Sutherland Shire Libraries News

Celebrate Harmony Day - Thursday 25th March

2010-03-16T14:44:00.003+11:00

At:
Gymea Community Aid and Information Service
39 Gymea Bay Road, Gymea.
From 10am -12noon

Sutherland Shire Library is taking the ‘Living Library’ out to the community.
A Living Library works like any other library; you borrow, read and return books. The difference is that in this case, the ‘Books’ are people and so it is an interactive experience.

Harmony Day is a nationwide event that celebrates our many successes as a diverse and peace loving multicultural society. The aim is to address issues of cultural, racial and religious intolerance by promoting respect, fairness, inclusion and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Everyone Belongs is the theme for this year's event. Click here for videos from the Dept. of Immigration & Citizenship.

What better way to promote Harmony than learn about others. There is no easier way to do that than to 'Read' another's story. Celebrate Australia’s rich diversity and ‘read’ a Living Book. Borrow a ‘Book’ whose story is outside your normal comfort zone. Enjoy the chance to converse with someone from a very different background to yourself, whether it is racial, religious, or social. Our ‘Books’ are volunteers from the local community, and so are people you might walk past every day.

Please join us for the Living Library and other events at Gymea Community Aid & Information Service, 39 Gymea Bay Rd, Gymea.

Seniors Week Morning Tea at Caringbah Library

2010-03-11T16:20:00.010+11:00

To celebrate seniors' valuable contributions to our community
Caringbah Library would like to invite seniors to a morning tea.
Where: Caringbah Library
When: Wednesday 24th March
Time: 10.30 - 12 noon

Free Sessions for Seniors

2010-03-09T16:40:00.005+11:00

On Monday 22nd March there will be two sessions designed to help you get more from your library membership, computer and the internet:

Online Computer Training - How to start
Time: 9.30am – 10.30am

Health Information Online - Where to look
Time: 11am - 12noon

These sessions are designed for those who have a little knowledge, but would like some more to be going on with.
There will be a general overview of what you can do, online, with your library membership and then a look at specific resources that should be of relevance.

Bookings are essential.
Please ring Sutherland Shire Library Reference Services 97100351

Academy Gets it Wrong?

2010-03-09T09:56:00.002+11:00

According to the vast majority of our customers who voted in our Best Picture competition, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences chose the wrong movie!
Seventy five percent of our patrons voted for the blockbusting Avatar as being the likely winner of this category.

Fortunately for a select few, The Hurt Locker was the actual winner. The first correct entry drawn received a double pass to Greater Union Cinemas, with another 3 customers receiving a single movie pass.

Our voters chose in order:
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
The Blind Side
Up
Inglourious Basterds
Precious
Up in the Air
An Education

But then what movie buff could forget the year that Crash beat the blockbusters?

Showcase of St Patrick's Primary School

2010-03-09T09:20:00.003+11:00

When I put up the display of artworks by some of the highly artistic students of St Patrick's Primary School last year, I was very impressed with the unique and colourful examples.

Catholic Schools Week 2010 is from 15th March to 22 March.
Sutherland Library is delighted to have been given the opportunity to once again showcase some of the wonderful artworks by the students of St Patrick's Primary School.

The dedication of the Art Coordinator Katherine Ng is obvious and St Patricks School must be proud to have such a woman guiding their students.

See St Patrick's School Artworks at:
Sutherland Library
Wall in the entry foyer
You can't miss them!

Featured Artist at Sutherland Library - Tania Collins

2010-03-05T10:09:00.005+11:00

After a successful and fulfilling career of teaching and working with art students at a variety of high schools in the Sydney metropolitan area, Tania's teaching career ended abruptly in 2003 when she was medically retired following a series of eye surgeries.

Tania needed to regain confidence and find a new path for her creativity that would suit her level of visual impairment. So began her new career as an artist.

Nature, land formations and surface textures provide Tania with much of her inspiration.

By using collage, mixed media and acrylics, Tania has been able to create rich surface qualities and find a new means of self expression.

Come and see some of Tania's works which are on display in the lounge area at the rear of Sutherland Library.

Movie Madness at Sutherland Library

2010-02-26T15:57:00.004+11:00

Which film do you think will WIN the coverted BEST PICTURE award at the upcoming ACADEMY AWARDS?

If you think that you know - why not enter our competition at Sutherland Library? The first correct entry drawn will WIN a double pass to the movies at Greater Union cinemas.

Will it be the extremely successful sci-fi Avatar, or the tough but ultimately uplifting Precious. Maybe the quirky Inglorious Basterds or the tense war drama The Hurt Locker?

A full list of nominated movies is provided on your enrty.

The competition closes at 4.00pm on Sunday March 7. Good luck!

Summer Reading Club 2010

2010-02-24T16:00:00.007+11:00

Wednesday, 17th February 2010. We completed another successful Summer Reading Club with the presentation of prizes.
During the recent school holidays 1055 children across the Shire registered for the Reading Club and between them read almost 13,000 books.

This was a terrific result.
Thirty prize winners received books and vouchers donated by our sponsors.
Three lucky children won major prizes. For the young ones, 0-4, a library bag of books, DVDs and CDs. For those aged 5-8 years, a digital camera, and for 9 - 12 year olds, an Ipod Nano.
All this would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, in particular,
The Tradies.

The excited winners were presented with their prizes by The Mayor, Councillor Lorraine Kellyand Mr Graham Hill, president of The Tradies.
We would like to thank all our sponsors: The Tradies; Sutherland Shire Leisure Centres; AES Library Supplies; Bloomin' Books, Caringbah; Sydney Tramway Museum; Hazelhurst Regional Gallery; Child's Play Australia; The National Maritime Museum; The Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range.

