What's New @ Eastern Regional Libraries

Eastern Regional Library Show 2nd Dec 2009 & 9th Dec 2009

2009-12-24T10:21:00.000+11:00

Been a bit remiss uploading the radio shows of late so here are December's shows. For those that don't know, 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 2nd December's show

Do you have unread books on your shelves at home? If you do, you might like to read Susan Hill's Howards End is on the landing. This is about a resolution not to buy any new books for a whole year, which thought makes Lyn Baines hair stand on end. But apparently there is now a following for this concept, similar to the idea of 'slow food', and drawing from ideas of sustainability and recycling. Susan Hill discovered that she had many books bought over years but never read, and resolved not to buy any more until she had read what she had. She discovered many gems and old favourites. If you would like to know more, she has a very interesting website which includes her blog, http://www.susan-hill.com/

A reliable detective series has a new title, Skeleton Hill by Peter Lovesey, featuring Peter Diamond and the city of Bath. Peter Diamond is an especially English type, a bit overweight, not in good favour with the boss, and inclined to do things his own way. However much his superiors don't like it, his methods get results. When two skeletons are found, one old, one new, in the midst of an English Civil War re-enactment, Peter's boss tries to put him on a different case, but he is not to be sidetracked. Peter Lovesey also has an informative website, http://peterlovesey.com/ And as we mentioned briefly on the show, there is a new Bill Slider detective story out, Fell purpose by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles.

Lyn has purchased a lot of new Christmas music, so check our collection for Christmas songs from Barbra Streisand, Elvis Presley, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett and Andre Rieu. Music today was from Choral favourites from King's (King's College Choir).

On 9th December's Show

As promised, lots of Christmas music for you today. New CDs include Rosemary Cooney's Christmas, A Motown Christmas, A swingin' Christmas (Tony Bennett), The Christmas I love and The 100 most beautiful melodies : vol. 2 (Andre Rieu), Christmas with Boney M, Christmas memories and A Christmas album (Barbara Streisand), Classic carols for Christmas, And winter came (Enya), So fresh : Christmas songs for 2008, The Nat King Cole Christmas album, and An Australian Christmas from ABC for Kids.

The excitement and anticipation of children is contagious at this time, and one of the lovely things to do is to make simple presents, crafts and foods with them. All our branches have wonderful books in both adult and junior collections on these themes, and some I highly recommend are Christmas crafting with kids : 35 projects for the festive season, Cards for lads and dads by Elizabeth Moad, 20-minute crafts by Kathie Stull, Paper fantastic by Joe Rhatigan, Festive decorations by Anne Civardi (in fact anything by Anne Civardi is excellent), and Classic Christmas traditional and contemporary (Women's Weekly).

Home made Christmas food is lovely to share as a gift, so titles which have great recipes include Gorgeous Christmas by Annie Bell, Christmas treats : to make and give by Linda Collister, Nigella Christmas : food, family, friends, festivities by Nigella Lawson, and Margaret Fulton Christmas.

DVDs with a Christmas theme include Shek the halls, Spicks and Specks : a very specky Christmas, How about you, Christmas specials from Steptoe and son, The two Ronnies, Jonathon Creek, and for the children, Spot's magical Christmas, Postman Pat : Christmas Eve and The Muppet Christmas Carol.

And for some light fiction to read over the holiday period Christmas at Thrush Green by Miss Read, A Christmas blizzard by Garrison Keilor, Rumpole at Christmas by John Mortimer, Dashing through the snow by Mary Higgins Clark and Holidays on ice by David Sedaris.

Music today was from The Nat King Cole Christmas album.

---- Lesley

Hours over the Christmas period

2009-12-23T16:17:00.000+11:00

All Eastern Regional Libraries branches will be closing at 3pm on Thursday 24th December, re-opening Tuesday 29th December. There will also be reduced hours during the Christmas/New Year period.

View/Print Christmas/New Year hours

Cheers, Maryanne

p.s. The Station House Mt Evelyn is closed all day Thursday 24th December

Have you logged into your library account lately?

2009-12-23T16:12:00.001+11:00

Did you know that you could view your library account through our website? Once logged in you can not only double check what is on your card, but renew the items as well.

Go to http://www.erl.vic.gov.au
Login at the top right of the website with your userID (starting 20023) and PIN
Click on My Account and select from the menu

If you don't know your PIN you can get it over the phone by calling you nearest branch (via 1300737277) or emailed to you by filling out the online Get a PIN form. Be quick before we go on leave for the Christmas break.

Please note that the Catalogue will be unavailable Christmas & Boxing days due to maintenance.

