IMPAC Dublin Literary Award Nominations - Help us decide!

Eastern Regional Libraries has been asked by the State Library to participate in the IMPAC Dublin Literary Awards.

Each year, public libraries throughout the world are invited to submit titles of "high literary merit" for consideration of the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2015. With 152 international fiction books nominated by public libraries in 39 countries, this prestigious award is valued at approximately $154,000 AUD.

As the shortlist for the nominations by the State Library has been announced - we here at ERL thought we would ask people for their thoughts to help shape our voting decision. The State Library will then send the top 3 nominated titles by Victorian libraries to the IMPAC Dublin Literary Awards for consideration.

Have you read any of these titles? Who would you vote for?

A World of Other People by Steven Carroll

Barracuda by Christos Tsiolkas

Blood Witness by Alex Hammond

Cairo by Chris Womersley

Coal Creek by Alex Miller

Dark Horse by Honey Brown

Gotland by Fiona Capp

Holy Bible by Vanessa Russell

The Memory Trap by Andrea Goldsmith

The Swan Book by Alexis Wright

Send your thoughts to us on our Facebook Page or email us at facebook@erl.vic.gov.au.

Cheers, The Virtual Team

Writes of Spring - Short Story Competition

The Writes of Spring is a short story competition for all ages from the State Library of Victoria.

Simply pick up a postcard at any of our Eastern Regional libraries and write a short story about the postcard illustration. It's that easy! Winners will be published in a keepsake book that will be available at all public libraries.

Don't forget to add your contact details to the back of the postcard.

Entries close 21 September 2012.

For more information - visit the State Library of Victoria.

cheers, Anoewyn

National Year of Reading 2012 - Our Story - Read the 6 shortlisted books & vote for your favourite

This summer, discover six wonderful books with a Victorian flavour, and help State Library of Victoria choose the winning book. The shortlist, including fiction and non-fiction, will be announced on 18th October. 

Get reading over the summer break, and vote for your favourite by 6th January, online, at any branch of Eastern Regional Libraries or bookshop. 

The winning book will represent Victoria in the national Our Story program in 2012. For details, visit slv.vic.gov.au/our-story.

Our Story is part of the National Year of Reading 2012, and the Victorian program is coordinated by the State Library of Victoria in collaboration with the Public Libraries Victoria Network.

Cheers, Maryanne

State Library Exhibition: "Look! The art of Australian picture books today" opens 3rd December

The Look! exhibition at the State Library celebrates the worlds and stories revealed in children's picture books. It features original artwork by Australia's most talented illustrators.

The exhibition is open 3rd Dec 2010 - 29th May 2011, 10am-5pm daily (to 9pm Thursday, closed 25th Dec-3rd January)

Free Opening Celebration

Enjoy entertainment by Play School presenter Jay Laga'aia and Christof! the clown, storytelling and drawing with popular authors and illustrators, tours and creative activities in the Play Pod!

Authors and Illustrators:
Anna Walker, Ann E Stewart, Terry Denton and Elizabeth Honey

When: Saturday 4th December 11am-4pm
Where: State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne

Complete schedule on State Library website

Cheers, Maryanne

Victoria literary map

Navigate your way through the literary map of Victoria and learn about our writers and their origins, or visit the places where some of our greatest writing was created or set.

Exhibition - The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria

When: 24th April - 25th October
Where: State Library Victoria, Keith Murdoch Gallery

"The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria is a free exhibition that celebrates Victoria's rich and diverse written culture, highlighting the stories, the voices and the spirit of independence that have made our literature unique."
State Library Victoria

Cheers, Maryanne

Chance to win over $500 in children's books

Do you have young children who are not yet at school?

Then complete the Reading and families with pre-school children survey to go in a draw to receive a pack of children’s books (valued over $500). Prize draw terms and conditions

The survey, created by the State Library of Victoria, will help the library to provide better support to parents, carers and professionals in encouraging children to develop an enjoyment of reading.

Cheers, Maryanne

Labour Day - libraries closed

All branches and mobiles of Eastern Regional Libraries will be closed on Monday 9th March for Labour Day. Normal branch and mobile hours will resume on Tuesday.

You will be able to return items through the bookchute on Monday. Note: Croydon bookchute is closed.

• List of public holidays that the library is closed.

If you know the PIN attached to your card, you can renew via the library catalogue - find out how to do this with the Catalogue Tutorials.

We also offer access to online resources such as encylopedias and newspaper/magazine articles 24/7 free to library members. Visit our Online Resources page, select the resource by clicking the search from home link and login with your library card when prompted.

I've also just found out that the State Library will be open on Monday 9th March from 10am - 6pm (exhibitions will close at 5pm).

Have a enjoyable weekend.

Cheers, Maryanne

Geraldine Brooks at the State Library

Just received this announcement and I thought I'd share it with you. Pulitzer Prize winning author Geraldine Brooks will be speaking at The State Library about her latest work, The People of the Book, which revolves around an ancient Hebrew illuminated manuscript. The State Library will be having an exciting exhibition soon, The Medieval Imagination: Illuminated manuscripts from Cambridge, Australia, and New Zealand (28th March-15th June).

When: Tuesday 18th March 6:15 for 6:30pm
Where: Village Roadshow Theatrette
Entry 3 State Library of Victoria, La Trobe St

Tickets:
$15 per person $12.50 conc* unreserved seating. *concession available to Privileged Readers, pension and student card holders. Card must be presented to be eligible for concession price.

Bookings:
Tel (03) 9662 4699
Email: readers@readersfeast.com.au
In person: Readers Feast Bookstore, Cnr Bourke & Swanston Streets Melbourne
3000

Cheers, Maryanne