We are getting closer to our Tongala move

We have our fingers crossed that we will soon be in our new home at Tongala.  It has been quite a number of months now that we have been sharing the space with the Tongala Community Centre and Hall.  The building works are very close to completion and our 'new' library is looking very nice.  Some different colours, shelving, desk and kitchen will all contribute to a lovely environment for library users and library and customer service staff.   We will let you know as soon as we know the date that we will be open as part of the new Tongala Health Centre.  In the meantime it's business as usual.
 But before we go a huge congratulations to the Tongala Community Centre for their fabulous day last Tuesday for the `100th Anniversary of International Women's Day'  It was a pleasure to be involved and fantastic to see so many women from the district support the special event.  It sounds like it went really well and was enjoyed by all.  Well done!

Premiers' Reading Challenge 2011

Last week the Premier of Victoria officially launched the Premiers' Reading Challenge 2011.  He was supported in the launch by past Premiers of Victoria who continue to support the program.  More information about the challenge can be found at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/prc/

We have just received the revised reading list so our library team are busy making sure that we have them available for the young participants.  Please go to our online catalogue which is linked from our website to find out what titles are available. 

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/