The Ranges Mobile is running behind schedule. Will arrive at Upwey approximately 12noon

Just heard that the Ranges Mobile is running behind schedule and will arrive at the Upwey stop approximately 12noon. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

Winter gardening with Gully Gardeners - find out what to plant now

The keen gardener never stops gardening - not even in Winter. In fact Winter is the time to rug up, put on the gloves and gumboots, and start preparing and planning for Spring. Darren will help to keep you inspired with suggestions of what you can plant now - new varieties of roses, fruit trees, flowering ornamental trees - and how to prepare for Spring planting of new annuals, perennials & vegetables.

Refreshments provided.

When: Thursday 2nd June 2:30pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: Gold coin donation please
Bookings essential phone 92948140 or book online - Gully Gardeners

Cheers, Maryanne

Travelling Europe on a budget with Mooroolbark Armchair Travellers

Come along to Armchair Travellers and Jane will give you some inside hints and tips for making that once in a lifetime trip not only spectacular, but also one that fits the budget!

Jane lived in the UK until 4 years ago and has travelled to a large number of European countries before moving to Australia. 

Discover some of the most exciting places to see, how to get there and to travel to make trips fit the budget.

When: Thursday 2nd June 2pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97268200 or book online - Armchair travellers

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 18th May 2011

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 week for a great show.

On last Wednesday's show

Memories of Melba is a month long celebration of Dame Nellie Melba's 150th birthday. It has been a busy month in and around Lilydale, with some activities still to come. On Sunday the 29th at 2pm there will be a talk on Melba and her mates, including a guided tour around the Lilydale Cemetery, and Wednesday the 25th at 7pm there is a talk on Melba's lasting legacy. All activities must be booked via Lilydale and District Historical Society, phone Sandy Ross on 97351661 or Sue Thompson on 97619192. An exciting part of the programme is encouraging people in the community to share their memories and memorabilia with the Library and Historical Society.

A very successful day was held at the Lilydale Library on Tuesday the 17th, and we would like to encourage anyone who thinks they may have something to share, to contact Kathy Smalley at Ringwood Library, 9870 0177, to add to the treasures and insights already collected.
 
Using Ancestry in your research is running on Thursday the 26th May at Healesville Library at 1:30pm, when you can tap into the extensive knowledge of Gail White. If you would like to get the most out of the database, this talk is for you. Don't forget too, that not only is the Library edition of Ancestry available on PC's in our libraries, but you can access both Ancestry and Find my past via Wifi service in all our branches, with your own laptop.

Finally, an exciting opportunity to have military items and photos identified. Yarra Junction Library is hosting Militaria, at which several experts can help you find the origin of your memorabilia and give you some background history. It is on Saturday 21st of May from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

All library activities can be booked on the Calender of Events on our website, or by ringing any branch.

---- Lesley

It's Library Week! #LIW2011 Do you know someone that's not a member? Do they like scary movies?

To celebrate Library Week 2011 we're running a couple of promotions in the Belgrave area.

Belgrave Railway Station
When: Tuesday and Wednesday morning 7-8am
Where: Belgrave Railway Station, Belgrave

Library staff will be at Belgrave Railway station handing out free library bags and copies of Good Reading magazine. On Wednesday they'll be handing out free cupcakes too, to support the Biggest Morning Tea.

Join the library!

We're having a membership drive in the Belgrave area. Six traders in Main Street are displaying special yellow library membership forms -

Earthly Pleasures, Green Bean Cafe, Puffing Billy Cafe, Belgrave Book Barn, Through the looking glass secondhand books, Belgrave Pharmacy

1. Fill out one of the yellow membership forms
2. Hand into Belgrave Library this week and you'll receive a movie ticket to the Cameo cinema in Belgrave (not just for scary movies either).

Literary Lunch with Toni Jordan

Toni Jordan's first book Addition (2008) was published to critical acclaim and the publication rights have been sold around the world. Her second book Fall Girl (2010) has received similar positive responses. Please join us for an entertaining lunch.

When: Thursday 26th May 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $10 includes lunch
Bookings essential 9754 7266 or book online - Toni Jordan

Cheers, Maryanne

Are you not getting the most out of Ancestry.com? Get tips from the expert

If you are frustrated with not getting the most out of Ancestry.com library edition, attend this talk presented by Gail White.
When: Thursday 26th May 1:30pm
Where: Healesville Library, 110 River St, Healesville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59624423 or book online - Ancestry

Cheers, Maryanne

Searching for a list of feature films on DVD at your branch? Check this out!

I was assisting a member with browse searching on the catalogue and thought I'd share this tutorial for members who would like to view a list of feature films held by their local branch.


 

Click on the Power Search link.




Click on the Browsing link found on the menu at the right.





