Merry Christmas!!

Wow, what a year!! The library's been pretty full-on in 2011 and looks like next year is going to be bigger and better. We launched the 2012 National Year of Reading with a gala dinner within the library (we girls are a versatile bunch!!) so look out for plenty of activity in the new year when we hit the ground running!!! Have a great Christmas and we'll see you all next year!!
Bel

Don't forget to enter our Australia Day Colouring-In Competition!

Age groups are 2-4, 5-7, 8-10, 11-13

Please return all entries to the Griffith Library By Friday January 20, 2012.

Check out our School Holiday Activities!!!

Christmas Baby Bounce and Christmas Storytime this week!!! Bring your cameras and get your photo taken with Santa!

Don't forget to drop your letters off to Santas Mail Box!

Interesting essay about Murray Darling water from author Kate Jennings

I recently came across this essay written by Kate Jennings who grew up in the area and has gone on to be an award winning international novelist, essayist and poet.  We were very fortunate to have her as a guest author in our library last year where she spoke to a "packed house". Kate has penned her thoughts on the Murray Darling water debate in an article titled "Water under the bridge".  It's one of the best articles I've read about the issues and makes so much sense.  I really recommend everyone read it. Allow yourself a little time though, as it's not a five minute read (for me anyway)....

http://www.themonthly.com.au/guide-murray-darling-basin-water-under-bridge-kate-jennings-4012

Pam

New TV series.... (tick)

I did it! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you....I can hear your rounds of applause as I type this out.

I've found a new TV series for you all to love!

Being Human is a UK series about a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. Yeah, yeah, you're all saying, so what?!?!

It has a storyline, an amazingly in depth, human storyline. Its fun, strangely believable, sometimes scary and always funny. I give it a + ten on True Blood and as an added bonus it’s not R18+.

Just give it a go! Season one and two are now available at the library, with season three on the way.

I personally promise that its worth the 900 odd minutes it will take to watch the 15 episodes I have.

Amanda

Collections

Plextalk machines are now for Loan

Griffith City Library in conjunction with Vision Australia have now made it possible for our library to loan out the plextalk machines. These machines are a audio device used to play the "hear a books" that are available in the library. The other great feature of this audio device is that it already has 5 different titles saved to the hard drive. What does this mean to me ? It means that you just push play and away the machine goes. No more feeding in of discs and no more scratched discs.
Come in and let us give you a demonstration on the use of the plextalk.

Read Me A Story...

Got a long drive coming up? A basket of ironing that is growing by the day?  Faced with hours of tedious tasks that are taking you away from the book that you want to finish? Well I may have a solution for you. At the library we have just acquired a range of new audio books in a variety of genres that are guaranteed to be great hands-free literary diversions. So, the ironing is done (and your domestic goddess status secured..) and the trip tp Sydney has become a mere drive around the block. Great way to pass the time don't you think? Come into the library, borrow one and give it a go!
Bel

Cakes, cakes and more cakes

I have a new addiction!
Some time ago I posted about my addiction to home renovation shows and house magazines and could tell you all about what was happening on "The Block", well I have now discovered another TV series and, you guessed it, I'm hooked.

I discovered "Cake Boss" over the long weekend while I was channel surfing, looking for something decent to watch. For those of you aren't familiar with this new phenomenon, Cake Boss is a reality TV show featuring celebrity baker Buddy Valastro and his family bakery in New Jersey. The cakes that come out of this bakery are AMAZING, from life size cars, hockey tables and even the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Buddy is a genius!!!! And so now all I can think about is eating cake, making cake and watching "Cake Boss".

If you'd like to see what all the fuss is about, Cake Boss season 1 is now available for loan at the library (you might have to fight me for it!) as well as a huge range of fabulous cake making and decorating books that can help you create your own masterpieces.
Cake Boss is also online, check out http://www.carlosbakery.com/

Buon Appetito!!!
Rina

Stay in bed morning.....

