Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Ranges Mobile unable to visit Macclesfield

Eastern Regional Libraries has been notified that high winds have cut the power supply to the Ranges area of Gembrooke and Maccesfield. The Ranges Mobile will therefore not be at the Maccesfield site today.

Cheers, Maryanne

Jack the Ripper - A Study in Fear

1888 London: The world’s first serial killer is on the loose

In August 1888, in the narrow laneways of London’s Whitechapel, a series of gruesome discoveries are made. These are no ordinary killings and this is no ordinary killer; the Metropolitan Police are baffled and are taunted in the press by perpetrator. Five women are murdered, their bodies mutilated and London’s East End is frozen by fear. But just like the London fog, the killer disappears without a trace.

Join historian Adrian Puckering for a trip back to foggy London 1888.

When: Tuesday 19th June 7pm
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Ringwood Street Mall, Ringwood
Ph:98700177

Free event
Bookings essential

Cheers, Maryanne

Reading Cafe - Meet Angela Pippos

Angela Pippos is well known to television viewers as the presenter of weekend sport on the ABC. Angela has an honours degree in Politics, but having accepted a job in television news she has covered every major Australian sporting event in the past nine years. Angela is now an author having written The Goddess Advantage, an account of her life during the 2005 AFL season. The book combines her love of the sport, and her beloved Adelaide Crows, with her rich Greek-Australian heritage. Angela is now working on her second book.

When: Monday 18th June 12:30pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale Ph:92943120
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings essential

Cheers, Maryanne

Meet Robin Bowles - Writer and Investigator

Robin worked for 18 years as a director of a public relations and management consultancy. In 1996 she read a newspaper report about the alleged suicide of Victorian country housewife Jennifer Tanner. Guessing there might be a book in the story behind the news; she closed her PR business for a year and wrote a best seller, Blind Justice, now in its 8th reprint. Since then she has written a best seller almost every year, including the definitive books on the Jaidyn Leskie murder (Justice Denied) and the disappearance and alleged murder of British tourist Peter Falconio (Dead Centre) released in December 2005. During her career as an investigative writer she also obtained a Private Investigator’s licence, which she used from time to time to supplement her meagre writer’s income.

Robin writes books about social justice issues - examining institutions that have been established to look after us - that have fallen down on the job. Police, the justice system, international rights of children, and so on. Her books are like the TV label of ‘infotainment’ - they are serious and extensively researched, but written as narrative non-fiction, to ensure a wider readership. This genre is fairly unique in Australia so Robin’s books are usually found in the True Crime section. She is widely recognised as Australia’s foremost true crime writer. In May 2007 she releases her first novel, The Curse of the Golden Yo Yo, the first in a series about the adventures of Cornelia Finnigan, the loudest, loveliest and luckiest PI in town.

When: Thursday 14th June 7pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville Ph: 9294 1300

Books available for sale and signing. Free event. Bookings essential

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show

Library staff member Lesley Conway runs a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 99.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in this Wednesday for a great show.

On last week's show

New resources for family history research are coming in all the time, and today Kathy brought us up to date with some of the most recent. New CD-ROMS, which are loaded on the genealogy computer at Ringwood Library, include Victorian Mining Accident Index (covering mining accidents in the late 1800's), Commonwealth Electoral Rolls (Queensland) for 1913 and 1922, New Zealand Electoral Roll for 1881 and 1893, and New Zealand Marriages 1836-1956.

Don't forget the Military History Group is taking place on May 25th at Croydon Library from 2pm-4pm which is free of charge, and Family History on the Internet training which will be running on Thursday the 14th of June and Thursday 12th July from 10am to 12pm at Croydon Library, cost $30.

For enthusiasts in the eastern suburbs, Kathy told us of the AIGS (Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies) Outer Eastern group which meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month in the U3A complex at Fairpark Reserve in Ferntree Gully. If you would like to take part in this program, which includes topics such as Tracing the history of your house and Preparing for your visits to the State Library of Victoria and the Public Records Office, contact Avril on 97581203.

Apologies for the tardiness of this post. For those that would be interested in listening to a podcast of these shows we are in the process of organising this and hope to have podcasts available in the coming weeks.

Cheers, Maryanne

Monday, May 28, 2007

Lantern Making Workshop

Learn to make beautiful lanterns from cane, bamboo and tissue paper with Neil Bateman from Belgrave Community Arts Partnership. Get ready for the Belgrave Lantern Parade!

When: Saturday 2nd June 10am-2pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Ph: 9754 7266

Cheers, Maryanne

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Star Wars trivia night cancelled

Well I have some sad news everyone. The Star Wars trivia night that was organised for Friday 25th May has been cancelled as there weren't enough bookings to make it viable. Just as I'd finished off creating the questions last night. D'oh!