Cheers, Maryanne

Christmas hours

2009-12-17T09:41:00.000+11:00

Eastern Regional Libraries has reduced its hours over the Christmas period.

View the Christmas/New Year hours at all of our branches and mobiles.

I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for your support through 2009, to those that have subscribed to this blog, followed us on Twitter and constantly provided feedback on the service we provide.

I'm currently working on a new website and I'm looking at expanding the training we offer in our libraries, including Twitter, blogging, from Camera to Computer , how to get the most out of your library & my homage to Apple's "genius bar" (but for general technology).

Wishing you all a Merry and safe Christmas and New Year

Cheers, webgurl

Ranges & Valley Mobile off the road today

2009-12-16T15:41:00.000+11:00

Sorry about the late notice, I've only just caught up with the news that the Ranges and Valley Mobiles are off the road today because of the total fire ban.

The Knox Mobile will not be at The Basin but will be at Wantirna Mall and Berrabri Drive as timetabled.

Cheers, Maryanne

ChiliFresh reviews added to the catalogue

2009-12-10T12:26:00.001+11:00

We've just added a new feature to our catalogue - ChiliFresh reviews from around the world. You can even register to provide reviews of your own favourite books you've read, or perhaps a few turkeys too. :-D

You need to be logged into the e-library catalogue.

Go to www.erl.vic.gov.au
Login with your userID & PIN
Type in your search
In the list of brief results a link to the reviews will appear if there are any for that title.

If there are reviews for that title, click on the link to the number of reviews.

Scroll to read all of the reviews. If you want to add a review yourself click on the link Add a review for this.
You can either login with your chilifresh account, or if iyou haven't set one up you can register with ChiliFresh for free. Alternatively you can post an anonymous review.

All reviews are moderated by the Web Administrator before they are uploaded. I also fix up any typos or mispellings before accepting the reviews.

Cheers, Maryanne

Christmas at Yarra Junction Library

2009-12-08T15:02:00.000+11:00

We've got a couple of fun Christmas activities this week at Yarra Junction Library

Christmas at Yarra Junction Library

Be entertained with christmas carols from Yarra Junction Primary School.

When: Wednesday 9th December 10:30am
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Enquiries phone 59671588

Christmas Storytime
Listen to carols from St. Josephs' Primary School followed by a special Christmas Storytime and end of year celebration.

When: Thursday 10th December 1:30pm
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Enquiries phone 59671588

Make Christmas cards

Come and make Christmas Cards at Yarra Junction Library.

When: Saturday 12th December 11am
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential 59671588.

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile

2009-12-08T11:44:00.000+11:00

The Ranges Mobile will not be at the Macclesfield stop today due to rostering issues. We apologise for any inconvenience. Items may be returned to any of our libraries or renewed via the phone on 1300737277 or via the web catalogue.

Cheers, Maryanne

Reminder - libraries closing early today

2009-12-07T12:13:00.000+11:00

Libraries closing at 2pm Monday 7th December

Just a reminder that all Eastern Regional Libraries branches and mobiles will close at 2pm today so that all staff are able to participate in a region-wide training day. Items may be returned via the book chute or renewed online if you know your PIN.

Cheers, Maryanne

Additional PCs in our Knox branches & WiFi

2009-12-04T17:55:00.000+11:00

So far we've added the following computers to our Knox branches: 7 public PCs to Ferntree Gully, 7 public & 2 kids PCs to Boronia as well as 7 public PCs to Knox. Rowville Library will be receiving their new PCs in the next few weeks. These PCs come courtesy of a grant obtained by Knox City Council.

We have also added free WiFi access points at all of our branches. What do you need to access WiFi? Firstly you'll need a device with a wireless network adapter like a laptop, PDA or phone. Secondly you'll need your library card number starting 20023 and PIN (library staff will be able to look this up if you don't know). If you aren't a library member yet, you can join up as a special Internet member to access these services.

We have added a few more powerpoints around the tables and lounge areas however its worth pointing out that some of our branches also have activity rooms that are available when there are no activities, in particular Knox and Rowville libraries. Check with staff at the desk.

Cheers, Maryanne

Libraries closing early on Monday 7th December

2009-12-04T15:17:00.000+11:00

All Eastern Regional Libraries branches and mobiles will close at 2pm on Monday 7th of December so that all staff are able to participate in a region-wide training day. Items may be returned via the book chute or renewed online if you know your PIN.
Cheers, Maryanne

Poetry competition results

2009-12-01T16:58:00.000+11:00

Congratulations to all of our winners and commended poets in this year's National Poetry Competition.

