Eastern Regional Libraries branches close at 3PM on New Year's Eve

Have you got your New Year's reading yet? You better get in early today because our branches close at 3PM today, Friday 31st December (Healesville Library is closed today). All libraries will be closed on Saturday 1st Jan, Sunday 2nd Jan and Monday 3rd Jan 2011.

We'd like to take the opportunity of wishing you and your family a Happy New Year. Thank-you for your support, both in the branches and through the website.

Cheers, Maryanne
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Memory boxes, juggling and monsters at the library holiday activities. Book now!

Have you booked your kids into January's holiday activities? Lots of free or minimal charge activities for kids. Activities include:

Memory Box craft creations
Decorate a box for your special treasures. We have some great decorations for you to use! BYO Box.
When: Wednesday 12th Jan 2–2:45pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon 92945640
Book into Memory Box craft


Juggling Workshop
Learn to juggle with Pete. Free event
• 1st session at 11am. Age: 5-9 year olds Book into juggling 5-9 years
• 2nd session at 11:30am. Age: 10 plus Book into juggling 10+ years
When: Wednesday 19th Jan (two sessions)
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle St, Yarra Junction 59671588

Paper monsters & make some slime!
All ages. Free activity
When: Thursday 13th Jan 11am
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully 92948140
Book into Paper Monsters

View and print our holiday program (PDF, 2 pages, 343 KB) | Book into any event

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 29th Dec 2010 Eastern FM 98.1

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 the today's show

 

Brass bands for everyone, but if you want to hear some rousing music and great musicianship, you can't go past The Central Band of the Royal Air Force. Their recent CD Reach for the skies includes melodies from movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and Those magnificent men in theire flying machines to Danny boy and The wind beneath my wings.

 

If classical music is your preference, a 2 disc compilation titled Classical 2010 includes both vocal and instrumental musicians of major stature, such as Nigel Kennedy, Sarah Brightman and Placido Domingo.

 

And from a different genre again, Marcia sings Tapestry, we have Marcia Hines singing lovely renditions of the folk songs of Carole King's iconic album. Tapestry remains the longest charting album by a female solo artist and was ranked number 36 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. You will find the original Tapestry in our collection and Tapestry revisited : tribute to Carole King, which records a TV special which included King and other stars such as Celine Dion and Aretha Franklin singing her well known songs.

Cheers, Maryanne

Mt Evelyn Library closing for 7 weeks from Monday 10th January 2011

The Station House - Mt Evelyn Library will be closed for major structural work (new toilets and relocating the air conditioning) from Monday 10th January and will re-open on Monday 28th February. We apologise for the short notice.

• I have arranged to have the due date for items extended until the 1st March 2011. This will also include items recently checked out at Mt Evelyn that would be due in January. They will now also be due on the 1st March.
• The after hours book return chute will NOT be available during this time.
• Reservations can be collected from Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale during the closure
• Holiday activities will not be run at Mt Evelyn. New holiday program
• WiFi will still be available at the café but public PCs will not be available

The nearest libraries are:

Montrose Library
Cnr Mt Dandenong Tourist Road & Swansea Road Montrose 3765
[Mel Ref 52 D7]

Lilydale Library
Anderson Street Lilydale
[Mel Ref 38 F5]

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 8-15th December 2010 [Eastern FM 98.1]

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 8th & 15th December's shows

The last three weeks have whirled by, and so there are several topics covered in the radio show which we need to catch up on.

Firstly, the children's and teenager's books which Pia reviewed are as follows.........
Gorgon in the gully by Melina Marchetta which is part of a great new series from Puffin. Priced to be affordable from a kid's pocket money, and great stories from popular authors. Maudie and Bear by Jan Ormerod and Freya Blackwood contains several short stories about Maudie and her friend Bear, with beautiful illustrations. A fantastic new book to share with young children..

Wonky donkey, words and music by Craig Smith, illustrations by Katz Cowley. A crazy story/song for primary school age that will have you laughing out loud. Ultimate Dino-pedia by "Dino" Don Lessem, illustrated by Franco Tempesta is a fantastic book for dinosaur fans to enjoy. Torment by Lauren kate is the second in a romance/adventure series, perfect for those teens who love the paranormal.

