Beyond cuisine : a special Christmas edition

When: Saturday 5th December 7pm
Where: Knox Community Arts Centre, corner of Mountain Highway and Scoresby Road, Bayswater
Cost: $25 adult/$21.50 concession/$17.50 student or $200 table of ten
Bookings phone 97297287

A star studded cast will present some unconventional Yuletide tales (some even cynical!) Christmas stories for grown-ups in a cabaret setting.

You may either bring your own food or purchase a delicious hamper prepared by Kitchen & Butcher in Healesville. Each hamper is for two people and will cost $35.00. Please be sure to order your hampers no later than Wednesday 2nd December by calling 98006409. Drinks will be available at bar prices.

Cheers,
Julie

Paws for a cause - Dog Walk

When: 10am Sunday 22nd November

Walk the EastLink Trail and discover Koomba Park! Be healthy, feel good and support your local community. Proceeds from this dog walk will go to supporting local community programs for the aged, frail and people with a disability.

Register at www.eastlink.com.au or phone 97299499


Cheers,
Julie

Christmas Family Storytime

When: Wednesday 2nd December 6.30-7:30pm
Cost: Free event
Bookings essential, phone 92948140

One of the most enjoyable nights on our calendar is the Christmas Family Storytime. Sue and Heather invite everyone to join in the fun. We will be making Christmas decorations, singing, reading stories and more! We would love children to wear some tinsel in their hair.

All ages are welcome.

Cheers,
Julie

Australian Author - David Rollins

David Rollins author of political / military crime and thrillers lives in Sydney. He was educated at Barker College, Hornsby where he qualified as a journalist. When he left school Rollins originally, wanted to join the military and fly fighters or choppers. He was rejected by the military, so began his journalism career. His first position as a journalist was with a motoring magazine, before moving to advertising.

Rollins took some time out from his career to learn to fly aerobatics, and to write his first novel. He is a self confessed news junkie and was prompted to write a story inspired by news items around the world.

His first Tom Wilkes (Australian SAS) novel Rogue Element was rejected by 76 publishers, before being published in 2002. This was followed by Sword of Allah in 2004.

Since then he has had three more novels in the Vin Cooper series (USA Air Force Office of Special Investigations) The Death Trust, A Knife Edge, and A Hard Rain. His latest book The Zero Option was inspired by the 1983 Korean Airlines flight, disaster near the Soviet Union and the struggle by governments to uncover the details.

This is now on order and you can place your reservation at the library.

Cheers,
Maria

Books to movie

Where the wild things are and Cloudy with a chance of meatballs


Look for these 2 of my favourite children’s books, adapted for the movies and coming to the cinemas soon (end November/early December) .

Where the wild things are by Maurice Sendak. This is the story of Max a rambunctious and sensitive little boy who is sent to his bedroom and escapes to where the wild things are!! In this mysterious land he is crowned the King, but soon wishes he was back home.

In Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs by Jodi Barrett, Mr Flint Lockwood has many crazy inventions, most of them have gone wrong, but one day he invents a machine that makes food fall from the sky.!! This changes the lives of everyone in town – but will something go wrong ?

Both picture books are available at the library or can be reserved free of charge.

Cheers,
Maria

Author - Paullina Simons

Paullina Simons is the international bestselling author of novels Tully, Red Leaves, Eleven Hours and The Bronze Horseman. She was born in Leningrad Russia in 1963 but was only 10 years old when she left Russia for a life in America. In 1968, when she was just 5 years old, her father was arrested for anti-communist agitation and was sent to prison for 1 year, then to the Gulag for 2 years. Whilst in prison he learned to read and write English. After his release he was allowed to emigrate and arrived in New York in 1973.

In America her father had more job opportunities than were available to him in Russia, and they soon built a life there. Paullina was able to attend college where she studied political sciences, and has worked and travelled overseas. Before settling down to life as a writer she worked as a financial journalist, she is now married with 4 children and living in New York.

Her new novel A song in daylight is about a beautiful woman, Larissa Stark, a wife and mother leading a happy life until a chance encounter threatens to question her beliefs and turn her life around.

