Launch of The Wheat Seed Story

This week our Kyabram Branch hosted the launch of the Wheat Seed Story, self published by Carol S Ferrier and Margaret Gillie.  The official launch was conducted by Clr Carol Howell, Shire of Campaspe Councillor.  A number of children and adults listened to Carol Ferrier read the story and talk about how it came to be written.  The children then enjoyed illustrating their own wheat story.  The library is always keen to recognise local people ' having a go' at creating stories for others to enjoy.  Another successful National Year of Reading Event!

Now and Then ABC Open Project

The Campaspe Regional Library recently took part in a fantastic workshop facilitated by Benj Binks, local ABC Open Producer.  It was a wonderful day to reflect on what the library building has meant to staff, ex staff and library users over the last fifty plus years.  The Echuca Branch has been at the 524-528 High Street address since 1954 and will soon be moving to its new location in Hare Street.  The day was full of memories, photos and learning new skills to take now and then shots.  Some terrific stories were told on the day which were captured in print, audio and video.  For now the photos can be viewed at http://open.abc.net.au/projects/now-and-then-series-2-44un7gn/contributions/contributors/echuca+library+-+now+and+then+project+2012

This photo is a great example of a now and then shot, the 1906 flood is the centre photo with the current day all around it. We hope that more photos will be added to this collection, if you would like to participate please contact us on 5482 1997.

Free Comic Book Day

On Saturday May 5th the Campaspe Regional Library are very proud to be of a special international event which is Free Comic Book Day.  Originally organised by Northern American retailers to encourage people to come into their comic book stores the Free Comic Book Day is now into its 13th year.  Our library service introduced comics into the collection a couple of years ago and they have been very popular.  Our comic book supplier Kings Comics invited us to take part in giving away free comics and host some other great activities on May 5.   Please look at our website with specific details of the activities at each branch. 
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, all ages welcome and we have a great range of comics to give away.  Thanks to Kings Comics http://www.kingscomics.com/  Hugh Jackman is the patron of FCBD, here is what has to say.  More information is also available at http://www.freecomicbookday.com/

National Youth Week 2012

The Campaspe Regional Library service are very pleased to be involved in National Youth Week 2012.  We are very fortunate to be hosting author and blogger Susan Day who will be conducting writing workshops with students across the region on Thursday and Friday of this week.  Susan is also running a workshop for the public on Wednesday evening from 6.30pm at the Echuca Branch.  Susan is mad keen on animals and has self published a book about Astro's adventures in which her passionate love and caring for animals is evident.  We welcome Susan to the district and hope she enjoys working with local students to create stories about the funny, odd and distinctive things that their pets get up to.  For more information about the Wednesday night session please contact Karen on 03 5482 1997.  Look forward to seeing you.  The Echuca Branch is also hosting some of the participants from the Campapse Cohuna Youth Connection on Thursday to have a chat over lunch about the new teens area in the new library and we certainly welcome their input. 

Happy Easter

Our libraries have been very busy places in the school holidays with children enjoying Easter stories and activities.  We still have more to come this week at Kyabram, Tongala and Rushworth branches - all the details are on our website.  We hope that all our library members have a safe and happy Easter break. 

A reminder that our libraries are closed over this holiday period and reopen on Tuesday 10th at their normal opening hours.  Enjoy the sunshine and of course the chocolate that goes with this festive time.  There are also lots of things happening in our local district and we welcome all the holiday makers to our area.

Regional Library Progress

Things are moving along very well with the new regional library in Echuca.  The latest project bulletin (No 3)outlines what has been achieved over the last couple of months.  The building is really starting to take shape and is still on schedule and on budget.  The bulletin can be downloaded from the Shire of Campaspe website http://www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/

The focus is also on the landscaping and erection of the walkway canopies.  The concrete paths have just about been completed and the driveways for the library truck and disabled parking are looking good. 
The library website records the development of the project and will be uploading some more photos soon as well.

Lions Club generous donation

The Shire of Campaspe is very pleased to receive a very generous $20,000 donation from Lions Echuca and Lions Australia to purchase equipment and resources for the new regional library in Echuca.  The funding will enable the library service to purchase new large print and audio books to add to the collection, as well as provided much needed assistive technology for people with sight impairment.   It is planned that a dedicated area within the new library will house some large screen computers, keyboards and a range of video and hand held magnifiers will be available for library users to utilise during their library visit.  These resources will compliment the services the library already provides to people who have difficulties with their vision.  The cheque was presented to the Library Services Manager when she spoke to the Lions Club at their March meeting, then was formally handed over to the Mayor the following day by President Glenn Brotchie, Treasure John Meincke and Secretary Ron Johnson.  This is a wonderful partnership and the Lions Club are to be congratulated on the assistance they provide to so many in the local community and beyond.