The Teen Summer Reading Club presentation was also held on the same day. An amazing 974 books were read by the 111 teens who participated during the school holidays. Books, Gift Vouchers and Ridge Golf Course vouchers were given away weekly.
The major prize of an IPOD Nano was given away at our presentation on 17 February.
It was great to see so many of our teens reading throughout the holidays.

Your Invitation to a New Knitting Group at Sylvania Library

2010-02-23T09:41:00.004+11:00

Do you love to knit or have you ever wanted to learn?
Do you want to help to keep this wonderful skill alive and have a friendly chat over a cuppa.

Then head to Sylvania Library. Knitters and would-be-knitters are welcome to come and spend some time working on their projects in a relaxing, social setting.

"Researchers at Harvard Medical School Mind and Body Institute have found that the average person's heart rate drops 11 beats per minute while knitting and that you get a sense of calm similar to that associated with meditation".

The group will be meeting on the 2nd Friday of each month beginning Friday 9th April
10.30am - 12 noon

Sylvania Library
Southgate Shooping Centre
9522 7544

Infant Massage - Parent Support Information Session at Engadine Library

2010-02-10T10:59:00.005+11:00

There is much evidence in literature that massaging your baby has many physical and neurological benefits.

Engadine Library is pleased to be hosting a 1 hour introductory session on basic massage techniques. Briony Howland, a nutritionist, doula and massage therapist will be discussing how to recognise when your baby does and doesn't want massage and appropriate oils for infant and childhood massage.

As this session will be hands on, there will be a limit of 10 parents and their babies.

Parents will need to bring their own towel and some massage oil for their baby.

Engadine Library
Tuesday 16th March
10.30-11.30am
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
9548 6003

Think Before You Post

2010-02-05T10:00:00.004+11:00

Safer Internet Day 2010 is an international event which aims to raise awareness about the safe and responsible use of online technologies - especially amongst children and young people. Safer Internet Day 2010 is on Tuesday 9th February with the theme being 'Think Before You Post'.

Think Before You Post is an important message for children and young people, both for their Internet and mobile phone use. A simple technique of stopping to think about the consequences before sending or posting information may help to reduce negative experiences.

For more information and tips about the sharing information that could be seen by those other than people that you know go to the Australian Government's Cybersmart site.

Your digital footprint could be forever.

Amy 's Farewell Lunch at Menai

2010-02-01T19:46:00.001+11:00

Amy 's Farewell Lunch, originally uploaded by Sutherland Shire Libraries.

On Friday (22nd!) we had a farewell lunch for Amy. Plenty of yummy food was lovingly prepared the night before by Kelly, Jeanette and Andrea (who actually made 3 different treats!). We will all miss Amy very much and wish her well with bubba number 3.

Last Chance for the Summer Reading Club

2010-01-29T12:35:00.004+11:00

Did you join up for this years Summer Reading Club but haven't had any books signed off yet?
Don't worry, you have until Sunday 7th February to come in.
All it takes is 5 books to go into the draw to win one of our fantastic major prizes.

Plus....
Read 5 books and get a Chupa Chup
Read 10 books and get a sticker
Read 15 books and get a stick on tattoo
Read 20 books and get a wristband

Early Language Development Information Session at Engadine Library

2010-01-25T13:05:00.007+11:00

Engadine Library will be holding free regular monthly information sessions on a variety of parenting issues.

The first session will cover what is normal language development in children and what parents can do to promote language skills. The session will include difficulties with speech sound, understanding language, school readiness, literacy, Autism Spectrum disorders, developmental delay, childhood apraxia of speech and much more.

Future sessions will include diet and nutrition for fussy eaters, baby massage, child development and psychology.

Early Language Development in Children

Speaker Natalie Stone

Where Engadine Library

When Tuesday 9th February 10.30 -11.30am

Cost Free

Contact 9548 6003

All welcome.

Mask Making @ Your Library

2010-01-10T18:53:00.001+11:00

Wow did we have fun at the very successful Make a Mask Workshop at Sutherland Library on Thursday 7th January !! As the photos show, imaginations ran wild and so did the glitter! A packed room of enthusiastic children aged between 7 to 12 years came along and decorated their own wild mask.

If you missed out, Engadine Library has the same workshop on Wednesday 20th January 10.00am - 11.30am. Bookings are essential so phone 9548 6003 to book a spot!

Faye Perkins - Local Artist at Sutherland Library

2010-01-08T12:34:00.002+11:00

Faye Perkins is a talented local artist who has been painting since 1977. Influenced by the Australian Heidelberg School and French Impressionists, many of Faye's works depict the Australian countryside, trees, water and old buildings of interest.

Working from photographs or on site, Faye paints in both oils and watercolours.

Faye's works have won awards at various metropolitan and country art shows resulting in commissions for works that have been hung overseas and in Australia.

See Faye's art in the lounge area at the back of Sutherland Library during January and February 2010.

Search for Newspaper and Magazine Articles from your Mobile Phone

2010-01-08T12:18:00.003+11:00

Ebscohost Mobile, originally uploaded by Sutherland Shire Libraries.

Ebsco has recently launched a dedicated mobile interface to their popular Ebscohost Databases. This will allow you to search and read magazine, journal and newspaper articles directly on your web enabled mobile phones (including iPhones).

The Library subscribes to thousands of magazine, journal and newspaper titles via Ebscohost databases. Years worth of free full text articles in everything from the Sydney Morning Herald to the Australian Journal of Education to Wheels Magazine are available. And you can search for articles by keyword.

Got a smartphone? Try it out now. Get started by visiting the Ebsco Mobile site and entering your Library Card number.

Want to read something easy, funny but unpredictable?

2009-12-30T15:09:00.005+11:00

Or are you keen to get stuck into a long, sad, larger than life, demanding read? Either way how do you find it? A great website called Whichbook.net can help you locate your next read by the way it will play with your emotions, rather than by the content.