Ok, we've all wished we could do it... 7am Tuesday morning, the winds blowing, the rain's on the roof and there's 80 pages left to read of a book (well deserving of my attention) that has graced my bedside table for over a month... so here is the dilemma. Do I succumb to the temptation of a guaranteed 6 hours straight of uninterrupted reading time or do I get up and go to work? My work ethic gets the better of me and here I am at my desk ready to face a day surrounded by books. Not a bad compromise I say. And I have brought along a lunch date...my book and its 80 unread pages.... it's gonna be a good day :)

Bel 

WTF?????
To all of you have not yet discovered the What the fact collection, here is one to have a look at:

From 1893 - 1939 The Farmer's Wife, a monthly magazine was published in the U.S. The book is a collection of recipes and anecdotes from the era. A time when men were the bread winners. And a woman's place was in the home, the kitchen was her workshop. She was the dutiful wife preparing wholesome meals for her brood....." the farm wife owes it to her family ......to have time to devote to the side of life that brings joy to the family circle"
Some recipes include: mammy's cornbread and milk hoecake.

Well I best be getting my apron on and put some lippy on, before my hubby gets home for dinner!!
The book is the one with Bel and Bonnie on the cover.

Happy home making
Rose

The Villa Girls

OK .. I may have been found out!!! It seems to be no secret that I may have a slight preference for romantic, travel, foodie, type novels. Oh yes and of course they seem to take place in fabulous Italy. I mean where else do you have a holiday fling with a gorgeous, mysterious, rich, Italian. Only to find that years later you both still have feelings for eachother? Only you have been stuffing those feelings, down with; rich,tiramisu, and creamy risotto, before knocking back a robust red!!

Sounds like a novel really!!
So,enter Amanda who kindly hands me Nicky Pellegrino's "The Villa Girls".  As she states " Rose I thought you might like this one"
So there you have it. I am a Genre addict!! So if I have hit a nerve for some of you readers, do have a read of "The Villa Girls" - you won't be dissappointed

Sports Anyone !!

         US OPEN - 2011- Winner
What a win for our Australian Tennis Champion - Sam Stosur.
The Griffith City Library has a large collection of  reading materials on your favourite sports champion, so why not come in and let the Librarians assist you, in finding out about your sporting hero.




t

Too many books!

Ugh! I really hate working at the library and being such an avid reader. It means my bedroom floor is always stacked with books 'I just need to read'. It's not often that a day goes by when a library member won't suggest a great read, which means that my book reserve list is also as long as my arm. It’s such a drag and can sometimes be really frustrating as the larger the pile gets, the less likely I actually feel like reading.
A few years ago I read a great book (yes another!) by the famous Seattle Librarian Nancy Pearl (the book is called Book Lust and is available at the library in case you would like to add one to your pile!). In the first few pages Nancy writes....

'One of my strongest-held beliefs is that no one should ever finish a book that they're not enjoying, no matter how popular or well reviewed the book is. .... I live by what I call "the rule of fifty", which acknowledges that time is short and the world of books immense. If you're fifty years old or younger, give every book about fifty pages before you decide to commit yourself to reading it, or give up. If you're over fifty, which is when time gets even shorter, subtract your age from 100 - the result is the number of pages you should read before deciding.' (Book Lust pgs. xi - xii)

With this is mind, I think we should always take the time to try a new book, BUT if you don't like it, than just bring it back! I’m lucky for a few more years yet I can give the book fifty pages, for those of you a little older, let’s hope the author is really good at setting the scene quickly, hehe.
Don’t forget that the benefits of being a member of a public library often means you can afford to not read everything you take home, its free so you're not wasting money on what we in the industry like to call 'trash' or ‘fluffy time wasters’.
So here goes, I'm off to clean my bedroom floor....


Amanda
Collections

"The great and infamous whore..."

I've just started the book "Mary Boleyn : The great and infamous whore" by Alison Weir. Mary was mistress to Henry VIII and sister of Anne his second and tragic wife.Weir is a renown author and historian and challenges the many myths that surround Mary in this well researched book. If you're into a bit of Tudor history, I'd recommend you put a reserve on this book!

Bel

National Year of Reading 2012

The National Year of Reading is next year and the library is busy working on a fantastic program of events to encourage reading and the brilliance of books!!!!
Here's a sneak peek of what's on offer . . . . . . . . .
Street Parade, Knit In, Baby Bounce Expo, Book Fair, Travelling Books and so much more . . . . . . . . . . .

