New options for the 1300 number, get connected to a library near you

We've recently upgraded the ERL phone system and have made some changes to the configuration of the 1300 number.

After listening to feedback from staff and library members the recorded message now says:

• Press One to be connected to a library near you. 

Calls will then be redirected to the nearest library based on the nearest telephone exchange.

• Press two to be connected to a staff member, if you know the extension number.

NOTE:   Please make sure you wait for all the instructions before you start pressing extension numbers.

• For all branch hours check the ERL website at www.erl.vic.gov.au

Cheers, webgurl

On the Road Again - Knox Outreach Vehicle

All hail the Maintenance Man - The Knox Outreach Vehicle will be back on the road at the Dorset Road Complex this afternoon. 

Apologies for any inconvenience!


Cheers,
The Virtual Team

Knox Outreach off the Road this Afternoon

The Knox Outreach Vehicle will not be stopping in Knoxfield this afternoon, due to maintenance.

Apologies for any inconvenience! If you have any questions about the mobile service or your account, please don't hesitate to contact us on 1300 737 277 or leave a message on our Facebook Page.

Cheers,
The Virtual Team

Summer Reading Celebrations!

Dancing with the Magical Mountains troupe.
Check out Facebook for more photos.

Well, its another year over for the Summer Reading Challenge - and what an amazing effort by all the kids who participated.

We had over 834 children join, with approximately
4,810 books in total being read over the Summer Reading period.

Ferntree Gully Library had the highest reading record sheets returned for one child, numbering at 12 - which means this particular reading whiz read 120 books. Knox Library followed, with at least one child powering through 70 books throughout the challenge. What a fabulous effort for these kids to put in!

To celebrate all our kids' achievements (yes, we librarians are so very proud!!), we held this year's Summer Reading Party at the Mooroolbark Community Centre. With a turnout of around 150 children, we were joined by The Magical Mountains Children's Live Entertainment performers. Amongst our special guests were Stewie the Koala, Locky Cocky, Breanna the Gum Tree and Suzie Roo who delighted our young audience with much singing and dancing.

Of special note are some of our Summer Reading Club Winners. From Lilydale library we have our Reading Winner Nicholas. Our Non-Reader award went to Harley, who shared his love of books with his older brother Jack, who read them all to his little brother. Congratulations, guys!! You can see our winners on our Facebook Page.

Well done to all the children who participated in the Summer Reading Challenge this year - and a big shout out to all the parents and teachers who encouraged the love of reading in their kids. Also, kudos to all our Youth Services Librarians - with Sue, Trudi, Rowanne and Hannah (she was also Breanna the Gum Tree!) for organising the party. Thank you everyone and look forward to seeing you all for  the next Summer Reading Challenge!

For more photos of our Summer Reading Challenge party, visit our Facebook Page.

Total Fire Ban - Ranges Mobile off the Road

The Ranges Mobile and Flexi Vehicle will be off the road today due to Total Fire Ban conditions in the area. Apologies for any inconvenience!

If you have any questions in regards to you account, please don't hesitate to call us on 1300 737 277 or you can leave a message on our Facebook Page.

In the meantime, take care in the heat and stay safe!

Cheers,
The Virtual Team

Have your Say! - New Ringwood Library & Cultural Centre Survey

We all know how much everyone loves their library - and its a rare opportunity when we get to build a brand new one!

The recent visit of Minister Jeanette Powell at Ringwood Library to announce additional funding for the new Ringwood Library, Learning and Cultural Centre has inspired some excitement in the community. Planning for the centre is underway and is anticipated it will be completed in 2016. We will keep you updated here and on our Eastern Regional Facebook Page as more news develops.

The new state-of-the-art centre will incorporate not only a shiny new library, but also:

• A designated art gallery for exhibitions
• Flexible learning spaces for all age groups and educational levels
• A Cafe area with newspapers and magazines
• An interactive local history display
• and a Council Customer Service Centre.

As plans continue to progress, Maroondah City Council is giving the community the opportunity to Have Your Say! in the design, activities and use of the centre.

So, now is the time to jump on board and have your say! We want to hear from you - and most importantly - we want to know how we can make the Ringwood Library, Learning and Cultural Centre the best community hub in Melbourne.

Go for it - Tell us your thoughts by filling out the survey before Friday 22 March 2013 - and you could also go into the draw to win an Apple iPad Mini!

We'd love to hear from you - Complete the Have Your Say Survey

Its the Onions that get you - Ranges Outreach Sausage Sizzle

What a lovely day - the hotplate was sizzling with sausages and the smell of BBQ onions wafted across the caravan park... Dee-lish, who could resist?

Eastern Regional libraries were out and about with the Ranges Outreach Vehicle on Tuesday January 27 with a free sausage sizzle at the Britannia Ridge Caravan Park and Doon Reserve Caravan Park to celebrate these new outreach destination points.

Some of our new members at Britannia Caravan Park.

Residents and travellers at the caravan parks were treated to both a hearty barbie lunch as well as new library memberships and access to all the goodies available on the Ranges Outreach vehicle.

Jess from Eastern Regional reported on the success of the venture. "It was a fantastic afternoon - everyone who came for the sausage sizzle joined up and just about everyone borrowed something. Was awesome to see so many people enjoying what the library had to offer."

Residents went home with DVDs, childrens books, best seller fiction - and they even ordered a range of materials to be sent up on the Ranges Outreach van on the next visit.

"I couldn't believe the stuff they had, bloody marvellous. And a sausage lunch," commented Brian. "I'm looking forward to seeing the little van come up again - they're going to bring me up some Grisham's I haven't read. Top stuff, great service."

To see where we truck about - check out our Ranges Outreach Timetable and Knox Outreach Timetable.

See our Facebook Page for more photos from the Outreach Vehicles Album.

You never know what we're up to out there!

The Virtual Team