Volunteers spreading the word

Last week two of our staff had the absolute pleasure in attending the launch of Words on Wheels at South Morang, Eltham and Rosanna.  Words on Wheels Storytelling was created by our library service a number of years ago and has now been embraced by the Yarra Plenty Library Corporation (largest in the state).  Words on Wheels provides storytelling sessions for older adults in all aged care facilities in our Shire.  Yarra Plenty will also be offering the program throughout their various Shires that make up the corporation.  It was wonderful to meet the volunteers that will be creating and delivering this program, they are so enthusiastic and happy to be doing something that will benefit so many others, as well as themselves.
Below is an image of Valerie Hansen, our Volunteer Coordinator with the staff and volunteers from Yarra Plenty Library at the launch in Rosanna

As we celebrate National Volunteers Week this week we would like to thank all our wonderful volunteers that support us through Books On Wheels, Words on Wheels, Friends of the Library, Adult Literacy, Broadband for Seniors, and general library tasks.  We could not be the library service we are without you, so thanks to everyone who donate their time and energy to us. 

Feathers for Phoebe

May is just about upon us and this is when libraries across Australia celebrate National Library and Information Services Week.  As part of the celebrations the National Simultaneous Storytime is a very special highlight of the week, so much that we present this storytime right throughout the month.  Children will be treated to listening to Feather's for Phoebe by Rod Clement as well as some fun activities associated with the book.  For more details of session times please keep a close eye on our library website.   More information about LISW will follow.

Tongala Library is back home again

We are very pleased to inform you that the Tongala Library has been relocated into the Tongala Library and Community Hub.  The library is now situated at the western end of the building.  It is open during business hours each day and Saturdays from 10am -12pm.  95% of the shelving is brand new and we also have some nice new furniture for reading and new computer desks and chairs. 
The official opening is on Thursday 21st at 10am, followed by a holiday activity for the children.  Please come along and check out the 'new' library.  And also thank you for your patience during our relocation and setting up period. 
For more information about the Tongala Library please see our main website.

It's great to have Friends

We are very blessed at Campaspe that we have two Friends of the Library Groups that support our branches at Echuca and Kyabram.  These two groups have been fabulous over the years raising additional funds for our library programs, lobbying and advocating for library services and of course being wonderful friends to the library staff in the true sense of the word.  This week our Echuca Friends are once again holding their famous Homemade Jam and Book Sale.   It will be at the Echuca Library on Friday 25th March from 9.30am - 1pm.  The Friends will follow the sale with their regular monthly meeting which is usually held at 10.15am on the last Friday of the month.   There is also a special raffle for a handmade Porcelain Baby Doll.   Please come along and support the Friends in their endeavours, they have worked particularly hard to raise money for the new Echuca library, as well as provide valuable input into the planning process.  For more information about Friends of the Library Australia please go to http://www.fola.org.au/

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/