The Book Crowd

Nikon-Walkley Press Photo Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha) — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:29:00 +0000

Nikon-Walkley Press Photo Exhibition :

The Best of Australian Photojournalism

8th June - 28th July 2012

Established in 1956, the annual Walkley Awards recognise excellence in Australian journalism. This exhibition showcases and celebrates the best in press photography each year.

Exhibition Launch

Friday 8th June

5.30pm

Lovett Gallery

Newcastle Region Library

Laman St, Newcastle

RSVP 7th June 2012

Phone: 4974 5300

Email: library@ncc.nsw.gov.au

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

What do you think about our libraries? Tell us!

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sun, 20 May 2012 13:51:00 +0000

The City of Newcastle's library service is conducting its annual customer survey. This is your chance to let us know what you think about collections, buildings, services and more.

Click here to give us your feedback: Customer Survey

The survey should take about 5 minutes to complete and will be available until 2nd June.

Thank you for your time.

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Anna Rose - Meet the Author at Newcastle Region Library

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha) — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Anna is the founder and Chair of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, a movement of 80,000 young people working to solve climate change. She is the former Environment Minister's joiny Young Environmentalist of the Year and the recipient of the Sierra Club's Earthcare award for International Environmental Protection. The Sydney Morning Herald named her one of Sydney's most influential people (in 2009) and one of the top five most powerful grassroots organisers in NSW (in 2011). Anna's climate change work started with shovelling compost and emptying recycling bins when she was a student at Merewhether High.

Anna's book is MADLANDS: A Journey to Change the Mind of a Climate Sceptic

Meet the Author at Newcastle Region Library
When: Thursday 24th May 2012 6.00pm
Where: Lovett Gallery, Laman Street, Newcastle
Cost: FREE

For bookings phone 4974 5300

Enquiries email: library@ncc.nsw.gov.au

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Marilyn Monroe - The Last Sitting

noreply@blogger.com (Kieran) — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:54:00 +0000

Author: Bert Stern, from the collection of Michaela and Leon Constantiner.

Publication Date: 2007

Category: Photography

Classic line: "Marilyn is known for her moodiness and also for having become extremely whimsical.

Finally she arrives: she comes alone and only five hours late. The sitting can now begin." pg 7.

What's it all about? Photographer Bert Stern proposed a photo shoot of Marilyn Monroe to Vogue in 1962. Both Vogue and Marilyn agreed. Although the results of the shoot were exceptional, they were too racy for Vogue - including Marilyn semi-nude revealing the scars of a gall-bladder operation she had six weeks before the shoot. Vogue requested a second shoot with makeup and more clothes. The results are stunning fashion studies. Marilyn died one day before the layout was published in Vogue, in August 1962.

The book is worth looking at not just for the photographs, but the story of Bert Stern's crush on Marilyn and how his fantasy of her inspired the images. His introductory text from the original Vogue article tells it all: "These are perhaps the only images of the new Marilyn, a Marilyn who revealed the elegance and taste that she instinctually possessed. They testify to a ravishing maturity that make her abandon her boyish charms, in order to assert herself as as a deeply beautiful, profoundly moving young woman... The fact alone that she was able to resist the incredible, unimaginable pressure of her own legend for so long, proves the enormous soul she had." pt 123.

Publisher: Electa

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

The Very Cranky Bear

noreply@blogger.com (Joanne) — Sat, 05 May 2012 00:58:00 +0000

Author: Nick Bland

Publication Date: 2008

Category: Picture book

Who'll want to read it? Kids, grandparents, parents, people who like picture books with good rhythm and rhyme.

Point of no return: The first few words: "In the Jingle Jangle Jungle on a cold and rainy day..."

What's it all about? Four friends try to find a nice dry place to play, but instead find a very cranky bear who is trying to sleep. They all try to cheer him up so they can share his cozy cave, but find that the things that make them happy may not be for everyone.

This book has great rhythm and rhyme, and is perfect for reading out loud. Kids will love to join in with the ROARing.

It is part of the Premier's Reading Challenge Years 3-4 list, and is also the book chosen for this year's National Simultaneous Storytime.