Paullina will be touring Australia to promote her book, and she visited Melbourne on
Thursday 12 November 2009 . Events and details are on her website www.paullinasimons.com

A song in Daylight is due for publication in November. Copies are on order and you can place your reservation at the library

Cheers,
Maria

Bookchat

When: Thursday 19th November 2:00pm
Cost: Free event
No bookings required
For further information, phone 92948140

Do you enjoy talking to others about books and DVDs? Come along to Ferntree Gully Library for a relaxing afternoon, chatting 'over a cuppa' about books that you have enjoyed. Library staff will share their favourite books with you. This month, there will be a demonstration on how to use the library website to find out more about information resources and books.

Cheers,
Julie

Books to movie

The time travelers wife by Audrey Niffenegger
coming to cinemas November 2009

This is the love story (and interesting science fiction study) of Henry and Clare, two people destined to be together but never know when they will be separated. Henry has a rare genetic condition - a condition that causes him to move through time - he is a time traveler. He can skip backwards and forwards through time with no control, taking him away from his beloved Clare. Despite this she still tries to build a life together with her true love.

Audrey Niffenegger is a visual artist and writer, born in a small town in Michigan. She has lived most of her life in Chicago where she trained as a visual artist and has exhibited many of her drawings and paintings. Originally she wanted to make her book a graphic novel but decided that the shifts in time might be too difficult to represent this way. The Time Travelers Wife was published in 2003.

Her second novel, Her fearful symmetry, published this year, is on order and will be available soon.

Reservations for both books can be placed at the library by telephone on 9294 8140 or online.

Cheers,
Maria

Books to movie

Whip it by Shauna Cross
The movie Whip it has recently been released in Australia, based on the book by Shauna Cross. Cross is a member of the Los Angeles Derby Dolls, roller derby league. Her book is her fictional account of teen girls growing up and experiences skating with the Texas Rollergirls.

The movie highlights the world of roller derby when teenage rebel Bliss Cavendar who is miserable in her small hometown, secretly joins a roller derby team. This does not please her beauty pageant obsessed mother when the truth is discovered. Bliss, is a teenager growing up, and learning life’s lessons along the way. Bliss’s life gets better, but more confusing !!

The movie Whip it is a first for Drew Barrymore as director, she also plays a small
role as one of Bliss’s teammates.

Get your copy of Whip it from the library by placing a reservation on 9294 8140 or
online.

Cheers,
Maria

History Week

Discover the wonders of Victoria's past during History Week,
Sunday 25th October - Sunday 1st November

Eastern Regional Libraries have displays, exhibition and events all this week. Come into the library for a free brochure with all information. Otherwise, click onto this url for the details: http://easternregional.blogspot.com/

Ferntree Gully Library is hosting the Coonara Community House Photographic Exhibition of immigration after World War II and photographs of Upper Gully during this era.

Cheers,
Julie

Pink Ribbon Day

Monday, 26th October is Pink Ribbon Day – a day when all Australians come together and support the special women in their lives by buying one of the special pink ribbon gifts. Breast cancer is one of the biggest health problems for Australian women. Ferntree Gully Library staff support Pink Ribbon Day and have pink ribbon merchandise on sale now.

For further details visit www.pinkribbonday.com.au

Cheers,
Julie.

Mountains of books

The Dandenong Ranges and surrounds have long been an inspiration and retreat for artists and writers. A few of the notable names from the past, and more recent times, include:
C J Dennis
Aeneas Gunn
Vance and Nettie Palmer
Paul Jennings
Brian Castro

On Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November at Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve, Hilton Road, Ferny Creek Mel 75:E1 from 10am-4pm each day, there is going to be a Used, Rare and Out-of-Print Book Fair.

Enjoy springtime in the Dandenongs and browse thousands of used, out-of-print and rare books from booksellers across Victoria, including specialists in children's literature, gardening, military, art, fashion, beat generation, cookbooks and more.

For further information: www.mountainsofbooks.com.au

Cheers,
Julie

Book news.............

The Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy book 6

“And another thing…” this is the title of the sixth installment of The hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy. It is being published eight years after the death of Douglas Adams ,the author of this popular series. The sixth book was written by Eoin Colfer, popular Irish children’s author of the Artemis Fowl series of books. Douglas Adams once said himself that he suspected he would write a 6th book, as 5 seems to be a wrong kind of number. Colfer having been a fan of the series since his childhood was excited at being offered the chance of writing this book. Check out the website: www.globalbooksinprint.com.

