Friday, August 29, 2008

Kate Cole-Adams talk cancelled

Unfortunately the Kate Cole-Adams talk at Lilydale in September has been cancelled.

Cheers, Maryanne

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Book Bites - P.D. Martin

With majors in psychology and criminology and a post graduate qualification in creative writing it seems only natural that P.D. Martin should have become a crime writer. Her heroine Sophie Anderson is a crime profiler and has featured in 3 books, Body Count Murderers' Club and Fan Mail. Her works have been published both in Australia and overseas. She is currently working on her fourth Sophie Anderson novel. Find out how she got started and gain some insight on her writing process.

When: Thursday 11th September 12:30pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Monday, August 25, 2008

Ranges Mobile

News just in......the Ranges Mobile will be off the road tomorrow, Tuesday 26th August, for mechanical repairs.

Cheers, Maryanne

Afternoon tea with Khentral Rinpoche

An informal talk with the Buddhist scholar and teacher, Khentrul Rinpoche, about his life in Tibet and his work with the Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute.

Khentrul is the author of a number of books on Buddhism including The Secret Incarnation - autobiography of a Tibetan Lama.

Since 2003 he has lived in Australia.

When: Wednesday 10th September 2pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

Feng Shui

Want to live in harmony with your surroundings? Learn about the fascinating art of traditional Chinese Feng Shui. Sally, from The House of Feng Shui, will talk about the basic principles of Feng Shui in the home, workplace and garden. The House of Feng Shui runs the first and only accredited pure Feng Shui course in Victoria.

I wonder what Sally would saying about growing a rose stick in the garden.

When: Wednesday 10th September 2pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings please phone 97268200
Refreshments provided

Cheers, Maryanne

15th Yarra Junction Library Bird Walk

Join Ken Simpson for a nice slow morning walk on the main track at Warramate Hills Flora and Fauna Reserve. Meet in Yarraloch Way outside gate into reserve. Melway: 285 G1. Ah, fond memories of university field trips. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Morning tea around 10:30am. Bring hat, binoculars and thermos of hot water.

When: Saturday 6th September 7:30am
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings appreciated phone 59671588

Getting there: Drive on Warburton Hwy, turn into Sunnyside Rd Mel: 285 F10 which becomes Killara Rd. Proceed to junction with Yarraloch Way (a small concrete water tank stands on the corner) turn right and drive to the end. Park outside the gate into the Reserve. No toilets or facilities. Mobile phone reception unreliable.

Cheers, Maryanne

Growville Growers - Ravishing Roses

The Growville Growers guest speaker is Margaret McGregor,Vice President of the World Federation of Roses. You'll learn everything you will ever need to know about rose care. Apparently they need sunlight. I had grand plans to have a row of roses along the entrance to my place. Unfortunately the second rose I planted was overshadowed by some large trees. It didn't get any light. Consequently it turned into a stick.

When: Friday 5th September 2pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Gold coin donation
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday, August 22, 2008

Reading Café - Kate Cole-Adams

The name Kate Cole-Adams is known to readers of The Age where she is an editor and former senior journalist. Walking to the Moon is Kate’s first novel and explores the emotional journey of her main character Jess Young as she wakes from coma and returns to the world. The manuscript of this book was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards in 2006, and has been warmly received by reviewers since its publication in July 2008.

Books available for sales and signing

Cost $7.50 includes lunch. Bookings essential

When: Monday 1st September 12:30pm sorry - event cancelled
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

History of The Highwayman

Before the Australian bushranger was the highwayman. Roaming the roads of Britain and Europe preying on innocent travellers, many accquired a romantic image and have been celebrated in story, song and film. Historian Adrian Puckering will introduce some of the best known 'gentlemen of the roads' in this fascinating presentation.

When: Thursday 28th April 7pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

Growing organic vegetables

Join local grower Graeme George from Healesville's Organic Farmers Market for advice and tips on growing wholesome organic vegetables.

When: Thursday 28th August 1:30pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59624423

Cheers, Maryanne

Literary lunch - Meet Andrew Chapman

Andrew Chapman graduated from Prahran CAE with Honours winning the Agfa Award for Printing Excellence. His work is sought after by both government and industry in the preparation of their reports and publications.

Andrew spent some time as a freelance photographer for publications such as BRW, Who Weekly and The Bulletin; he has twelve Time covers to his credit. Andrew has published two volumes of his work Shearers (2006) and Campaign (2007) a collection of the best photographs from political campaigns 1971-2007. Andrew’s work is held in many collections including the National Library, the State Library of Victoria and the City of Knox.

Books available for sales and signing

When: Thursday 28th August 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

National Storywriting Competition closes today!