Open First Prize $1,000 – Tass Holmes – for Eve Langley – nerves exhausted and husband unhappy

Local First Prize $500 – Lia Hills – Zivil Lager

Teenage First Prize (Joint) $200 – Benjamin, Ringwood East – Underneath Burning Light
Teenage First Prize (Joint) $200 – Camilla, Mount Dandenong – The Dancer

Junior First Prize $200 – Michaela, Bayswater – North Fire

View full Poetry Competition results

The Presentation Evening
When: Friday 4th December 6:30pm for 7pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event
Bookings phone 97547266

The winning entries will be read by New Zealand poet and author Alison Wong, winner of the 2009 Janet Frame Award. Patricia Sykes will present her Judge's Report.

Cheers, Maryanne

January holiday program

2009-12-01T16:52:00.000+11:00

Not going away in January? Book the kids into some of our school holiday activities. Events include bedtime storytime, Black Snake Productions, cartooning workshopand Yarra Valley Woodworkers.

View January holiday program (pdf, 169KB, 2 pages)

Cheers, Maryanne

Valley Mobile update

2009-11-27T13:22:00.001+11:00

Due to rostering difficulties the Valley Mobile will not be going to the Yarra Glen site this afternoon. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

Valley Mobile off the road

2009-11-26T09:59:00.000+11:00

Due to staff illness the Valley Mobile is off the road today. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

WiFi update

2009-11-24T16:23:00.000+11:00

WiFi is now available at Ringwood, Croydon & Healesville libraries.

There is no charge for the service but people need to be aware that they need to be a member of the library to use it. Those members who already know their PIN can log on straight away otherwise all they need to do is ask a friendly staff member for help in getting a PIN set up. For those people who don't wish to become full members of the library they will be able to apply for a special WiFi/Internet Membership that will give them instant access.

Cheers, Maryanne

Internet back up

2009-11-24T15:21:00.001+11:00

Internet is back up and running at our branches

Cheers, Maryanne

Internet down at our branches today

2009-11-24T10:56:00.000+11:00

Due to a radio problem at our Administration, public Internet is currently unavailable at our branches. I'll let everyone know when the connection is back up.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show

2009-11-19T14:25:00.001+11:00

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 4th November's show

GREAT HINT #1.......you have time to read an entire book while waiting for your Christmas cake to bake. Lyn Baines tested the premise last weekend, and successfully completed Hazel Holt's Any man's death in the time required. If you are a fan of 'cosy crime' this is a good read. To quote the publisher's promotion .....

"the village of Mere Barton would be a different place without local busybody Annie Roberts, the tireless retired nurse organizes and oversees all local activity with military precision. When Sheila Malory gets roped into Annie’s latest project, a compilation of the village’s history, she has a feeling it will lead to trouble. But the project is cut short when Annie is found dead from a nasty case of mushroom poisoning—and Mrs. Malory seems to be the only one who finds the death suspicious".

You can't get any cosier than Rumpole of the Bailey. John Mortimer may no longer be with us in the flesh, but a collection of Rumpole short stories published in various journals over the years have been collected to give us Rumpole at Christmas. If you have yearned for a return of the wonderful TV series Rumpole of the Bailey, then you should know that ERL has series 1 - 3 in the collection, and series 4 - 6 on order.

If 'police procedural' is more your thing, Cynthia Harrod-Eagles Fell purpose, the latest of the Bill Slider series is a must. I get hooked on this sort of series, where the twists and turns of the detective's personal life are as interesting as the whodunit. Another of this genre with a grimmer theme, Necessary as blood by Deborah Crombie is a

"dazzling addition to Deborah Crombie's acclaimed mystery series, a disappearance, a murder, and a child in danger lead Scotland Yard detectives Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid into London's legendary East End—a neighborhood where the rich and the poor, the ambitious and the dangerous, collide—to solve one of the most challenging and disturbing cases they've ever faced".

And another detective who has been around for a long time, Sharon McCone, is up to number 26 in a series set on the US West Coast, Locked in by Marcia Muller.

"McCone returns to her office to retrieve a forgotten cell phone and stumbles upon an intruder with a gun. Before she can get out of his way, he shoots her. She lives, but the bullet is lodged in her brain leaving her in what looks like a comatose state. She can't move except for her eyelids but she is fully aware of what is going on around her. The diagnosis is locked in syndrome and the doctors can't predict whether she will ever recover.The McCone Agency goes to work full time to find out who the shooter is. With just blinks to advise them, Sharon is still their touchstone. Separate cases turn out to be related but even when they are solved, Sharon's killer is still unknown".