Cheers, Maryanne

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Bag a Book

ERL and Borders ran the Bag a Book project last night at Borders, Knox City.

It was a great night with library users coming along from almost every ERL branch. They loved the opportunity to select an item that will go into the collection at their local branch. Borders were terrific supplying refreshments and prizes throughout the evening.

A special thank you to Donna who drove a mini-bus from Lilydale.....and the weather was awful! Thanks Donna. Thanks to the staff who came along and helped on the night.

All the books will have a book-plate with the name of the person who selected the book.

from Lorraine, Community Liaison Manager
Eastern Regional Libraries


Thanks to everyone who helped and participated with the Bag a Book evening. We appreciate the support and the time and care taken to choose the books. I'll upload some photos from the event. It sounded like a lot of fun.

Cheers, Maryanne

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Free access to encyclopedias and newspaper articles

Are you stuck trying to find the best resources to help your child answer those tricky school project questions? Maybe you want access to a library 24 hours a day?

Eastern Regional Libraries offers free access to encyclopedias, newspaper & magazine articles and technical books through the website. All you need is Internet access and your library card.

  1. Go to the library website at http://www.erl.vic.gov.au.
  2. Click on any of the following links:
Search from Home: Encyclopedias | Newspaper & Magazine Articles | Tech Books Online & more.

This takes you to our Online Resources page. Scroll through the table to discover some of the fantastic resources available. Click on the H (to search from home) situated next to the resource you want and enter your library card number when prompted.

Some of the resources include:

ANZ Reference Centre -
Australian & New Zealand newspaper & magazine articles
Biography Resource Center - biographical information of famous people in history
Britannica Online - great general encyclopedia with articles for different school levels
Lands and Peoples -
Countries and Culture
Oxford Reference - great general encyclopedia and dictionary
Safari Technical Books - complete online technical textbooks (includes Internet, programming, networking etc)
Virtual Reference Library - online reference books in Arts, History and Social Science

Try them out today!

Cheers, Maryanne

Storywriting competition

Just advising everyone that we should have the entry forms for the storywriting competition in the branches next week. I'll also be announcing this year's judge and prizes.

In the meantime, you could start work on your stories. Let's try and beat last year's number of entries.

Cheers, Maryanne

p.s. I've just passed 500 posts, in two years. Wow!

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Knox Mobile

The Knox Mobile will not be visiting the Knoxfield site today (Tuesday 15th May) because of construction at the site. Hopefully the construction will be finished by next week.

Books may be renewed over the phone at one of our other branches or if you have a PIN you can renew online.

Books may be returned at any of our branches. The closest library is Knox Library at the Knox City Shopping Centre, 425 Burwood Highway Wantirna South (opposite the Commonwealth Bank).

Cheers, Maryanne

Fresh Green Clean

This dynamic session will demonstrate how to care for your home with less cost to the planet, your health and your back pocket.

Receive a Fresh Green Clean info/action pack and be in the draw to win a $50 Fresh Green Clean start pack .

Presented by Bridget Gardner
Sponsored by Knox Council

When: Monday 21st May 1pm
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Ph: 9801 1422

Cheers, Maryanne

Sustainable Living – Making a Difference

Do you want to help save the environment but are not sure how you can help? Colin Gillam from Alternative Fuels and Energy has advice on how your every day choices can make an impact on the environment and save money too. Door prizes of environmentally friendly products.

When: Friday 18th May 1:30pm
Where: Mt Evelyn Library, 50 Wray Crescent, Mt Evelyn
Bookings 97363851
Free event

Cheers, Maryanne

Rhythms From Afar

Be introduced to the unique educational experience of a drumming workshop with Frederick Abela. Try your hand at the Native American Hoop Drum and the African Djembe!

When: Thursday 17th May 4pm - 5pm
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Ph: 5967 1588
Cost: $5.00/ child

For Ages 3 - 9
Bookings Essential

Cheers, Maryanne

History: Fact or Fiction with Robyn Annear

Meet author/history Robyn Annear, winner of the A A Phillips Prize in the Victorian Premier's Awards in 1995 for her book Bearbrass: Imagining Early Melbourne. Having written several other entertaining books on Melbourne's history, Robyn is currently turning her hand to writing historical fiction. Join her for a lively discussion about all things historical - be it fact or fiction. Questions welcomed.

When: Thursday 17th May 1:30pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Ph: 5962 4423

Cheers, Maryanne

Work on the catalogue

Hi everyone,

Well it's been so busy lately. I thought I'd let you know of a few of the projects I am working on with regards to the new catalogue.