Well now it's the mad dash to get your entries in. The National Storywriting Competition closes today. You can drop your entries off at any of our branches. Faxes and emails are not accepted. If you're posting your entry, it MUST be postmarked today. Posted entries need to be sent to:
Eastern Regional Libraries
7B Eastgate Ct
Wantirna Sth, Victoria, 3152

View the storywriting entry form (pdf)

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show - 20th Aug 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

How do you keep up-to-date with the latest developments in Family History and Military History? Check the regular newsletters at the Family History link on our webpage. Kathy has, in the latest newsletter, a big list of new books added to the collection, including a couple of titles about the part of the world I come from, Gippsland.

We came with nothing : story of the West Sale Migrant Holding Centre by Ann Synan tells the story of many displaced people fleeing war-torn Europe who found temporary refuge on the windblown plains outside Sale; and Wellington Landscapes : history and heritage in Gippsland Shire by Meredith Fletcher and Linda Kennett which is a comprehensive history from European discovery of the coastline through to contemporary times. There are also two really good new manuals, Family History on the Web 2008/2009 which identifies the most relevant sites for research in England and Wales, and Smart Family History : fast track your family research by G. Swinfield which covers directories, websites and specialist records for English research.

There are also new databases for New South Wales, Australia, Assisted Immigrant Passenger Lists, 1828-1896 and New South Wales, Australia, Unassisted Immigrant Passenger Lists, 1826-1922, as well as some new recommended websites.

Alan Bennett's August Military History newsletter (pdf, 236KB, 6 pages) has some interesting news stories about with a military theme, as well as some recommended websites, new books, some research tips and an invitation for people to go along to the bi-monthly Military History Group to give a short talk.
"You don't have to be a professional, just come along and share your story".
The next date for this group is Friday 29th of August. Also, Alan is organising a Military History Day at Croydon Library on Saturday the 11th of October with several guest speakers and a militaria expert to help identify artefacts.

---- Lesley

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Library growers & weeders

Candlebark Community Nursery has recently relocated to Mooroolbark. Daniel from Candlebark will talk to us about indigenous plants for the home garden and tell us all about our new Community Nursery.

All welcome. Afternoon tea supplied.

When: Wednesday 27th August 2pm
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 97268200

Cheers, Maryanne

Price It! antiques appraisal and valuation

Do you have a special small antique that you want to know more about? Bring along your treasure to be appraised and valued by antique expert Lester Devere from Auction Central. One item only please. Event will include a demonstration of the antiques database Price It!

Lester Devere has over 25 years experience in the antique trade as a commission agent and auctioneer.

When: Tuesday 26th August 1:30pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Knox Library closure for refurbishment

Knox Library will be undergoing a refurbishment and will be closed from Monday 8th September, reopening on Monday 13th October.

During this period the bookchute will be closed. Items may be returned to any of our branches or renewed online if you know your PIN or via the phone at 1300 737 277. You'll find that the normal loan period at Knox Library has been extended so the items are due once the library is open.

The Boronia Library refurbishment photos at Flickr was such a success that I think I'll do it again with Knox. I'll post details closer to the date.

Cheers, Maryanne

Monday, August 18, 2008

An email from James Lee Burke

I forgot to mention that last week I got an email from James Lee Burke, author of Swan Peak and The Tin Roof Blowdown. I had written to inform him he was August's Author of the Month:

"That's quite an honor. Thanks very much for your support of my work. Please give my best to all the members of your readers community.

Stay in touch. The Diggers are a great bunch.
Jim"
If you're a fan of his work be sure to stop by Jim's website.

Cheers, Maryanne

Chocolate Fantasy

There are a couple more spaces left in the Chocolate Fantasy activity at Yarra Junction. Master chocolatier Didier Cadinot from Kennedy and Wilson will be demonstrating how to create your own special chocolate goodies.Master chocolatier Didier Cadinot from Kennedy and Wilson will be demonstrating how to create your own special chocolate goodies.

When: Wednesday 20th August 2pm
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show - 13th Aug 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 13th August's show

No matter how cold and wet it gets outside, you can't keep a good gardener down. And if it really is gale force wind and snow, at least the gardener can read and plan. A gorgeous brand new book which has just arrived is Organic kitchen and garden by Ysanne Spevack and Christine and Michael Lavelle. While this is an English book, it still has a lot of interesting and recent information about soil management, ornamental and kitchen gardens, detailed information about individual vegetables and fruit, and a magnificent section of recipes. Beatifully photographed and clearly written, this is a must for the novice and advanced gardener.

Don't forget that several of our branches run monthly gardening clubs, and they are Mooroolbark, Ferntree Gully, Rowville and Montrose.