Choose four variables and where on the scale for each (eg. from Gentle to Violent), you want the book to be. A review will then be given of one title and an extract so you can get a taste of it, and a few other options are also listed.

Once you have a title you will need to check whether Sutherland Shire Libraries hold the title, or decide if you want us to Interlibrary Loan it from another library service for you. If not, then choose other options until you find one we hold.

This site and others, which help you to choose books you will enjoy, are linked from our Reader's Guide page. Here you will also find here some tips on authors who write like....? and new books, adult fiction and non-fiction, CD's, DVD's, travel guides, young adult, junior, graphic novels, large print and Mills & Boon titles, added to the library collection over the last month.

Menai Santa Visit

2009-12-21T19:35:00.001+11:00

Santa visit 1, originally uploaded by Sutherland Shire Libraries.

As you all know Santa has been doing his rounds this month, visiting our branches. We at Menai had our turn on Wednesday two weeks ago. Santa showed what a big reader he was by selecting a few books as he walked in. Excited kids delivered their wish-lists and stickers were handed out. Goodwill having been spread a satisfied Santa left the building, one mince pie in hand (or mouth!).

Summer Reading Club - Read on the Wild Side to Win

2009-12-11T11:51:00.006+11:00

This year's Summer Reading Club theme is Read on the Wild Side. As always there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs in our major draw as well as incentives like tattoos and wristbands along the way. Sink you teeth into some great books and dazzle your teacher by how much your reading has improved over the summer break.

Join up at any Sutherland Shire Library and receive a start up kit with some fun activity sheets and your unique registration code. Grab some books and get started.

The program is open to anyone 0-12 years old. Those attending high school in 2010 can join our Teen Reading Club.

The Summer Reading Club runs from Monday 14th December until Sunday 7th February.

Take a break this Christmas at Miranda Library

2009-12-08T14:52:00.019+11:00

Are you looking to take a break from Christmas shopping?
Why not visit Miranda Library? If you want to relax and read a newspaper, find a new book to read, surf the web or even borrow a DVD or CD or just sit and rest, come and visit us.

You may care to check out Miranda library's latest display of 'list books'. Have a look at 1001 historic sites, 1001 ideas for kitchen organisation, 1001 ideas for patio and decks or 1001 foods.

Miranda Library also has various activities for children during December and January.

Monday 14th December 10am -2pm Drop In Christmas Craft
Monday 14th December - 7th Feb Summer Reading Club
Wednesday 6th January 10.30am On the Wild Side activity

Miranda Library now has CDs for loan. Come and have a look or check our catalogue for CDs at other branches.
Staff have been busy rearranging our books to whet your appetite for all those books that were at the back of the library.

So if you have never visited Miranda Library and were wondering where it is, have a look at the Sutherland Library website which has all branch locations and other interesting information about your libraries.

Miranda staff look forward to seeing you.

Holidaying over the Christmas period?

2009-12-08T14:37:00.002+11:00

Why not suspend your Hold Requests so that they do not become available whilst you are away?

You get to choose the date when when they become active again. Perhaps a few days before you return. This means you won’t miss out on that eagerly awaited bestseller and you keep your place in the queue. Go to the Sutherland Library website, and under the menu option My Library choose, My Account and login with your membership number and pin. Click on Hold Requests, highlight your holds and put in the date you wish to suspend until. Click the Change Staus button and the Status of your requests will become Suspended.

Alternatively ring your local branch and they can suspend your holds requests for you.

Sutherland Library loan periods have been extended from the 4th of December so that anything borrowed between the 4th - 15th December will not fall due until January 5th, meaning there is no need to worry about overdue items between Christmas and New Year. (This does not apply to loans of items borrowed from other library services. Due dates on these items stay as advised. Please contact InterLibrary Loans for renewal)

Engadine Knitters First Meeting

2009-12-01T15:35:00.005+11:00

Engadine Library held their first knitting meeting this morning.

Amid Christmas shopping and all the other events at this time of the year, the staff were delighted to host 12 keen and clever ladies both young and old, who were very enthusiastic about this new incentive. Those in attendance guaranteed to bring friends along to the meetings planned for next year.

This informal group plans to meet on the first Tuesday of the month between 10.30 and 12 noon at Engadine Library. Knitters and would-be knitters are invited to join this group. Come and enjoy a chat , swap patterns or get tips and advice from more seasoned knitters.

For further information and meeting dates
ph. 9548 6003

Christmas time is near!

2009-11-27T13:56:00.010+11:00

Kids come and help us celebrate the festive season. Santa will be visiting various libraries around the Shire, check out where he will be.

Stories, songs and a visit from Santa
Sylvania - Wednesday 2nd December
Miranda – Monday 7th December
Menai – Wednesday 9th December
Cronulla – Friday 11th December
Caringbah – Tuesday 15th December
Sutherland – Wednesday 16th December
Engadine – Friday 18th December

If you feel like being creative join us for Christmas craft
Caringbah - Tuesday 22nd December all day
Cronulla - Monday 21st December 1pm—5pm
Engadine - Monday 21st December all day
Menai - Wednesday 23rd December 10am—1pm
Miranda - Monday 14th December 10am—2pm
Sutherland 21st—24th December 10am—12 noon
Sylvania - Wednesday 9th & 16th December all day

Live the Life you've Imagined!

2009-11-25T08:51:00.002+11:00

Tonight only...7pm...Sutherland Library! Come and hear the inspirational young health & well-being professional, Lauren Chandler talk about what led her to be ranked at the top of her field. Hear about her well-being philosophy, one size does not fit all.

Have the chance to purchase a Christmas gift that keeps giving. Lauren and 13 other professionals are featured in the book 'Switched on health & well-being professionals', which will be available for sale, at the reduced price of $30.

