The Summer Read

Today the temperature has been hovering in the low 40's so we are definitely in the midst of summer. Yesterday the State Library of Victoria officially launched The Summer Read which our library service is participating in.  So what is it all about?

Summer is the perfect time to pick up a book and read.  It doesn't matter if you're at home or on holidays, you can take a book anywhere and enjoy some quality storytelling.  After the often hectic pace of life throughout the year, The Summer Read encourages us to all relax and recharge - and the best way to do that is with a terrific book.
Choose from a list of ten great books, written by Victorian authors, or telling Victorian stories.  There's crime, popular and literacy fiction, autobiography, biography and memoir - something for everyone!
 For more details visit www.slv.vic.gov.au/summer-read
The Summer Read is presented by the State Library of Victoria and Victorian public libraries, from 18 December 2013 to 16 February 2014.
The ten titles selected for the Summer Read in 2014 are :

The battle for Lone Pine : four days of hell at the heart of Gallipolli by David W Cameron
A world of other people by Steven Carroll
Sisters of Spicefield by Fran Cusworth
Love with a chance of drowning:a memoir by Torre DeRoche
The memory trap by Andrea Goldsmith
Blood witness by Alex Hammond
Night games : sex, power and sport by Anna Krien
Is it just me? Confessions of an over-sharer by Chrissie Swan
Father Bob : larrakin priest by Sue Williams
The Swan Book by Alexis Wright

The 2014 program is again offering prizes for readers.  During the program, readers visiting participating libraries (or our web page) can enter into the draw to win a prize, simply by recommending another great book to read.

Winners will be chosen randomly to receive prizes :
1st prize : a pack of 50 great Victorian books
2nd prize : 30 books
3rd prize : 20 books
10 additional prizes packs of 10 books.

Entry forms are available at our all library branches, winners will be drawn on Wednesday March 12 2014

Summer Reading Club

The Campaspe Regional Library is pleased to be participating in the Summer Reading Club.  Coordinated by the State Library of Queensland it is a wonderful annual event that encourages children to continue reading over the Summer Holidays, as well as attending lots of fun events.  The program has been officially launched and children are encouraged to come into any one of the library branches and register in this free program.  When they come in they will pick up a Reading Log and Top Secret Activity Booklet that has information about what they need to do throughout the program.  Already we have had over 100 register in the first couple of weeks which is fantastic so we hope to see many more come along and take part.  The theme this year is Investigation and you can find out more about the theme, as well as heaps of other fun stuff at www.summerreadingclub.org.au
Lots of wonderful prizes proudly provided by the Echuca Friends of the Library.
A range of low cost or free events is also on the library website. Bookings are essential and some have special requirements.
Look forward to seeing you soon.
Next week we will have information about The Summer Read

Christmas Festivities

The big day is coming all too quickly so hope you are super organised and ready for the festive season.  Our library branches are all hosting Christmas Storytimes.  Tomorrow at 10.30am there will be a Christmas Storytime at Kyabram Branch, this Friday at Echuca, at Rochester on Tuesday 17th and Echuca two special Santa visit storytimes on Wednesday 18th at 6.30pm and Friday 20th at 10.30am.
Come along with all the family, bring the camera and enjoy listening to Christmas music and stories.
On Saturday 14th at the Echuca Branch Bella A'Cappella will be singing some Christmas music from 11.30am
It also also the Official Opening of the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre on Saturday at 11am with lots of activities throughout the day.  Our library service will be hosting a storytime session at 2.30 in the Wharf Area.
The Summer Reading Club for children has already been launched, details on our website or visit one of our branches and join the children up today.  The Summer Read, run from the State Library of Victoria, will be launched on Wednesday 18th December - some wonderful Victorian books to read again this year.
A reminder that our libraries will be closed from Christmas Eve at 3pm and re-open again on Thursday 2 January at normal opening hours.
Look forward to seeing you at one of our Christmas Events.

Special events this week

As the end of the year is getting that bit closer the library service is picking up speed with a range of wonderful events this week.
Tomorrow 23rd November at 11.30 at the Kyabram Branch Shannon Leahy will be talking about her book Your Turn, My Turn.  A book that was written by Shannon and was inspired by her three children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.
On Sunday 24th November Warren Joel, an entertaining and very knowledgeable antique valuer will at the Echuca Branch from 11-4.30 to value the precious, quirky and old antiques that you bring along.  As it is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Library each item will cost $5 or 3 for $10.  A maximum of 3 items per person.
On Wednesday 27th November the Kenneth Jack Art Exhibition will be officially opened.  All are welcome to attend the event, commencing at 7pm.  The exhibition will be at the Campaspe Regional Library, Echuca from Wednesday 27th November until Sunday 15th December.  It will coincide with the opening of the Discovery Centre at the Port of Echuca on Saturday 14th December at 11am.  All welcome to that event too.

