What's New @ Eastern Regional Libraries

What's on tomorrow at ERL?

2009-11-11T17:43:00.000+11:00

It's a busy day tomorrow with several great activities.

First up it's the Belgrave Genie Exchange. Come along and meet fellow genealogists in your local areea. Swap research stories, help others and in turn be helped with your own research.

When: Thursday 12th November 10am
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event
No need to book, just come along

Also at 10am we have Bookchat at Mooroolbark Library. Have you read anything interesting lately? Come along and share it with others.

When: Thursday 12th November 10am

Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event
No need to book, just come along

At Croydon Library at 12:30pm, Book Bites welcomes author Lisa Lang. Lisa Lang has been garnering prizes for several years, starting with storywriting competitions including our own ERL competition. She was awarded the a place in the Australian Society of Authors Mentorship Program in 2007, and this year she was named as the joint winner of the prestigious Vogel Award. Her manuscript Utopian Man a fiction work based on the life of E W Cole will be published by Allen and Unwin in mid 2010.

In the meantime Lisa has also written the excellent small biography based on her researches into Cole of the Book Arcade Chasing the Rainbow (2007).

When: Thursday 12th November 12:30pm

Where: Croydon Library, Civic Sq, Croydon

Cost: $10 (includes lunch)
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Croydon Library

2009-11-11T13:35:00.000+11:00

Croydon Library will be closed on Friday 20th November 10am-1pm for major electrical work. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Cheers, Maryanne

Victorian libraries survey - Tell us what you think

2009-11-09T14:56:00.001+11:00

Did you make a trip to the library today? Please complete the Victorian Libraries survey.

Complete the Victorian public libraries survey

All Victorian public libraries are participating in a survey of users about how you use the library and the benefits you get. A particular focus of the study is to show the value of public library services to the community in specific dollar terms.

The information from the study will be used to show government how valuable libraries are to people in Victoria and the benefits obtained from the money used to provide them.

Your responses will be kept confidential. They will only be reported as an Eastern Regional Libraries group.

Cheers, Maryanne

WiFi at Ferntree Gully Library

2009-11-09T14:42:00.003+11:00

We now have a WiFi hotspot at Ferntree Gully Library. 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).

Cheers, Maryanne

Ranges Mobile

2009-11-09T10:11:00.000+11:00

The Ranges Mobile is off the road today, Monday 9th November, due to rostering difficulties. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Items may be renewed through our web catalogue or via the phone at any of our branches, phone 1300 737 277.

Cheers, Maryanne

A workaround for viewing My Account in Opera

2009-11-06T10:12:00.000+11:00

Thanks to Andrew for suggesting a workaround for Opera users when using the Review My Account screen.

Go to our catalogue in Opera at http://swft.erlc.sirsidynix.net.au.
Go to Tools > Quick Preferences > Edit Site Preferences in the browser menu at the top.
Click on the Network tab
Select either Identify as Firefox or Identify as Internet Explorer from the drop-down box. Also works if you select Mask.

I tested it with Opera 10 and it works fine. You'll be able to see the checkouts and holds.

Cheers, Maryanne

New WiFi & Internet application form

2009-11-05T11:37:00.003+11:00

We frequently have visitors to our libraries who just want to access the Internet or WiFi hotspot but aren't necessarily wanting to borrow from our libraries. So we have created a new type of membership. It's creatively called WiFi/Internet membership. You'll be able to join up to the new WiFi & Internet membership from Monday 9th November.

A few things you need to know:

You don't need to join up again if you already have an Eastern Regional Libraries membership card.
The membership will expire after 12 months. Once it expires just see staff and they will renew your membership again.
You can always have your card activated so that you can borrow books if you choose.
You'll need a parent/guardian to sign for you if you're under 18 years.
You'll need to show identification to join (e.g. licence)
You'll also get access to our online resources

At present we'll get people to join up in person at the branches.

Cheers, Maryanne

WiFi now available at Lilydale Library

2009-11-05T09:19:00.002+11:00

We now have a WiFi hotspot at Lilydale Library. 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).

Cheers, Maryanne

Scrapping and cropping

2009-11-04T15:01:00.006+11:00

Bern is coming to Lilydale Library on the following days to demonstrate the craft of scrapbooking. Come along and join her for a chat about this growing trend of preserving personal and family history in the form of photographs, printed media, and memorabilia, in decorated albums and scrapbooks.
No bookings required. Each session is roughly the same content.

