Victoria's daylight saving starts this weekend

Victoria's daylight saving starts at 2am on Sunday 3rd October 2010. At 2am move clocks forward one hour to 3am. Daylight saving ends on Sunday 3rd April 2011.

Cheers, Maryanne

e-Library catalogue is back up, you can login and renew, search, place holds

UPDATE 9:05AM - The e-Library catalogue is back up. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

e-Library catalogue is currently unavailable

The e-Library catalogue is currently down. SirsiDynix are investigating and we'll advise when the catalogue is available. We apologise for any inconvenience. Please try again later in the day.

Cheers, Maryanne

Don't know how to change a tyre? Come to Under the Bonnet - Car maintenance for beginners

The Under the Bonnet workshop provides an opportunity for those who are not necessarily mechanically aware - or who are new comers - to find out what makes their car tick and how to look after it, and to leave them feeling confident and road ready!

TOPICS

• Under the bonnet
• Change a tyre and basic tyre care
• Jump start a car
• Understanding what service staff are talking about
• What to do if involved in a car accident
• Breakdown situation
• Safety tip - perfect seating position for driving

When: Tuesday 12th October 6:30-8pm (approx finish)
Where: Ferntree Gully Mazda Workshop,1020 Burwood Hwy., Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 9294 8140 or book online - car maintenance

Cheers, Maryanne

Take a tour of Sri Lanka - The Island Jewel at Ringwood Library

Travel with John on a fascinating journey through the heart and soul of Sri Lanka. John is an experienced traveller and has many tales to tell. All welcome, refreshments provided.

When: Monday 11th October 7pm
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Melbourne Street Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 9870 0177

Cheers, Maryanne

Gully Gardeners - Learn to create a 'No Dig Garden'

Meryl from Pakenham Garden Club will demonstrate how to create a no dig garden.  No dig gardening or a raised garden bed, consists of layering organic materials on top of the soil to create a nutrient rich environments for your plants.

When: Thursday 7th October 2:30pm
Where: Coonara House, 22 Willow Road, Upper Ferntree Gully, 3156
Cost: Gold coin donation
Bookings essential phone 9294 8140

Cheers, Maryanne

Author Ilsa Evans visits Montrose Town Centre

Ilsa Evans has written seven books, all published by Pan Macmillan. The first five books (including the three that make up the Laundry Series) are filled with fun and laughter and the reality of life in the suburbs. The sixth, Broken, is a more serious read that stems from the findings of a PhD (on the long-term effects of domestic violence) that Ilsa completed in 2005. The Family Tree, released in Feb 2009 is a mix of both the lighter and darker shades of life. Her latest book Sticks and Stones, a sequel to Broken will be released in September 2010.

When: Monday 4th October 12noon
Where: Montrose Town Centre, 935 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Montrose - Melways Ref 52 C7
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97284224

Cheers, Maryanne

Be inspired at the mixed media drawing workshop at Yarra Junction Library

Draw, paint, share ideas and have fun. All welcome. Tea & coffee provided.
When: Saturday 4th October 10am
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
No need to book, just come along

Cheers, Maryanne

Cooking from the garden with Ann Creber

Join us for a special luncheon as Growville Growers hosts Ann Creber for the October session. Note the special time of 12:30pm and there will be a charge of $7.50 to cover lunch. All welcome.

When: Friday 1st October 12:30pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: $7.50 (includes lunch)
Bookings essential phone 92941300 or book online - Ann Creber

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday @ your library - Gardens for wildlife

Want to attract wildlife into your garden? Then come along and Nadine Gaskell can show you how to create your own garden, with the help of The Gardens for Wildlife program.


When: Friday 1st October 12noon
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98011422 or book online - gardens

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile won't be at Belgrave Heights today 23rd September

The Ranges Mobile will not be going to Belgrave Heights today 23rd September due to rostering difficulties. We apologise for any inconvenience. If you are unable to return items to another branch or mobile stop or renew online, please contact us via the contact form on the website.

Cheers, Maryanne

Fractured fairytales at Croydon Library this morning

This morning the local parents and their children were treated to a brilliant fairy show provided by Carp Productions. It was loud, exciting and hilariously silly to
boot. We had an overall crowd of around 60-65 parents and kids, with some walk-ins to make up numbers.

Fun was had by all, especially the kings and queens from the audience that got to tell everybody what to do! A big thanks to Carp and a big thanks to Croydon
staff for managing the sudden child influx in the library.

Adam, Youth Services Librarian, Croydon Library

We've got lots of cool actvities on at Eastern Regional Libraries during the holidays so check out the holiday program (pdf, 199 KB, 2 pages) and book online via our calendar.

Cheers, Maryanne

Changes to the Ranges and Valley Mobile schedules today Wednesday 22nd September 2010

Due to extreme rostering difficulties, the Ranges Mobile will only be at Sassafras today (no service to Olinda and Ferny Creek). The Valley Mobile is only going to Wonga Park (no service to Chum Creek & Dixons Creek).