Starting at 10:30am on Wednesday 23rd May 2012, National Simultaneous Storytime will be held at the following branches: Adamstown, Beresfield, City, Mayfield, New Lambton, and Wallsend. We had loads of fun last year with Feathers for Phoebe, so make sure you book in for this year!!

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

The Name of the Wind

noreply@blogger.com (Joanne) — Sat, 05 May 2012 00:56:00 +0000

Author: Patrick Rothfuss

Publication Date: Copyright 2007; Trade paperback published 2009

Category: Fantasy

Who'll want to read it? Beautifully written, this book will appeal to a wide audience of readers, even those who only like to read fantasy now and then.

Point of no return: The prologue, A Silence of Three Parts, in which silence is described as a hollow, echoing quiet; a small, sullen silence; and the greatest silence of all: "the patient, cut-flower sound of a man who is waiting to die."

What's it all about? Kote is an innkeeper in a small town in the middle of nowhere. Or rather, Newarre.Times are bad, roads are less travelled, business is slow. A travelling scribe happens upon the inn, or so it seems. He has actually been seeking it out, searching for the innkeeper. To be more precise, searching for Kvothe, a seemingly legendary arcanist and warrior, to write his story. The true story of Kvothe would be worth much, in reputation and in coin.

Kote, or Kvothe, as that is who he really is, decides to grant Chronicler's request (with some provisos), and begins the tale of his life. He says it will take three days. This book covers the tale he tells on the first day.

The usual tale of a hero made from humble beginnings is quite different in this book, as Kvothe is slightly mocking of his younger self, unabashedly describing his superior ability to learn, comprehend, and retain knowledge, of all sorts. He admits to padding his reputation, but sticks to facts in his tale, and is not afraid to admit his mistakes, or go into detail about them.

Publisher: Daw Books, Inc.

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Utopian Man

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha) — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:33:00 +0000

Author: Lisa Lang

Publication Date: 2010

Publisher: Allen and Unwin

Category: Fiction

Who'll want to read it?

Anyone who has ever dreamed up their own perfect bookstore using the wildest and most wonderful parts of their imagination. However, I think this book would also appeal to those interested in Australian history, eccentric victorian gentlemen, books about books and making their dreams come true!

What's it all about?

This is the life story of Edward William Cole, the creator of Melbourne's Coles Book Arcade, the man who trademarked the rainbow and advertised for a wife in the newspaper. He is also the creator of the Coles Funny Picture Books which some of you may have heard of or even read as children.

Edward builds his life and dreams, over and over again despite all the challenges that life gives him. He faces financial ruin, family tragedy and the usual lure of lust, money and power yet he always seems to come out on the otherside with a new idea, a fresh take and enduring hope.

I found this book inspired me to keep going, to keep dreaming, to create and share and love. It was so wonderful to discover a pocket of Australian history like this, the bravery of a man who took chances, who followed his heart and spoke his mind, who was never too old to have an imagination.

You can read more about the author's inspiration for the novel here in article on the Readings website

If you are interested in reading more about his life and the arcade you can read this by the same author:

Title: E.W. Cole Chasing the Rainbow
Author: Lisa Lang
Published: Arcade Publications
Publication Date: 2007

You can also have a look at Coles Funny Picture Book No.1 through the Gutenberg Project here

Hungry for Knowledge?

noreply@blogger.com (Joanne) — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:08:00 +0000

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

It's a Book!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:03:00 +0000

Author: Lane Smith

Publication Date: 2010

Who'll want to read it? Anyone who loves books and who needs a good laugh

Classic line: "CAN IT TEXT? BLOG? SCROLL? WI-FI? TWEET? No. . . It's a book" OR
"Are you going to give it back?........No, but i'll charge it up when I'm done"

What's it all about?
Monkey is trying to read his book but his friend is intrigued, what is a book? what can it do? does it need a password? This book is a delight for all ages, especially those who want a chuckle at those belonging to Gen Y and beyond who believe there is nothing holier than the latest tablet or phablet (that's right it's an actual term...)
Publisher: Walker Books Australia

Don't believe me? Why not check out the book trailer for yourself!