Kenneth Jack Art Exhibition

The Campaspe Regional Library, in partnership with the Echuca Moama Arts Initiative are proud to present the Kenneth Jack Art Exhibition from Wednesday 27 November until Sunday December 15 2013.  The exhibition will be open during library business hours at the Campaspe Regional Library, Echuca Branch. An official opening will be on Wednesday evening 27 November at 7pm.
 Kenneth Jack was a highly regarded and well known artist, his works captured Australia in various mediums.  The exhibition which is being bought to Echuca by his family will highlight his many pieces about Echuca, Murray River and many of the paddlesteamers.  The exhibition will also coincide with the opening of the Port Interpretive Centre on Saturday 14 December.  Some of his smaller works and tools of the trade will also be on display at the new centre.
All pieces will be available for sale, some of the works have never been viewed by the public before.
This is an exciting venture for the library service and we look forward to seeing you.

eSmart libraries update

The Campaspe Regional Library are currently piloting the eSmart Libraries program for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation and Telstra Corporation who are implementing the program. This week our library service caught up with the students from Tongala Primary School who are very involved in the eSmart schools program.  The e5 group who are working with their teacher Peter Tinning are fantastic ambassadors for the program and have achieved some wonderful initiatives including a terrific collection of  artwork that depict crucial eSmart messages which will be on display until the end of the year at the Tongala Library.  Congratulations to the school for their great efforts in working through the eSmart framework and we look forward to seeing them achieve eSmart status in the coming months.  The Campaspe Regional Library's eSmart Libraries program is also going along really well with a very committed workgroup who are progressing through the framework and having some great discussions about cyber safety, technology and how to be eSmart.  Please look at the library website for some important links to eSmart resources that you will find useful;  you will find them in the Internet drop down box on the home page of our website www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/library
For more information about the eSmart programs go to www.esmart.org.au
Also head to www.amf.org.au to hear more about the latest addition to the eSmart package which is eSmart homes - launched just last weekend.
It's all about being Smart, Safe and Responsible

Toddler Rhymetimes, Storytimes, Baby Rhyme Times

A reminder that the library service provides weekly and/or monthly early literacy programs right throughout the year.  The full list of each program session is available from the library website www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/library The sessions are all based on the premise that reading is a wonderful past time and important for each child's development, as well as being a great thing for parent and child to do together.  Depending on the age group attending the sessions are a mixture of reading, songs, finger play activities and craft.  All sessions are free and no need to book, just come along and join the fun.  Great opportunity for parents to meet new people and socialise. During the summer holidays we will continue with storytimes, as well as great holiday activities.  Keep an eye on our website for more details.

Celebrating and Protecting the Environment

This coming week the Library Service is holding two special events which focus on the wonderful environment that we live in.
Next Friday morning, 25 October at 10am the Campaspe Regional Library Echuca is hosting the launch of WICKED (Waste in Campaspe - Know, Educate, Do)  The morning proceedings will commence with the program launch at 10.15am by Mayor Clr Ian Maddison, followed by an address by Deputy Mayor Clr Greg Toll.  The library team will then conduct a special storytime based on the Waste and Environment theme.  Sheri Streilein, Environmental Project Officer - Education, Shire of Campaspe will then deliver a presentation about the WICKED program.  Light morning tea will be provided.  Please come along and hear all about this wonderful initiative while the children hear some great stories and songs about the environment.
On Sunday 27 October at 2.30pm Leigh Wright will present a talk about his experiences in the Barmah Forest.  Leigh has produced a DVD presenting an historical collection of photographs of people and places in the beautiful Barmah Forest and has co-authored two books with Nerelie Teese entitled 'The Barmah Forest in Our Blood' and 'Timber Workers of the Barmah Forest'  Come and hear Leigh talk first hand about the memories, people and events that make Barmah so special.  Bookings required, please see library website for details.

Look forward to seeing you at either or both of these events.

Successful seniors week

Campaspe Regional Library recently celebrated Victorian Seniors Festival with a number of interesting sessions from 'Upcycled Books' and 'iPad tips and tricks'.  Thanks to everyone that came along, the feedback was terrific and we hope to offer more sessions about different uses of technology in the near future.