For family history researchers, there is the good news that you can access Ancestry and FindMyPast databases via Wifi in all our libraries. This means that you do not need to book a library pc, but can research with these resources on your own laptop as long as the library is open. And not to forget the excellent resources available through the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies www.aigs.org.au and the Genealogical Society of Victoria www.gsv.org.au

Music on our recent shows has been from So Frenchy So Chic 2009 and Cafe Musette by Enrique Ugarte.

Cheers, Maryanne

What will you be reading during the holidays? Let us know

If you're like me you've got a pile of books you need to read before the end of January. My list includes:

• Bad blood by John Sandford
• Sex, bombs and burgers : how war, porn and fast food shaped technology as we know it by Peter Nowak
• Breath by Tim Winton
• The art of war by Sun Tzu
• The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf
• Adobe Flash CS4 Professional how-tos : 100 essential techniques by Mark Shaeffer

What's on your list?

Don't forget once you've finished reading to send us a review at Reader's Corner Reviews. A few lines is all we need....we'll do the rest.

Cheers, Maryanne

Book in now for the January school holiday activities

The January school holiday program is out, so book early! Activities include:

• Paper monsters and slime (FTG)
• Dancing skeletons (Knox)
• Fabric collage (Lilydale)
• Richard Galbraith's Cartoon workshop (Mt evelyn)
• Juggling workshop (Yarra Junction)

Download the holiday program PDF 2 pages, 343 KB

Cheers, Maryanne

On your next visit ask staff to set you up for SMS notification of holds and overdues

Eastern Regional Libraries now offers SMS notification for holds and overdues. On your next visit advise staff you'd like to have it set up on your account and provide us with your mobile phone number.

Cheers, Maryanne

Closure dates for maintenance on Belgrave and Boronia libraries in 2011

Belgrave and Boronia libraries will be closed in January/February for some maintenance to be completed. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Belgrave Library
Closed Monday 31st January - Wednesday 2nd February for recarpeting.

Boronia Library
Closed Monday 31st January, reopening Monday 14th February for work on the public toilets, flooring and kitchen. We are also installing security gates and check out machines at the same time.

Cheers, Maryanne

All libraries will be opening at 1pm on Monday 13th December 2010

All Eastern Regional Libraries branches will open at 1pm on Monday 13th December until their regular closing time (if they are open on Mondays). This is so that all staff may attend a regionwide training event.

Bookchutes will remain open during the morning for returns.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 8th December 2010 [Eastern FM 98.1]

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 Wednesday's show

Another way to cope with the heat is to pull the curtains and put on an entertaining dvd. There are some wonderful TV series which have made it onto dvd, going back as far as The Honeymooners with Jackie Gleason, The rag trade with Sheila Hancock and Reg Varney or Wycliffe, to the latest series of CSI Miami or Inspector Rex. Some of my favourites are the more quirky series which don't always run to more than a couple, such as Pushing Daisies or Black Books. Pushing Daisies takes the premise that a young boy can bring the dead back to life, but with a couple of tricky conditions, who as an adult assists a private detective to solve difficult murder cases. It is very funny, with many eccentric and endearing characters. Black Books is equally eccentric, but a lot more cynical about human nature and relationships. Bernard is the Irish book shop owner who spends his day drinking wine, smoking and reading books, and is matched against his niave and optimistic assistant Mannie, and his friend Fran from the shop next door who is both dippy and crafty.
There are great documentaries such as Who do you think you are? UK series. I have just finished watching series 2  which included wonderful programmes on  Jeremy Paxman, Sheila Hancock and Stephen Fry. In the process of delving into people's family tree, a lot of social history is revealed too, in a very effective way.

I probably don't need to remind you of the great British costume dramas, covering works of Dickens, Austen, Hardy and more.  However you may not have come across Middlemarch by George Eliot, which highlights the frustrations of an intelligent young woman circumscribed in what she is allowed to do. It also features the excellent actor Rufus Sewell as the love interest. Another good reason for watching.

Music today was from Cafe Musette, featuring Enrique Ugarte on accordion and Peche a la mouche, from Rue de la Trompette (the last is a personal cd)

Cheers, Maryanne

Do you need help with your mobile phone? Volunteers will teach you how to text or help solve issues in it's use

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

When: Wednesday 8th & 15th December 2pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300 or book online - mobile

Cheers, Maryanne

Power is back at Belgrave Library

Power has been restored at Belgrave Library. The public PCs are now available for use - please book online through our Book a PC page.