Type in feature films in the Browse Search box and select your home branch from the drop-down menu and click on the subject button.






Click on Feature films from the list of results (it should have the most titles)





This should give you a list of Feature Films on DVD at your branch. rowse the titles to find one on shelf or returning soon.


Cheers, Maryanne

Meet author Toni Jordan at Belgrave's Literary Lunch

Sometimes we all need a little escape from our own mundane lives and with Toni Jordan; one is in very safe hands.

Readings Review

Born in Brisbane, Toni has a science degree and after various jobs enrolled to study Creative Writing at RMIT. Her work attracted the attention of publisher Michael Heyward from Text Publishing and the rest as they say is history.

Toni Jordan’s first book Addition (2008) was published to critical acclaim and the publication rights have been sold around the world. Her second book Fall Girl (2010) has received similar positive responses.

Please join us for an entertaining lunch.

When: Thursday 26th May 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $10 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

View the photos of the refurbishment at Croydon Library

Have you been wondering how the work on Croydon Library has been going. We've taken a few photos - take a look at the Croydon Library Flickr

Cheers, Maryanne

Got a favourite plant? Tell us about your garden at the Mooroolbark Growers and Weeders:

Would you like to tell us about your garden? Your favourite plant, your garden design, how your garden developed, a favourite place in the garden. We would love to hear about it!

Come along and enjoy a casual afternoon with other local gardeners, swap a plant or two and have a cuppa and a chat.

All Welcome. Tea and Coffee provided

When: Wednesday 25th May 2pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event 
No bookings required. Enquiries - Helen 9726 8200

Cheers, Maryanne

Join us for the National Simultaneous Storytime

The National Simultaneous Storytime is an annual event to promote literacy and reading. On Wednesday 25th May at 11am (my birthday) libraries from around Australia will read Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clement to thousands of children.

Eastern Regional Libraries is participating with storytimes at the following branches:

• Boronia
• Knox
• Mooroolbark
• Healesville
• Yarra Junction

When: Wednesday 25th May 11am
Where: At the libraries above
Cost: Free event
No need to book. All welcome.

Cheers, Maryanne

Spinning a yarn in Antarctica - hear Marion Wheatland's amazing adventure

Spinner Marion Wheatland recently travelled to Antarctica. She fulfilled her dream of visiting the coldest place on the planet and spinning yarn there to raise money for the restoration of Mawsons Hut. Join us and hear more about her amazing adventure.

Tea and coffee provided.

When: Tuesday 24th May 2pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Bookings preferred phone 92943120 or book online - Spinning

Cheers, Maryanne

Due to the library software upgrade there may currently be issues with the catalogue display

As a result of a library software upgrade certain files need to be transferred to the server and as a result the catalogue may not be displaying as it should e.g. Library Info menu appears very thin, Quick Search form partially hidden.

Once the files are transferred, the catalogue will display correctly. Thank-you for your patience.

Cheers, Maryanne

Join us for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea and help raise money for Cancer research

Join us again this year for our major fundraiser for Cancer Council, The Biggest Morning Tea. The following events are being held in our branches:


Rowville
When: Tuesday 24th May from 10:30am

This is a great opportunity to enjoy morning tea in the library and make your donation to the worthy cause of cancer research. Everyone is welcome. Bookings are not required but you are! Please help the library to make this a most successful fundraiser. Which library staff member will make the best waiter/waitress?


Boronia
When: Thursday 26th May from 10am

• Bottomless tea and coffee, yummy snacks. Gold coin donation.
• Come dressed in Rockabilly if you wish. Prize for the best dressed.
• Teddy bears picnic for children.

Gold coin donation. Larger donations can be made, prizes from The Cancer Council. A fun day for all.

Slices with Jill Hess
When: Thursday 26th May 11am
Cost: $5
Jill Hess will demonstrating how to make some easy slices at 11am. Please book for this event. All proceeds go to The Cancer Council.
Book online - Jill Hess

Ferntree Gully
When: Thursday 26th May 10am-12noon

• Come and enjoy a cuppa and morning tea while listening to the musical talents of Stax the Didgeman. Listen to the unique sound of a didgeridoo plus many other interesting instruments.
• Plant sale and lucky prizes
• Gold coin donation - all proceeds to Cancer Council Victoria to help tip the balance in the fight against cancer. All welcome
  

Lilydale
When: Thursday 26th May 10:30am

It's Morning Tea time. Join us for a cuppa and morning tea at Lilydale Library. Help us to raise funds to fight cancer. All proceeds to the Australian Cancer Council.

All welcome. Gold coin donation.

Yarra Junction

When: Thursday 26th May 11am-12:30pm
Morning Tea with scones provided by Amanda's Cafe and Barbara Jeffrey playing on a Celtic Harp.