For more information click here

Lapsit comes to Cronulla!

2009-11-13T15:58:00.003+11:00

The popular Lapsit program is coming to Cronulla Library in 2010. This program has been running at Sutherland and Engadine Libraries since 2005.

The program is suitable for babies 6-18 months. It is a 4 week program and will be held on Thursdays at Cronulla.

Bookings are essential and will be taken from Monday 16th November 2010. Phone Cronulla Library for dates, times and to make a booking.

Knitters Unite! in Engadine Library

2009-11-10T13:28:00.011+11:00

Do you love knitting or have you always wanted to learn? Then come and create an informal group of social, outgoing & connected, knitters...SOCKs?!

To be held each first Tuesday of the month between 10.30 and 12noon. Engadine Library is hosting this group after continuing interest shown since the Knit-in held earlier in the year.

Engadine Library would like to invite knitters and would-be knitters to join the new group, to help keep this wonderful skill alive, whilst providing an opportunity for pattern swapping, tips and instruction from the experienced for interested novices.

Be in at the beginning of this new social phenonomen, come to Engadine Library on Tuesday the 1st December 10.30 - 12noon for the very first (wool) gathering.

Lauren Chandler Talks in the Library!

2009-11-05T15:35:00.004+11:00

On Wednesday 25th November at 7pm, come and hear this inspiring young business woman talk about her contribution to the book;

‘Switched on Health & Wellbeing Professionals: Australia’s most inspiring health & wellbeing professionals’ Vol 2.'

Health coach, Lauren Chandler, the founder of Shine Wellbeing Solutions, is shining and leading the way in the health, fitness and wellbeing industry, encouraging others in how to live the life they’ve imagined.

"She is one of 14 contributors in this inspiring book. Between them they have worked with an amazingly diverse range of people. From world champion athletes and sporting teams, to homeless and underprivileged groups, through to CEO’s and some of Asia Pacific’s largest companies. Learn strategies around resilience and sustained performance from Australia’s most inspiring health and wellbeing experts. Discover what’s made them successful, mistakes they’ve made along the way and the people they draw on for their own inspiration. It’s like having your very own performance coach, readily available at the flick of a page…"

Copies of the book will be on sale and Lauren is happy to sign those purchased. So with Christmas around the corner, and New Year's resolutions, take the opportunity to purchase the gift of a life that shines!

This event will be held in the Southern lounge of Sutherland Library, 7pm Wednesday 25th November 2009.

Personal Interest Project? Read a Living Book!

2009-10-27T13:49:00.003+11:00

Living Books are available at your Living Library… Thursday, November 19th, 10am – 12noon.

The Living Library works like any other library; you borrow, read and return books. The difference is that in this case, the ‘Books’ are people and so it is an interactive experience.

Here’s your chance to gain some insight into what it would be like to be the individual behind the ‘Title’.

You can come and ‘Borrow’ a ‘Book’ for a 30 minute, one on one, conversation, in a safe and friendly environment. You are encouraged to ask questions to increase your understanding.

Our ‘Books’ are volunteers from the local community, and so are people you might walk past every day. They are from a range of backgrounds and a wide variety of life experiences are covered.

Here is a taste of two of the newest Books on offer, one never before read!

The Road to Marriage Celebrancy
Married young and moved to the bush…Engadine! In the 1950’s Sutherland Shire was still very isolated and Engadine particularly was only just beginning to change from farming to ‘town’ life. There was no power, phones or transport, raising children in these circumstances teaches resilience and self reliance and a ‘can do’ attitude. Higher education after the children are set, and a new life, helping celebrate the turning points in the lives of others.

Tale of a Faraway Land: Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Growing up in the mountains, between Bangladesh, and India, but identifying with neither peoples. The people are being pushed to the edge, as colonialism forced them to abandon the river mouth and take to the hills for survival, but it’s a hard living to be made. The journey to Australia and the creation of a new life.

Other Titles in the catalogue include these tasty titbits:

Great Times in Life and Sport
Growing up in Bondi in the 50’s, focused on outdoor pursuits of any variety. Fun was physical and fitness was just part of life. Squash became a particular passion, always competing in some way and getting to know ‘the’ players and officials. When supporting a family became a necessity, the opportunity of operating a squash centre, seemed the perfect answer. It provided unforseen troubles, as well as unbelievable opportunities.

Buddhist Nun, wife and mother…
This book seemed be living life like everyone around her. Growing up in a Catholic family, moving on to her own marriage, having children and questioning the teachings of her upbringing. Searching led her to learn about mediation and eventually to adopt Buddhism as her way of life. Hear how her family came to accept her decision, and the meaning her life now has as she works for her/our community.

My Voluntary Work
Voluntary work is extremely rewarding and has taken many forms over the years. It’s fitting I’m now a Book, as I was once a voluntary librarian. Hospital visitation has many rewards, as does working with new migrants, helping them learn English for their survival.

Know Yourself Heal Yourself
Learning to accept yourself, with all one’s faults… and features, is an issue for many of us. Hitting the bottom can teach one a lot about ‘up’. Whilst still relatively young, this book started on the long haul up from rock bottom and hasn’t stopped climbing since, literally!

My Lucky Life
An ‘idyllic’ childhood in the 40’s and 50’s. Everyone got together to play, and sport was everything. Squash became a great passion and a life long pursuit. Competition at NSW level and representing Australia, led to travelling the world and meeting many famous people. But there is life after competition, and raising a family in its shadow has its own challenges.

Not all Books are available at each session. Click here to see more titles and read more about what a Living Library is.

Understanding Cancer Information Awareness Talk and Morning Tea

2009-10-26T10:00:00.004+11:00

There is convincing evidence that a healthy diet combined with regular physical activity may lower the rate of cancer by up to a third.

