Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Montrose gardeners

Darren Jackson from Colchester Nursery will talk about what's new in nurseries - new plants, new ideas, fruit trees - pruning and planting as well as preparing the garden for Spring.

Samples of new plants, fertilisers and other gardening products will be on display.

When: Tuesday 17th June 1pm
Where: Montrose Library, Corner Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road & Swansea Road, Montrose
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 9728 4224

Cheers, Maryanne

Ringwood Library phones

If you are trying to ring Ringwood Library please use the alternate number 9870 0377
as the other number is not working.

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday, May 23, 2008

Mt Evelyn Cookery Club - Comfort cooking

Don’t let winter get you down, let Jill show you how to whip up some great food to ease the winter chill.

When: Monday 16th June 12:30pm
Where: Mt. Evelyn Library, 50 Wray Crescent, Mt. Evelyn
Cost: $7.50 includes light lunch
Bookings essential phone 97363851

Cheers, Maryanne

Understanding Autism - an educational perspective

Speaker Judy White, Principal, Special Development School. If you missed this talk last year here is another chance. All welcome.

When: Thursday 12th June 1:30pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Bag a Book goes off with a bang!

Eastern Regional Libraries' second Bag A Book evening to celebrate Library Week was held at Knox Borders on Tuesday 20th May.

The evening was a great success. Our borrowers enjoyed the opportunity to choose the books, CDs and DVDs that they want to see in their local library branch. Borders hosted the evening in great style, with lots of food and competitions.

Over 130 people spent $9300 of the library's budget choosing more than 200 items. Cooking, Gardening, Art, Natural History and childrens' Picture Books were the main areas of interest. Some of the book highlights were the purchase of several copies of Gordon Ramsay’s new cookbook, Recipes from a 3 star chef, The French Laundry Cookbook by Thomas Keller and a boxset of the complete set of Stanley Kubrick DVDs.

Our thanks to Vicky, Cameron, Carla and the rest of the Border's staff who graciously hosted the night; to Lorraine, Janet, Lyn, Joseph and the other ERL staff who helped organise the event; and to all of our members who were able to attend and help us select some terrific items for our collections.

Cheers, Paul.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Armchair Travellers

Armchair travellers will meet bi-monthly on the first Thursday of the month. Coming up in June, chat with Hanna about Sweden and Gotland, the small island in the Baltic where she grew up.

This group is for everyone who has travelled or ever wanted to...come along. We'd love to hear about your travels too!

When: Thursday 5th June 2pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 9726 8200

Cheers, Maryanne

Warming Winter Food - Italian Style

Grace Molluso will show you how to cook with fresh seasonal produce to create warming winter traditional Italian dishes. Tastings and recipes included. A Cook's Kitchen event.


When: Thursday, 5th June 12:30 pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Cost: $5
Bookings essential phone 59624423

Cheers, Maryanne

Patchwork workshop

Join Carol from Heart and Home Patchwork in Yarra Junction for a patchwork and embroidery afternoon. Kits available for $10.

Afternoon tea provided.

When: Wednesday 4th June 1:15pm
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle St, Yarra Junction
Cost: Kits available for $10

Bookings essential phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

Literary Lunch - Kevin Rabalais

Born in New Orleans, Kevin Rabalais is now resident in Melbourne, where he is completing his PhD studies. In 2003 and he co-edited a book Novel Voices, interviews with American award winning authors. He has been a regular contributor to The Age, The Australian as well as a number of international publications. His novel the Landscape of Desire is loosely based around the fate of the Burke and Wills expedition, and has been described by David Malouf as "lyrical, precise and mysterious".

Copies of Kevin's book will be available for sale and signing.

When: Thursday 29th May 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile

The Ranges Mobile will not be at the Macclesfield stop today. Items can be returned to any of our branches or renewed (online through the library website if you have your PIN) or over the phone. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Speed dating event cancelled

Unfortunately we've had to cancel the speed dating event that was to be held on the 22nd May due to the lack of numbers - to be specific men. I haven't heard whether it might be revisited later in the year. I'll keep you posted.

Cheers, Maryanne

Library Week

Celebrate your library and join in with the following activities during Library and Information week 19th - 25th May 2008.

Biggest morning tea
Help raise money for The Cancer Council Australia. Contact each branch for details.

