching we have been standardising loan periods  and as a result from Friday 25th June all DVDs and videos will be a 14 day loan.

Cheers, Maryanne

Update: Valley Mobile off the road until at least Tuesday

I've just spoken to Greg and he advised that the Valley Mobile will be off the road until at least Tuesday due to mechanical problems. We will keep you updated.

Cheers, Maryanne

New photos of the Montrose Library refurbishment on Flickr

I have just uploaded some new photos of Montrose Library to Flickr. The desks are installed and the computer equipment is being set up today in readiness for Monday's re-opening.

Cheers, Maryanne

Do you know someone learning English? Show them Road to IELTS

We've just subscribed to a great new online resource called Road to IELTS designed for those who are learning to speak, read and write English for the first time. IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System.

Each module contains 12 units based on commonly used IELTS topics, and covers reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Road to IELTS provides 120 hours of free online self study materials. Once members log on, from home or in the library, they can:

• practice IELTS listening tasks under timed conditions 
• view sample videos of speaking tests, highlighting good practice 
• develop techniques and vocabulary for writing tasks 1 and 2 
• work on authentic texts for the reading test, simulating the real exam 
• develop vocabulary in areas commonly used in the IELTS exam

Road to IELTS can be found on our Online Resources page of the website.

Cheers, Paul & Maryanne

Valley Mobile off the road today due to mechanical problems

The Valley Mobile is not on the road today due to mechanical problems. I hear its parked on Maroondah Highway near Chirnside Park waiting for a tow truck.

Apologies for any inconvenience. You can renew your items via our web catalogue or return to any of our branches if that helps. Please contact us via the contact form on our website if you need any assistance.

Cheers, Maryanne

Still a few places left for our Twilight event - Total Eclipse of the Heart

Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob? Book in for the last few places of our Twilight event. There'll be food, fun, prizes and games. A night for real Twihards.

When: Friday 25th June 7pm
Where: Knox Library 425 Burwood Highway Wantirna South
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98011422

Book online - Total Eclipse of the Heart

Cheers, Maryanne

Understanding Autism interactive workshop tomorrow

Judy White, Principal, Special Development School will be hosting an interactive workshop. Learn the importance of visual communication, develop scripts and social stories. Take some starter script with you.

Materials supplied so bookings are essential.

When: Thursday 24th June 1:30pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Book online - Understanding Autism

Cheers, Maryanne

Literary Lunch with author Sharyn Munro

We've still got a few places left for the Sharyn Munro Literary Lunch.

Sharyn Munro followed a varied career path before moving to a mountainside in the Hunter Valley. Her remote location puts her in touch with the surrounding bushland and wildlife. A keen observer, she has written two books on her life and that of the world which surrounds her, Woman on a Mountain and Animal Tails.

Sharyn's blog with its frequent updates and superb photographs is well worth a visit http://sharynmunro.com/

Join us for an interesting and enjoyable lunch.

When: Thursday 24th June 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $10 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Book online - Sharyn Munro

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 2nd June 2010 & 16th June 2010

For those that don't know, 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 2nd June's show 

Lyn Baines gave us a double dose of history and mystery combined, in two fascinating books today.

Death and the virgin : Elizabeth, Dudley and the mysterious fate of Amy Robsart by Chris Skidmore deals with the curiosly convenient death of Amy, wife of Robert Dudley. Dudley was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I and Master of the Queen's Horse. It is commonly believed that the Queen was in love with him, and would have married him if there had not been scandal following his wife's death. This book examines the political intrigues of the time, and some of the scenarios around Amy's death.

Contested Will by James Shapiro is a detailed exploration of the many theories abounding on whether William Shakespeare was the genuine author of the plays, or whether someone else was. Five years ago Shapiro wrote an entertaining book, 1599, about one year in the life of Shakespeare which certainly put the case for Shakespeare's claim. In this book however, he takes an intensive look at the other candidates, and even handedly weighs up the pros and cons.

Finally, not a mystery, but a scandal, and a very interesting insight into nineteenth century conventions, status of women and marriage in Great Britain. Wild Romance : the true story of a Victorian scandal by Chloe Schama treats the story of Therese Longworth who believed she had legally married William Yelverton in Scotland in 1857. This was after a romance of several years, only to have her claim denounced, and William Yelverton marrying another woman in 1858. She took her claim to court in Ireland, won her case only to have it overturned when her erstwhile husband brought a counter case. It was a cause celebre for many years, providing the avid newspapers of the times with many headlines.

On 16th June's show

The History of the Shrine Travelling Exhibition is a hugely successful multimedia feature which began touring Victoria in 2006 to celebrate the 70 years which had passed since the Shrine was opened in 1934. It acknowledges the important role it plays in the lives of returned servicemen and women, and the community as a whole, in marking the costs and sacrifices of war. The exhibition provides in depth information in written history, and fascinating film footage, and could well inspire a visit to one of Melbourne's most significant buildings. Ringwood Library is hosting the Shrine Exhibition until end of June and then it moves onto Belgrave Library for the month of July.

Ringwood Library genealogy computers have 3 new databases available on CDROM. They are Inquest Index Victoria 1840-1985, Patients in Melbourne Hospital 1856-1905, and

AGCI - Australasian Genealogical Computer Index Volume 3 which includes over 2.5 million names indexed from the collections of the SAG (Society of Australian Genealogists) as well as other Australian family history societies and libraries. Data on this CD is new, it does not replace AGCI 1 & AGCI 2 which have already been published. It includes 88,000 burial transcripts, 850,000 names from newspapers, 270,000 names from the NSW Government Gazette 1864-1868 and over 1.2 million NSW shipping arrivals (many provided in association with the Mariners in Australian Waters website. Fully searchable, the database shows name, date, place, event and source of the information.

