Writes of Spring Competition Winner

Congratulations to Lyn Cosham of Tongala for being one of 35 selected entries to be published in the Writes of Spring.  A beautiful book compiled by the State Library of Victoria after its successful postcard writing competition that was held this year.  
More information about the beautiful book and all the winning entries are available at  http://www.flickr.com/photos/59280632@N07/sets/72157632238178947/

A special afternoon tea was held at the Tongala Branch Library yesterday.  Councillor Neil Pankhurst presented Lyn with her own copy of the book and a $50 gift voucher from Readings. 

Thank you so much to all library volunteers

This afternoon at the Campaspe Regional Library we celebrated the end of the another year that was jammed pack full of wonderful volunteerism.  We thank so many who give their time in volunteering to support the many library programs including Books on Wheels, Words on Wheels, Adult Literacy, Library Depots, Broadband for Seniors and Friends of the Library.  So many give so much.  The library staff really appreciate your contribution, as do the many people who receive books and stories or help with the internet and literacy.  To all our library volunteers we wish you the very best for the festive season and look forward to having you back with us in 2013.

Joy Dettman visits Echuca

We really look forward to our last 'National Year of Reading' official event which will feature renowned and much loved author Joy Dettman.  Joy will be appearing at the Campaspe Regional Library, Echuca on Sunday 18 November at 2.30pm.  It is free to come along but be early to ensure a seat!  Collins Booksellers will be selling Joy's books so a great opportunity to grab some terrific Christmas presents.  The library has all of Joy's books available to borrow including the very popular Woody Creek Series.  We are thrilled that Joy can come and talk about her wonderful novels, the writing process and her many experiences. 

New audio downloadables for children and teens

In partnership with Wavesound and OneClickDigital the library website now provides access to a wide range of childrens and teens audio downloadable books.  We can now offer 63 childrens titles and 44 teen titles and each month we will add to the collections.  Just head to our library website www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/library  or if you have already downloaded the apps for OneClickDigital they are available from today onwards. 

Reading the Weather

Thanks to everyone for their terrific feedback regarding our recent guest speaker Jane Bunn, Weather Presenter for WIN TV.  Jane provided the audience with a range of information about local weather and our crazy weather patterns we have been experiencing.  Jane is a popular face on our local television screens and was a charming, interesting and engaging speaker.  The meeting room at the new Campaspe Regional Library was packed which is fantastic. 

We also look forward to our last National Year of Reading event on Sunday November 18th at the Campaspe Regional Library, Echuca Branch.  Joy Dettman, highly acclaimed and very popular Australian author will be here on the day from 2.30pm to talk about her writing.  Joy will be another popular guest so please come early to this free event.

'Reading the Weather'

Next Sunday 21st October at 2.30pm the Campaspe Regional Library (Echuca Branch) is proud to present Jane Bunn, WIN TV Weather Presenter and Meteorologist.  Jane will talk about her role as a weather presenter, as well as the crazy weather patterns and events that we are experiencing.  For more information about Jane go to www.janesweather.com We certainly look forward to meeting this popular presenter, it is a free event and no bookings required.  We suggest that you come along early as a big crowd is expected.

The Library is also hosting the Council Meeting this Tuesday night at 7pm.  All people are welcome to attend.

Our first month at the new Campaspe Regional Library

Wow, we have certainly had our skates on since we officially opened our new facility in Echuca on August 24.  The Campaspe Regional Library has been extremely busy with so many people visiting and enjoying the new space.  Thank you to the community for your most favourable feedback.  The school holidays are upon us and we look forward to being the place of destination for families enjoying the break.  We have a jam packed holiday program, details are all on our website.  There are plenty of places to enjoy the view, access the free wi-fi, and sit and read.  Come along and check out our new collections and the latest titles.  We also have beautiful amenities and meeting rooms. 

We are also happy to announce that the Rochester Library and Community Hub was officially 're'-opened last Friday.  The new municipal precinct will provide a new home for the Rochester Community House, Opperman Musuem as well as being the base for the Customer Service Centre, Library and the beautifully refurbished Shire Hall.  This is a marvellous and positive outcome. 

New library opens on the 24th August

Very exciting times, the staff are thrilled to let you know that the new library in Echuca will be open for business from 12pm on Friday 24th August.  It will be officially opened at 10am on that day (invitation only event).  The community are invited to a Community Celebration Day on Saturday from 10am - 2pm.  We can't wait to see everyone enjoying this new facility.  Lots of space, beautiful views, extra resources, free internet and places to meet, study and have fun. 