Cupcake Biggest morning tea
When: Tuesday 20th May 11am
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Rd, Rowville 92941300

Living Library Biggest morning tea
When: Thursday 22nd May 10am
Where: Boronia Library, Park Cr, Boronia 97624099

Biggest morning tea
When:Thursday 22nd May 11am
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson St, Lilydale 92943120


National Simultaneous Storytime
The following libraries will be participating in this national event. This year's feature book is Arthur by Amanda Graham and illustrated by Donna Gynell.

When: Wednesday 21st May 11am
Where: Croydon, Knox, Lilydale, Ringwood and Rowville libraries


Reader2Reader
An informal and enjoyable discussion of your favourite books

When: Wednesday 21st May 10:30am
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave


Using Ancestry in your research

Gail White shows how to use Ancestry.com in your Family History research.
When: Saturday 24th May 2pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon. Bookings phone 9294 5640

Cheers, Maryanne

Croydon's big booksale

Croydon Library are having a large booksale of ex-library and donated titles. Grab a bargain or two.

When: Monday 19th May - Sunday 8th June
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Sq, Croydon
Cost: Free event

Cheers, Maryanne

Knox Cybersafety

Knox Youth Services, in conjunction with Eastern Regional Libraries, are running fantastic seminars on cybersafety in May and June. The free seminars are aimed at parents, grandparents, carers, teachers and young people.

Seminar 1
A snapshot of social networking sites - the what, why and how of using MySpace, Facebook and beyond. Presented by Melanie Reynolds, Knox Youth Services and Maryanne Gosling aka webgurl, Eastern Regional Libraries.

When: Thursday 29th May 6:30-8pm
Where: Knox Library, Knox City Shopping Centre, Burwood Hwy, Wantirna Sth
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98011422

Seminar 2
A cybersafety panel presentation - the how to guide for parents featuring experts from the field and a Q&A session. Tom Wood, well-known cybersafety advocate will be a member of the panel.

When: Thursday 11th June 6:30-8pm
Where: Knox Library, Knox City Shopping Centre, Burwood Hwy, Wantirna Sth
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98011422

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 14th May 2008

Library staff members Lesley Conway 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 Wednesday for a great show.

On Wednesday's show

For those who were wondering when we would put up the details of Lyn Baines book reviews from Wednesday the 7th of May, here are the titles she reviewed.

An expert in murder by Nicola Upson
The suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale
A certain age by Lynne Truss (on audio cd)

This week was the time to remind you all that interlibrary loans are (for the most part) free to order in to your most convenient branch, and that you can see a huge range of titles available from Consortia libraries on our catalogue now, simply by clicking on the drop down box labelled library and selecting ALL, in Quick Search. If you would like to reserve something from outside Eastern Regional Libraries, you will need to place the reservation over the phone, or in person when you are visiting a library.

In the last month I have received two books via inter-library loan. Dirge for a Doge by Elizabeth Eyre is one of a wonderful detective series set in Renaissance Italy, featuring a charismatic fellow called Sigismondo who has a mysterious past as a mercenary. The books are rich in detail about Renaissance life, from the castle to the humblest peasant. The other book was the last novel of Thornton Wilder, Theophilus North, which is set in the holiday resort of the very rich, Newport Rhode Island, in the mid 1920's. It is full of humour and wisdom and dazzling storytelling.

Music today was from the soundtrack of the recent movie The History Boys.

---- Lesley

At present I'm just starting Timescape, a SciFi novel by Gregory Benford, which I received from Wimmera. If I start to make no sense in the next few weeks blog posts it's because I've been sent loopy by time travel and the grandfather paradox etc.

Cheers, Maryanne

Growville Growers

Join our Gardening group, Growville Growers for a monthly meeting on the first Friday of the month at 2pm. Chat about gardening and swap cuttings and seeds, as well as view new books for loan. On alternate months there will be a guest speaker. Afternoon tea is provided, all are welcome.

When: 1st Friday of the month 2pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Gold coin donation
Enquiries phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Bag a book fully booked

Bookings for the Bag a Book event have been a roaring success. It is now fully booked with 162 eager members wishing to select items for our libraries.

When: Tuesday 20th May 6pm
Where: Borders, Knox City Shopping Centre, Burwood Highway, Wantirna Sth
Cost: Free event

Cheers, Maryanne

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Make-up for over 40s - date changed

The data for the Dianne Harris talk has been changed to Wednesday 18th June 7pm. I will advertise this a bit closer to the date.