Family History for the Older and Wiser by Susan Fifer is a new title covering ground which has been trodden before, but with the aim of being as clear and straightforward as possible, and with a dash of humour. There are several copies in branches around the region.

-- Lesley

Military History group meets this week

Interested in all things relating to Military history? Come along and join the Eastern Regional Libraries Military History Group.

• meet fellow enthusiasts
• share information
• have memorablilia identified
• receive help with service histories
• borrow new library titles on military matters

When: Friday 25th June 12:30pm
Where: Croydon Library Civic Square Croydon
Cost: Free event
Bookings not necessary, just come along

Cheers, Maryanne

Download the National Storywriting Competition entry form

Polish off those short stories and download the entry form for this year's National Storywriting competition.

Judge
Our judge this year is publisher Dale Campisi. Dale has established himself on the Australian publishing scene with Arcade Publications. He is an innovator who has developed a unique publishing format, ‘little books, big stories’. Dale also has an awareness of the Australian literary scene and the ability to foster and encourage new writers.

Previously a lecturer in Publishing and Communications at the University of Melbourne, Dale is currently the Communications and Marketing Director with the Public Records Office.

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

View Storywriting Competition entry form (pdf, 243KB, 2 pages)
Entries close Friday 27th August 2010.

Cheers, Maryanne

Let's Cook competition cancelled

Due to the low number of entries we unfortunately have had to cancel the Let's Cook competition and the cook-off.

We have notified all entrants and each have been given a prize and have had their entry fee reimbursed.

webgurl

Book in for holiday fun at Eastern Regional Libraries

Book in for the fantastic holiday activities at our libraries, including wood workshops, collages and a performance by The Music Man, Paul Jamieson.
View the holiday program (pdf, 152 KB, 2 pages)
Cheers, Maryanne

Storywriting competition entry forms will be available mid-June

I've just found out the entry form has been delayed because we have changed judges. The form will be available on our website and in our branches mid-June.

Cheers, Maryanne

Making the most of your digital camera

In 2008 Georgie Walsh purchased a digital camera at Australia Post and used it to create a memorable record of a year in the life of the Yarra Ranges. The resulting exhibition, Blessings attracted considerable praise when it was shown at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre early in 2010.

In this workshop Georgie will show you how to create your own wonderful memories with a basic digital camera and an appreciation of the possibilities it offers.

When: Saturday 19th June 10am
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

2 hours study in 10 minutes

Author Bill Handley will again teach how to do the seemingly impossible. Learning how to study effectively is a must for all students.

When: Friday 18th June 6:30pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Succulent Italian Sauces

Grace will demonstrate how to prepare some traditional tasty Italian sauces. Tastings included.

When: Friday 18th June 12:30pm
Where: The Station House - Mt Evelyn Library, 50 Wray Crescent, Mt. Evelyn
Cost: $10 (light lunch provided)
Bookings essential phone 97363851

Cheers, Maryanne

Libraries closed for Queen's birthday

All Eastern Regional Libraries branches and mobiles are closed on Monday 14th June for the Queen's Birthday.

Items may be returned through the bookchute at all branches except Croydon library. Items may also be renewed via our web catalogue with your library card number and PIN.

Cheers, Maryanne

New hours at Knox and Rowville libraries, no change for Boronia and Ferntree Gully

At the Knox City Council Strategic Planning Committee meeting held on Tuesday 8th June 2010 a council resolution was passed approving the following branch opening hours as from Monday 12th July 2010.

Summary:
No change to Boronia and Ferntree Gully Libraries current opening hours
Rowville and Knox to open Monday-Friday at 9am instead of 10am
Knox to close on a Saturday at 4pm instead of 5pm
Rowville to remain open on a Saturday until 4pm instead of 1pm

View table of opening hours at Knox branches

Cheers, Maryanne

Dads, Grandads and kids storytime

Come along with your kids or grandkids for some fun stories and songs!

I remember when I was a children's librarian how much fun it was to meet all the Dads I never got to see at preschool storytime.

When: Monday 7th June 7pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library 1010 Burwood Hwy Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 9294 8140

Cheers, Maryanne

Lilydale back up

I've just been advised that Lilydale is back up so public Internet is now available.

Cheers, Maryanne

Lilydale is down

Lilydale Library currently has no Internet or library system and this will be down until at least some time tomorrow. We apologise for any inconvenience. This is due to a line fault.

We will advise when the the Internet and library system for Lilydale is back up. In the meantime they are working offline so you can still borrow.

Cheers, Maryanne

Bag a Book results

Bag a Book was another success. I was just checking out the items people selected for the library (I'll upload a photo soon). They included James Bond Ultimate DVD Collector's Set (the most expensive item of the night), The Earth from the Air, Futurama box set, Hidden China on the trail of old traditions, One Planet, Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion, box sets of Miss Marple and the Sharpe series, a box set of the Narnia books and a couple of copies of The Lonely Planet Guide to Travel Photography and several copies of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

A rough count of the trolleys saw we picked out approximately 306 books, 38 DVDs and 8 audiobooks.

So what did I select? Colin Thompson's The Last Alchemist for Montrose Library and Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting for Knox Library.

Thanks to Borders and staff and our Library Ambassador Ann Creber who were on hand to assist members with their selections.

Did you go to Bag a Book? What did you select and what did you think of the event?

Cheers, Maryanne

Report regarding proposed changes to opening hours at Knox libraries

I have an update regarding the proposed changes to opening hours at our Knox libraries:

Knox Council was very pleased by the response by the community and has tabled these submissions in a new report for consideration by Knox Council. The new report will be considered by Knox Council on 8th June 2010. Feedback will be given to ERLC and the community after that date.

I will advise members of the outcome via this blog and we'll also have notices in our libraries.

Cheers, Maryanne