eSmart libraries update

The Campaspe Regional Library are currently piloting the eSmart Libraries program for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation and Telstra Corporation who are implementing the program. This week our library service caught up with the students from Tongala Primary School who are very involved in the eSmart schools program.  The e5 group who are working with their teacher Peter Tinning are fantastic ambassadors for the program and have achieved some wonderful initiatives including a terrific collection of  artwork that depict crucial eSmart messages which will be on display until the end of the year at the Tongala Library.  Congratulations to the school for their great efforts in working through the eSmart framework and we look forward to seeing them achieve eSmart status in the coming months.  The Campaspe Regional Library's eSmart Libraries program is also going along really well with a very committed workgroup who are progressing through the framework and having some great discussions about cyber safety, technology and how to be eSmart.  Please look at the library website for some important links to eSmart resources that you will find useful;  you will find them in the Internet drop down box on the home page of our website www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/library
For more information about the eSmart programs go to www.esmart.org.au
Also head to www.amf.org.au to hear more about the latest addition to the eSmart package which is eSmart homes - launched just last weekend.
It's all about being Smart, Safe and Responsible

Toddler Rhymetimes, Storytimes, Baby Rhyme Times

A reminder that the library service provides weekly and/or monthly early literacy programs right throughout the year.  The full list of each program session is available from the library website www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/library The sessions are all based on the premise that reading is a wonderful past time and important for each child's development, as well as being a great thing for parent and child to do together.  Depending on the age group attending the sessions are a mixture of reading, songs, finger play activities and craft.  All sessions are free and no need to book, just come along and join the fun.  Great opportunity for parents to meet new people and socialise. During the summer holidays we will continue with storytimes, as well as great holiday activities.  Keep an eye on our website for more details.

Celebrating and Protecting the Environment

This coming week the Library Service is holding two special events which focus on the wonderful environment that we live in.
Next Friday morning, 25 October at 10am the Campaspe Regional Library Echuca is hosting the launch of WICKED (Waste in Campaspe - Know, Educate, Do)  The morning proceedings will commence with the program launch at 10.15am by Mayor Clr Ian Maddison, followed by an address by Deputy Mayor Clr Greg Toll.  The library team will then conduct a special storytime based on the Waste and Environment theme.  Sheri Streilein, Environmental Project Officer - Education, Shire of Campaspe will then deliver a presentation about the WICKED program.  Light morning tea will be provided.  Please come along and hear all about this wonderful initiative while the children hear some great stories and songs about the environment.
On Sunday 27 October at 2.30pm Leigh Wright will present a talk about his experiences in the Barmah Forest.  Leigh has produced a DVD presenting an historical collection of photographs of people and places in the beautiful Barmah Forest and has co-authored two books with Nerelie Teese entitled 'The Barmah Forest in Our Blood' and 'Timber Workers of the Barmah Forest'  Come and hear Leigh talk first hand about the memories, people and events that make Barmah so special.  Bookings required, please see library website for details.

Look forward to seeing you at either or both of these events.

Successful seniors week

Campaspe Regional Library recently celebrated Victorian Seniors Festival with a number of interesting sessions from 'Upcycled Books' and 'iPad tips and tricks'.  Thanks to everyone that came along, the feedback was terrific and we hope to offer more sessions about different uses of technology in the near future.

Authors galore

The Campaspe Regional Library are very fortunate to have three terrific authors visiting the main branch in Echuca over the next couple of weeks.
First of all, this coming Sunday 29th September at 2.30, come and hear Barry Heard talk about his experiences in Vietnam during the Vietnam War as a conscripted infantry-man and radio operator.  Barry will talk about his life back in Australia after the war and how he succumbed to a devastating breakdown due to post-traumatic stress disorder.  Barry has concentrated on his writing in recent years and has received several prizes, including the Sir Edmund Herring Memorial Award and the Sir Weary Dunlop Prize.  Barry's books include The View from Connor's Hill,  Well done those men and Tag.  Barry will be riveting, confronting and most of all very enlightening.  Barry will also share his exciting news that 'Well done those men' will be made into a movie.  Please join us for this wonderful free event; bookings are advised and can be made on the library website.

On Thursday 3rd October well known and much loved Rachael Treasure will be making a special visit to Echuca on her way through to the Deni Ute Muster.  Rachael will be here from 1pm for about an hour to talk about her latest books, meet and greet and sign books for you.  Collins Booksellers, Echuca will be selling Rachael's popular books including her latest one The Farmer's Wife and Fifty Bales of Hay. 

Dave Morgan will be visiting the Kyabram Branch on Saturday 12th October at 11.30am and Echuca Branch on Sunday 13th October at 2.30pm.  Dave is the author of the book "Ice Journey" and he will talk about his experiences with Post Traumatic Distress Disorder after his experiences in the Vietnam War.  Dave will also talk about his expeditions to Macquarie Island and Davis Station and his eventful expedition to Casey Station.  

So come along, bring a friend and meet people who create wonderful tales about life and who are also able to reflect on their life changing experiences.  All events are free, please book online from our library website.

Australian Poetry Slam

The Campaspe Regional Library is pleased to be hosting one of the Victorian Regional Heats.  It is on next Friday 13 September.  6pm for 6.30pm start.  Come along and take part or come along have may be chosen as one of the judges.  It should be a great night, more information about the rules and regulations can be found at http://australianpoetryslam.com/
Great prizes at the National level so you can start your journey here.  The winner and runner up of our regional heat will perform at the State Library of Victoria and the winner and runner up of that will then head to Sydney for the national final.

1. 

Children's Book Week and Campaspe Regional Library Echuca 1st Birthday

One year on since we opened on 24 August 2012 so it is time to celebrate.  We would love all of the community to come and celebrate with us tomorrow at Echuca from 10am - 1pm.  There will be plenty to entertain the children and adults.  We will also be celebrating The Reading Hour at 11am www.love2read.org and International Story Day from 10am http://internationalstoryday.com  Look forward to seeing you.
Also thanks to all the students and teachers that took part in our Children's Book Week activities at all of our branches during August, it has been great working with all the pre-schools and schools to acknowledge this special national literary event.