New audiobooks in eLibrary

We have just added another 334 audiobooks to the eLibrary collection available through our website by clicking on the 'eBooks eLibrary' button. All of these audiobooks are available to download from home. Amongst the literary gems you can now listen to are Bill Bryson's 'Downunder', Joanne Harris' 'Chocolat', Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest' and Roald Dahl's 'Matilda'.

Enjoy!

Paul.

Knox Mobile off the road Friday 24th November

Our apologies but the Knox Mobile Library will not be visiting Wantirna Mall, The Basin and Alchester Village today.

Paul.

Croydon Library closed Wednesday night

Our apologies but due to a burst water main the Croydon library will not be open tonight - Wednesday 23rd November.

You can renew items by telephoning one of our other branches or by going online and renewing via our website.

Paul.

Mobile libraries off the road

The Valley and Ranges Mobiles will be off the road on the following dates:

Ranges mobile will not be on the road - Monday 21st November 2011.
Valley mobile will not be on the road - Thursday 24th  November 2011.

Items can be returned any of Eastern Regional Libraries' branches or you can phone 1300 737 277 to renew.

Apologies for the inconvenience.

Mooroolbark Growers & Weeders Lunch at Paperbark Cafe - Kuranga Native Nursery

The Mooroolbark Growers & Weeders will celebrate the end of our gardening year with a lunch and guided tour of the Kuranga Native Nursery.

Kuranga Native Nursery is a retail nursery specialising in Australian native flora. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s foremost native nurseries, Kuranga has been propagating and selling Australian native plants since 1983.

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with our gardening group, browse through the huge range of Australian native plants, maybe pick up a Christmas present or two in the gift shop.

When: Wednesday  30th November 1pm
Where: Meet at Kuranga Native Nursery, 118 York Road Mt Evelyn at 1pm. (Melway ref: 52 K3)
Cost: Lunch at own cost
Bookings essential phone 97268200 or book online - Kuranga

Cheers, Maryanne

Dreaming of Dior: Charlotte Smith discusses the amazing Dartnell collection

In 2004 Charlotte Smith’s Quaker godmother left her a magnificent collection of clothing dating from 1723 to the present. The Dartnell Collection features the world’s greatest designers and has been continually augmented by donations and bequests from companies and fashion conscious benefactors. The collection features over 5500 items and is a must see when visiting Sydney.

This superb collection has been celebrated in Charlotte’s two books Dreaming of Dior and the companion volume Dreaming of Chanel. Charlotte comes to us fresh from her US tour.

We will be serving a gourmet lunch box especially created by chef Stephen Wilson together with a glass of bubbly… or two.

When: Wednesday 30th November 12:30pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library 1010 Burwood Hwy Ferntree Gully
Cost: Cost $20 or $18 concession includes lunch and wine
Bookings essential phone 92948140 or book online - Dior

Cheers, webgurl

Christmas craft for kids - Snow globes

Join in the Christmas craft fun at the library: make a snow globe and an origami star decoration for your christmas tree.

BYO small jar with screw top lid (must be water tight)

When: Thursday 24th November 4pm
Where: Healesville Library, 110 River Street, Healesville
Cost: Free event
Ages: 4+ years
Bookings essential phone 59624423 or book online - Snow globes

Cheers, Maryanne

Lifestyles in the Library - Ideas to decorate your Christmas treats with Jill Hess

Jill will show you decoration ideas and techniques for your sweet treats at Christmas time

When: Thursday 24th November 2:30pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92948140

Cheers, Maryanne

Literary Lunch - Meet Dolores Bellemo, author of Crazy for Italy

Dolores Bellemo was born in Malta and arrived in Australia at the age of seven. Whilst Australia is home she has a love affair with Italy. Dolores studied Italian at university and first visited that country in 1975. Since then she has been back many times and her book Crazy for Italy celebrates her love for the country its inhabitants. The book is illustrated by her husband architect and artist, Aldo Bellemo.

Dolores is the author of a number of other works and currently teaches Italian at Emerald U3A

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

Cheers, Maryanne

Antiques evaluation with Lester Devere

Back by popular demand, Lester Devere. Bring along a piece or two for Lester to evaluate.