When: Wednesday 11th, 18th, 25th November, Wednesday 2nd December 10:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: Free event

Cheers, Maryanne

Memories of "Weary" Dunlop

2009-11-04T14:51:00.001+11:00

Meet Valda Street, former secretary to Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop, and hear her stories about the man behind the famous POW on the Thai-Burma Railway during WW2.

Morning tea provided.

When: Wednesday 11th November 11am
Where: Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction
Cost: Free event
Bookings appreciated phone 59671588

Image: Brass relief of Edward Dunlop from his memorial statue in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne (from Wikipedia).

Cheers, Maryanne

Mt Evelyn Cookery Club - Christmas gifts with Jill Hess

2009-11-04T14:39:00.000+11:00

Nothing is quite as personal as a homemade Christmas gift. Jill will demonstrate some great cooked gifts. Light lunch and lots of tasting included.

When: Monday 9th November 12:30pm
Where: Mt Evelyn Library, 50 Wray Crescent, Mt. Evelyn
Cost: $10
Bookings essential phone 97363851

Cheers, Maryanne

Meet the author - Shirley Jones

2009-11-04T14:33:00.001+11:00

Join Shirley Jones as she signs copies of her book, A Quiet Painter James Alfred Turner. Shirley will be in the Library for those who would like a chat about her book.

When: Sunday 8th November 3pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free event
No need to book, just come along.

Cheers, Maryanne

Christmas/New Year hours

2009-11-04T11:39:00.001+11:00

Where has the year gone. Its November already and time to start advertising our Christmas & New Year hours for our branches and mobiles.

View the Christmas/New Year hours for 2009/2010.

Cheers, Maryanne

Maroondah Festival

2009-11-04T09:11:00.002+11:00

Join us at Croydon Library on Sunday 8th November for the following fabulous events during the Maroondah Festival.

Cartoon workshop with Richard Galbraith
Bring your cartoons to life. BYO pencil

When: Sunday 8th November 11am
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Meet Leigh Hobbs
Leigh Hobbs' art work can be found in places as diverse as the National Gallery of Victoria and Sydney's Luna Park. He is probably best known for Old Tom, the hero of five books and star of the cartoon series shown on the ABC. His other memorable characters include Horrible Harriet, Fiona the Pig and Mr Chicken.

"If Roald Dahl hadn't had Quentin Blake to illustrate his books he'd have loved Leigh Hobbs"
Meg Sorenson, Sydney Morning Herald

Leigh's books will be available for sales and signing

When: Sunday 8th November 2pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92945640

Cheers, Maryanne

Melbourne Cup day - Libraries & mobiles closed

2009-10-30T15:23:00.000+11:00

Rounding the first turn in the 2005 Melbourne Cup (courtesy of VRC)

All branches and mobiles of Eastern Regional Libraries will be closed for Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 3rd November.

Branches and mobiles will resume normal hours on Wednesday 4th November.

You will be able to return items through the bookchute during this time. Note: Croydon bookchute is closed.

So plan early, either return your items on the weekend or, if you know your PIN, you can renew your items via the library catalogue. Follow the instructions in the catalogue tutorials. If you don't know your PIN, apply for it now through the library website.

For the latest news and events on the Melbourne Cup Carnival, visit the Victoria Racing Club's Cup Carnival website. I'm off to the Derby tomorrow, should be fun. Hopefully the weather's a bit better.

If you're looking for something else to do on Tuesday check out what's on at Melbourne CitySearch.

Cheers, Maryanne

The latest news on WiFi, new PCs & Internet membership

2009-10-28T10:12:00.002+11:00

Lots of things happening in IT at the moment, especially in November.

WiFi in November & December

The WiFi testing at Knox has been going well. Electrical work & furniture additions are happening in our Knox & Maroondah branches, as well as Lilydale. We are looking at the implementation of WiFi hotspots at Boronia, Ferntree Gully, Rowville, Croydon, Ringwood and Lilydale libraries in November. The other Yarra Ranges branches look to be getting WiFi access in December.

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).

New PCs in November

Also in November, 45 new PCs will be rolled out to our Knox branches, courtesy of a grant obtained by Knox City Council.

The PCs have arrived and are sitting behind me ready to be imaged.

Internet Membership available in November

A new Internet membership is going to be promoted and available in November. This membership is for WiFi, Internet and travelers who only want to access the PCs or WiFi network. There will be no loan rights for these cards and they will be valid for 12 months. They can be upgraded to an ordinary member with borrowing rights at any time if needed. We'll be advertising this soon.

Cheers, Maryanne

Opera & the catalogue upgrade

2009-10-28T09:33:00.001+11:00

There is a known issue with the Opera browser when you're on the My Account - Review My Account page all you see are the tabs Account Summary, Checkouts, Holds. The rest of the information is hidden.