Cheers, Maryanne

Storytelling for the whole family

Dads, Mums and Grandparents - come along with the children for a wonderful evening of stories with professional storyteller 'jb' (June Barnes-Rowley). Enchantment guaranteed!

When: Thursday 22nd May 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Ringwood Street Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98700177

Cheers, Maryanne

Cupcake Biggest Morning Tea

Join Jill Hess for a Cupcake decorating demonstration and stay for morning tea. If you make a donation on the day and leave your details you'll go into to the draw for a lovely teapot. All funds raised for The Cancer Council.

When: Tuesday 20th May 11am
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Cupcake morning tea $5 (includes cupcake, tea and donation), Cupcakes for sale $3. Gold coin donations also accepted during the day.
Bookings preferred phone 9294 1300

Cheers, Maryanne

Chocolate Fantasy

Master chocolatier, Didier Cadinot from Kennedy and Wilson, will be demonstrating how to create your own special chocolate goodies.

When: Monday 19th May 12:30pm
Where: Mt Evelyn Library, 50 Wray Crescent, Mt. Evelyn
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 97363851

Cheers, Maryanne

Monday, May 12, 2008

Find My Past

Are you interested in finding out about your past and the history of your illustrious ancestors? Yes? Then head down to your local branch and book some time on a PC so that you can search through the library's latest database. It's called Find My Past and is a genealogy database that has over 500 million family records online. It is especially useful if your ancestors hail from the UK. You can search census records and trace births, marriages and deaths so that you can bring your family history to life.

It is one of the few databases that we subscribe to that cannot be accessed from home so you will need to go along to your local branch to use it. Telephone numbers for all the branches can be found on our website at Find A Library.

Cheers and happy searching, Paul.

D.I.Y.

Are you interested in being part of an informal group of people who share an interest in D.I.Y. home improvements? If you are, the Lilydale Library is keen to hear from you. Call Linda on 92943120 for further information.

Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event

Cheers, Maryanne

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Survival cooking

Chef Eric Jorgensen will give a crash course for anyone that needs a little help in getting started or expand their knowledge for when they enter their home kitchen. Ideal for anyone cooking for one.

When: Tuesday 20th May 6:30 pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson St, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97363851

Ooh, I might need this one as my cooking is about as bad as my gardening. What's the strangest combination of food you've ever cooked? I don't know if this could be counted as strange but hot chips and Tzatziki dip is quite nice.

Cheers, Maryanne

Living Library Biggest Morning Tea

Celebrate the Biggest Morning Tea in a very special way. Everyone has a story, and our living library books have all been chosen for their interesting life experiences. Take the opportunity to borrow a living book, have a talk and share in their story. The books are free, the experience is priceless!

Enjoy morning tea, proceeds to the Cancer Council.

When: Thursday 22nd May 10am
Where: Boronia Library, Park Crescent, Boronia
Cost: Gold coin donation
Bookings phone 97624099

Cheers, Maryanne

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

National Storywriting Competition

It's time to fire up the computer or typewriter and enter our National Storywriting Competition. It's our 21st year running the competition and the judge you'll need to impress is Robert Hillman, winner of the 2005 National Biography Award for his memoir, The Boy in the Green Suit.

Download Storywriting entry form (pdf, 289Kb)

A significant change this year is the earlier closing date - Friday 22nd August 2008. It's a little earlier than usual as the presentation of prizes will coincide with the Maroondah Writers' and Readers' Festival in early October.

Prizes:
Adult 1st Prize $1500
Teenage 1st Prize $350 13-18 years
Junior 1st Prize $250 9-12 years
Local Award $500 For residents in Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges

Cheers, Maryanne

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Bag a Book

Come along and spend the library's money to purchase a special book for your branch. Take the opportunity to do some personal shopping, Borders are offering a 15% discount on items purchased on the evening (conditions apply). There will be giveaways, quizzes and cake and lots of beautiful books. Bookings essential at any branch of Eastern Regional Libraries, or telephone 9800 6409.