If there is anything you would like to see in the library or have an event you'd like the library to hold, please contact us on 69 622515.

http://www.love2read.org.au/

Rina

'This'll do me'

That's the title of a brand new history of Griffith and district written by Anne Gribble and launched today at Griffith City Library.  This great little 70 page book gives a "potted" introduction to our fascinating past and is so easy to read that it should be compulsory for everyone who lives here!  With the centenary of irrigation in the MIA looming next year and the centenary of Griffith in 2016 what a great way to enlighten yourself by borrowing a copy from the library, or purchasing your own from Griffith Genealogical and Historical Society (ph 69621650) for $10.  This'll also make a great father's day or Christmas present.

Pam

Love YOU more !! Hear a Book.

The story starts a little slow with Tessa Leoni falling in love and yes you think, another drab love story,  but as slowly as it begins, then WOW, there is so many twist and turns. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Lisa Gardner..... What an Author.

 

 

t

The Block

I am an addict . . . . . . . a BLOCK addict. I love this show!!!
After each episode I wander around my own house looking at what I can change, what I can paint and where I might possibly fit in that fireplace I've always wanted!
Katrina and Amie (the girls) are my favourite and Katrina actually has a blog of her own (follow this link)
http://www.katrinaleechambers.com/

If you're like me and can't get enough of the renovation shows that seem to be on every channel at the moment, then don't forget about the housey magazines that are available at the library. We subscribe to Home Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens and Australian House & Garden and get brand new issues in each month. A warning though - you'll have to fight me for them first!!!

Drug and Alcohol Awareness

The Griffith City Library has alot of information on Drug and Alcohol Awareness.
Another young life was lost last week.
Amy Winehouse.
She was a young woman with a soulful voice.

Watch this space...!!

Amanda and I have just returned from book-buying so expect some interesting new books to borrow in the next few weeks. We are in the process of developing a new collection in the library.. can't say too much more at the moment but watch this space for more updates!
Bel

"Tuscan Rose" by Belinda Alexandra

Having not picked up a book to read for a long time, this one was recommended by a library member.  So I thought, why not give it a go.  WOW! what an amazing story.  It kept my attention the whole way through - I couldn't put it down and was itching to finish it!
This fictional story of love and passion, secrets and hardships and determination is set in Italy during the time of Mussolini and fascism - I found the historical elements fascinating.
One worth reading!!

Liz

Go the f**k to sleep

Go the f**k to sleep, is a new childrens book written for parents only!

"Go the f**k to sleep is a bedtime book for parents who live in the real world, where a few snoozing kitties and cutesy nursery rhymes don't always send a toddler sailing off to dreamland. Profane, affectionate and refreshingly honest, it captures the familiar and unspoken tribulations of putting your child to bed for the night. Hilariously funny, this is a breath of fresh air for parents new, old and expectant."

However - you probably should NOT read it to your children!

The book will be available from the library soon.

Check out the clip below - Noni Hazelhurst from Play School reads the story.
WARNING - some language may be offensive to some viewers.

Did you know.....

Giacomo Casanova "the world's greatest lover" and prolific author......But did you know that Casanova spent the latter part of his life as a Librarian for Count Waldstein of Bohemia.

Keep the lights on.....

I've just started reading "Before I go to sleep" by SJ Watson. It's the debut novel for this Aussie author, and the reviews have been great. Check out the authors own blog at http://sj-watson.blogspot.com/

I'm only a few pages in & am already hooked! Easy writing style, so it will be a quick read, but the storyline is super compelling. Here's a taste....

 Happy reading!
Jo :)

Werewolves, Vampires and fantasy fiction...

Today’s discussion: Werewolves and Vampires....

We all know that Twilight started the huge vampire fiction craze, but what I'm wondering is how many of you are now interested in werewolves. Although a bit slower on the uptake, werewolves stories are starting to emerge. Here at the library the staff just had a small discussion about Teen Wolf, the new series on TV. While some of us watch it, none of us can actually think of any stories or books out at the moment on werewolves... apart from the 'wolves' in Twilight.

Are we about to see an emergence of the werewolf story? If so would you read it? I often think about trends in literature and what may be about to come next.... Crazy adult fairies, good versus evil angels, or what about killer machines like terminator and transformers? The possibilities I guess are always going to be endless, but why not try and have a guess, its lots of fun to come up with crazy new character types.

Finally, I'd also like to pop in a few sentences about a recent edition of Jennifer Byrne Presents. Did anyone watch last weeks show on Fantasy fiction? It was an interesting discussion talking about the stigma around fantasy fiction. Most people say they hate it... like me, without actually realising they have read it, and in most cases they have truly enjoyed it... I was truly dumbfounded as I always believed myself to be a fantasy hater.... but hello! I enjoyed Twilight, Harry Potter and The Time Traveler's Wife... as a result... guess what....
I THINK I LOVE FANTASY!