On 11th November's show

Hot days, cool lounge, cooler DVD's. You're spoiled for choice at Eastern Regional Libraries, with lots on shelf, and many thousands available to order in. My hot tip for watching this summer is the films of director/producer Robert Altman. Many of us first experienced his distinctive style with MASH, released in 1970, however he had had a career in television before this, often in conflict with studios about his anti-war sentiments and push for naturalistic dialogue. Apparently on the set of MASH his stars wanted him sacked for his unconventional directing, yet the film became an immediate classic on release and won the Grand Prix for Best Film at Cannes that year, and several Academy Awards.

The films which followed in the 70's were also successful, McCabe and Mrs Miller, The long goodbye, Thieves like us, Nashville and more. If you would like more information, check out the wikipedia entry at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Altman.

My all time favourites are more recent films, Pret-a-porter of 1994, Gosford Park made in 2001 and A Prairie Home Companion in 2006.
Pret-a-porter (Ready to wear) is classic Altman, with several seemingly seperate stories happening around the Parisian new season fashion parades, which eventually combine (or collide, depending on how you look at it). The cast is enormous and top class, Sophia Loren, Lauren Bacall, Marcello Mastraioni, Tim Robins and Julia Roberts being but a glimpse of the talent. Gosford Park was made from a screenplay by Julian Fellowes who nailed the uneasy relationship between upstairs and downstairs in an English country house of the 1930's. Altman always manages to work with exceptional actors, and the cast for this movie includes Maggie Smith, Kristen Scott Thomas, and Jeremy Northam who personifies an urbane and charming Ivor Novello. A Prairie Home Companion will be familiar to those who heard the radio show of the same name, produced by Garison Keillor in the 1980's. The radio show of gentle comedy, wonderful music and a lot of nostalgia for the small town life of the American prairies had a cult following. This film shows what happens on the (fictitous) last night of the show. With a cast including Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Harrelson and the inimitable Garison Keillor himself, it's a joy from start to finish.

On 18th November's show

For all family history buffs....Kathy is still pursuing access to the UK 1911 Census via the Find my past database, but in the meantime, the best way to go is via the Genealogical Society of Victoria (GSV) or the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies (AIGS). Through these organisations you can purchase vouchers which give you entry to the databases without having to take out a full subscription, the GVS being the easiest to navigate. Websites for these organisations are GSV www.gsv.org.au and AIGS www.aigs.org.au

Both of these organisations have sub-groups with special skills in researching family history in different parts of the world, so if you are searching beyond the UK, USA and Australia, this could be the way to go. Not forgetting that we do have some useful resources at Ringwood Library which can get you started, such as the Vital records index Western Europe CD-ROM or Ancestors in German archives : a guide to family history sources.

There is some good news though, with Ancestry database adding London Parish records and Australian Electoral records (for all states except SA). If you thought you had run out of records to search, think again. Both Ancestry and Find my past are accessible from all ERL library PC's, and can be booked for up to 2 hours per session, so take advantage of the cool library this summer and track down some more ancestors.

A completely free resource newly available is a record of wills lodged in Wales, available through the site of the National Library of Wales, at www.llgc.org.uk, so another lead to follow up if you have Welsh relatives.

----Lesley

The Eastern Regional Library Show 21st & 28th October 2009

2009-11-19T13:51:00.000+11:00

Things have been a bit hectic lately so I have been remiss in updating the summaries from the last 4 episodes of The Eastern Regional Library Show so I'll upload them here in these two posts. Many apologies.

For those that don't know, 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 21st October show

History Week and Childrens' Week, from the 25th - 31st of October makes for a very busy time in our libraries. There are a range of activities and exhibitions from Local History groups which are interesting for the light they throw on our region, and also can provide some extra data for family historians. Several of the photographic displays have photos for which the organisers are seeking identification. If you have some local knowledge, or family connections, you may be able to help fill in some of the gaps for the Historical Societies. Kathy Smalley reminded us that Ann Dixon will host a talk and display Hats, history and the Cup at Yarra Juntion Library on Wednesday the 28th of October, and that the Military History group is meeting at Croydon Library on Friday the 30th of October.

Kathy wanted to let family history researchers know that the two databases which are available on public internet access in our libraries, Ancestry and Find My Past, have not made available the newly published 1911 UK Census. It is available to individual subscribers, and public libraries will continue to lobby to have it made available to organisational subscribers. We will keep you posted.

An interesting upcoming event for family history researchers is Introduction to Italian family history for Australians which will run at Lilydale Library on the 23rd of November, don't forget to book.