When: Tuesday 20th May 6pm
Where: Borders, Knox City Shopping Centre, Burwood Hwy, Wantirna Sth
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 9800 6409

Cheers, Maryanne

Montrose gardeners - Plant Swap & Chat

When: Tuesday 20th May 12:30pm
Where: Meet at National Rhododendron Gardens, The Georgian Road, Olinda. Bring your lunch (or lunch available at the Golf Club next door, or Olinda Township)
Cost: Entrance charge is $6.70 ($5.20 conc.)
Bookings essential phone 97284224

Cheers, Maryanne

Knox Mobile off road

The Knox Mobile will be off the road all day today due to mechanical repairs.

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday, May 02, 2008

Kate Holden talk

Melbourne author of In my skin, a searingly honest and wonderfully written account of a life on the streets, on drugs and on the skids. Wine and cheese included. Kate's talks book out early so book now at Rowville Library.

When: Thursday 15th May 7pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Gold coin donation
Bookings please phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Italian Pasta Making with Grace

Ever wanted to know how to make homemade fresh pasta? Grace will show you how. Learn the art of traditional Italian pasta making and taste the delicious results.

When: Thursday 15th May 1:30-3pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 9726 8200

Cheers, Maryanne

Book Bites - Meet Heather Graves

Born in the UK, Heather has spent most of her adult life in Australia. After traveling extensively along the East Coast, she finally settled in Melbourne where she now lives with her husband and daughter. A writer for more than twenty years, her interest in early Melbourne history motivated her to write several historical romances including Beyond the Purple Hills and Across the Sapphire Seas, both published by Piatkus books. More recently, the excitement and glamour of horse racing, particularly the Melbourne Cup, has been the inspiration for her latest contemporary novels, including Flying Colours, Red for Danger and Starshine Blue.

When: Thursday 8th May 12:30pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 9294 5640

Cheers, Maryanne

Internet Informed - how not to waste your time

Frustrated with the Internet, then attend this talk presented by Internet search expert and author David Novak. In this talk David will give you the skills to search the internet efficiently and effectively.

David is the author of Internet Informed - Guidance for the Dedicated Searcher.

When: Tuesday 6th May 1-3pm
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Ringwood Street Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 9870 0177

Cheers, Maryanne

Thursday, May 01, 2008

The Eastern Regional Library Show

Library staff members Lesley Conway 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 Wednesday for a great show.

On Wednesday's show

People who love the natural world, who don't mind spiders in their hair, camels breathing down their neck, or wading up to their armpits in mud to find a rare and elusive frog, are a special breed. And if they can write well, or enthuse you with their passions through a TV show they are doubly special.

Many of us are familiar with the life of the veterinarian through James Herriot's books, and with the world of wild animals through David Attenborough's documentaries. ERL libraries hold both books and TV programs on DVD of both these respected men. But did you know that many other vets have written about their experiences in as lively a manner as James Herriot? David Grant is an English vet who seems to have more in common with Seigfried Farnon than James, but with the same ability to bring his working life vividly before you. An American working with horses in Kentucky, Grant Kendall, also has the knack of telling a humourous and endearing story. Other writing vets are David Perrin, Oliver Jones, Joe Inglis, Harry Cooper, Tony Sheldon, David Taylor and Hugh Lasgran.

If you want to indulge in a hearty laugh at the extraordinary experiences of naturalists, you can't go past Gerald Durrell. I have just finished The Corfu Trilogy which describes the five years his family spent on the island of Corfu which began with My family and other animals. From stories of a hungry gull under the dinner table nipping the guests knees to idyllic picnics on remote beaches at sunset, the writing of Gerald Durrell is a delight. The memoirs of David Bellamy, Jolly Green Giant are not quite as laugh aloud, but equally informative, well written and full of warmth.

David Suzuki is another environmentalist who should need no introduction, as his books and TV programs have won many awards. For a more personal, and again warm and humourous insight, his David Suzuki : the autobiography is a great read. Finally, for a very poetic and illuminating read, try Build me an Ark : a life with animals by Brenda Peterson. She has watched grizzlies in the Rocky Mountains, worked for the restoration of wild wolves, studied dolphins, whales and orcas, and believes humankind cannot live without animals.

---- Lesley

I love reading autobiographies of Naturalists, Vets and Zookeepers - they have the wildest tales (no pun intended....well maybe a little). My interest in these books started as a teenager while reading My Family and Other Animals and as I wanted to study Zoology it was natural. In addition to the wonderful authors listed (I may just have to take note of a few new ones) may I add Desmond Morris, author of The Naked Ape.

I did end up with a degree in Zoology and still love wildlife stories and documentaries.

Cheers, Maryanne