When: Wednesday 23rd November 6:30pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97624099 or book online - Antiques

Cheers, webgurl

An evening in Antarctica, Marion’s spin on the frozen continent

Join expert spinner Marion Wheatland as she talks about her adventures and take the opportunity to donate to Mawson’s Hut Foundations to help preserve Antarctica’s history. All welcome.

When: Friday 18th November 6:30pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300 or book online - Antarctica

Cheers, Maryanne

What makes the perfect pavlova? Find out with the Boronia Cooking Club

Join the ladies of the CWA and find out how to make the perfect Pavlova

When: Friday 18th November 2pm
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Gold Coin Donation
Bookings essential phone 97624099 or book online - Pavlova

Cheers, Maryanne

Valley Mobile update

The Valley Mobile will be off the road on the following dates:

Valley Mobile will not be on the road - Thursday 10 November 2011

Valley Mobile will not be on the road - Thursday 17 November 2011

Valley Mobile will not be on the road - Friday 18 November 2011

Items can be returned to any of Eastern Regional Libraries' branches or you can phone us on 1300 737 277 to renew.

Apologies for the inconvenience.

Paul.

Calling all quilters for a quilt-in at Rowville

Calling all quilters and those who aspire! Join us at Rowville Library for a session of quilting – including demonstration, show and tell and sharing. BYO quilting projects to this relaxed and informal afternoon. All welcome.
When: Friday 18th November 2pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300 or book online - quilting

Cheers, webgurl

Discover aromatherapy for health and wellbeing

Join us to learn more about the safe and personal applications of pure essential plant oils, known as Aromatherapy, for home and family use. Jane Margaret is a Health Educator and Clinical Therapist in Aromatic Medicine. She offers supportive treatments using oils, flower essences, health counselling and therapeutic massage. Jane is currently writing books for publication on her experiences and successes in this work, with treatments which can be safely used to support health and wellbeing.

When: Thursday 17th November 2pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97547266 or book online - Aromatherapy

Cheers, Maryanne

Traditional Christmas lunch with a twist from seasoning a roast to puddings

Jill Hess will give us some exciting recipes to make your Christmas lunch a gourmet delight. From tasty starters to seasoning the roast and of course ideas for that Traditional Christmas pudding!

Join us and sample some of the wonderful dishes you can prepare at home to make your Christmas Day an amazing success.

We will start with a glass of bubbles! Limited places available book early!

When: Tuesday 29th November 1:30pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: $4 per person
Bookings essential phone 92943120 or book online - Christmas lunch

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library 9th November 2011

Library staff members Lyn Baines, Jessica Bonner 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 today's show 
Today on Eastern FM, Jessica recapped the success of a couple of recent ERL events, namely the Boronia Salvos Parade and the Halloween Hullabaloo at Knox Library. Big thanks to the vendors, sponsors and of course the managers and staff who organised these fantastic events.

Books on review included:

Lullaby by Chuck Palahniuk

From the author of the notorious Fight Club, Chuck Palahniuk's Lullaby is a modern, dark fantasy that recounts the adventure of an unlikely group of companions in search of destroying all books that contain an ancient "culling" poem that is lethal to anyone it is recited to. Witty, sardonic and with the usual flair for wild inventions and subversive ideas, this is a fast pasced book for those who are fans of all things quirky.

Dark Lady: Winston Churchill's Mother and her world by Charles Higham

This is a compelling account of a very interesting and stunning woman. Jennie Jerome, is said to have had over 200 lovers, some younger than her own son. She was married many times, went through bankrupt several times, yet always managed to be at the top of polite society in her Parisian gowns, despite her reputation for vanity and frivolity. She was even sat in a special pew dubbed the "loose box" at Westminster Abbey during the coronation of King Edward in 1902 that was specifically reserved for royal mistresses.  Fantastic read!

Music today was "All Around Me" by Flyleaf.

---- Jessica

Continental Christmas recipes with chef Stephen Wilson

Australia does not have snow for Christmas but we can have some of the delicious dishes that are loved by generations of European families. Stephen Wilson will show you some fabulous recipes which will become part of your Christmas traditions too.