Engadine Library will be hosting a Cancer Council NSW Community speaker who will be talking about how living a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of cancer.
A morning tea will follow the talk.

Engadine Library
Tuesday 10th November
10.30am

Bookings Essential 9548 6003

Wireless Hotspot Service At Sutherland Shire Libraries

2009-10-23T15:26:00.002+11:00

A change is coming to the Library's Wireless Hotspot Service. For some time now customers of Sutherland Library have been able to access the Internet using their own devices, eg. laptops and web enabled mobile phones, using our Wi-Fi hotspot.

Our current hotspot service, which has been providing free access, will be replaced in November with an improved service covering both levels of Sutherland Library. In addition, the Wi-Fi service is being extended to other locations across the Council's library network.

To take advantage of this facility customers will be able to purchase cards for wireless Internet access. There will be a choice of either a $5 card for 24 hour access or a $2 card for 2 hour access over a 1 week period.

Sutherland Shire Council is implementing this option as a low-cost alternative for library customers.

Visit our web site for more detail about the Library's Wireless Hotspot Service or pick up a brochure at any branch library.

Cronulla Library Opens

2009-10-19T22:10:00.008+11:00

The day was sunny. After a hectic month, calm descended on the staff of Cronulla Library. All was ready for the opening of the bright new library.

Eager customers waited outside for the doors to open.

Then.....the race was on.

HSC students led the way and quickly occupied most of the tables. Children made a beeline for the children's area. Newspapers were snapped up. Others wandered around taking in the colour and looking for their favourite authors.
Bookatoo was pursuaded to make a guest appearance much to the delight of the children - young and a little older.

Didn't get there for the opening? See photos of the opening on flickr

We look forward to you visiting Cronulla Library.

The library is in Cronulla Central.

Enter from Cronulla Plaza, Croydon Street or via the lifts from the Croydon Street Carpark.

Internet Training @ Your Library - space available for next week!

2009-10-13T10:16:00.006+11:00

The Library's term 4 Internet Training program is now available. We are running basic Internet & Email courses for absolute beginners. If you would like to learn a bit more about the Internet or you know someone who does telephone the Library on 9710 0351 or pick up a brochure from any of our branch libraries.

Of course all the information is available from the Internet Course Information page on our web site and the dates and times are listed on our Events Calendar as well.

A few spots are available for the course beginning, Tuesday 20th October. Ring today to secure your place.

You now have a subscription World Book Online!

2009-10-09T11:37:00.006+11:00

World Book Online Public Library Edition, is now available at home to any Sutherland Shire Library member!
Use it as a starting point for assignments... as a reliable benchmark to judge Wikipedia results against...or just for fun!

There are three products in one:
- World Book Online for Kids - especially for younger kids it includes engaging multimedia, games, science projects, interactive tools, and activities.

- World Book Online Info Finder - designed for school-aged patrons’ homework and research needs and based on the World Book Encyclopedia.

- World Book Online Reference Center - a reference tool for advanced researchers and information seekers, there are e-books, tens of thousands of articles, and hundreds of thousands of primary source documents.

Each section can be keyword searched or you can be guided through menu options towards your goal. Your results can be saved in an individual account within the site giving you the ability to create and save your own content features, including research results from World Book and external sources, timelines, and citations.

Besides providing much information within it’s pages, World Book Online also provides links to quality websites, freely available articles and interactive map links related to the subject of your choice. These resources are outside the World Book website and you are informed of such as you leave.

Although doing a search and getting results is easy, there is so much that can be done within the World Book website, that customer training options are available to alert you to the full features of this product. Once logged in to World Book Online, look at the bottom of the screen for the Online Tutorial and/or Customer Training Guide.

All you need to do to have this powerful tool at your fingertips is follow the link above, click on the picture of the library card and enter your library card number.

To see all the information sources available to you from home go to Sutherland Shire Libraries home page, highlight Web Resources from the top menu, click on Online Databases, then click on the dropdown menu beside the heading Databases by Title. World Book is listed here along with many other free products, your membership entitles you to access.

Final preparations begin for the HSC!

2009-10-08T09:01:00.004+11:00

Sutherland Shire Libraries hold a range of resources to assist HSC students with their studies. Study guides such as those by Excel, Macquarie, Get Smart, Top Notes and Success One : Student Answers published by the Board of Studies; past HSC examination papers and Infocus articles from the State Library of NSW, are all available for use within the libraries.

Sutherland, Caringbah, Engadine, Cronulla (reopens Monday the 19th October), Menai and Miranda libraries have separate HSC lending collections consisting of study guides, support material, Hot Topics for legal studies students and the series Issues in Society.

Students, who are members of the library, can search the online catalogue and access online databases from home, to locate articles and other up-to-date information on a wide range of topics. The library webpage includes links specifically for HSC students.

The first exam is on Tuesday 20th October, and study space in our libraries is at a premium. So if you are coming in for quiet study space, be early!

Goodbye Surf Road, Hello Cronulla Central!

2009-09-24T20:00:00.004+10:00

With the closure of the Library at Surf Rd, Cronulla on Saturday we have begun to move into the New Library at Cronulla Central in Croydon Street.

There's still lots to do but here's a sneak peak at the new Cronulla Library. There's more photos on Flickr too...

New Cronulla Library 7, originally uploaded by Sutherland Shire Libraries.

Free Online Computer Training for Library members.

2009-09-23T16:18:00.003+10:00

Free Online Computer Training for Library members - Teach yourself new skills at home!

Do you need some introductory knowledge to computers? Want to brush up on your Internet searching and email skills? Are the Office 2007 applications frustratingly different to your old version? Or do you have Windows Vista? Then use our newest online database Computer Training. It covers these topics and more, and it can be done at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home!

