Escape from the cold during the holidays

Our library service is once again very happy to offer a wide range of fantastic activities to keep families entertained during the chilly days of the Winter holidays.  The library has introduced a terrific new online booking system which allows parents to check out what is on offer and book the children in to the session that appeals.  All the details about age appropriate activities, time, place etc is available on the booking system.  Am email will be sent to you to confirm that a booking has been made.  Parents can also book in person on via phone 1300 666 535.  All the activities are now posted on our library website.  There are some great things including footy days, crafts with Bunnings, Manga art, papercrafts, storytime cruise on the Pevensey, yoga, movie afternoon and book launches.  Most activities are free, however there is a small charge of $3 for the games and pizza night at Echuca Library on the 3rd July.   Look forward to seeing you during the holidays.  Also a reminder that we have Nerelie Teese presenting poetry at the Echuca Branch this Sunday at 2.30pm. 

Our library is on its way to becoming eSmart

We are delighted to announce that our library service has been selected to pilot the innovative new eSmart Libraries program, which has been designed to give the community a better understanding of the benefits and risks of using technology.  It is a joint initiative of Telstra and The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and it is designed to help librarires ensure technology access and use is safe, smart and responsible within the library environment.  Our staff have undergone training, with more to follow as we work through the process.  There are over 130 resources and tools to improve cybersafety which will allow the library service to identify any gaps in our current policies and procedures. 

At the moment the library staff are keen to hear your views about cybersafety and how you access technology.  There are surveys available at all five library branches and all suitable for all ages.  Please come in and fill out a survey today to enable us to gain the level of digital literacy within the community.  Surveys will be available for two more weeks. 

Free Comic Book Day

The Campaspe Regional Library are very pleased to be partnering with Kings Comics to provide you with another fantastic Free Comic Book Day on Saturday May 4.  All branches are participating, there will be heaps of activities and free comics on offer.  So come along to your closest branch and join in the fun.  There is a comic for everyone, including the FCBD special release of Superman.  This year we hope to provide comics for a younger age group.  Look forward to seeing you on Saturday May 4. 



Coming up this Sunday April 28 at 2.30pm we also have a special guest at the Echuca Branch.  Noelene Allen, author of Ellen : A Women of Spirit will be giving a free talk and insight about Ned Kelly's mother Ellen.  Please ring the library on 5482 1997 to make a booking.

Jazz in our library 'loungeroom'

Last Friday night the Campaspe Regional Library hosted its first music event in the new library in Echuca.  Jade Leonard www.jadeleonard.com provided a free 45 minute performance as part of her Jazz at your place regional tour www.facebook.com/JazzAtYourPlace   Jade entertained the crowd of nearly 80 people so beautifully.  Everyone really enjoyed it and it was a great opportunity to use the space in this way.  The library's next musical event will be at the Winter Blues Festival on Sunday 28 July www.winterblues.com.au The library's guest will be renowed musician Phil Manning. 

Mind mapping with Nerelie Teese

Hey, this is going to be super interesting.  Come along next Sunday to the Campaspe Regional Library, Echuca Branch to hear all about Mind Mapping with Nerelie Teese.  Doesn't everybody want to tap into the most powerful personal app - their brain!  Mind mapping is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unclock the potential of the brain.  It harnesses the full range of skills - word, image, number, logic, rhythm, colour and spatial awareness - in a single, uniquely powerful manner.  Mind Maps are the highest form of graphic organisers.  Mind maps enable you to; quickly recall and record known information/prior knowledge and quickly record new information in a logical and attractive way that supports retention.  The session kicks off at 2.30 on Sunday 7 April.  There is a small charge of $3 to cover maps and pens.  Bookings are appreciated.  We look forward to seeing you.  For more information please contact your nearest library branch. 

Easter time fun

Well as we head into the end of first school term there is plenty to keep the children amused over the coming holidays.  This Wednesday night 27 March we have a special Easter Storytime and Easter Hunt at the Echuca Branch at 6.30pm.  Stories, games and an Easter Egg hunt are all part of the fun.  Free family event and no bookings are required.
The library branches will be closed over the Easter break including Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  The libraries will re-open on the Tuesday at their usual opening hours. Library patrons are encouraged to come in next week to borrow additional items for their Easter reading. 
The school holidays are jammed packed with special activities, all the details are available from the library website.  Please note some conditions apply in terms of age limits and booking requirements.  Please contact your nearest library branch for more information. 
Happy Easter to all our valued library patrons and visitors.

Special events this week

The Campaspe Regional Library have two special events happening this week.  The first one is tomorrow at the Kyabram Branch at 10.30am.  Noeline Allen will be presenting information about her book about Ellen, the mother of Australia's most famous bushranger Ned Kelly.  More information about the author and book can be found at http://www.ncs.net.au/ellen/  For those who can't get to Kyabram tomorrow Noeline will be back later in the year at Echuca to share her story. 
This week also sees a first for the library service as it is hosting an Art Exhibition at the Echuca Branch from 20th - 27th March.  Local esteemed artist Jack Robbin's work will be on display.  Next Sunday 24th March at 2.30 people will also get the opportunity to hear Jack talk about his life as an artist and explain more about his work. 
Both events are free, please contact the library service for more information.