We apologise for an inconvenience. If you are unable to return items to another branch mobile stop or renew online, please contact us via the contact form on the website.

Cheers, Maryanne

Knox Library closed due to a burst water main in Knox City Shopping Centre

Due to a burst water main the whole of Knox City Shopping Centre will be closed until further notice, including Knox Library. The book chute is open for returning items. We apologise for any inconvenience and will keep you updated once it is open again.

Leader News: Burst water main shuts Knox City

1:54PM UPDATE: Knox Library will re-open at 3PM Wednesday 22nd September

Cheers, Maryanne

Having problems using your mobile phone? Get help at this event

Having problems using your mobile phone? Sally from the Tesltra Shop and her volunteers will be here to assist you with any brand of mobile phone.


When: Thursday 30th September 2-4pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300 or book online - mobile phone

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile won't be at Macclesfield today Tuesday 21st September 2010

The Ranges Mobile won't be at Macclesfield this afternoon (2:30-4:30PM). Apologies for the inconvenience. If you are unable to return your items to another branch or mobile stop please contact us via the website and we will extend the due date for you.

Cheers, Maryanne

Montrose Library bookchute was accidently closed...sorry

We apologise that the Montrose Library bookchute was accidently left locked last night. Please speak to library staff if there are any issues regarding this.

Cheers, Maryanne

Join author and publisher Nick Anchen at our Literary Lunch to share his love of the Dandenong Ranges

Since his childhood in Croydon Nick Anchen has always had a love of the Dandenong Ranges. He has explored the area extensively and his publications testament to that knowledge and attachment. In addition to his own work Nick has published two books by Macarthur Job, the second of which, Into Oblivion is a change of format and geography being concerned with the loss of the aircraft Southern Cloud in the Snowy Mountains.

Please join us for a fascinating literary lunch.

When: Thursday 30th September 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $10 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 97547266 or book online - Nick Anchen

Cheers, Maryanne

Do 2 hours study in 10 minutes. Bill Handley will show you how

Bill Handley from Learning Unlimited Australia will demonstrate how to

1. Overcome exam nerves
2. Learn more in less time,with less effort
3. Memorise what you read as you read it, what you hear as you hear it, and recall it under pressure.
4. Improve concentration and understanding

Suitable for secondary school students.

When: Wednesday 29th September and Saturday 9th October 11am
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59671588 or book online - 2 hours study

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile is off the road tomorrow 16th September 2010

Due to rostering issues the Ranges Mobile is off the road tomorrow 16th September 2010. This affects Upwey Shops and Belgrave Heights sites. Apologies for any inconvenience. Items may be returned to any of our branches or renewed online. If you can't do either of these please contact us via the website contact form.

Cheers, Maryanne

Join us at Boronia for 'Storytime in the Mall'

Come join us in the Boronia Mall (next to the Post Office) for some very special storytimes.

Monday - Under the Sea
Tuesday - Stomping Dinosaurs
Wednesday - Cheeky Monkeys
Thursday - As Quiet as Mice
Friday - Bob the Builder

When: Monday 20th - Friday 24th September 10am & 2pm daily
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97624099

Cheers, Maryanne

Recycled fashion parade

Boronia Library in conjunction with The Salvation Army will be hosting a Spring Racing Carnival fashion parade in the library.  All clothing & accessories are recycled.

All clothing modelled on the night will be for sale.  There will also be other goods for sale separately.  All proceeds to The Salvos.

When: Friday September 17th 7pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Clothing on the night will be for sale
Bookings essential phone 97624099 or book online fashion parade

Cheers, Maryanne

Hearing Australia conducting free hearing tests for pensioners

Pensioners - do you suspect you may have a hearing problem? Hearing Australia are offering free hearing tests for pensioners at the Rowville Library. Individual appointments so bookings are essential

When: Thursday 16th September 10am-1:30pm.
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 9294 1300

Cheers, Maryanne

New art gallery on the 4 kids website

Mikayla aged 13

I've made a few changes to the 4 kids site including the expansion of the 4 kids art gallery to it's own page.


If you've got kids that like to draw and want to send me a drawing I'll scan it and upload it to the 4 kids website for everyone to see. 

View 4Kids art gallery 

You'll also notice that I've added information for storytimes, toddlertime and tinytots to the 4 kids page. It's the one palce to go for kid's activities

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile is off the road today 14th September

Due to rostering issues the Ranges Mobile is off the road today 14th September 2010. This affects Walmsley and Kirkbrae Villages and Macclesfield. Apologies for any inconvenience. Items may be returned to any of our branches or renewed online. If you can't do either of these please contact us via the website contact form.