These tutorials are interactive and based on academic testing. They have been created in small modules so they can be done in short bursts. Each module has an optional testing facility, to help you see what you’ve remembered, which is simulation-based not just multiple choice questions.

Once at the site having logged in as a library member, you will be asked to ‘Create a New Account’. This is your own personal account and so your results will only be accessible to you! You can see how many modules you have completed, with what level of accuracy.

Try it out now...

This database is Australian designed and the methods have been University tested, resulting in the following vendor's statement:

“Dynamic Learning Online’s approaches to training have been empirically tested through Australian Research Council funded research and are based on the Cognitive Load Learning principles developed by Professor John Sweller (Emeritus Professor, University of NSW) and Professor Paul Chandler (Dean of Education, University of Wollongong).

Book Safari

2009-09-17T14:57:00.001+10:00

maindisplay wall in kids room, originally uploaded by Sutherland Shire Libraries.

For two very full weeks Menai Library along with other Sutherland library branches celebrated Book Week, the theme of which was "Book Safari" this year.

We are happy to say that staff and school students alike thoroughly enjoyed presenting and interacting with the games and also preformances by a visiting "Sunday Chutney".

Farewell Cronulla Library, as we know it.

2009-09-14T14:32:00.004+10:00

All are sad to see the old Cronulla library go, we have had some great times. As we get ready to make the move to a new home in Croydon Street we look back fondly on our little cosy library.It hasn’t always been a library; the building was built back in 1908 as the first Methodist church in Cronulla.

Cronulla was booming by the 1950’s, so in 1955 council decided to open a branch library at Cronulla. A portion of the School of arts building (1912) in Surf road was leased for this purpose. However, by 1962 the premises was considered to be inadequate and it wasn’t until 1969 that the old church was used for a separate children’s library with the adult library following in 1975.

Cronulla Library will continue to occupy the current building until September 19th 2009. (For more information about Cronulla’s and it's old buildings view them online or contact our Local Studies section at Sutherland Library Ph. 9710 0225).

It is time to say goodbye and to move on to bigger and better things. So farewell to Cronulla Library as we know it, your memory will live on in us. Please share your memories by commenting, so they can live on long after it has moved.

Man Booker Prize 2009 Shortlist Announced

2009-09-09T19:10:00.004+10:00

On Tuesday 8 September 2009 A S Byatt, J M Coetzee, Adam Foulds, Hilary Mantel, Simon Mawer and Sarah Waters were announced as the shortlisted authors for the 2009 Man Booker Prize for Fiction. Start your reading now and see if you agree with the Judges Verdict when the winner is announced on 5 October.

The Children's Book by A. S. Byatt
Summertime by J. M. Coetzee
The Quickening Maze by Adam Foulds
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
The Glass Room by Simon Mawer
Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

You can even download and listen to extracts of these books on the Man Booker Web site.

National Stroke Week 2009

2009-09-04T10:00:00.001+10:00

National Stroke Week is held each year to provide continuing public education about stroke awareness and prevention in the community.
This year the new FAST campaign is being launched to help people recognise the early signs of stroke. The FAST test involves asking three simple questions.

Face - Check the face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms - Can they lift both arms?
Speech - Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time - Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 now.

To assist in the promotion of the signs of stroke, a Clinical Nurse Educator from Kareena Hospital will be available at Sutherland Library to measure blood pressure and to give advise on stroke prevention.

When and where?

Tuesday 15th September and Wednesday 16th September 2009
10am - midday

Sutherland Library
30-36 Belmont Street
Sutherland
ph 9710 0351

New books in the Living Library

2009-09-02T18:00:00.008+10:00

The Shire Community Living Library is open again on Tuesday 8th September between 10am – 12 pm. If you’ve missed out previously, or loved taking part in it, here’s another chance to find out more about the people in your community.

There are some new books, waiting to be read for the first time, as well as some old favourites. Take the time to enjoy a conversation with a person you wouldn’t meet via your regular routine.

Why not combine borrowing a Living Book with picking up your regular reading – viewing - listening material!

Living Books cannot be taken home, they are Reference material, and therefore they must be read in the Library. Allow yourself an extra 30 minutes to challenge yourself to something different.

Here’s a glimpse of the newest Book on offer…

Lifequest : Oh, my goodness, Oh, my glory, on this page is my story.
Working with the people on our city streets who need support in so many aspects of their lives, and the major charities which support them, prompted this Book to dedicate himself to establishing a number of Foundations to provide relief in areas he could see, were not being adequately serviced.

This book relates how the toll of his charity work has led him towards a change of career into relationship counselling and personal training, and the satisfaction this provides him, to be part of the solution and help avert the crisis, rather than just pick up the pieces and try to reconstruct lives from scratch.

He can tell stories of the people he has met over the years in the pursuit of his charity work, both those requesting, or needing help and the Hollywood stars and Royalty who were patrons, attended the functions and donated.

Other titles in the catalogue include:

Turning the Shadow into a soft light
A woman who was determined to live a normal life although her husband was diagnosed with MS early in life, before much was known about it. She supported her husband and children by teaching music. She worked towards raising the awareness of MS and received awards for her efforts. She is now losing her own sight and learning life anew.

Being an Oblate of the Jamberoo Abbey
Fascination with mediation and spiritual traditions from around the world, spending time in Hindu, Christian and Buddhist ashrams. Committing to become an oblate of the Benedictine abbey, and what this means for oneself and the community.

Brown bread and liverwurst - growing up in Sydney being different
Coming to Australia – are there kangaroos in the street? Being a teenager is hard enough, but without being able to communicate at all school is a nightmare. Finding out that children can be so very cruel. Coming from Germany, had it’s own special issues!