If mucking about in the mud is not your thing, but 'true crime' (as opposed to Lyn Baines' favourite, crime novels), then you could enjoy a new Victorian writer, Rochelle Jackson who is just about to launch her second title Inside their minds, an investigation into what created eight notorious Australian criminals and why they chose a life of crime. This follows her first book In your face : the life and times of Billy 'the Texan' Longley.

Music today was from As time goes by : the very best of Jimmy Durante

---- Lesley

Upcoming author visits

We're excited to have several author visits in the next few weeks, in addition to the Maroondah Writers' and Readers' Festival coming up in October.

Jackie French in conversation with Ann Creber
Jackie French - Author of Diary of a Wombat and Hitler's Daughter
Ann Creber - popular presenter of The Good Life on 3MDR

When: Sunday 24th August 3pm
Where: Montrose Library, Cnr Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd & Swansea Rd, Montrose
Bookings essential phone 97284224


Books Alive Literary Lunch - Matthew Reilly, Michael Robotham

Matthew Reilly - Author of The 6 Sacred Stones and Seven Deadly Wonders
Michael Robotham - Author of Lost and The Night Ferry

When: Monday 25th August 12noon
Where: Knox Community Arts Centre, Cnr Mountain Hwy and Scoresby Rd, Bayswater
Cost: $7.50 cost includes lunch
Bookings phone 98006409 or your local library


Andrew Chapman
Author of Campaign : a photographic odyssey through Australian political campaigns 1971-2007

When:
Thursday 28th August 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings phone 97547266


Kate Cole-Adams
Author of Walking to the Moon

When: Monday 1st September 12:30pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson St, Lilydale
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings phone 92943120


P D Martin
Author of Body Count and Fan Mail

When: Monday 11th September 12:30pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Sq, Croydon
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 92945640


Dr Kate Burridge
Professor of Linguistics at Monash University and author of Blooming English and Weeds in the Garden of Words

When:
Thursday 18th September 7pm
Where: Knox Library, Knox City Shopping Centre, 425 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna Sth
Bookings essential phone 98011422
Cost: Free


Dorothy Johnston
Author of Eden: a Sandra Mahone mystery and The house at number 10.

When: Thursday 25th September 12:30pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch
Bookings essential phone 97547266

Cheers, Maryanne

Thursday, August 14, 2008

The Eastern Regional Library Show - 6th Aug 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 6th August's show

Lyn Baines recommendations for this month are The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and An incomplete revenge by Jacqueline Winspear. The first novel is set in 1946, when journalist Juliet Ashton hears about and investigates the curiously named Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. She finds that many of the islanders want to write to her of their experience of the German Occupation of the island, and she decides she must go to the island and meet them; a story of friendship, tolerance and forgiveness.

In An incomplete revenge, we are again with private detective Maisie Dobb's amid the beauty of the Weald of Kent in 1931, where acts of arson, theft and vandalism around the village of Heronsdene have gone suspiciously unreported for more than a decade. An old friend wants Maisie to uncover the truth behind these crimes, before he can buy part of the magnificent Sandermere estate at the heart of the village. Hop pickers and gypsies are easy scapegoats, and Maisie only has one month to find the answer.

Lyn also had some new music, from Van Morrison Keep it simple and Jackson Browne's The very best of Jackson Browne

---- Lesley

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Healesville's Guest Houses

Bryn Jones, author of Free from City Cares will talk about the history of Healesville's guest houses from the time when Healesville was Victoria's leading holiday venue.

When: Thursday 14th August 1:30pm
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 59624423

Cheers, Maryanne

Eat My Words - Meet Janelle McCulloch

Janelle McCulloch is the author of La Vie Parisienne: Looking for Love - and the Perfect Lingerie. Following the break up of her romance with the Queen Mother's equerry Janelle McCulloch headed for France where she spent a year absorbing all things French. The result is a delightful book at times funny, at others tender, and always enjoyable. This is Janelle's third book.

When: Thursday 14th August 1pm
Where: Ferntree Gully Library, 1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Cost: $7.50 includes lunch. Books available for sales and signing
Bookings essential phone 92948140

Cheers, Maryanne

Meet Rochelle Jackson

Rochelle Jackson will be familiar to listeners of Radio 774 as the co-presenter of the Crime Couch segment on Derek Guille’s program. Rochelle has pursued a career in investigative journalism with programs such as Today Tonight and Australian Story; she is currently a producer with ABC Radio. Rochelle’s first book In Your Face: the Life and Times of Billy ‘the Texan’ Longley was shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Awards in 2006. Her latest book Inside their Minds an in depth examination of some Australia’s most notorious criminals will be published in August 2008.

