System Upgrade - Monday 23 November

Due to a system upgrade, limited services will be available at the libraries on Monday 23 November 2009.

To minimise any disruption please note the following:

* Borrowers must have a library card to borrow

* PC/Internet bookings can only be made by phone or in person (with your library card)

* Items to be renewed must be brought into the library

* The library catalogue will be out of service

* Reservations cannot be placed

We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience.

Help design the new Camberwell Library

Three years ago Camberwell Library moved into temporary accommodation in Inglesby Road.

We always said that that move was for three to five years and so as a consequence Council recently announced that the Camberwell Centre had been earmarked as the new permanent home for Camberwell library.

Council is about to begin the community engagement process for the initial design. We are in the process of hiring architects who will come up with a concept plan based on this initial feedback.

All libraries now have an e-kiosk with a touch screen survey which will be in the libraries for about a month.

Please take the time to fill in the survey - it is visual and fun to do.

The construction is scheduled to start in 2010 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

The race that stops a nation

also stops the Boroondara Libraries.

All Boroondara Libraries will be closed on
Tuesday 3 November for the
Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday.

Normal hours resume on Wednesday 4 November.

Wolf Hall wins Man Booker Prize

Hilary Mantel has won the £50,000 Man Booker Prize for Fiction for Wolf Hall.

Wolf Hall has been the bookies' favourite since the longlist was announced in July 2009.

Wolf Hall is set in the 1520s and tells the story of Thomas Cromwell's rise to prominence in the Tudor court. Hilary Mantel has been praised by critics for writing ‘a rich, absorbingly readable historical novel; she has made a significant shift in the way any of her readers interested in English history will henceforward think about Thomas Cromwell.'

James Naughtie, comments ‘Hilary Mantel has given us a thoroughly modern novel set in the 16th century. Wolf Hall has a vast narrative sweep that gleams on every page with luminous and mesmerising detail.

‘It probes the mysteries of power by examining and describing the meticulous dealings in Henry VIII's court, revealing in thrilling prose how politics and history is made by men and women.

‘In the words of Mantel's Thomas Cromwell, whose story this is, "the fate of peoples is made like this, two men in small rooms. Forget the coronations, the conclaves of cardinals, the pomp and processions. This is how the world changes." '

(from the Man Booker website: www.themanbookerprize.com )

Click here to reserve Wolf Hall

Please let us know what you thought of the book by adding a review to our website.

Computer Savvy Seniors

Do computers, internet and email hold no fear for you?

Would you like to share your skills on the computer with others?

Computer Savvy Seniors is a peer training program for Boroondara seniors, learning computer basics.

The City of Boroondara Library Service is looking for volunteers to participate in a peer training project aimed at teaching older residents computer/internet/email skills.

We are seeking volunteers who are friendly, adaptable, empathetic, and who have good computer skills.

Volunteers will be provided with training.

If you are interested then contact our friendly staff on 9278 4666 or email: libraryenquiries@boroondara.vic.gov.au, or visit any of our libraries to pick up a volunteer registration form.

Futurewise: life choices for your future

Session One: Gardening into the 21st Century

Andrew Laidlaw is a popular gardening commentator on 774 ABC Radio. He is responsible for designing the popular Children’s Garden, Water Conservation Garden and the Long Island Indigenous Garden as well as many other award wining gardens for international flower and garden shows.

Andrew will draw on his extensive industry knowledge and experience to speak about water smart gardening.

This session is free, however bookings are essential.

When: Tuesday 8 September at 7.30pm
Where: Hawthorn Library, 584 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn



Session Two: Technology Petting Zoo
Iphone, Kindle, Ebook reader, twitter, facebook, apple, netbook, blackberry.

What does it all mean?

Join the Online Services Librarian and library staff as they show you the gadgets and tools that are making news today and for the future.

This session is free, however bookings are essential.

When: Thursday 10 September at 11am
Where: Balwyn Library, 336 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn



Session Three: Give your home a green makeover
Stuart McQuire is an environmental scientist committed to sustainable living and working. He is past President of the Alternative Technology Association and his house is the West Brunswick Sustainable House; a comfortable family home that has been transformed into one of Australia’s leading homes for environmental sustainability.

Stuart’s book Water not down the drain gives practical examples on how water can be captured and used effectively throughout your house and garden.

This session is free, however bookings are essential.

When: Monday 14 September at 7.30pm
Where: Ashburton Library, 154 High Street, Ashburton



Session Four: 'Financial planning for the future while investing in a better world'
"If we're marching in the streets against Gunns Ltd, why on earth would you want to support them with your savings and superannuation!"

Anne-Marie Spagnolo joined EIS in January 2000 and is a managing partner and owner of Ethical Investment Services. She specialises in advising clients on financial planning strategies and investments with an ethical overlay.

Anne-Marie is regularly invited to conduct seminars on the benefits of ethical investment and has participated in numerous television and radio interviews. Anne-Marie is also the author of The Ethical Investor, a handbook for ethical investors published by the Penguin Group in 2007.

This session is free, however bookings are essential.

When: Tuesday 13 October at 7.30pm
Where: Kew Library, Cnr Cotham Road & Civic Drive, Kew


To book for any or all of these sessions: Library Bookings or call 9278 4666

Hugo Award Winners

Hugo Award Winners 2009

Best Novel: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (HarperCollins; Bloomsbury UK)

Best Novella: ''The Erdmann Nexus'' by Nancy Kress (Asimov's Oct/Nov 2008)

Best Novelette: ''Shoggoths in Bloom'' by Elizabeth Bear (Asimov's Mar 2008)

Best Short Story: ''Exhalation'' by Ted Chiang (Eclipse Two)

John W. Campbell not-a-Hugo Award for Best New Writer: David Anthony Durham

Best Related Book: Your Hate Mail Will Be Graded: A Decade of Whatever, 1998-2008 by John Scalzi (Subterranean Press)

Best Graphic Story: Girl Genius, Volume 8: Agatha Heterodyne and the Chapel of Bones Written by Kaja & Phil Foglio, art by Phil Foglio, colors by Cheyenne Wright (Airship Entertainment)

Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: WALL-E Andrew Stanton & Pete Docter, story; Andrew Stanton & Jim Reardon, screenplay; Andrew Stanton, director (Pixar/Walt Disney)

Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: Doctor Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Joss Whedon, & Zack Whedon, & Jed Whedon, & Maurissa Tancharoen, writers; Joss Whedon, director (Mutant Enemy)

Best Editor, Short Form: Ellen Datlow

Best Editor, Long Form: David G. Hartwell

Best Professional Artist: Donato Giancola

Best Semiprozine: Weird Tales edited by Ann VanderMeer & Stephen H. Segal

Best Fan Writer: Cheryl Morgan

Best Fanzine: Electric Velocipede edited by John Klima

Best Fan Artist: Frank Wu