Authors galore

The Campaspe Regional Library are very fortunate to have three terrific authors visiting the main branch in Echuca over the next couple of weeks.
First of all, this coming Sunday 29th September at 2.30, come and hear Barry Heard talk about his experiences in Vietnam during the Vietnam War as a conscripted infantry-man and radio operator.  Barry will talk about his life back in Australia after the war and how he succumbed to a devastating breakdown due to post-traumatic stress disorder.  Barry has concentrated on his writing in recent years and has received several prizes, including the Sir Edmund Herring Memorial Award and the Sir Weary Dunlop Prize.  Barry's books include The View from Connor's Hill,  Well done those men and Tag.  Barry will be riveting, confronting and most of all very enlightening.  Barry will also share his exciting news that 'Well done those men' will be made into a movie.  Please join us for this wonderful free event; bookings are advised and can be made on the library website.

On Thursday 3rd October well known and much loved Rachael Treasure will be making a special visit to Echuca on her way through to the Deni Ute Muster.  Rachael will be here from 1pm for about an hour to talk about her latest books, meet and greet and sign books for you.  Collins Booksellers, Echuca will be selling Rachael's popular books including her latest one The Farmer's Wife and Fifty Bales of Hay. 

Dave Morgan will be visiting the Kyabram Branch on Saturday 12th October at 11.30am and Echuca Branch on Sunday 13th October at 2.30pm.  Dave is the author of the book "Ice Journey" and he will talk about his experiences with Post Traumatic Distress Disorder after his experiences in the Vietnam War.  Dave will also talk about his expeditions to Macquarie Island and Davis Station and his eventful expedition to Casey Station.  

So come along, bring a friend and meet people who create wonderful tales about life and who are also able to reflect on their life changing experiences.  All events are free, please book online from our library website.

Australian Poetry Slam

The Campaspe Regional Library is pleased to be hosting one of the Victorian Regional Heats.  It is on next Friday 13 September.  6pm for 6.30pm start.  Come along and take part or come along have may be chosen as one of the judges.  It should be a great night, more information about the rules and regulations can be found at http://australianpoetryslam.com/
Great prizes at the National level so you can start your journey here.  The winner and runner up of our regional heat will perform at the State Library of Victoria and the winner and runner up of that will then head to Sydney for the national final.

1. 

Children's Book Week and Campaspe Regional Library Echuca 1st Birthday

One year on since we opened on 24 August 2012 so it is time to celebrate.  We would love all of the community to come and celebrate with us tomorrow at Echuca from 10am - 1pm.  There will be plenty to entertain the children and adults.  We will also be celebrating The Reading Hour at 11am www.love2read.org and International Story Day from 10am http://internationalstoryday.com  Look forward to seeing you.
Also thanks to all the students and teachers that took part in our Children's Book Week activities at all of our branches during August, it has been great working with all the pre-schools and schools to acknowledge this special national literary event.

Time to celebrate a special milestone, a national event and an international event!

Can you believe it is 12 months since we opened the new Campaspe Regional Library in Echuca?  Next Saturday 24 August we would like to invite the community to come along and celebrate this special anniversary, as well as part as participating in The Reading Hour and International Story Day.
The Echuca branch will be hosting a range of displays and activities from 10am-1pm on the 24th including
The Reading Chair from 11am, special guests will be sharing their love of reading during this time and it will be our official Reading Hour event that is being celebrated across the country. www.love2read.org.au  There will also be a collection point for International Story day http://internationalstoryday.com/ , over 900 collection points across the world will be collecting stories written by anonymous participants. Have a look at the website for more information.  As well as these activities we will Words on Wheels Storytellers, Teddy Bears Picnic, Craft, Displays and Musical entertainment.   A special birthday cake after Teddy Bears Picnic Storytime at 12pm.  Another fun day, we have a lot to celebrate.   Thankyou to the hundreds of people that visited Dinosaurs Down Under last Saturday - it was just amazing!
We also have a special author talk on next Sunday afternoon 25 August at 2.30.  Shannon Leahy will be talking about her book which focusses on raising boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Please check our booking page for more information.

The Dinosaurs are coming......