When: Thursday 17th November 10:30am
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event or cost
Bookings essential phone 97547266 or book online - Continental Christmas

Cheers, webgurl

Montrose Gardeners presents All about Herbs

Bernadette Touhy is a long-time enthusiastic member of the Herb Society of Victoria. She has been growing and using herbs for many years and is always inspired and excited by the diverse world of herbs.

Bernadette will bring lots of fresh herbs to demonstrate their aesthetic, sensory, medicinal & culinary qualities, many of which have been in use for hundreds of years.

The Herb Society of Victoria was formed more than thirty years ago by a small group of enthusiasts, and has grown over the years to a large organisation with branches throughout the state.

Tea & Coffee provided

When: Tuesday 15th November 1pm
Where: The Bridge Community Garden Centre, 49 Durham Road, Kilsyth
Cost: Gold coin donation
Bookings essential phone 97251932 (The Bridge) 9728 4224 (Montrose Library) or book online - Herbs

Cheers, webgurl

Healesville Library will be closed on Wednesday 16th November

Healesville Library will be closed on Wednesday 16th November 2011 from 9am-5pm due to a major power supply upgrade. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Cheers, webgurl

Valley Mobile will not be on the road today or Thursday

The Valley Mobile will not be on the road today or Thursday. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Items amy be returned to any branch or mobile or renewed once via the web catalogue.

Cheers, webgurl

Findmypast is seeking descendents of the HMAS Kuttabul

The following is a message we received from Findmypast.

"Next year is the 70th Anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Kuttabul. In brief, three Japanese midget submarines attacked vessels in Sydney Harbour on 31 May 1942. As a result, the converted ferry HMAS Kuttabul was struck by a torpedo and 21 men were killed.

Findmypast is looking for the descendants of the men that perished on this vessel. On 31 May 2012 it is planned that a commemoration ceremony will take place to remember the 21 men who lost their lives on this day. We would like to connect the descendants with the organisers so that they can be involved in this special event.

Please email Findmypast if you are a descendant of one of these men or have any information.

To the right is an image of Horace Charlton Beazley who left the Kuttabul just before midnight on 31 May 1942 to take up watch at Garden Island. The second torpedo fired by the Japanese submarine M24 ran ashore near where he was stationed but fortunately it failed to explode. He passed away on 12 November 2010 aged 90 years. He was very lucky to have survived and lived to such a good age!"
Source: Findmypast

Cheers, webgurl

Get Reading - Meet author Jessica Rudd

Jessica Rudd, 27, had three career changes in as many years - law, PR, politics - but is now going steady with her life as a writer. She hopes Ruby Blues, sequel to Campaign Ruby, will give her readers as many laughs as she had writing it. Jessica is based in Beijing.

Jessica will be signing her new book. Afternoon tea provided

When: Monday 14th November 2pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library 1010 Burwood Hwy Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
 Bookings essential phone 92948140 or book online - Jessica Rudd

Cheers, webgurl

Photography Focus - travelling the Trans-Siberian Railway

Jim Reid has travelled extensively throughout the world. One of his favourite holidays was on the Trans-Siberian Railway. This train connects Moscow to the Sea of Japan - the longest railway in the world.

You are welcome to join us to view Jim's fantastic photographs of an incredible journey of a lifetime.

When: Thursday 10th November 2:30pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92948140 or book online - Railway

Cheers, Maryanne

Book Bites – Maggie Millar reads Elizabeth Jolley

Elizabeth Jolley (1923-2007) ranks as one of Australia’s greatest writers. Born in the UK she spent more than half her life in Australia. Her first book was not published until she was 53, but from then her works garnered three Miles Franklin Awards, two Premier’s Awards and earned her both an Order of Australia and a place on the list of 100 Greatest Living Treasures compiled in 1997.

Maggie Millar is an Honours graduate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where she won the Gertrude Lawrence Award for Best Performance. Maggie has performed with the Old Vic Theatre Company, the Elizabethan Trust and JC Williamson to name but a few. Television viewers will recognise her from her roles in Bellbird, The Sullivans, Prisoner and most recently as Rosie Hoyland in Neighbours. Maggie brings to life the writings of some of our best loved authors.

Maggie is not only an actor but an accomplished artist, advocate and public speaker.