Life giving experiences when caring for dying people
Caring for people with HIV/Aids, and volunteering to work with the poor in Calcutta, helping them to die with dignity, and how this makes one aware of what is important. Saying goodbye to a much loved Mother.

A Blessed Light in my Darkness
Losing his sight at 21, did not deter hthis Book from living a full life. He has married, had children and is now enjoying the chaos grandchildren can bring. Woodwork has continued to be a passion, using the skills he learnt as an apprentice. A friend introduced him to cycling and has been an avid long distance cycler for pleasure as well as for fund raising for various charitable organisations. Tandem is his bike of choice!Working as a telephone counsellor he has been able to support and assist many people in their time of need and is active in the local Baptist community.
Broken Pieces, whole story
Depression manifests in many forms, this is just one. Deliberate self harm becomes an addiction, and needs to be accepted as such, acknowledged and have a strategy in place to control it. The long road to regaining control, relasping and starting again and looking toward the future.

Immigration from Germany
Hear about social conditions in Germany before the rise of Hitler, and the losses that all war brings to any caught up its grip. Living in the partitioned Germany with family on either side, leads to emmigration to Australia. Immigration camps, finding work, housing the family, building a business and becoming involved in the community whilst providing for the family’s future, all feature in this book. As does the sadness, frustration and sense of loss that dementia brings to a family.

Let's blow the myth of ageing
How attitudes from one’s youth can colour one’s outlook forever. Marrying late and having 3 children quickly leads to struggles with depression. Recovery comes about with forgiveness and self acceptance. Working and learning all the while despite dyslexia. Started training in Feldenkrais movement therapy and began teaching it at 60. Living life to the full, whilst caring for a partner with Parkinson’s disease, from 80 on the journey continues.

Australia, my heart is in yours
Escaping a husband, with connections to Columbia’s drug trade, after he shot her, she landed in Australia with nothing – except the baby she hadn’t known she was carrying! Spending two years in detention centers, looking after her baby and having no English, she gained residency. Quickly learnt English and has been working ever since to provide for her daughter and make Australia her home.

Success through faith and perseverance
Born to Chinese parents in Indonesia under Dutch, then survived the Japanese occupation. Experienced the people’s revolution at first hand lead to Indonesian self rule. Education was now possible. A scholarship for University in Holland, led to work experience in England, and return home to serve his country with aeronautical engineering credentials. Emmigration to Australia provided a much more secure future for his children. Now works with overseas students and their host families, offering his services where they will help and contributing to build a future progressive modern Australian society.

Not all Books are available, on each occasion.

Jan Etteridge Prints @ Sutherland Library

2009-09-02T12:23:00.003+10:00

Sutherland Library is currently hosting a display of works by local artist Jan Etteridge. Jan is a talented artist whose works include sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, photography, prints, drawings, weaving and other crafts.

Jan has a keen interest in places of interest in Sutherland Shire, travel, history, early buildings of Sydney and botanical art. These interests are reflected in many of her works.

Jan's works are on display in the Southern Lounge at Sutherland Library during September and October.

Book Week Awards: Winners Announced

2009-08-24T10:15:00.001+10:00

The Children's Book Council of Australia have announced The 2009 Book Of the Year Award Winners. The were 6 titles shorltisted in each of the 5 categories. Each category has a winner and two honour titles.

Book of the Year : Older Readers
Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan
A collection of short stories that use Shaun's trademark illustrative style to increase meaning and enjoyment.

Honour Books : Older Readers
Into White Silence by Anthony Eaton
A Rose for the Anzac Boys by Jackie French

Book of the Year : Younger Readers
Perry Angel's Suitcase by Gelnda Millard, illustrated by Stephen Michael King
The third book in the Kingdom of Silk series. Perry Angel arrives at the Kingdom of Silk clinging to his old battered suitcase. A beautifully written and sensitive story.

Honour Books : Younger Readers
The Wish Pony by Catherine Bateson
Then by Morris Gleitzman

Book Of the Year : Early Childhood
How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham
In a cool, grey, unfeeling city Will is the only person to notice a fallen bird. Follow him as he cares for the bird.

Honour Books : Early Childhood
Leaf by Stephen Michael King
Tom Tom by Rosemary Sullivan, illustrated by Dee Huxley

Picture Book of the Year
Collecting Colour by Kylie Dunstan
Olive's mother and aunty are traditional basket weavers in the Northern Territory. In this story she and her friend Rose learn about the roots and berries used as dyes in the process.

Honour Books : Picture Book of the Year
Home and Away by Matt Ottley, text by John Marsden, published by Lothian Children's Books, Hachette
The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness by Colin Thompson, published by Randon House Australia

Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
Alive in the Death Zone by Lincoln Hall
In 2006, an Australian mountaineer was left for dead in the 'death zone' following a successful ascent of Mount Everest. A great account by him of his survival and the perils of such an extreme adventure.

Honour Books : Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
The Word Spy by Ursula Duborsarsky, illustrated by Tohby Riddle
Simpson and his Donkey by Mark Greenwood, illustrated by Frane Lessac

Cronulla Library is Closing for Relocation

2009-08-20T15:08:00.005+10:00

Cronulla Library will close its current location on Monday 21 September 2009, while it is relocated to a bigger and brighter space in the new Cronulla Central.

The doors will close for last time after 40 years at Surf Road on Saturday 19 September. This will be your last opportunity to borrow or return books and/or collect holds from Cronulla Library in its current location. The new Library will open for business in Cronulla Central (entry from Cronulla Plaza or Croydon Street) on Monday 19 October.

During the closure Cronulla Library will not be accepting returns. Any items being held for you will need to be collected from Caringbah Library.

We look forward to seeing you all in our fresh new space in October but during the closure all enquiries should be directed to Sutherland Library. We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.