1. Member login from the website

Many people are having problems with the Member Login to Renew link on the website. They are not able to login to their account if they have overdues etc and wish to view their loans.

I am redesigning the banner of the website and removing the Member Login to renew link. There will be one access point for logging into the catalogue.

2. New titles

I am currently setting up some reports to display the new titles (books, CDs, DVDs etc). Once I have these set up I will add a link to the menu at the top of the catalogue labelled new titles. This will make it so much easier to search for new CDs and DVDs in particular. I'll regularly point to this list in the blog.

3. Find it Fast

I will be setting up a set of buttons in a section called Find it fast. It will include complete list of all CDs, DVDs, bookclub books, family history among others. It will simplify searching for these items.

4. Updated catalogue tutorial

A couple of things have happened in this area. I am updating the tutorial booklet to include things like searching for CDs and DVDs, keeping records to print/email, my favourites etc. I hope to have this uploaded soon. I have also changed the name (by popular request). It's now called 'How to use iBistro catalogue'.

Oh and while we're on the subject, I've been asked quite a few times about the name iBistro catalogue. iBistro is the name given to the product by SirsiDynix. I'm not sure about the origin however I imagine the person who named it was thinking of a information restaurant. The word catalogue has been used for years in libraries. Oxford Reference defines it as "a complete list of items, typically one in alphabetical or other systematic order, in particular: a list of all the books or resources in a library".

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday, May 11, 2007

Calling all Star Wars fans

Are you a big Star Wars fan? To celebrate this year's 30th anniversary of Star Wars we're having a few activities towards the end of the month - a trivia night and an activity for kids 12 years and up - I think that could include me :-) .

Don't miss out, book now. If you can't make up a table for the trivia night don't worry, we'll put you together with some other fans.

Star Wars Trivia Night

Celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Star Wars with our fun trivia night. Make up a table and join in the celebrations.

When: Friday 25th May 7pm (Arrive 7pm for a 7.30 start)
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: $ 5.00
Nibbles and supper provided
Tables of 8 (If people can't make up a table we will try and put them on a table.)
Bookings 9294- 8140

This is a family event, children who want to take part are welcome.
Questions will come from all six movies


Celebrate Star Wars 30th Anniversary with us

Test your skills and knowledge with our games and quizzes.
Construct your own lightsaber.
Galactic refreshments provided.
Members of the 501st Legion (Terror Australis Garrison) will be in attendance in their authentic-looking costumes.

When: Saturday 26th May 10:30 am
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon.
Cost: 5 Republic Credits ($5 AUD)

Ages 12+
Bookings essential

Cheers, Maryanne

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Croydon is up and running

If you haven't caught up with the news....Croydon Library is open again. I had the day off yesterday so I missed updating the blog. They are being powered by a generator until the main power can be restored. At present there is no heating or cooling so dress for the weather.

Thanks to everyone for their understanding and to Croydon staff.

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday, May 04, 2007

The Croydon Library Saga

The Croydon Library will be closed over the weekend. A generator is being installed to power the library until the regular power is fixed.

There won't be staff available to take returns so members will need to return items to another branch. The closest library is Ringwood at 4 Melbourne Street Mall. Books may be renewed over the phone at one of our other branches or if you have a PIN you can renew online.

Thank-you for your patience.

Cheers, Maryanne

Croydon Library update

Croydon Library is closed until further notice because of a power outage earlier in the week.

Books may be renewed over the phone at one of our other branches or if you have a PIN you can renew online.

Books may be returned at any of our branches. The closest library is Ringwood at 4 Melbourne Street Mall.

Keep checking the blog for updates on this matter.

Cheers, Maryanne

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Further update on Croydon Library

The latest news is that Croydon Library is still closed because of the cut to power yesterday during the pool construction behind the library.

A site inspection will occur tomorrow and we hope to re-open the library after that. I will keep you all up-to-date with the developments.

Books may be renewed over the phone at one of our other branches or if you have a PIN you can renew online.

Books may be returned at any of our branches. The closest library is Ringwood at 4 Melbourne Street Mall.

Cheers, Maryanne

Croydon Library update

Croydon Library has no power until approximately 12:30pm today. The library is closed however staff will be available to accept returns. I will advise later in the day when the library is open.

Cheers, Maryanne

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Croydon Library closed

Croydon Library is closed at the moment due to the loss of power caused by construction behind the library.

We hope to have the library open tomorrow. I'll keep you all advised via the blog. Books may be renewed over the phone at one of our other branches or if you have a PIN you can renew online.

Books may be returned at any of our branches. The closest library is Ringwood at 4 Melbourne Street Mall.

A lesson for everyone....dial before you dig (1100).

Cheers, Maryanne