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Win a copy of 'Wattle Creek' by Fiona McCallum with gr!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Good Reading magazine have 20 copies of Fiona McCallum's new book, Wattle Creek, to giveaway, exclusive to libraries and their members.

To be in the draw to win a copy*, all you have to do is email your answer to the question below to:
bonnie@goodreadingmagazine.com.au

Question: What book is featured on page 14 of Good Reading magazine's April 2012 issue?

To find the answer, simply look in the online edition of gr through your library or ask your librarian
for help on how to access gr online today.

*Enter now! Entries close on 30th April 2012 and winners will be drawn on 1 May 2012.

To access gr online through Newcastle Region Library's website click here

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Doña Nicanora's Hat Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Joanne) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:15:00 +0000

Author: Kirstan Hawkins

Publication Date: 2010

Category: Fiction

Who'll want to read it? Fans of Alexander McCall Smith, but if you aren't, don't let that put you off. This book captures the same simplicity of spirit, almost to the point of naivety. Instead of being insipid, it questions modern society's accepted motives.

Point of no return: I am a sucker for W B Yeats, and this book has part of one of his poems as the epigraph (my new word for the day!):
I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

(From: Aedh wishes for the Cloths of Heaven)

Quite apart from that, however, the second sentence on the first page:
"Despite it's legendary beauty, the town is largely untroubled by visitors as the buses descending into the valley are in the habit of dropping off the road, making tourism a precarious business for the locals."
Picturing all those falling buses (and presumably other vehicles too) really tickled my fancy and piqued my interest.

Classic line: There are really too many classic lines to list here. Suffice it to say that Kirstan Hawkins writes beautifully, picturesquely, and (no doubt through her anthropology studies) manages to capture the complexity of human interactions simply, but emphatically. One of my favourite parts is this, on page 126:
" 'I want to sell hats,' she said. 'I want to sell grand elegant hats like the ladies in the city wear. I want to make the plaza a centre of beauty. I want people to flock here from all over the province to buy hats more beautiful than they ever imagined. You know they say there is a hat for every dream, Don Bosco. I want to fill our town with dreams.' "

What's it all about? Valle de la Virgen is a small town at the edge of a rather voracious swamp. It is home to a host of interesting characters, such as Doña Nicanora and her children, the barber Don Bosco, and more recently Dr Arturo Aguilar, a young doctor from the city, imported by the mayor in an effort to bring the town into the modern world. They have one 'tourist', who is only known as the Gringito (the little foreigner), and is understood only by Nicanora's youngest daughter.

Don Bosco is still in love with Doña Nicanora, who spurned him many years ago for someone younger and more exciting, and has regretted it ever since. Her dreams of owning a hat shop remain unfulfilled, but have been recently revived, with the proviso that she can get the perfect premises - Don Bosco's shop.

Arturo is not really sure that he wants to be a doctor, becoming one to avoid his father's wrath, and to obtain the admiration of a girl he grew up with, who has grown into an alluring and dangerous young lady. He finds himself largely redundant, as the people of Valle de la Virgen rely on home remedies and a local medicine man when they are ill.

I loved this book, mainly for the relationships and personal interactions depicted, but also for the simplicity of life that is threatened by the modern world. The depiction of tourists from other countries and what they really want (I think it was banana pancakes) made me laugh out loud, mainly because there is a large grain of truth in Kirstan Hawkins' observations.

Publisher: Hutchinson

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

The Lake of Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:05:00 +0000

Author:
Kim Edwards

Publication Date:
2011

Category:
Family Saga/ Mystery

Who'll want to read it?
Dreamers

Point of no return:
Well, it was more of a feeling. The brother's boat was called 'Fearful Symmetry', which up until now I had thought was a clever title thought up by another Author (my heart is beating) ... it is in fact a William Blake poem (also a name of a band, a Spiderman graphic novel and a X files episode)

Classic line:
(In regards to the Suffragette movement) The rights I took for granted seemed suddenly very new, measured against the centuries.