Join us for a meeting of these two remarkable women.

When: Thursday 10th November 12:30pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97363851 or book online - Jolley

Cheers, Maryanne

Mainly for Men - Before the iPod, a history of mechanical music

Retired engineer John Wolff has long been fascinated by technical antiques, especially mechanical calculating machines and self-playing musical instruments. He has amassed a significant collection of both calculating and musical machines during his travels around Australia. John has restored many of these machines to working order, and has documented their history and mechanisms in a popular website.

In this session he will talk about some of the mechanical instruments that provided folk with recorded music in the days before iPods, LPs, or wind-up gramophones. The focus will be on the technical and social history of "mechanical music", with plenty of hands-on examples. There will be opportunities to examine and play some of the typical domestic instruments of the time.

Refreshments available

When: Wednesday 9th November 7pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97363851

Cheers, Maryanne

Any birdwatchers? Come to Birds of the Yarra Catchment

Peter Mason will talk about the new publication Birds of the Yarra Catchment: and where to find them.

"An excellent guide for birdwatchers visiting or living around Melbourne. Stretching from the mountains to the sea, the Yarra River catchment covers an area of approximately 4,000 square kilometres.  For each selected habitat along the river, there is a selection of birds that are likely to be seen, with particular attention given to "local special" birds."

Peter, along with other members of the Yarra Valley Branch of BOCA (Bird Observation and Conservation Australia) have been heavily involved in producing this informative book. Copies of this publication will be for sale - would make a great Christmas present!

Tea & coffee available

When: Tuesday 8th November 1pm
Where: Montrose Library Corner, Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road & Swansea Road, Montrose
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97284224 or book online - Birds Yarra

Cheers, Maryanne

Beginning Family History - get started with Ann Dixon

*Update: Apologies but we have had to cancel this event....webgurl, 7/11/2011

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

When: Tuesday 8th November 1pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92945640 or book online - Family History

Cheers, Maryanne

Congratulations to the winners of our National Poetry Competition

Thanks to every person who participated in this year's National Poetry Competition. The winners and commendations are:

Open Section: $1,000
Winner: Nelson, Parkdale – On Testicular Failure

Commended:
Nelson, Parkdale – Stardust
S J, St Kilda – Blowhole
Caitlin, Heidelberg Heights – Generation Now
John, Ashfield NSW, - Alla Noia
Gita, Kew – Night Kitchen


Local Section: $500
Winner: Donald, Belgrave – Dick and Jane on TV

Commended:
Ron, Kalorama – In the Buffet at the Station
Jenny, The Patch – What Job Do You Do?
Lia, Upwey – Hypatia’s Lost Theorem on Love
Marian, Belgrave Heights – Mission to Narnia


Teenage Section: $300
Winner: Christel, Three Bridges, - Australian Serenity

Commended:
George, Wesburn – Creating God
Rhianna, Wheelers Hill – Undine Song
Genevieve, Tecoma – Remember
Damien, Mt Waverley – Grand Final and Diversity (two commendations)


Junior Section: $200
Winner: Taman, Upwey – Defying Gravity

Commended:
Simone, Chirnside Park – War Horse
Gaia, McMahons Creek – Prophecy
Antonia, Hawthorn – Waiting
Roland, The Basin – The Castle
Dewmi, Mount Gambier – The Cottage

The Presentation Ceremnony is on Thursday 10th November 6:30pm at Croydon Library. Cr Samantha Dunn will be presenting the prizes and Alicia Sometimes, the Judge for the Competition, will read her report.

Cheers, webgurl

Ranges Mobile will not be on the road today

The Ranges Mobile will not be on the road on Monday 7th November. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Items may be returned to any branch or mobile or renewed once online via the catalogue.

Cheers, Maryanne

Boronia Library's Fashion Parade raised $700 for the Salvos

Last Friday night Boronia Library hosted the popular Salvos Fashion Parade. The night was a great success for everyone with The Salvos raising about $700.

Thanks again to 'my' models - Judy, Bernadette, Jessica, Jasminder, Lauren (Judy's niece) & Emma (a member's daughter).

Here's a few photos from the night:

Emma

Judy

Lauren

Cheers, Linda
Boronia Library