New library opening hours were announced in December 2007. Click here to read the media release.
In February 2007, the community was invited to provide feedback on proposed library opening hours. This feedback was provided via a survey available in print format in library branches as well as online. The new set of library opening hours has been prepared based on the survey responses and in conjunction with library statistics and patterns of use.
The total number of opening hours (402.5 hours per week) will not change. However some hours have been reallocated to make best use of resources across the service.
Opening hours will be reviewed on a regular basis.
The ACT Public Library can be contacted on 62059000 or email library.customerinfo@act.gov.au
29 January 2008
25 January 2008
"Bulletin with Newsweek" axed
An important chapter of Australian history has met its end with the announcement that the country's oldest magazine, The Bulletin, has published its final edition which went on sale on 23 January 2008. It began in Sydney in the 1880s at a time of enormous political and social change. The Bulletin irreverently championed the big issues of the day, especially nationalism and federalism, and became just as popular in the shearing sheds of the outback as it was in the city offices. Writers and poets made names through its pages notably Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson.
In the latest Audit Bureau of Circulations figures, The Bulletin had 57,039 in sales (Sept 07), which is down from circulation highs of over 100,000 in the mid 1990s. This trend is consistent with that experienced by many leading weekly news and current affairs magazines globally and is somewhat symptomatic of the impact of the internet on this particular genre.
Read the transcript of ABC's 7.30 Report of 23 January 2008 here.
In the latest Audit Bureau of Circulations figures, The Bulletin had 57,039 in sales (Sept 07), which is down from circulation highs of over 100,000 in the mid 1990s. This trend is consistent with that experienced by many leading weekly news and current affairs magazines globally and is somewhat symptomatic of the impact of the internet on this particular genre.
Read the transcript of ABC's 7.30 Report of 23 January 2008 here.
24 January 2008
Riddle of the Week
Which path?
You walk up to a mountain that has two paths. One leads to the other side of the mountain, and the other will get you lost forever. Two twin brothers know the path that leads to the other side. You can ask them only one question. Except! One lies and one tells the truth, and you don't know which is which. So, what do you ask?
Answer to last week's riddle:
Q: How can you distribute three apples to two fathers and two sons giving a whole apple to each?
A: Give them to a grandfather, father and son in the same family. The middle is a father and son at the same time.
You walk up to a mountain that has two paths. One leads to the other side of the mountain, and the other will get you lost forever. Two twin brothers know the path that leads to the other side. You can ask them only one question. Except! One lies and one tells the truth, and you don't know which is which. So, what do you ask?
Answer to last week's riddle:
Q: How can you distribute three apples to two fathers and two sons giving a whole apple to each?
A: Give them to a grandfather, father and son in the same family. The middle is a father and son at the same time.
23 January 2008
Young People and Public Libraries
Findings from the recently released Pew Report How people use the internet, libraries and government agencies when they need help, a joint study from the Pew Internet and American Life Project and the University of Illinois, challenge the assumption that libraries are losing relevance in the internet age.
Libraries drew visits by more than half of Americans (53%) in the past year for all kinds of purposes, not just the problems mentioned in this survey.
And it was the young adults in tech-loving Generation Y (age 18-30) who led the pack. Compared to their elders, Gen Y members were the most likely to use libraries for problem-solving information and in general patronage for any purpose. Furthermore, it is young adults who are the most likely to say they will use libraries in the future when they encounter problems: 40% of Gen Y said they would do that, compared with 20% of those above age 30 who say they would go to a library.
The ACT Public Library provides many services and collections for young people. In addition to computers and databases alongside shelves of books, members can access music and audio, borrow DVDs, and participate in lifelong learning programs in the library.
If you have any ideas or suggestions on how we might be able to provide better services to young people, email us at library.customerinfo@act.gov.au
Libraries drew visits by more than half of Americans (53%) in the past year for all kinds of purposes, not just the problems mentioned in this survey.
And it was the young adults in tech-loving Generation Y (age 18-30) who led the pack. Compared to their elders, Gen Y members were the most likely to use libraries for problem-solving information and in general patronage for any purpose. Furthermore, it is young adults who are the most likely to say they will use libraries in the future when they encounter problems: 40% of Gen Y said they would do that, compared with 20% of those above age 30 who say they would go to a library.