Happy Reading,

Amanda
Collections

2012 is the National Year of Reading and we're jumping on board

Griffith Library is so excited about the National Year of Reading planned to be celebrated Australia-wide next year.  It's all about giving reading and literacy a boost through inspirational programs and events and we've developed a massive calendar of activities to inspire the people of Griffith and surrounds.  Check out the NYR2012 website   http://www.love2read.org.au/ and keep watching our blog as we release details of what's planned.

Pam

Dancing with our Stars Griffith at the Library

Come and meet Lisa and Lui, winners of Griffith's Dancing with our Stars 2011, and watch them perform their magic dance and act this Friday July 15 11am at the library. Lisa and Lui will perform for the kids at Storytime, so if you missed out seeing them dance over the weekend, here's your chance!!!

Water For Elephants - Hear a book

 The plot of the story is told as a series of memories by Jacob Jankowski, "a ninety three year old man" whom lives in a nursing home. The Genre of the story is Historical Romance and I loved the ending with a triumph over "old age".

The Absolutist

I've just finished reading "The Absolutist" by John Boyne, the author of the acclaimed "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas". Aimed at an adult audience, this tender story follows the relationship between 2 young men who fight together in the Great War. I loved its subtleness, bringing to the reader a hopeless situation in a naive and intolerant era. Definately worth a read.  Bel.

Winter Weather

Fancy warming your toes?
Pop down to the library and enjoy our winter heating while reading a good book!

Amanda
Collections Team

Interested in Local History?

You may, (or may not!) be aware that Griffith will be turning 100 in 2016. Yes she is getting old, but I see no wrinkles yet, nor signs of dementia.

In 2016 Griffith will be holding some great celebrations and if you are interested in joining the Centenary Committee to help organise these events, please contact council to do so (p. 69628100).

In the meantime, we here at the Library, will be preparing by upgrading our Local Studies room. Filled with all sorts of interesting documents and photos, this room will be recieving a makeover. How exciting!

The most exciting news we can share is that the old style card catalogue will no longer be in use... that is after we catalogue onto the computer thousands of items....Lucky us!
What does this mean for you? It means you can completely search our local studies material from home, without leaving the comforts of your lounge room. Who can't get excited about browsing in their PJs....

Amanda
Collections Team

Banna Avenue showing Government Savings Bank of New South Wales (now Commonwealth Bank) and centre block shops. Transport includes motorcycle, horse and sulky and automobile. (1.5.1923).

"Temple Grandin" Movie Screening @ Griffith Library!

Lilly the sheep with the cupcake crafts from today's Storytime :)

Story Time @ the Library

Hey everyone, I had a blast at Story time last week. Looks like the kids had a great time too. There was paint everywhere. We had 2 stories and then the kids got creative, making their own pets, out of egg cartons feathers, paper and paint.........lots of paint!!!!

eContent is coming!

The library is soooooo excited to be offering eContent by the end of the year! We would love to hear your opinons on the following.....
Do you prefer eBooks or eAudio books?
Do you think the library should offer both types of digital content?
Would you use iPad or Kindle for reading your eBooks?
Do you use an iPod for eAudio books?
Do you think the library should have a 'kiosk' for you to download your digital content here, or should it all be done via our website from your own home?

Talks are underway with eContent suppliers as I blog. We have a lot of decisions to make and would love your input!

Jo :)
Info Systems

New Junior Non-Fiction

We are in the process of cataloguing some new junior non-fiction books to add to the Library's popular "Did You Know?" collection. They will hit the shelves in a couple of weeks. So if you are after something fun to read that will teach you something new, come in and have a look!  Bel

                                                                  

Comfort food this season!

Winter has settled in and here are some great confort food recipes to try!!!
These recipes and many more can be found in the "Australian Good Food" and "Delicious" magazines, which are available for loan from the library as well as a huge range of cookbooks.

Hindi movie this Saturday @ Griffith City Library 1pm!

Jasper Jones

Can we pleeease talk about Jasper Jones?!?! Pleease!

I just finished reading it (by Craig Silvey) and adored it. Winner of the Indie Book Of The Year Award 2009, this book needs to be read by more people!
Its funny, witty and best described as a modern day To Kill A Mockingbird. Who didn't love that one!