Cheers, Maryanne

Having trouble with Maths? Bill Handley makes Maths fun

Speed Maths

Learn to solve problems simplier and quicker with Bill Handley's Speed Maths.  You'll be multiplying 96 x 97 in your head in no time!  For the whole family.  Teachers welcome.

When: Saturday 11th September 10:30am
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97624099


Fun with Maths
Bill Handley from Learning Unlimited takes the work out of learning and makes it fun!

Discover learning and math strategies that will astound you! A session for children and parents together.

When: Tuesday 14th September 6:30pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97268200

Cheers, Maryanne

Knox Mobile will be off the road tomorrow, Friday 10th September 2010

Knox Mobile will be off the road on Friday 10th September due to rostering difficulties. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Items can be returned at any of our branches or renewed via the web catalogue if you know your PIN

Cheers, Maryanne

Rowville Library will be re-opening on Thursday 9th September

I've been setting up the 3 Self Check units at Rowville Library today and they look fantastic. I've named them Bella, Buzz and Buffy.

Rowville Library will re-open at 9am tomorrow morning and staff will be guiding you in their use. It's really easy.

Cheers, Maryanne

Our Chief Executive talks about the introduction of Self Check at our libraries

Joseph Cullen, Eastern Regional Libraries' Chief Executive, answers some questions about the introduction of Self Check in our libraries in his latest blog entry.

Cheers, Maryanne

Report has finished, records are unlocked and you can place holds

I just got back from the long weekend and caught up with the news that the report that was causing grief on Friday finished at 8:02PM on Friday night. This means there is no longer an issue with locking records and you can get back to placing holds.

All items that were returned on Friday will have been checked in and back dated to that date so there are no charges.

Sorry for any inconvenience

Cheers, Maryanne

Records locked causing an issue with some items being checked in

Due to a consortium report that has been running all day in error and editing all items in the database some items are locked when staff attempt to check them in. If the report does not finish tonight, please note that all items will be clearcharged from members cards as soon as staff are able to do so. This will clear the overdue charge on the card if the item is not checked in on the day it was returned.

Also, you will probably still have issues placing holds via the e-Library catalogue. Keep trying over the weekend.

We apologise for any inconvenience. This issue is out of our control.

I will try to update everyone via the blog over the weekend.

Cheers, Maryanne

Our natural environment - unique plants and animals of Healesville

Celebrate Landcare Week. Karen Garth from Mt.Toolebewong Landcare Group will talk about the unique plants and animals of the area and discuss living in harmony with the local environment.

When: Thursday 9th September 2pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59624423 or book online - environment

Cheers, Maryanne

Beginning Family History - start the hunt for your ancestors

Interested in researching your family history but not sure how to begin? Start the hunt for your ancestors with Ann Dixon.

When: Tuesday 7th September 2pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92943120 or book online family history

Cheers, Maryanne

Some issues placing holds via e-Library this morning

You may have experienced some difficulty placing holds via the e-Library catalogue this morning.

A consortium report has been running and has locked records causing some difficulty in the branches and with placing holds. Its out of our control and the report should be finished soon. Perhaps log in later in the afternoon and try placing the hold again.

Cheers, Maryanne

What my library means to me ....er you - some of your entries

Rowville Library recently ran a competition - "What my library means to me"

Thanks to everyone who responded...here are just a few of the entries:

"My library means to me a castle of books. It is where my mood changes and in here I am able to find every book of the world. It is a bank of knowledge and information. It gives me flying ideas and encourages me to create the best think in the world" (Sejal, winner of the children's prize)

"My library means to me a very special place to be.
Memories of my kids at storytime,
Singing and learning a nursery rhyme.
Stories feeding childhood imagination,
Looks on their sweet faces pure fascination
The place my children first picked up a book,
Delightfully squealing "Hey mummy come look!"" (Vikki, adult winner)

"My library is better than home – the air is clean, brightly lit and spacious. It is comfortable and inspiring. From the sea of strangers, I meet my community here."

"I tell my friends what a brilliant asset my library is – it has moved with the modern age. The online facilities in particular are so convenient and also so powerful; being able to find holdings around the state and reserve for pickup where I want is wonderful"

"My library is a fantastic source for entertainment and information. It is so easy to use and convenient – a facility that has really leapt into a modern age with an on line system that really works for users benefit. I am amused, entertained and informed – courtesy of my library"

"Smiles & services, stimulating & switched on, savvy & scholastic, solace & soul sustenance, science & students, sociable & snug, silence & shelter, special & safe, a stupendous smorgasbord"

"My library is a great asset and source of entertainment and information. No grumpy staff, just people willing to assist with books, dvds, cds, course, information talks and access to online facilities. The ERL hours and branches are convenient and the online search, renew and hold is brilliant."

"The Rowville Library is my sanctuary, somewhere to escape, somewhere to relax, somewhere to be free, free of time, free of chores, free to be me. Thank you"

What does the library mean to you? I'd love to read your comments.

Cheers, Maryanne