I have passed on the feedback that several of our members using Opera are having difficulties with the new layout. SirsiDynix, the software provider, list the following supported browsers - Internet Explorer 6 & 7, Firefox 2x & 3x, Safari on a Mac. I suggest trying one of these. I've got Internet Explorer 8 & Firefox 3 on my PC at work and it works on those. I've also tried it out on Google Chrome and although it isn't supported it seems to work fine.

Download Internet Explorer
Download Mozilla Firefox
Download Safari

Cheers, Maryanne

Changes to the catalogue

2009-10-26T11:04:00.000+11:00

I'm currently working on a font issue with the catalogue when Internet Explorer users have their font set to smaller or below in the browser. I should have that sorted out by the next reboot tomorrow. In the meantime if the font looks a tad small go to View > Text Size and set to medium.

I have had one feedback so far about the new tab layout for My Account - preferring the old style with everything on the one page. What does everyone think? Not that I have much control over it but I can pass the feedback on and see what I can do.

Cheers, Maryanne

Growville Growers

2009-10-22T17:01:00.000+11:00

Join Neil from Amgrow to learn all about exciting products to make gardening easier. Amgrow are one of Australia’s largest manufacturers of home garden products, distributed to garden centres, hardware outlets, variety stores and supermarkets across Australia, including potting mixes, mulches, soil conditioners and Wettasoil soil wetting products.
When: Friday 6th November 2pm
Where: Rowville Library, Stud Park Shopping Centre, Stud Road, Rowville
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92941300

Cheers, Maryanne

18th Yarra Junction Library Bird Walk

2009-10-21T16:47:00.000+11:00

Join Ken Simpson for a circuit walk along the Yarra River at Warburton. Bring hat, sunscreen or coat if raining and binoculars if you have them.

Morning tea provided.

When: Saturday 31st October 8am
Where: Meet at the Senior Citizens building on Dammons Rd (north side of the river). Melways: 290 A4.
Cost: Free event
Bookings appreciated phone 59671588

Cheers, Maryanne

Friday @ your library - Well groomed fillies

2009-10-21T16:43:00.001+11:00

Join Ann Dixon for a nostalgic look at Melbourne Cup fashions from the 1860's onwards.

When: Friday 30th October 12noon
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 98011422

Cheers, Maryanne

Join us for History Week

2009-10-21T13:13:00.003+11:00

Discover the wonders of Victoria's past during
History Week 25th October - 1st November

We have a busy week of exhibitions and events including:

Belgrave Library
Monbulk Historical Society
Photographic display of the artisans of Kallista, The Patch and Monbulk localities
When: Monday 26th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event

Research queries
General research queries answered.
When: Wednesday 28th October & Thursday 29th October 10:30am-1pm, Friday 30th October 2-5pm
Where: Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: Free event

Croydon Library

Military History group - Hidden military tunnels
Local amateur archaeologist Mark Rawson will give a talk about the hidden military tunnels from the areas of Mt Evelyn, Merri Creek & Dandenong Ranges.
When: Friday 30th October 2pm
Where: Croydon Library, Civic Sq, Croydon
Cost: Free event

Croydon Historical Society
Heritage walk leaving from Croydon Hall, 212 Mt Dandenong Rd, Croydon

When: Thursday 29th October 10am
Where: Croydon Hall, 212 Mt Dandenong Rd, Croydon
Cost: Free event

Historic display
Historic display in the Museum Room, Croydon Library Complex
When: Saturday 31st October
Where: Museum Room, Croydon Library Complex, Civic Sq, Croydon
Cost: Free event

Healesville Library
Healesville & District Historical Society
Photographic display
When: Tuesday 27th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Healesville Library, 231 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville
Cost: Free event

Knox Library
Knox Historical Society
Photographic display
When: Monday 26th October - Sunday 1st November
Where: Knox Library, 425 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna Sth
Cost: Free event

Lilydale Library
Lilydale & District Historical Society
Help with research queries
When: Sunday 25th October, Saturday 31st October, Sunday 1st November
Where: Lilydale Library, Anderson St, Lilydale.
Cost: Free event

Guided tour of the Lilydale Cemetery
When: Thursday 22nd October 1:30pm
Where: Meet at the main gate Lilydale Cemetery, 120 Victoria Rd, Lilydale
Cost: $5 per tour
Contact Ruby on 97350294 or Beth on 97395466

Churches & pubs tour
When: Thursday 22nd October 1:30pm
Where: Meet at the Athenaeum Theatre, Castella St, Lilydale
Cost: $5 per tour
Contact Ruby on 97350294 or Beth on 97395466