What's it all about?
Lucy's father died a decade ago and she goes back to her home town to care for her mother and uncovers a secret, hidden in the house's wall cavities.
There was a bit of romance and self-discovery, which was boring, there were 'things unspoken'- in relation to the fathers death, which was mildly intriguing, but the real story was about uncovering and researching the family's past and and learning of the existence of Rose, whose story is tragic and wonderful at the same time. It gave a fantastic insight to the Suffragette movement and it's effect on smaller communities, as well as some insight into women in the church/ religion in the same time period.
The Lake of Dreams was a quick read and kept my interest, I skimmed some of the relationship stuff to find the intriguing parts from about half-way- nowhere as good as 'The Memory Keeper's Daughter', her first novel publisher in 2005.

Publisher:
Penguin

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Kathy Lette live in Newcastle

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:34:00 +0000

Join Kathy Lette for a special evening as she presents her latest novel, The boy who fell to earth. With her own fabulous brand of brilliant candour, Kathy discusses her novel and the inspiration behind it.

Wednesday 16th May 7.00pm Newcastle City Hall

Cost: $12 or $8 concession

Click here to book with Ticketek or phone 4929 1977 or visit ticketek.com.au

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Delicacy

noreply@blogger.com (Kieran) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:52:00 +0000

Author: David Foenkinos, translated from the French by Bruce Benderson.

Publication Date: 2009 in France as "La Delicatesse", 2011 in English

Category: Adult fiction

Who'll want to read it? Anyone looking for an intelligent, funny and uplifting story about overcoming loss and finding love a second time.

Point of no return: I wanted to read this because I love this author's style.

Classic line: "For him, she represented a certain kind of inaccessible woman, doubled by the fantasy that some people develop toward all superiors, or anyone in a position to hold sway over them." pg 78

What's it all about? Natalie is beautiful, happily married and has a succesful career. She loses her husband Francoise in a tragic accident and is faced with rebuilding her life. Her journey is long, but suddenly her angst disappears and she impulsively kisses a colleague. Natalie's act in the middle of a daydream creates a moment that Markus describes as "the realest of my life." pg 95. The office politics that result are both damning and hilarious.

The novel is full of funny little observations, with more than one person lamenting the invention of wall-to-wall carpet in the office environment and it's dampening affect on sensuality - after all no-one can hear spike heels clicking on carpet. I also loved the situations people created, particularly co-incidences:

"Markus couldn't concentrate. He wanted his explanation. There was only one way to get it: create a fake coincidence. Keep going back and forth in front of Natalie's office - all day if he had to. There'd have to be a moment when she came out and ... bam ... he'd be there, by pure coincidence, walking in front of her office." pg 86.

"... as Natalie arrived at the office, she ran into Chloe. Let's admit it on the spot: the latter was also well versed in phony coincidences. Therefore, she just happened to be walking back and forth in the hallway when she encountered her superior.*"

Footnote: "* We may finally ask ourselves whether coincidence really does exist. Maybe everybody we run into is walking around near us with the underlying hope of meeting us? To think of it, it's a fact that they often seem out of breath." pg 141

Delicacy is an enjoyable book and more uplifting than the beginning makes it seem. Readers will enjoy seeing the "delicacy" in both Natalie and Markus and the unlikely relationship that evolves for them. I can't wait to see the film!

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Kieran) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:25:00 +0000

A 16-year-old from Wagga Wagga is among three Australian photographers honoured in the 2011 ‘Oscars’ of nature photography – the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, opening at Newcastle Region Library on 5 April 2012.

The exhibition features 108 of the best images from the 2011 competition, which attracted almost 41,000 entries from 95 countries. From playful polar bears to agile cheetah cubs and misty sunsets, the unique photographic collection celebrates the beauty and fragility of the world in which we live. First-time entrant Jack Salzke’s image of a tiny honeybee entering the great white cup of a magnolia flower took out the 15 to17-year-old category of the prestigious photographic competition. Mr Salzke says he was thrilled for his image to be chosen amongst the winners. “The photo was a result of me testing a new piece of equipment. If I hadn't received extension tubes for my birthday, I wouldn't have been out shooting, and wouldn't have taken this shot.” “I’m just grateful the bee landed in such a beautiful location for me to capture.” Other Australians acknowledged include Marc McCormack (QLD), who was commended for his spectacular images of Migaloo, the only known all-white humpback whale in the world. Kah Kit Yoong (VIC) was also commended for his stunning image of reef starfish glowing in the early morning sun. The exhibition will travel from Newcastle to the Auckland Museum, New Zealand, and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Tasmania, later in 2012. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is owned by the Natural History Museum, London and BBC Wildlife Magazine. The exhibition will be on display in the Library’s Lovett Gallery from 5 April to 2 June 2012.