When: Wednesday 13th August 7pm
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Ringwood Street Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98700177

Cheers, Maryanne

Maroondah Writers' and Readers' Festival 08

October 3-5 2008

Whether you're a crime reader or writer you're sure to find something of interest at the Maroondah Writers' and Readers' Festival. Authors participating in the festival include Shane Maloney, John Silvester, Robin Bowles, Robert Dessaix, Sophie Cunningham, Adrian Hyland and many more.

There are writing workshops, panel discussions as well as the announcement of the winners of the National Storywriting competition.

I've just uploaded the festival program, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Cheers, Maryanne

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Ranges Mobile off the road

The Ranges Mobile will not be on the road today due to illness (the driver not the mobile). Apologies for any inconvenience. Items may be returned to any of our branches. They can also be renewed over the phone on 1300 737 277.

Cheers, Maryanne

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

National Storywriting competition closing soon

August has come so quickly I thought it was time to remind everyone to complete your entries for the National Storywriting Competition. The entries close on Friday 22nd August 2008. The presentation of prizes will coincide with the Maroondah Writers' and Readers' Festival in early October.

In case you were wondering about the fantastic prizes this year:

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

Download the Storywriting entry form (289Kb includes conditions of entry)

Cheers, Maryanne

Monday, August 04, 2008

Knox Mobile off the road for repairs

The Knox Mobile will be off the road for mechanical repairs until Thursday morning 7th August.

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday, August 01, 2008

The Eastern Regional Library Show - 30th July 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

What are judges of Story Writing Competitions looking for? If you are contemplating entering some of your writing for the Eastern Regional Libraries National Story Writing Competition, you would find it helpful to read the Prefaces that each of the previous years' judges have written. There is a different judge each year, so they all have individual takes on what they are looking for, but interestingly they also have many comments in common, such as economy of language, finding a new way to say something which has been written about many times before, and going for simplicity rather than complexity. You can find the compilations of winning and commended short stories on shelf in all our branch libraries.

Re-visiting a theme of our program 3 weeks ago, I have some more fascinating titles about Scotland. Highland Wilderness by Colin Prior is a thick book full of magnificent photos of the severe and beautiful landscape of northern Scotland. Most are amazing panoramas of mountains, lochs and sea coast, but there are also some lovely intimate shots of waterfalls, rivers and small valleys. An in depth introduction discusses the competing demands of environmental protection and agricultural use that has been a challenge for centuries.

In contrast to the isolation and wildness of the Highlands, we have a book which describes Scotland in the 1700's as "Europe's most literate society, producing an idea of modernity that has shaped much of civilisation as we know it". The Scottish Enlightenment : the Scots invention of the modern world by Arthur Herman, who is very clear that he is not a Scot or descended from Scots, is not a chauvanistic exercise. He is writing about the legacy of remarkable people like David Hume, James Watt and Robert Adam, and makes a compelling case for the significance of Scots in the development and growth of British influence over two centuries.

Going back a little further in Scottish history, The sickly Stuarts : the medical downfall of a dynasty by Frederick Holmes goes into the many health problems of different generations of the royal Stuarts which led to Queen Anne (even after 17 pregnancies, with no heir living to adulthood) being the last of her line in 1714. The author argues that this was a major factor in the growth in importance of the British Parliament, and he makes a very interesting read out of the complex politics of the times.

Music today was from Loreena McKennitt's CD An ancient muse


Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show - 23rd July 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 23rd July's show

Pictures tell a story in remarkable ways, and today there are picture books for readers of all ages. There is also a lot of pleasure for adults in reading picture story books to children. Today Pia had a new book by one of my favourite children's illustrators, Anthony Browne. Browne has a love of gorillas, chimpanzees and monkeys which feature in most of his very bright, very realisticly painted pictures. His backgrounds are usually quirky, full of surprising details, like a kitchen kettle transforming into an animal (in his early book Willy the Champ), and his stories are about the big challenges of life, bullying, not fitting in, families which aren't happy, and in this latest Little Beauty the importance of having a friend.

Another picture book dealing with friendship is Smitten : a lint-free love story by David Gordon. In this tale of love and friendship between a mitten and a sock who look after each other on the hectic city street, we discover that "True friendship makes perfect pairs".

Picture books can be very helpful for young children dealing with big issues, such as in Feeling sad by Sarah Verroken. Duck is feeling sad. "Black clouds are hanging over her head, and her worlds seems full of darkness. But Duck soon hatches a plan to bring back colour." A simple and effective use of black and white pictures which gradually introduce colour graphically describes the feeling of depression/sadness, and how it can lift.

Finally, a gorgeous look at the life of a horse as it devolops from a foal, in Horse by Malachy Doyle and Angelo Rinaldi.

Cheers, Maryanne