Thursday, October 29, 2009

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

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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

Sunday, October 25, 2009

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.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

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

Thursday, October 15, 2009

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

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

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

Monday, October 12, 2009

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

Friday, October 9, 2009

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

Thursday, October 8, 2009

National Australia Nutrition Week

National Australia Nutrition Week is between Sunday 11th - Saturday 17th October 2009. The World Food Day is Friday 16th October.

This annual campaign aims to raise the awareness of the importance of healthy eating and physical activity for optimal health for all Australians. Falling in love with food - value yourself and your health is the 2009 focus. Promotion of breakfast and healthy food for children playing sport and also to see how how sporting clubs can promote healthy food choices are the main aim.

More information is available on the Nutrition Australia website: http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/

In the library there is a display of nutrition books they may be borrowed.

Cheers,
Julie

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Discovery Day

When: Sunday 18th October 10am-1pm
Where: Glen Fern Valley Bushlands, Glenfern Road, Upwey MEL 74:E9-G11

Come along and join some of the Gully Gardeners at The Discovery Day. Find out what is happening in your beautiful local reserve. Guided and informative walks, nature hunt for children, bird-watching, free plants and goody bags and morning tea in an easy and relaxed atmosphere. Fun for the entire family.

Visit website: http://www.glenfernbushlands.org.au

Cheers,
Julie

Booker Prize 2009

The Booker prize, which began in 1968, is the most prestigious literary award in Britain. The prize this year is £50,000 ($A89,344) and five judges decide which is the best novel in English by a British or Commonwealth writer.

This morning in London, it was announced that Hilary Mantal who wrote Wolf Hall won the Booker Prize. Hilary has taken twenty years to research the history of Thomas Cromwell to write this fictionalised novel.

The judges were very impressed with the book and the judges said:

their decision was based on the sheer bigness of the book, the boldness of its narrative and the extraordinary way that Hilary Mantel created a modern novel which happens to be set in the 16th century.
If you would like to read Wolf Hall, a free reservation may be placed on the website, telephone the library on 92948140 or visit the library.

Cheers,
Julie