Something very big is happening this Saturday 10th August from 10am - 2.30pm.  The library is thrilled to be hosting Dinosaurs Down Under who are coming to Echuca as part of a regional tour.  Come and see life like dinosaurs whcih roar and move.  We will have special guest speakers presenting talks at 11am and 1pm, no bookings - first in, best dressed.  The larger dinosaurs will take up residence on the front lawns of the library and there will be other displays of interest within the library all day.  So come along and be part of a very special free event.  It was so wonderful that the National Dinosaur Museum from Canberra is visiting Echuca, we are very fortunate to be part of the tour so please come along and see what it is all about.  For more information about the National Dinosaur Musuem go to http://www.nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au/

Winter Blues Festival

Hey, we are pretty excited to be involved in the 14th Winter Blues Festival that is happening in Echuca this weekend.  Come along and enjoy over 30 artists playing at a range of venues in within the Port precinct area.  We are very pleased to be hosting Phil Manning on Sunday afternoon from 2.30pm.  The weather on the day will decide if Phil is performing inside or outside the library.  So come along, bring your friends, have a look at our lovely library which is nearly one year old!  Lots of great things happening during August and September.  For more information about Phil go to www.philmanning.com.au  There are some wonderful artists appearing and other things to see like the Fifty Shades of Blue Art Exhibition which is on the way over to the library.  Look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Zinio Online Magazines

The library service has recently introduced another e-resource for all library members to access.  More information about the range of magazine titles that can be accessed is available on the library website.  A free Zinio app and library membership is all that you will need to download some fantastic titles onto your mobile device.  For more information about what Zinio is all about go to www.au.zinio.com

Zinio magazines are great to have your device when travelling, on holidays or just relaxing at home.  Our library service has chosen different titles to what you can borrow so we hope you enjoy a wider range to select from.  Please contact the library staff if you have any queries.

Escape from the cold during the holidays

Our library service is once again very happy to offer a wide range of fantastic activities to keep families entertained during the chilly days of the Winter holidays.  The library has introduced a terrific new online booking system which allows parents to check out what is on offer and book the children in to the session that appeals.  All the details about age appropriate activities, time, place etc is available on the booking system.  Am email will be sent to you to confirm that a booking has been made.  Parents can also book in person on via phone 1300 666 535.  All the activities are now posted on our library website.  There are some great things including footy days, crafts with Bunnings, Manga art, papercrafts, storytime cruise on the Pevensey, yoga, movie afternoon and book launches.  Most activities are free, however there is a small charge of $3 for the games and pizza night at Echuca Library on the 3rd July.   Look forward to seeing you during the holidays.  Also a reminder that we have Nerelie Teese presenting poetry at the Echuca Branch this Sunday at 2.30pm. 

Our library is on its way to becoming eSmart

We are delighted to announce that our library service has been selected to pilot the innovative new eSmart Libraries program, which has been designed to give the community a better understanding of the benefits and risks of using technology.  It is a joint initiative of Telstra and The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and it is designed to help librarires ensure technology access and use is safe, smart and responsible within the library environment.  Our staff have undergone training, with more to follow as we work through the process.  There are over 130 resources and tools to improve cybersafety which will allow the library service to identify any gaps in our current policies and procedures. 

At the moment the library staff are keen to hear your views about cybersafety and how you access technology.  There are surveys available at all five library branches and all suitable for all ages.  Please come in and fill out a survey today to enable us to gain the level of digital literacy within the community.  Surveys will be available for two more weeks. 

Free Comic Book Day

The Campaspe Regional Library are very pleased to be partnering with Kings Comics to provide you with another fantastic Free Comic Book Day on Saturday May 4.  All branches are participating, there will be heaps of activities and free comics on offer.  So come along to your closest branch and join in the fun.  There is a comic for everyone, including the FCBD special release of Superman.  This year we hope to provide comics for a younger age group.  Look forward to seeing you on Saturday May 4. 



Coming up this Sunday April 28 at 2.30pm we also have a special guest at the Echuca Branch.  Noelene Allen, author of Ellen : A Women of Spirit will be giving a free talk and insight about Ned Kelly's mother Ellen.  Please ring the library on 5482 1997 to make a booking.

Jazz in our library 'loungeroom'

Last Friday night the Campaspe Regional Library hosted its first music event in the new library in Echuca.  Jade Leonard www.jadeleonard.com provided a free 45 minute performance as part of her Jazz at your place regional tour www.facebook.com/JazzAtYourPlace   Jade entertained the crowd of nearly 80 people so beautifully.  Everyone really enjoyed it and it was a great opportunity to use the space in this way.  The library's next musical event will be at the Winter Blues Festival on Sunday 28 July www.winterblues.com.au The library's guest will be renowed musician Phil Manning. 

