Starred this Month - Highlights for February 2014

There is always something going on at Eastern Regional, and this month there were several stand-out events.

Stephen Wilson Cooking Demonstrations
This month we saw cooking demonstrations by popular local chef, Stephen Wilson, who delighted his audience with Sweet Treats for Valentine's Day. Of special note, Stephen has announced an upcoming cookbook featuring recipes he has demonstrated within the library. Way to go, Stephen! It is still a work in progress, but we here at ERL are excited to see the finished publication. Additionally, Stephen has also started his very own Facebook Page called Chilled Out Cooking - so all you Stephen Wilson fans out there can continue to stay up to date with tips, tricks, recipes and more cooking demonstrations at the library.


 Big Welcome to Rusty Arnold
We had a new member of staff join ERL. Meet Rusty Arnold, the new storytime bear at Ferntree Gully. Rusty was very kindly donated by a generous library member who thought Rusty would be favourite amongst the kids. He stands at almost 2 metres when fully upright, and around 1 1/2 metres when sitting down. As for weight, well, he is rather shy about that (aren't we all!) but there have been reports of mysterious disappearances of the tea bickies over night... that naughty bear. So far, Rusty has proved extremely popular with the young crowd at Ferntree Gully, and he is pictured here with Children's Librarian, Sue.

New Mobile Timetables
Eastern Regional Libraries has updated their mobile library service timetables for the Knox Outreach and Yarra Ranges Outreach vehicles.

There have been some significant changes to some of the stops and times for both Knox and Yarra Ranges. The new timetable are available and ready to download.

Knox Outreach Timetable 2014

Yarra Ranges Outreach Timetable 2014

Australia's Favourite Library
 Last year, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) went in search of Australia's Favourite Librarian, in which 4 of our ERL comrades were nominated. This year, ALIA is looking to spread the love even further by finding Australia's Favourite Library.

We are pleased to announce that all of our branches as well as both of our mobile services have been nominated!! A big thank you to everyone for showing their support by nominating us, it is greatly appreciated.

Voting for Australia's Favourite Library opens on 14 March to the 22 April 2014 - we will provide links when the voting has opened. We look forward to being in the running and having you cast your vote!

Cheers,
The Virtual Team

Who starred this month? January 2014 Highlights

There is always something going on at Eastern Regional, and this month there were several stand-out events.

Summer Reading Club
The Summer Reading Club continues to be a hit across the region with hundreds of kids reading, filling out their reading logs and and joining the Super Sleuth Competition.

Don't forget, its still not too late to enter the Online Super Sleuth competition! Download the quiz, hunt for the answers and return the form to your local library for a chance to win a book voucher and iTunes voucher valued at $150!

Online Super Sleuth Quiz
Competition Closes Friday January 31st.
(Competition is open to ages 8-12 only).

Animal Rescue
We think everyone can agree that the heat wave this month knocked us all off our feet. Whilst people found themselves visiting the libraries in greater numbers to partake in the air-conditioning, staff at ERL also did their part to help the local wildlife survive the hot weather.

Of special note is the story of Zonks the Ring-tailed Possum, who was kindly taken to the vet by staff member Karla, after being found suffering from dehydration, heat stroke and burnt feet. We are pleased to report that Zonks has recovered very well and has since been released back into area from where he was found.

Cowzat! 
Australia's very own popular children's title COWZAT! was announced the winner of the Children’s App Category at the 2014 Digital Book World Awards. Through a collaborative effort between Emily Owens of Colour Me Play, the National Year of Reading, author Bruce Atherton and illustrator Ben Redlich, COWZAT! was been brought to digital life to inspire an interactive reading experience for kids.

Congratulations to all involved!!

Digital Book World Award Winners
The award winning COWZAT! app is available on iTunes for $2.99

Draw Me a Story Exhibition Launch
Celebrating the talent and vibrancy of Australian Children's literature, the Draw Me a Story exhibition opened on Thursday January 23 at the Maroondah Art Gallery to a full house reception. Amongst the crowd was famous children's authors and illustrators Graeme Base, Leigh Hobbs, Renee Treml and David Miller.

To say the place was packed is an understatement! Much fun was had by the children and families who came - you can see our photos in our Facebook Album.

A must see exhibition - open from January 24th to 15th March.
Details - Maroondah Art Gallery