The ACT Public Library provides many services and collections for young people. In addition to computers and databases alongside shelves of books, members can access music and audio, borrow DVDs, and participate in lifelong learning programs in the library.
If you have any ideas or suggestions on how we might be able to provide better services to young people, email us at library.customerinfo@act.gov.au
22 January 2008
ACT Public Library branches closed on Monday 28 January 2008
All ACT Public Library branches including the Mobile Library will be closed on Monday 28 January 2008 for the Australia Day Public Holiday.
For up-to-date information on 2008 ACT public holidays and term dates visit the ACT Government web site and look under Hot Topics.
For up-to-date information on 2008 ACT public holidays and term dates visit the ACT Government web site and look under Hot Topics.
Printz Award Winners
Last week, the American Library Association's Young Adult Library Service Association (YALSA) committee announced The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean winner of the prestigious Michael L Printz Award for 2008.
The White Darkness is a story of misadventure in the Antarctic, and was praised by the judges for its unforgettable voice, intricate plotting and richly imagined scenario. It is published in Australia by Oxford University Press.
Four books were named as Honour books, including One Whole and Perfect Day by Australian author Judith Clarke. This continues the run of Australian successes in the Printz award. For Judith Clarke, this follows the 2007 Queensland Premier's Prize for Young Adult Fiction and a shortlisting in the 2007 Children’s Book Council Awards (Young Adult category) for the same novel. Click here for more books by Judith Clarke held by the ACT Public Library.
The White Darkness is a story of misadventure in the Antarctic, and was praised by the judges for its unforgettable voice, intricate plotting and richly imagined scenario. It is published in Australia by Oxford University Press.
Four books were named as Honour books, including One Whole and Perfect Day by Australian author Judith Clarke. This continues the run of Australian successes in the Printz award. For Judith Clarke, this follows the 2007 Queensland Premier's Prize for Young Adult Fiction and a shortlisting in the 2007 Children’s Book Council Awards (Young Adult category) for the same novel. Click here for more books by Judith Clarke held by the ACT Public Library.
18 January 2008
A Guide to what that blurb really means
Authors are inclined to publicly endorse each other on the backs of their books, but it's not all logrolling.
The perfect blurb, for the uninitiated, is a quote on the cover of a book, which reads, "A glittering achievement. This is the book I wish I'd written." And is signed by JK Rowling, Nick Hornby, or Jody Picoult.
Many blurbs are a bit hedge-y, as in, "It doesn't get any better than this," (ie, this writer isn't very good, and never will be) or "an amazing success," (ie, how on earth did this book get a six-figure advance?).
Read the Observer's Robert McCrum's thoughts on blurbs here.
The perfect blurb, for the uninitiated, is a quote on the cover of a book, which reads, "A glittering achievement. This is the book I wish I'd written." And is signed by JK Rowling, Nick Hornby, or Jody Picoult.
Many blurbs are a bit hedge-y, as in, "It doesn't get any better than this," (ie, this writer isn't very good, and never will be) or "an amazing success," (ie, how on earth did this book get a six-figure advance?).
Read the Observer's Robert McCrum's thoughts on blurbs here.
17 January 2008
Riddle of the Week
Apples for the Family
Question: How can you distribute three apples to two fathers and their two sons, giving a whole apple to each?
Question: How can you distribute three apples to two fathers and their two sons, giving a whole apple to each?
14 January 2008
Why I write - Val McDermid
Finding out as a child that making up stories was more interesting than listening to boring adults, it's persistence that has kept prolific thriller writer Val McDermid going. Guardian Unlimited's Sarah Kinson interviews Val McDermid, read more here.
Her latest novel, Beneath the Bleeding, published by HarperCollins, is available on request from the ACT Public Library.
Her latest novel, Beneath the Bleeding, published by HarperCollins, is available on request from the ACT Public Library.
11 January 2008
January School Holidays @ your library
Looking for a fun activity for children during the school holidays?
The ACT Public Library has organised a School Holiday Program beginning on 16 January 2008. Activities include stories, hip hop dancing, reptiles, musical games for the 3 to 5 year olds, meet a marine biologist and many more.