I want Jeffrey Lu as my best friend, who wouldn't with talks like these ...

'We discuss the merits of nipples on men, and decide there are no earthly purpose for them.' (p. 153)

'Cheeses Christ, its goingt to be a nightmare. Everything he cooks feels like phlegm and tastes like pus that's been soaked in brine. Salted pus, Chuck....Chuck, I bid you a jew. And I owe your revior.' (p. 155)

With 14 loans we need to get more people to read a copy....come in today to borrow it... It's worth it!

ps. We also have a book club set for all you Book Clubers out there.

Amanda

(Collections)

Griffith Library has The Area News dating back to September 1929!

10 years ago you could buy a 4 b/room brick veneer home, central postition in East Griffith for only $140,000!

Now: East Griffith 3 b/room brick veneer $295,000!

The place to be...

Library was a hive of activity this morning with a U3A class being held, a children's playgroup having a tour and storytime, and heaps of people using the computers and borrowing DVDs. We love it when it's busy and noisy! Are you part of a group or club? Think of us the next time you need to hold a meeting or event.

Jo :)
Info systems

Saw John Farnham on TV this morning, announcing his next Australia tour in Oct/Nov to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his legendary Whispering Jack album. This is still one of my favourite albums, and the library ordered a new copy of it today! Check out some of his other albums and music DVDs we already have in stock. His music is epic and appeals to people of all ages!

Jo :)
Info Systems

2011 Vogel Literary Award winner

Just arrived at the library is Rohan Wilson's award winning novel "The Roving Party". Set in Tasmania in 1829 it is the story of a roving party of convicts and their rampage of horror and brutality. This novel has received alot of great reviews and is definately on my 'to read' list.
Bel

It's Knitting Season Again!

It's time to get the knitting needles out and start knitting squares for our annual "Wrap With Love" campaign. Knit In begins tomorrow (June 11) from 10am and will continue every Saturday til July 30. All knitted squares are then sewn into blankets and distributed across the country to those in need this winter. This is a great way to help those less fortunate and have fun in the process. And if you can't knit there are some very clever ladies (and men!) to help you get started. Happy knitting!!!

I am currently reading the Pindar Diamond by Katie Hickman, and I am just loving it!! Set in 17th Century Venice. It's got it all  lust, love, greed, wealth and danger. A great read!!
Rosemary xxx

Our library is supporting the community

It's true, our library is a great community builder - as can be seen by the fantastic "Survival Book" which we presented to Minister for Regional Development Simon Crean last week.  A blank project book was made available in the libray last October for young and old to contribute their comments about the Murray-Darling Basin Draft Plan, and the 400 plus entries have now made their way to the highest level of government - that's people power.  And all from your local library.  We sure are more than just books!

Pam Young

Joint Library Manager

Breaking dawn...

Saw the trailer for the new Twilight movie this morning. Breaking Dawn Part 1 comes out in Oz November 17. Looks so good, I can't wait!
Haven't read the Twilight books yet? What are you waiting for??? We've got them all here.....

 Jo :)
Info Systems

Spend a quiet weekend in...

These days we're all a little short of cash, with rising power bills, fuel costs, food prices....it just goes on and on and on and on......
Weekends can be extra expensive, but we can help ease the stress on your wallet! For your weekend entertainment, come in and choose some new release DVDs and CDs. While you're here you can grab a book on how to be smarter with your money! It's FREE and every dollar saved helps......
Jo :)
Info Systems

Random fact

More than half of people living in Griffith are a library member!
How much do you love your library? As much as this???

Jo :)

Library Info Systems

First post!

Being the first day in June, I've decided today is the day to start a blog for the Griffith Library. Why? Because there's so much we want to share about us with you! Griffith has an awesome library (I may be a lil biased) but most importantly, we are here to listen! If you have a suggestion, tell us.....if you have a criticism, tell us.....if you want to sing our praises, tell us (we'd really like that)......it will all help us to serve you better.

The plan for this blog is that there is no plan. If library staff have just read a new book and want to share their thoughts, if we are planning another library event, if we want your opinion about a particular topic, or if we just want to share some random library facts - we'll post as inspiration takes us.
We welcome your comments - anonymous or otherwise. Let's start the conversation!

Jo :)
Library Info Systems