At this point most of the activities for children are booked, but there are still places at Boronia Library on Friday the 30th for Halloween hullabaloo for kids, and some presentations on literacy for 2 and 3 year old children presented by visiting librarians from the United States, at Lilydale on Friday the 30th of October.

Music today was from At the drop of a hat by Flanders and Swan.

On 28th October show

Pia brought along a great range of children's and teenage books along today including Troll by Julia Donaldson and David Roberts which is a quirky take on The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Two stories are being told at once, a tale of strangers trip trapping over Troll's bridge, and the tale of some pirates far out to sea. The pirates are moving from island to island finding treasure and getting hungry, but not enjoying their food. Gradually the two stories come together with a surprise ending.

Noodle Pie by Ruth Starke is about Andy's father (a former refugee) returning to Hanoi for the first time in over twenty years along with Andy. Vietnam is a shock to Andy. His relatives seem to be money grubbing and their restaurant is not the big place he expected it be. But he, and the reader, learn about Vietnamese culture and life at the same time. A wonderful, funny read.

Miki Falls: Spring by Mark Crilley is a teenage graphic novel, Manga style. It is Miki's final year in High School and she's determined to make it the best year yet. Enter a mysterious new male student. Hiro is very self possessed and doesn't seem to need friends. Miki finds herself falling for him...

Ripple and the horses of White Cloud Station by Trudy Nicholson tells of Suzy, Alexa and Lucy who live and breathe horses. Unfortunately for Suzy her allergies prevent her from having a horse of her own. Until, that is, she finds Ripple. He has been gathered up in the annual round up on White Cloud station ready to be sold at auction. Through some happy circumstances Suzy finds herself Ripple's proud owner. A book about horses that young girls will love.

The fantastic undersea life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino relates the fascinating story of Jacques Cousteau, the undersea explorer, the undersea world he discovered and the inventions he helped build and design to enable himself and the world to see it better.

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges & Valley mobiles & Croydon library closed

2009-11-19T08:45:00.000+11:00

Thursday 19th November 2009 CFA has declared Total Fire Ban for Central Victoria.

Both Valley Mobile and Ranges Mobile will not be on the road today. Croydon Library is closed for electrical maintenance from 10am-1pm. Services as normal on Knox Mobile and all other library service points, unless otherwise notified.

Cheers, Maryanne

2010 Knox Short Film Festival - Green Foot Flicks Committee

2009-11-18T17:54:00.003+11:00

Knox Youth Services are seeking enthusiastic young people to join the Green Foot Flicks Committee.

Join a committee of young people aged 10-25 years to meet people from event management and film industries, select films to be shown at the National Youth Week event (10- 18 April 2010) & create, promote and run the event

The first meeting will be held from 5-7pm Thursday 19th November at the Youth Info Centre, 2 Capital City Boulevard, Knox Ozone, Wantirna South

For more information or to let us know you’d like to attend our first meeting, contact Kate Clark: t: 9298 8550 e: kate.clark@knox.vic.gov.au

Cheers, Maryanne

Croydon Library closed tomorrow morning

2009-11-18T17:14:00.000+11:00

Croydon Library will be closed tomorrow, Thursday 19th November, from 10am - 1pm for major electrical work. We apologise for any inconvenience. You may renew your items via our web catalogue. The nearest branch is Ringwood Library.

Cheers, Maryanne

Italian Christmas afternoon tea

2009-11-18T14:39:00.001+11:00

Join us for a celebration of Christmas - Italian style. Our own Federica will be the hostess and invites everyone to join us as we celebrate in the Italian tradition. All welcome.

When: Thursday 10th December 2pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

WiFi is here...there...and everywhere

2009-11-17T15:20:00.000+11:00

If you're looking for free and easy WiFi access to the Internet you need go no further than your local public library. Eastern Regional Libraries were the recent recipients of a State Government grant that has allowed us to install WiFi equipment at all of our branches. At the moment the WiFi rollout has taken place at the Knox, Ferntree Gully, Rowville, Boronia, Mt Evelyn and Lilydale libraries with Ringwood and Croydon soon to follow.

Margaret Hall, the IT Manager for ERL, said

"We are very excited that we are able to offer this enhanced service to our members. It means that students can log on quickly and easily to the Internet through their laptops. We expect to have all of the branches throughout the region up and running with WiFi by the beginning of December".

There is no charge for the service but people need to be aware that they need to be a member of the library to use it. Those members who already know their PIN can log on straight away otherwise all they need to do is ask a friendly staff member for help in getting a PIN set up. For those people who don't wish to become full members of the library they will be able to apply for a special WiFi/Internet Membership that will give them instant access.

Cheers, Maryanne