Goodbye from our Blog

As technology changes and the ways we communicate also do we have decided to discontinue our Library Blog.  Originally it was created to bring you up to date with the library redevelopment in Echuca and then it became an important tool to highlight other events that were happening.  As we now have a Twitter and Facebook page we feel that these are more appropriate and that these can bring you instant posts about what is happening.  Thanks for reading our blog over the years, we will still continue to host the Genealogy one which is extremely popular and highly regarded. 
All the best from your library team.

Getting closer to becoming eSmart

The Campaspe Regional Library is thrilled that is getting closer to completing the implementation phase of eSmart Libraries www.esmartlibraries.org.au
As one of the first pilot libraries to work through the framework it is very pleasing that after about 18 months work this milestone is not far away, we have recently completed the planning phase. 
The library staff are currently undergoing a training plan to assist them to become more confident about online safety and the resources that are available to support the community. 
We are also asking our library users to complete a follow up survey to assist us to plan further training and information and how best to support our communities. 
We thank the many people who have already completed the survey, if you haven't please head to our library website www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/library for the link.  We really do appreciate your feedback. 
We will be reporting back to the community about the results of the survey, also keep an eye out on our website for information about training opportunities in the future. 

Being Connected - Libraries and Autism

It is very exciting to see the first key component of the Being Connected - Libraries and Autism project commence this coming week.  This innovative project has been funded through the Pierre Gorman Award, State Library of Victoria   Con Livanos from Think Access will be coming up this Wednesday to meet with parents, children and older adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.  After this Con will undertake a sensory audit of all of our library branches across the Shire to help us to prepare a plan to improve our buildings for people with ASD.  Con has undertaken a great deal of research in preparation of the audit and we are still keen to hear from people who would like to let us know what sensory issues they encounter within our libraries. 
A report will be completed after the audit which will direct further planning and improvements for an enhanced user experience.
Other components of the project will include staff training, programming, assistive technology and working towards the communication access symbol.

Children's Book Week and Community Reading Days to celebrate the National Reading Hour

It has been a fantastic week full of lots of wonderful reading activities.  Together in partnership with Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning Education Network, Community Reading Days have been held in Cohuna (Gannawarra Shire), Echuca, Kyabram, Rushworth, Rochester and Tongala.  Over 300 students from local schools have visited a range of School Friendly Businesses who have read a selection of Children's Book Week shortlisted titles.  Thanks to all the schools and businesses that have supported this great community event and for sharing your love of reading with the children.

5000 poppies project

Our library service is an official collection point for the 5000 poppies project.  It is actually lovely to say that the target of 5000 has easily been surpassed already and it is likely the end result will be close to 100,000.  We recently held a poppy making afternoon and it was just lovely at our Echuca Branch.  We will certainly run some more over the next few months, as well as include them in the school holiday activities. 
People are encouraged to make poppies from the patterns provided which we have available at the library branches.  They can also be downloaded from http://5000poppies.wordpress.com
There is also a very active 5000 poppies Facebook group with nearly 1000 members. 
We encourage you to take part in this amazing community tribute of respect and remembrance.  It is a Victorian Government endorsed commemoration project which will culminate in a stunning display at Federation Square on Anzac Day 2015. 
So get knitting, crochet, felting or lace-making and participate in this wonderful project.

Winter Blues Magic

Please join us for two special events during the Winter Blues Festival from the 25-27 July.  We are very proud to be hosting two fantastic artists at our Echuca Branch over this amazing weekend.
Ali Penney will be performing Saturday morning from 11am and Phil Manning will be back for a second year performing on the Sunday afternoon from 2.30pm. 
We are an official supporter of the festival, it looks like a wonderful line-up again with heaps of artists performing at a variety of venues.  For more information about the festival please head to
http://winterblues.com.au/

It's school holiday time again!

Out libraries are jammed packed with activities to keep your children occupied during the July School Holidays.  Might be cold outside but there are lots of creative sessions over the next two weeks and hopefully something for everyone.  Please check our website for all the details.  The emphasis is definitely on learning something new.  There is opportunity to contribute to a national project through the Neural Knitworks, making music using the Sound Fusion website and helping to illustrate a book by local author Kaye Baillie.  Wool crafts, movie afternoons, pizza and games nights and special storytimes are in there too. 
Thanks to parents for their support, we hope it helps you out too by providing free and low cost activities.
See you soon, please contact our branches for more information 1300 666 535