Congratulations to Shaun Tan

We would like to congratulate Australian author Shaun Tan for his well deserved Academy Award for Best Short Animation  for 'The Lost Thing'  Please pop into one of our libraries to have a look at the book that inspired this little Oscar win.   If you would like to find out more about the actual animation the best place to go is http://www.thelostthing.com/ 

National Year of Reading (NYOR) 2012

This week has been quite exciting due to the start of the official leadup to The National Year of Reading 2012 and the announcement that William McInnes, renowned actor/author will be the patron for this special year.  Our library service has all of William's books; A man's got to have a Hobby, Cricket Kings and That'd be right.  Many of our borrowers have thoroughly enjoyed them and have recommended them to others.  William is a warm, genuine and enthusiastic person who is very keen to support and promote the NYOR 2012.  For more information about NYOR please go to http://www.love2read.org.au/ From this website you can subscribe to an e-newsletter that will update you on all the activities and events that will be happening in the leadup and during 2012.  Spread the word that NYOR is on its way!

State Librarian Anne-Marie Schwirtlich, we wish you all the best

Today is the Chief Executive Officer and State Librarian Anne-Marie Schwirtlich's last official day at the State Library of Victoria.  After eight years Anne-Marie has decided to move to other challenges.  On behalf of the Campaspe Regional Library we would like to thank Anne-Marie for her wonderful leadership at the State Library.  During her time, incredible changes have taken place at the State Library, both physical and virtual.  Their new website is wonderful, with a magnificent range of features for all Victorians to use  http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/   The State Library is a wonderful community place that attracts hundreds of people each day to study, research and connect.  Amazing collections, exhibitions and programs are there for all people to enjoy for free.  

 Anne-Marie has been a truly fantastic support to the Public Library network, many of the initiatives and programs that we have been able to provide have had Anne-Marie's endorsement and encouragement.   She has also played key roles in national initiatives with other State Librarys and the National Library in Canberra.

Thank you Anne-Marie, we will miss your warmth, enthusiasm and friendship.  Congratulations on what you achieved at the State Library of Victoria.

February is Library Lovers Month

During February the Campaspe Regional Library is participating in the nationwide promotional campaign which is conducted by the Australian Information and Library Association.  It is a time to celebrate why people love libraries and to recognise that people come into our branches for many different reasons. 
Our library service would love to hear why you love your local library so we are running a very short 'Library Lovers' competition.  All you have to do is pick up an entry form and complete the following sentence; I love the library because..........
There will be a lovely box of chocolates to be won for the winning entry.
The competition will run until the end of the month.
For more information about the Library Lovers campaign please go to www.librarylovers.org.au

We look forward to receiving your entry.

The impact of flood at Rochester

Well, it certainly has not been one of the better weeks for our library service.  We have seen the impact of flood first hand at our branch in Rochester.  We are very fortunate in that we have not lost the collection, any furniture or computers.  But the water did come through the building, therefore requiring us to close the building for a number of weeks to bring it back to what it was.   We have packed up all our library items and they are being stored off site until we are ready to bring them back.

For our Rochester patrons who do have books at home that may be damaged, all we ask is that in the next little while when you have a moment please give us a call on 1300 666 535 and we will organise what to do over the phone.  All Rochester items have been renewed for another month to give you some breathing space and we will be working out a collection point and a temporary style of library service over the next few weeks while we work on the building.   Any items on hold will be based at Echuca Library and we will notify you when they are here. 
The Library staff have all the people in the Shire (and beyond) who have been impacted by this flood disaster in their thoughts. 
We will keep you updated on what is happening at Rochester via the Council website http://www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/

Turn off the TV and pick up a book!

The Campaspe Regional Library is proud to be one of the many Victorian library services that is participating in The Summer Read 2011 www.slv.vic.gov.au/event/summer-read-2011  In all of our branches we have the Summer Read books available for loan.  All of the novels are either written by Victorian authors or set in Victoria.  The Summer Read website has some great information about each title if you would like to find out more about them go to www.slv.vic.gov.au/node/3241  There is a great competition running in conjunction with the promotion and we thank the fabulous sponsors that have got behind the campaign.  Entry forms can be downloaded from the links included in this post, or come into the branch and pick one up.  Entries close by March 4th 2011 so there is still plenty of time to get reading and enter the draw.  Some of the library staff are busily reading the listed books as well.  The author of this post is enjoying Flying with Paper Wings by Sandy Juffs, a credit to the author who has shared her story of mental illness is such a frank way.   One of the titles that may be of interest to many is Animal Kingdom which has been made into a highly credited and award winning movie, including Jackie Weaver's recent Golden Globe nomination.  The book and movie is not for the faint hearted but very gripping all the same.   So come in and see what other titles might interest you.

Happy New Year

All the staff at the Campaspe Regional Library would like to wish library members and visitors a very Happy New Year.  We look forward to seeing you again in our branches from Tuesday 4th January.  A reminder that we have a full program of great activities for the children and we are also participating in The Summer Read.  http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/event/summer-read-2011
For all of our holiday makers in the area we extend a warm welcome to you and your family.  We have free internet access at all of our branches and free wifi hotspots at Echuca, Kyabram and Rochester.   
Even if you are not a member and need a good holiday read we have a selection of paperbacks and 'book crossing' books that you can take home without having to join the library.
See you soon
Your library team