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Birth of a Book

noreply@blogger.com (Joanne) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:09:00 +0000

I came across this video and thought you might like to know how books can be made.

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Pre Children's Book Week Event

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 03:31:00 +0000

Here's a chance to find out all about this year's short listed books!

Newcastle Region Library is delighted to offer you the opportunity

to attend a presentation by

NSW Children's Book Council judge

Jill B. Bruce

This presentation includes her insights into all the short listed titles and

some key notable titles.

All titles will be on display for viewing & discussions.

Teacher librarians, public librarians and interested adults are welcome to attend.

Date: Wednesday 9th May

Time: 4pm (refreshments & viewing) for 4.30pm presentation

Venue:Lovett Gallery, Newcastle City Library, Laman St

For bookings:

Newcastle Region Library on 4974 5300/4985 6692

email jswane@ncc.nsw.gov.au

$5 door charge

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

The Mayan Prophecy

noreply@blogger.com (Joanne) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:32:00 +0000

Author: Steve Alten

Publication Date: 2011 (apparently published as Domain in 2001)

Category: Conspiracy theory, Doomsday fiction

Who'll want to read it? People who like conspiracies, end-of-the-world fiction, and are willing to take their history with a grain of salt.

Point of no return: Dinosaurs and aliens! After a description of alien battle, on page 10:
"In deadly silence, the pack of Velociraptors closes around its prey, a 31-foot-long female Corythosaurus."

What's it all about? The Mayan calendar ends on 21 December 2012. Archaeologist Julius Gabriel works his entire life to ensure that this does not mean the end of the world, or the end of the human race. He dies, failed. His only hope is that his son can carry on his work, unravelling the mysteries of the tall, bearded Caucasian teachers in history, who were instrumental in the building of the pyramids of Egypt and Mexico, the Nazca desert drawings, even Stonehenge. But his son, Michael, is locked in an asylum. The fate of the world now rests in the hands of his new psychiatrist, Dominique Vazquez, who may be the only one who believes he wrongly incarcerated.

This is an action-packed, history-filled, flight of fancy, that stretches the imagination and takes you on a journey from deep outer space to deep underwater. It is well written, well researched, and well imagined!

Publisher: Quercus

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Free Internet Lessons at Newcastle Region Libraries

noreply@blogger.com (Kieran) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:32:00 +0000

Newcastle Region Library has launched a series of internet training workshops for children, students and adults. Bookings are essential for all sessions and can be made by ringing 4974 5340.

The full range of lessons can be accessed via our website.

Some of the highlights for March include:

What to Read Next?

Monday March 12th, 10.00am-11.00am, City Branch Library, Laman Street Newcastle.

Who writes like your favourite author? How can you find great books to read? Let library staff guide you through our easy to use databases.

Get Connected for Seniors

Tuesday March 13th, 9.30am-11.30am, City Branch Library, Laman Street Newcastle.

Join the students from Newcastle High as they assist in showing the best way to Communicate with family and friends. This session will include setting up and using an email address. The more advanced people will also cover attaching documents and photos, and having a look at Chat. After the break the students will help you explore the use of Skype and this can be used to stay in touch with your family and friends all over the world for free!

Discover Your E-Library

Monday March 19th, 10.00am-11.00am, City Branch Library, Laman Street Newcastle.
Tuesday March 20th, 2.00pm-3.00pm, Wallsend District Library, Bunn Street Wallsend.

Books, downloadable music and research material. Find out how to make the most of your library's electronic resources.

Social Media for Beginners

Monday March 19th, 2.00pm-3.30pm, City Branch Library, Laman Street Newcastle.

Learn the basics of setting up a Facebook or Twitter account. As a pre-requisite participants will need to have an existing email account.