Mind mapping with Nerelie Teese

Hey, this is going to be super interesting.  Come along next Sunday to the Campaspe Regional Library, Echuca Branch to hear all about Mind Mapping with Nerelie Teese.  Doesn't everybody want to tap into the most powerful personal app - their brain!  Mind mapping is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unclock the potential of the brain.  It harnesses the full range of skills - word, image, number, logic, rhythm, colour and spatial awareness - in a single, uniquely powerful manner.  Mind Maps are the highest form of graphic organisers.  Mind maps enable you to; quickly recall and record known information/prior knowledge and quickly record new information in a logical and attractive way that supports retention.  The session kicks off at 2.30 on Sunday 7 April.  There is a small charge of $3 to cover maps and pens.  Bookings are appreciated.  We look forward to seeing you.  For more information please contact your nearest library branch. 

Easter time fun

Well as we head into the end of first school term there is plenty to keep the children amused over the coming holidays.  This Wednesday night 27 March we have a special Easter Storytime and Easter Hunt at the Echuca Branch at 6.30pm.  Stories, games and an Easter Egg hunt are all part of the fun.  Free family event and no bookings are required.
The library branches will be closed over the Easter break including Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  The libraries will re-open on the Tuesday at their usual opening hours. Library patrons are encouraged to come in next week to borrow additional items for their Easter reading. 
The school holidays are jammed packed with special activities, all the details are available from the library website.  Please note some conditions apply in terms of age limits and booking requirements.  Please contact your nearest library branch for more information. 
Happy Easter to all our valued library patrons and visitors.

Special events this week

The Campaspe Regional Library have two special events happening this week.  The first one is tomorrow at the Kyabram Branch at 10.30am.  Noeline Allen will be presenting information about her book about Ellen, the mother of Australia's most famous bushranger Ned Kelly.  More information about the author and book can be found at http://www.ncs.net.au/ellen/  For those who can't get to Kyabram tomorrow Noeline will be back later in the year at Echuca to share her story. 
This week also sees a first for the library service as it is hosting an Art Exhibition at the Echuca Branch from 20th - 27th March.  Local esteemed artist Jack Robbin's work will be on display.  Next Sunday 24th March at 2.30 people will also get the opportunity to hear Jack talk about his life as an artist and explain more about his work. 
Both events are free, please contact the library service for more information.

Scott Robin coming this Sunday

Our first author event for the year is on this Sunday 24th February at the Campaspe Regional Library - Echuca Branch at 2.30pm.  Scott Robin has recently written his memoir Lamb Wear Wolves Clothes, a gritty and hard-hitting story about Scott's battles and his triumphs.  This is a free event and will be the first of many throughout the year that are planned on the last Sunday of the month at Echuca.  There will be events at the other branches as well throughout the year.  Look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Library Lovers Day 2013

On February 14 it is traditional to celebrate Valentines Day, well we can also celebrate Library Lovers Day.  All library branches are running a competition to win a box of chocolates.  The competition runs right through February and a winner from each branch will be selected on the 28 February.  Just fill in an entry form next time you come to the libary, you can enter as many times as you like.  On Library Lovers Day our library branches will also be hearing about the launch of The Reading Hour which will occur on Saturday 24 August - watch this space for more information about that as the time for that comes closer.
All library branches also have a display of romantic titles to choose from. 

Holiday fun

There are heaps of great things happening in our library branches over the holidays.  We are currently partcipating in the Summer Reading Club which is coordinated by the State Library of Queensland.  It looks like about 400 children across the Shire of Campaspe have registered to take part which involves filling out a reading log with the aim of reading 10 books over the summer holidays.  There are some fantastic prizes on offer, as well as great rewards for completing a reading log such as tattoos, wrist bands and bookmarks.  There are a range of free or low cost activities each week and the programs are available at each library.  For some activities bookings are essential.  Last week the children made beautiful library bags and this week they are making Magic Spell jars.  There is also a Pizza and Games night at the Echuca branch on Wednesday night from 5.30pm.  There are also terrific online activities for the children to do at http://www.summerreadingclub.org.au/

Please pop into our branches for more information about the activities coming up over the next two weeks before school goes back again. 

Summer Reading

The Campaspe Regional Library would like to welcome everyone back to our busy branches.  There is alot happening once again over the summer holidays for young and old.  We have commenced the Summer Holiday Program for primary aged children and there are more details available from our website.  For the adult readers amongst us the State Library of Victoria is once again conducting The Summer Read.  Campaspe Regional Library is one of 26 libraries participating in this program, some wonderful books on the reading list and excellent prizes to be won.  All the details are available at http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/summer-read
All books are available from every branch, competition entries and information is also available.  Good Luck