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.

Great fun at the Rochester Show

Thanks to all the families that visited the library stand at the Rochester Show over the weekend.  Lots of balloon people were made, showbags given and information about The Library Initiative was provided.  It certainly was a hot couple of days and glad we could be outside to catch the breeze.  We hope everyone enjoyed the show. 
Our next special event is an author visit on Wednesday March 14th, 7.30pm at the Kyabram Library.  Keri Arthur will be talking about writing in her particular genre which has been extremely popular with teens and adults.  There is more information on our library website www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/library
Free event, no bookings required

National Year of Reading Launch

For most people February 14th means Valentine's Day, but it is also Library Lover's Day and this year it is the official launch date of The National Year of Reading. We have been talking about it for a while now but it is finally here and is very exciting. For more information about what is happening across Australia go to www.love2read.org.au
Our library service has heaps planned to celebrate the year with lots of author and literary events to look forward to. The library has a beautiful mural to travel to all libraries and special events this year. The library service is proud to contribute to the myregion website to showcase the mural and talk about why it sees the National Year of Reading to be such an important year. www.myregion.gov.au
Please keep an eye on the library website for all the latest events and storytimes. During February the library is running a competition at each branch, all you have to do is write a short entry about why you love the library. There is a prize of a box of chocolates at each library to win.
Look forward to seeing you soon!

Echuca Regional Library Project Update

It is a hive of activity down at the building site which is very exciting to see.  The steel structure is complete and brickwork has commenced.  The concrete paths will commence next week.  If you are in Echuca please come along and have a look.  The library team continue to take photos nearly every day and these are available as a slideshow on our library website.  The project is tracking very well, not even a bit of rain held up the progress.  If you would like more detailed information about the project there are regular project bulletins available from the Shire of Campaspe website or the library website.  Keep an eye on the Shire of Campaspe Facebook site as well.  http://www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/

Welcoome back Rochester

We are very pleased to let all our patrons know that the library in Rochester has now been re-established in its previous location and full library services are available.  The library is now open all week plus Saturday mornings from 9.30am-11.30am and a 6pm closing on Wednesday nights.  Wireless internet access and public internet access is once again available.  Please pop in and make yourself re-aquainted with the new look library.  The library will be staying in this location for a number of months while works are undertaken to create the new municipal precinct that will also inlcude Rochester Community House and the Opperman Musuem.  These will be a fabulous addition to the Customer Service Team and the Library so watch this space!  In the meantime we welcome back all Rochester library patrons and we thank you for your patience and understanding during the last year.

Good Reads Reading Challenge 2012

Welcome to the National Year of Reading 2012.  Heaps of awesome activities, author visits, special events and lots and lots of reading await us.  We would like to promote a great website called GoodReads which is a fantastic social networking reading website.  GoodReads is encouraging everyone as part of the National Year of Reading to make a pledge of how many books they will read over the year.  Some of our library staff have already registered.  It is free to join and by joining in you become part of an international group of people all aiming towards a collective goal of reading millions of books.  It will be a great place to see what other people are enjoying to read, you might find a new author or genre that you haven't read before.  The link to the site is http://www.goodreads.com/challenges/207-2012-reading-challenge

For other information about the National Year of Reading head to http://www.love2read.org.au/

Happy New 'National Year of Reading"

Welcome to 2012, a year full of wonderful new books and heaps of fatastic events across the nation to celebrate the National Year of Reading.  All of our library branches re-opened today with many people visiting early to beat the heatwave. 

This week we have a few things happening.  On Thursday we have Amazing Pets holiday activity at our Rushworth branch, starting at 10.30am. The same session is running at Echuca on Friday morning from 10.30am.  This activity is free.

Already we have seen many children bringing in their Amazing Read reading logs to collect their reading rewards along the way.  It is free to join and each child receives a pool pass courtesy of the Echuca Pool which is fabulous.   We have a great range of free or low cost holiday activities so please look on our website or pick up a schedule from one of our library branches today.  Next week the Scientwists will be appearing at the Kyabram Branch on Tuesday morning (10th) at 10.30am.   Other activities include Amazing Pets and Magnets.

This coming Thursday we have our second Library Bytes Radio program at 10am on EMFM Community Radio.  We will be talking about a range of things including Our Story, audio books and the Summer holiday activities.

A reminder that voting for our story concludes on January 6th, information for this is available at http://www.abc.net.au/arts/yearofreading/