HSC Blitz

Monday March 12th, 4.00pm-5.00pm, City Branch Library, Laman Street Newcastle.
Tuesday March 20th, 4.00pm-5.00pm, Wallsend District Library, Bunn Street Wallsend.

Looking to prevent an EPIC fail? Find answers that don't sound like "yahoo" with our HSC e-Resources.

Kids in the Library, for 6-9 year olds.

Tuesday March 13th, 4.00pm-5.00pm, City Branch Library, Laman Street Newcastle.

Discover the fun stuff on the library's website. Learn to use our catalogue, download free music from Freegal, find e-books and puzzles.

In addition to these sessions basic Internet Awareness sessions are held regularly at Beresfield Library, New Lambton Library, City Library and Wallsend District Library.

Bookings are essential. For more details phone 4974 5340.

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

WIN! with Good Reading magazine online!

noreply@blogger.com (Alyssa) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:30:00 +0000

Did you know that you can access the latest Good Reading magazine through Newcastle Region Library's website?

This month you could WIN $100 worth of books just by answering a simple question and submitting your details to the Information & Research Centre by 31st March 2012. This competition is open to members of Newcastle Region Library.

Click the promotion below to find out more!

Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral

noreply@blogger.com (Joanne) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 03:55:00 +0000

Author: Kris Radish

Publication Date: 2006

Category: Fiction

Who'll want to read it? Women. Possibly older women, who have teenage or older kids, but I think all women will get it.

Point of no return: The title. I saw it more than a year ago, but only just borrowed and read it. Now I want a travelling funeral!

Classic line: 'Laura: "Kind of psychic, Have this missing-daughter thing. Not happy in Chicago. Husband stuff okay."
Rebecca: "You know me, Marie. Stuck in reverse. Filled with loss. Tired of people dying. Feel as if the world has betrayed me. Have not been laid in way too long."
Jill: "You know me a little bit, too. A professor. Wallowing in self-pity. Closeted lesbian - My God, Marie. That's enough. I've never even said that out loud before."
Balinda: "Tired. Tired of sacrifice. Have also not been laid in a very long time. Desperately seeking my own life."
Katherine: "I'm going to laugh, Marie. Let's see ... Supporting the entire world has ruined my back. Missing my dead mother. Settling into life when nothing should be settled. There. That's enough. Are you happy now?"
...
Marie: "Obviously always very late. Can't let go. Too hard on myself. Need to take a course in spontaneity." '
pages 245-246

What's it all about? Annie Freeman dies, obviously. She doesn't want a traditional funeral, but instead plans a travelling extravaganza for five of her closest friends. Katherine, Jill, Rebecca, Marie and Laura only know each other through their connection to Annie. Some of them have not even met.

They are thrown together on this well-planned trip, spreading Annie's ashes in places that were special and important to her, usually turning points in her life. Along the way, they learn much about Annie, each other, and themselves.

This is a very American tale of sisterhood, but don't let that put you off. I picked it up because of the title, and was happy with my choice after reading the first couple of paragraphs, which describe the terrible tragedy of a dead bra. The rest of the first chapter, in which the owner of said bra mourns it with the UPS lady, just confirmed me in my choice. The rest of the book was likewise entertaining, heart-rending, insightful, and uplifting.

Publisher: Bantam Books

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

National Year of Reading Events

noreply@blogger.com (Darren) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:02:00 +0000

To celebrate the National Year of Reading, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie libraries are partnering to bring the region’s residents an exciting program of reading-related and story-telling events and activities.

Celebrations kicked off at a launch in Centre Court, Charlestown Square shopping centre on Friday 17th February with information stands, stories in the “Big Fish” story tent and historic photograph display. Of course, the area was festooned with National Year of Reading banners, posters, and handouts. The joint National year of Reading program of fun and educational activities aims to promote a culture of reading across the cities.

Staff from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie in front of the "Big Fish"

The program starts with a photographic exhibition - Our World Unseen and related workshops at Newcastle Library in Laman St. The Write Here! series of discussions with local published authors reveals the diverse stories behind their writing successes. Author of psychological thrillers, Jaye Ford is the first author to feature at Swansea Library on Monday 19th March.