Cheers, Maryanne

Belgrave Library currently has no power, no Internet, phones

Belgrave Library is currently without power. They are expecting to open as there is enough natural light. However there will be no Internet and staff will be checking items out manually by writing them down. Please limit the number of items borrowed.

There are also no phones. Please contact the library via our website or phone another branch for renewals and enquiries.

The power company estimate that the power may be out until 2PM but this may change due to the weather.

Cheers, Maryanne

This Christmas don't get caught out by scams and ID theft

This Christmas don't get caught out by scams. Consumer Affairs Victoria can help you avoid the scammers. Also learn about how to protect yourself from ever increasing identity theft.
When: Friday 10th December 2pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Cr, Boronia
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97624099 or book online - Scams

Cheers, Maryanne

Get treated to a visit from Santa at Croydon's Christmas toddler storytime

This is the last toddler storytime of the year and it includes a visit from Santa himself bringing treats for the children. There will also be bubbles, Christmas songs and stories. It's good fun all round.

No need to book, all welcome.

When: Friday 10th December 11am
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Croydon Library have now re-opened after the recent flooding

I've just been advised that Croydon Library have now re-opened. Apologies for any inconvenience caused as a result of the flooding.

Cheers, Maryanne

Croydon Library will be re-opening by 11am on Monday 6th December

Croydon Library will be re-opening to the public on Monday 6th December 2010 as close to 10am as possible - by 11am at the latest. The closure was to dry out carpet after a recent flooding.

Cheers, Maryanne

Croydon Library closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday due to flooding

As Croydon Library has extensive carpet damage due to flooding they will not be open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Depending on the progress of "drying out" the decision to re-open will be on a day-to-day basis.

Items may be returned to one of our other branches, the nearest is Ringwood Library. Alternatively, you may renew online via the web catalogue. phone or in person at one of our other library branches. If you have any difficulty please contact us via the website.

Cheers, Maryanne

Are you passionate about your library? Yarra Ranges Council want your input

Yarra Ranges Council is developing a five year Library Strategy and Action Plan which will be important in shaping the future of our libraries. Through the Yarra Ranges Views Online forum we are seeking community input on their current library service and what they believe their library should look like in the future. Discussion leaders will help to encourage conversations with thought provoking questions and comments.

The feedback received from the online forum will help in the development of a Library Strategy. The draft Library Strategy will go out for public comment and focus groups will also be held to discuss. in detail the input received from the community.

The forum will open on Monday 29th November and will close on Friday 10th December. Feel free to share this post to encourage participation in this important discussion. You don't need to be residing in the Yarra Ranges to have your say in the future of our library service.

You can have your say on Your Library – Now and into the future!

Cheers, Maryanne

Update: Croydon closed, Yarra Junction open but with no public PCs

After yesterday's deluge and flooding, Croydon Library is closed today. There is flooding to 2/3 of the library. The only dry areas are the front desk and by the window near the pond. They hope to have a restricted opening tomorrow for returns only.

Yarra Junction Library is open today but there will be no public PCs and that area will be off limits.

All other libraries are open as usual.

Cheers, Maryanne

Croydon Library closed for the rest of the day

Because of the rain we have had to close the Croydon Library for the rest of the day. We'll keep you posted as to the state of play tomorrow.

Paul.

Yarra Junction Library closed for the rest of the day

Yarra Junction Library has also fallen victim to the rains today. Water has fallen down onto the public PCs and desks. Unfortunately we have had to close for the rest of the day.

Paul.

Croydon Library is being evacuated due to flooding

Croydon Library is currently being evacuated due to flooding at the back of the library in the workroom, therefore will be closed until further notice. We'll keep you advised via the blog & Twitter.

Cheers, Maryanne

Valley Mobile update: it is off the road all day Wednesday 1st December

I've just been advised that the Valley Mobile will be off the road all day today while damage to the door and lock are fixed after a break-in last night. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Any items may be returned to another branch or mobile or please contact us via the website or phone if your need to renew your items.

Library contact form
Library phone numbers

Cheers, Maryanne

The Valley Mobile is off the road this morning for repairs

Due to repairs being undertaken the Valley Mobile will not be on the road this morning. Once repairs have been completed we hope to be able to make Wonga Park this afternoon. I'll keep you advised.

Cheers, Maryanne