Go on a Book safari

2009-08-18T14:27:00.010+10:00

Go on a Book safari and discover Cronulla library's newly transformed jungle - a Book Week jungle.

That's right its book week again & this years theme is" Book Safari". Cronulla is putting the challenge out to its borrowers to discover the hidden book week characters hiding in our jungle poster, can you find them all?

Cronulla Library will also hold numerous school visits, celebrating the high quality of children's books produced every year here in Australia, including role plays, games and quacking like a chicken.

Don't let the schools have all the fun! Go on safari and discover all the wild and wonderful creatures that can be found at Cronulla Library - but watch out for those Chickens!

Book Week officially runs from August 22nd - 28th. The shortlist is out, and the winners will be announced on Friday 21st August. All libraries in the Sutherland Library participate and have decorated accordingly. Go on a Library safari and visit them all, or view their displays online.

Thank you to the Knitters of the Sutherland Shire!

2009-08-12T15:12:00.008+10:00

You have donated, 56 completed rugs and 660 squares, (enough to make another 23 rugs) for the Wrap with Love project via your Library service and many, many more through the Stapleton Avenue Community Centre.

The variety, colour and creativeness of the squares & rugs brought pleasure to all who saw them displayed. One can only imagine the comfort, delight and sense of being valued that receiving any one of these rugs would provide a recipient.

They are all being collected now and sent into the Sydney Warehouse for distribution through over forty non-denominational and non-political aid agencies world wide. Last year 27372 rugs were given out, throughout 34 countries.

Knitters got together at both Caringbah and Sutherland Libraries where they felt part of the wider Sydney event, with live streaming of 2BL coverage, of the "Knit in", as well as webcam vision of the ‘skeins’ (?) of knitters crammed into the foyer of the the ABC studio in Ultimo.

Now Sutherland Libraries are in on the Wrap with Love Knit in experience, we are hoping for bigger crowds each year, so keep us in mind as a knitting venue for 2010.

Thank you for your generosity!

Greg De Moore Author Talk and Book Signing

2009-08-09T10:00:00.000+10:00

Sutherland Library will be hosting a talk by Greg de Moore on one of our first sporting heroes. Join us to hear the story behind the book, Tom Wills: his spectacular rise and tragic fall. As well as a facinating story of Australian and family history, sport and biography the author's talk will provide insight into the discovery of a wealth of historical documents.

Tom Wills was the man most often credited with creating the game that we now know as Australian Rules football. Tom was sent to the strict British Rugby School in 1850 and returned a talented cricketer. Tom's life was changed forever after he returned home to the Queensland outback where his father was murdered in the biggest massacre of Europeans by Aboriginals. Five years later, Tom went on to coach the first Aboriginal cricket team. As Tom's physical talent's began to fade, he descended into a different world.

Greg De Moore's historical biography of Tom Wills is the product of ten years of research. This research unearthed original medical records, letters, text books and notes previously believed to have been lost or destroyed.

Tom Wills' story goes beyond sport to become important social history. Come and listen to this intriguing family history, which is also an important but little known part of Australian colonial history. You may even pick up a few tips on researching your own family history!

Sutherland Library
10 September 2009, 10.30am
For further information and contact details see our Events Calendar.

More HSC Lectures announced for September 2009

2009-08-03T10:00:00.003+10:00

If you are looking for excellent advice from HSC experts in preparation for your HSC exams on English, Ancient History or Modern History, then don't miss the next series of HSC lectures @ Sutherland Library.

On Wednesday 2 September, 6.30-8pm Larry Grumley, English head teacher, study guide author and HSC senior marker, with over 25 years experience, will share his expertise on answering the HSC English paper 1- Area of Study, Belonging. A limited number of Larry’s workbooks will be available for purchase for $15.

Bruce Dennett, HSC Lecturer, co-author of the Modern History curriculum, award winning History teacher, and author of study guides and textbooks for Ancient and Modern History, as well as an HSC marker, will present two history lectures.

The first is on the Ancient History core topic of Cities of Vesuvius - Pompeii and Herculaneum, which is on Wednesday 9 September, 6.30-8pm.

The second lecture by Bruce Dennett, is on Wednesday 16 September, 6.30-8pm and will be on the Modern History core topic World War 1, 1914-1919. Bruce is a dynamic speaker with a wealth of knowledge and invaluable tips for students.

Students shouldn't miss this great opportunity to gain knowledge and insights on how to approach the HSC exam questions in the most effective way.

All lectures are held in the Southern Lounge at Sutherland Library and tickets for each lecture are $5.

Bookings are essential as places are limited. Please phone 9710 0351 to book or ask at any Sutherland Shire Library.

Knit In 2009 Sutherland and Caringbah Libraries

2009-07-24T10:00:00.024+10:00

Sutherland Library and Caringbah Library are proud to host a Knit In to support the Wrap With Love organisation. Over the past few years, the Wrap With Love organisation has sent more than 184,000 beautiful handmade wraps to those in need. Australian knitters contributed 2,223 wraps in 2008.

To be part of this event all that is needed is spare yarn and a pair of knitting needles or a crochet hook. Knitting instructions and further information on the Knit In can be found on the ABC Sydney Knit In web site. The libraries will have copies of the instructions.

Come and join your fellow knitters for a chat and coffee.

Friday 7th August 9am-11am (or later if you wish) at:

Sutherland Library
30-36 Belmont Street
Sutherland
Enquiries 9710 0351

Caringbah Library
376-378 Port Hacking Road
Caringbah
Enquiries 9524 3803

If you can't attend our Knit In on that day completed squares or wraps can be dropped off by 28th August at:

Any Sutherland Shire library

Sutherland Shire Council Service Centre
Eton Street
Sutherland

Sutherland Shire Adult Leisure Learning Centre
3A Stapleton Avenue, Sutherland