Acclaimed surfing writer Tim Baker will give a new perspective on wave riding as a way of life at Newcastle Library on the 15th March, Michael Sala will talk about his novel The Last Thread at Charlestown Library on Monday 26th March and Wallsend Library will host a group poetry slam Tuesday 20th March.

Other highlights in the February to June program are a presentation by the host of SBS’s Letters and Numbers David Astle at Wallsend District Library on Monday morning and in the afternoon at Charlestown Library on Monday 2nd April. A dinner with best-selling author Peter Fitzsimons and a talk by the joint writer of the famous Underbelly series, Andrew Rule are other events to look forward to.
Events will continue until December with a second program to be released mid-year.

Contact Newcastle Region Library on 4974 5300 or Lake Macquarie City Library on 4921 0463.

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Who says crime doesn't play?

noreply@blogger.com (Joanne) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:44:00 +0000

Wallsend Distric Library's display

This is the catch phrase for the new Phryne Fisher television series, which could be on YOUR television at 8:30pm, Friday 24th February. Spend an evening with Miss Fisher, and you may find that one evening is not enough.

Played by Essie Davis, Miss Fisher is smart, sassy, and sexy. Supported by a whole host of interesting characters, her adventures are sure to be exciting, and a lot of fun.

Based on the novels by Kerry Greenwood, the television series has thirteen episodes of giltz, glamour, and guns (quite probably pearl handled).

To read a book review of the first Phryne Fisher novel by Kerry Greenwood, Cocaine Blues, click here.

Make a date with the Hon. Phyrne Fisher this Friday!

Library Lover's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Joanne) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:31:00 +0000

Wedding dress from 2004

What did you do to celebrate ~~Valentine's~~ Library Lover's Day?

Groom's suit from 2004

At Wallsend District Library, we put up a display, to celebrate that the library is the perfect marriage of books, learning and technology. We encouraged people to write and tell us what they love about the library, or their favourite book or author.

Wedding 'wand', book and ring boxes

Shoes, hair piece, garter, horse shoes

What do YOU love about YOUR library?

Hand made wedding bears and cushions

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.


Tie from 1973, and various wedding photos

Wedding dress from 1973

Our World Unseen - Exhibition & Workshops

noreply@blogger.com (Kieran) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:50:00 +0000

An inspiring new photographic exhibition providing a rare glimpse into some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised communities will be launched at Newcastle Region Library’s Lovett Gallery on Friday 17 February 2012.

Our World Unseen features more than 60 images captured by renowned local documentary photographer Conor Ashleigh.

The exhibition will take the viewer to communities and cultures they would probably never visit. The work focuses on under-reported social and environmental issues including stories of child labourers in Nepal, the last nomadic tribe in Borneo and life after the war in Gaza.

On Saturday 18 February, community members are invited to join Conor at the Lovett Gallery and hear him talk about the stories featured in the exhibition. Also on hand will be distinguished photographer Robert McFarlane to engage in a wider discussion about documentary photography.

In addition, Conor will be conducting student workshops from 20 February to 2 March 2012.

Conor believes in the power of images to tell stories and create change. His passion for social justice was awakened after volunteering in Cambodia at age 16. Then at the age of 18, Conor fell in love with photography as a way of telling stories.

Now at 24 years of age, Conor has worked throughout Asia and the Pacific, the Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Middle East covering a range of social, environmental and political issues. He has completed assignments for a range of international non-government organisations including AusAID, International Federation of Red Cross, Unicef, Greenpeace, Catholic Mission, The Asia Foundation, SOS Children's Village and Inspire Foundation.

Conor's work has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Newcastle Herald, The Big Issue, Grazia, Foto8 and ABC online among others.

Event details

What: Our World Unseen photographic exhibition launch
Where: Newcastle Region Library, Lovett Gallery, Laman Street
When: Friday 17 February 2012, 5.30pm

What: Floor talk with Conor Ashleigh and Robert McFarlane
Where: Newcastle Region Library, Lovett Gallery Laman Street
When: Saturday 18 February 2012, 10am

What: Our World Unseen student workshops
Where: Newcastle Region Library, Lovett Gallery Laman Street
When: 20 February to 2 March 2012

The exhibition will run from 17 February to 24 March 2012.

Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.