And another thing features unemployed gods, an irritating computer an alien, and a piece of cheese.

Published in October 2009 our copies are on order. Reserve your copy at the library, and continue your journey through the universe.

Cheers,
Maria

Australian Author - Judy Nunn

Judy grew up in Perth Western Australia, where she says she had an idyllic childhood living near the Swan River where she spent her time swimming boating and generally playing and having a good time .

Judy was 19 years old when she moved to Sydney, where she hoped to make her mark as an actress. She lived in grotty bedsits ,waiting tables, and pulling beers behind bars along with all the other young actors hoping to find work. She did get work in radio and theatre, but not a lot of television roles were available in those days.

Three years later she was off to London, living here for 5 and a half years, working mainly in theatre, as well as some BBC radio and television productions. Judy is of course best known for her roles in Australian television starring in The Box and Home and Away where for 13 years she played the role of Ailsa Stewart. Check out her website: www.judynunn.com.au

Judy left her acting career for her new challenge as an author, and scriptwriter. She has written 2 children’s books as well as her popular bestselling Australian novels Beneath the Southern Cross, Heritage, Territory, Kalgoorlie, and Floodtide .

Look for Judy’s new novel Maralinga , set in the South Australian desert, it is the story of a British Lieutenant , nuclear testing, and the love of a young female journalist. Due to be published in November this year.

Place your reservation at the library by telephoning 92948140 or online.

Cheers,
Maria

Book review - The lost quilter by Jennifer Chiaverini

This is the fourteenth book in the series about Elm Creek Quilters in Pennsylvania. The Lost Quilter focuses on the history of the founding people of Elm Creek and a runaway slave, Joanna, whom took refuge at their farm during The Civil War. Whilst at the farm, Joanna gave birth to a son and learnt to read and acquired great quilting skills. Joanna lost her freedom when slave catchers caught her so she was forced to leave her son with the loving and caring Bergstrom family. Though she found happiness in the south with her husband and new family, she always dreamed of finding her son and freedom from slavery. I really enjoyed this story as it delved into the history of the underground railwoad to help free slaves from the southern states of America, their hardships and their dreams and desires. Plus the added interest in the quilt Joanna made at Elm Creek Farm and how it is interwoven throughout the story.

Cheers,
Julie

Knox Seniors Festival

Knox Seniors Festival is from Saturday 10th - Sunday 18th October.

Some of the highlights include a demonstration on how to make marvellous muffins, a fashion parade, tai chi, a bingo night and the Amaroo Gardens Fete. There are plenty of activities in various venues. Something for everyone.

You can obtain a free brochure in the library.

Cheers,
Julie

Fire action week

This week (11-18th October) is Fire Action Week. Knox City Council has ideas and suggestions on their website www.knox.vic.gov.au for your safety. Being more aware of your property, your community could save your life.

Our whole community has a responsibility to be prepared, and Fire Action Week is the perfect opportunity. Being bushfire ready is a partnership between communities, councils, emergency services, and the State Government.

Cheers,
Julie

Bookchat

When: Thursday 15th October 2pm
Cost: Free event
No bookings required
For further information, phone 92948140

Do you enjoy talking to others about books and DVDs? Come along to Ferntree Gully Library for a relaxing afternoon, chatting 'over a cuppa' about books that you have enjoyed. Library staff will share their favourite books with you.

Cheers,
Julie

Mum's and Kid's Yoga

When: Every Wednesday 11.45am
Cost: $6.00 per session

Gully Gumnuts is the name of Ferntree Gully's very popular Wednesday 0-3 years storytime. Now there will be a second Gully Gumnut event, a Mum's and Kid's Yoga Group which will follow the storytime at 12.00 noon. Classes will be held in the Ferntree Gully Community Centre which shares the building with the library. The session will run for 30 minutes and will be facilitated by a registered yoga teacher.

The first session will commence on Wednesday 21 October at 11.45.

For further information, please phone the Ferntree Gully Community Arts Centre on 9758 9180.

Cheers,
Julie