Montrose Library
Montrose Historical Society
Photographic display
When: Monday 26th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Montrose Library, Cnr Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd & Swansea Rd, Montrose
Cost: Free event

Open Day
When: Saturday 31st October
Where: Historic Montrose Cottage, (Montrose Town Centre, near library) Cnr Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd & Swansea Rd, Montrose
Cost: Free event

Antiques & Collectibles appraisals
When: Saturday 31st October 12noon - 4pm
Where: Montrose Town Centre, near library, Cnr Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd & Swansea Rd, Montrose
Cost: Free event

Mooroolbark Library
Mooroolbark History group
Memorabilia & photographic display celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Mooroolbark Community Centre and the Red Earth festival.
When: Monday 26th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station St, Mooroolbark
Cost: Free event

Mt Evelyn Library
Mt Evelyn History group
Mt Evelyn through the Artist's Eyes exhibition in the Mt Evelyn Community Resource Centre
When: Monday 26th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Mt Evelyn Community Resource Centre (aka the library), 50 Wray Cr, Mt Evelyn
Cost: Free event

Wandin & District Historical Museum Society
Photographic display
When: Monday 26th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Mt Evelyn Community Resource Centre (aka the library), 50 Wray Cr, Mt Evelyn
Cost: Free event

Ringwood Library
Warrandyte Historical Society
Photographic display
When: Monday 26th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Melbourne St Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event

Ringwood Historical Society
Photographic display focusing on a drive for material on North Ringwood for the upcoming North Ringwood Heritage Weekend. The Ringwood Historical Society are undertaking a number of oral histories of ex-North Ringwood residents.
When: Monday 26th October - Sunday 1st November
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Melbourne St Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event

Book Launch - From horseshoes to High Fashion, a history of Eastland by Richard Carter
When: Tuesday 27th October 8pm
Where: Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Ave, Ringwood
Cost: Free event

Yarra Junction Library
Upper Yarra Living History group
Photographic display for identification. Help identify local photos.
When: Tuesday 27th October - Saturday 31st October
Where: Ringwood Library, 4 Melbourne St Mall, Ringwood
Cost: Free event

Cheers, Maryanne

Opening the doors to early literacy

2009-10-21T11:00:00.003+11:00

Whether you're a parent or caregiver for young children you'll pick up some great tips from the following US librarians. Participants will learn ways to promote early literacy skills using activities and ideas for parents, caregivers and service providers who interact with young children.

9:45am Birth to two years of age with James Thomas
James has worked as a children's librarian since retiring as a Library Science Professor at Texas Women's University. He has undertaken postdoctoral studies in early childhood literacy, and is the author of a number of books. James will be demonstrating rhymes and finger plays for parents and carers to use with under two's.

10:15am Two Years Old with James Thomas
In this session James will demonstrate stories, rhymes and games specifically designed to promote reading readiness for the 2 year old age group.

11am Ready to read - Three to five years with Shannon Schinagl
Shannon is a Children's Librarian with the Seattle Public Library in Washington State. She holds a Masters in Library Science and specializes in children's literacy.

Shannon will be working with 3 - 5 year olds demonstrating stories, songs and activities to promote reading to pre-schoolers.

11:30am Sing in to reading with Nancy Stewart
Nancy has been performing for young children since 1985. She has entertained children across West Coast America and is a sought after performer and presenter with many awards to her credit.

Come along for a fun performance with Nancy.

When: Friday 30th October (sessions as above)
Where: Lilydale Lake Community Room, Lilydale-Montrose Rd, Lilydale (Community Room is at the far end of the Main Car Park) Melways Ref: 38 G7
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential phone 92943120

Cheers, Maryanne

Wifi update

2009-10-16T11:24:00.002+11:00

The WiFi pilot at Knox Library has been going very well. Currently we are setting up furniture and doing electrical work at Ferntree Gully, Boronia, Knox, Ringwood & Croydon libraries in readiness for these WiFi access points. Hope to have some more news in the next couple of weeks.

Cheers, Maryanne

Swinburne Living Library...... with webgurl

2009-10-15T17:06:00.001+11:00

Swinburne are having a special event in October - the Swinburne Living Library. Come in and spend 15 minutes chatting to a living, breathing book. In other late breaking news, I have just been asked to be one of the books and speak to readers about cybersafety.

When: Friday 29th October 10:30am-12:30pm
Where: Swinburne University Library, Wantirna Campus, 369 Stud Rd, Wantirna
Cost: Free event
No need to book, just come along.

Cheers, Maryanne