Knox
When: Friday 27th May 10am
Cost: $4 per person
Join us again this year for our major fundraiser for the Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea.

• Make-up Artist & Image Coach Dianne Harris will demonstrate How to Look 10 Years Younger.
• Choose & wear make-up for a radiantly youthful look
• Choose the best foundation for a luminous fresh face
• Get the perfect canvas for a glowing look
• Get the best brow shape that is as good as a "brow lift"
• Make your eyes look fresh & radiant
• Achieve full luscious healthy lips

Book online - Dianne Harris

Bottomless tea/coffee and biscuits. Bookings Essential. Proceeds donated to the Cancer Council.

Cheers, Maryanne

Library catalogue will be unavailable tonight from 9:15pm until approximately 10am Wednesday morning

Due to a software upgrade the web catalogue will be unavailable from 9:15pm tonight until approximately 10am tomorrow morning.

If you need to renew your items, please login before 9pm tonight. If you need any assistance contact us through the Contact form on our library website.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

Knox Mobile will be off the road today and tomorrow

The Knox Mobile will be off the road for maintenance today and tomorrow. This affects the following mobile sites:

Bayswater Shopping Centre, Upper Ferntree Gully, Knoxfield Shopping Centre, Wantirna Mall, The Basin, Scoresby

Items may be returned to any of our branches or renewed via the web catalogue

Cheers, Maryanne

Dandenong Ranges Open Studio - watch ceramic artist Jenny Rowe at work

The Dandenong Ranges has a rich and vibrant artistic heritage which the annual Open Studios program brings to life in an interactive weekend event.  One of these artists is Jenny Rowe who is a ceramic artist making stylized figurative sculptures suitable for both indoors and outdoors. She is influenced by the hills environment, and is especially intrigued by the interaction between natural structures and anthropomorphic form.

Come to the library to watch her work and answer any queries about her art or other people in the Open Studios.
When: Thursday 19th May 1:30-2:30pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
No need to book, enquiries phone 92948140

Cheers, Maryanne

What are the benefits of attracting wildlife to your garden?

Come along to hear Irene from the Knox Environment Society talk about the pleasures and benefits of attracting wildlife to your garden. Book a free garden assessment and receive 20 free plants from the Knox Environment Society Nursery.

When: Friday 13th May 2pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Gold coin donation please
Bookings essential phone 97624099 or book online - wildlife

Cheers, Maryanne

Privacy Victoria's Diversity officer, Hanan Noura, will speak about Victoria's privacy laws and rights

Privacy Laws give you privacy rights and help protect the privacy of your personal information.

Privacy Victoria invites you to attend this free information session to learn about your privacy rights, including:

• How Victorian government, including local councils, should collect and handle personal information.
• What you can do if you believe your information has been misused. 
• How you can make a complaint. 

When: Thursday 12th May 7pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97547266 or book online - Privacy

Cheers, Maryanne

Photography Focus: learn about macros and panoramas with Roy Francis

Roy Francis is a keen amateur photographer with special passions for macro and panoramic work. His adventures in Nepal and the NT will illustrate some of his learnings. Refreshments provided.

When: Thursday 12th May 2:30pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92948140or book online - Photography

Cheers, Maryanne

Victoria's contribution to the Boer War with author Robin Droogleever

Author Robin Droogleever will be giving a presentation on Victoria's contribution to the Boer War. Robin will also have copies of his book That Ragged Mob for sale.

When: Thursday 12th May 1pm
Where: Healesville Library, 110 River Street, Healesville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59624423 or book online - Boer War

Cheers, Maryanne

The Knox Mobile is not at Upper Ferntree Gully today, due to parking problems

I've just heard from our Mobiles Co-ordinator that the Knox Mobile is not at the Upper Ferntree Gully stop today due to parking problems. We apologise for any inconvenience. The mobile will be at Knoxfield from 2:30-5pm as expected.

Items may be returned to any of our branches or mobile stops.

Cheers, Maryanne

Catalogue will be unavailable on Saturday 7th May from 7pm due to a planned upgrade

Just advising all members that our library catalogue will be unavailable from 7pm on Saturday 7th May due to an upgrade to the server. This should only take a couple of hours so members are advised to renew or place holds earlier in the day or try again later in the evening.

Cheers, Maryanne

We are currently working on a issue with the RSS feed for our events calendar

Apologies to any member that received multiple emails about events recently. We are currently working on an issue with the RSS feed for the events calendar that caused this error.

I'll keep everyone advised when this has been fixed, however you shouldn't be receiving any more multiple emails.

All other aspects of the events calendar are working. This only affected members who subscribed to the calendar.

Cheers, Maryanne