For full details of the program, visit the library web site; or to make a booking, phone the library on 6205 9000.
The ACT Public Library has organised a School Holiday Program beginning on 16 January 2008. Activities include stories, hip hop dancing, reptiles, musical games for the 3 to 5 year olds, meet a marine biologist and many more.
For full details of the program, visit the library web site; or to make a booking, phone the library on 6205 9000.
08 January 2008
Ambassador for Children's Literature in the US announced
Author Jon Scieszka has been announced as Ambassador for Children’s Literature in the United States. Scieszka is perhaps best known as the author of the Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Tales.
Click here for more books by Jon Scieszka.
Scieszka’s role is similar to that of the Children’s Laureate in UK, Michael Rosen who has some words of advice for his new colleague.
I'm sure we can all think of a few names of talented people in Australia who could fill a similar role to lift the status of reading.
Click here for more books by Jon Scieszka.
Scieszka’s role is similar to that of the Children’s Laureate in UK, Michael Rosen who has some words of advice for his new colleague.
I'm sure we can all think of a few names of talented people in Australia who could fill a similar role to lift the status of reading.
07 January 2008
Summer Reading Club @ your library
A reminder that the Summer Reading Club program at the ACT Public Library is currently on and will run till 24 January 2008.
This year’s theme is Read Around Oz – Superheroes Read.
The Library has organized fun activities to engage and occupy young people in reading. Children are encouraged to keep a record of books read during the summer holidays, and bookmarks, wristbands and certificates will be given for participation in the Summer Reading Club. For more information ring the ACT Public Library on 62059000.
For Superhero holiday activities and to find out what superpower some of our favourite Australian authors would like to have, visit the Summer Reading Club website here.
This year’s theme is Read Around Oz – Superheroes Read.
The Library has organized fun activities to engage and occupy young people in reading. Children are encouraged to keep a record of books read during the summer holidays, and bookmarks, wristbands and certificates will be given for participation in the Summer Reading Club. For more information ring the ACT Public Library on 62059000.
For Superhero holiday activities and to find out what superpower some of our favourite Australian authors would like to have, visit the Summer Reading Club website here.
04 January 2008
Riddle of the week
Hard riddle
I run forever, but never move at all. I have not lungs nor throat, but still a mighty roaring call. What am I?
Easy riddle
What kind of cheese is made backwards?
Answers to last weeks riddles.
Simple Riddle: When they are caught, they are thrown away.When they escape, you itch all day.What are they? Answer. Fleas
Hard Riddle: A farmer in California owns a beautiful pear tree. He supplies the fruit to a nearby grocery store. The store owner has called the farmer to see how much fruit is available for him to purchase. The farmer knows that the main trunk has 24 branches. Each branch has exactly 12 boughs and each bough has exactly 6 twigs. Since each twig bears one piece of fruit, how many plums will the farmer be able to deliver.
Answer. A pear tree doesn't have plums.
New Suburb in Canberra to named after Judith Wright
The ACT Minister for Planning, Andrew Barr, announced this week that prominent Australians Judith Wright, Sir John Sulman and Dr H.C ‘Nugget’ Coombs will be honoured with the first three suburbs of Molonglo to be named after them. Click here for the media release.
Molonglo is located to the west of central Canberra, between Belconnen and Weston Creek. Up to 73,000 people are expected to live in about 33,000 homes in the area from about 2008-09 onwards.
Nominated for a Nobel Prize for Literature, Judith Wright expressed her love of Australia and its people in her poetry. She also wrote on issues such as nature conservation and the rights of indigenous Australians. She fought to save the Great Barrier Reef from mining and oil drilling and to establish the Great Barrier Reef marine park. Ms Wright was a long-time resident of the Canberra region.
Molonglo is located to the west of central Canberra, between Belconnen and Weston Creek. Up to 73,000 people are expected to live in about 33,000 homes in the area from about 2008-09 onwards.
Nominated for a Nobel Prize for Literature, Judith Wright expressed her love of Australia and its people in her poetry. She also wrote on issues such as nature conservation and the rights of indigenous Australians. She fought to save the Great Barrier Reef from mining and oil drilling and to establish the Great Barrier Reef marine park. Ms Wright was a long-time resident of the Canberra region.
03 January 2008
Trees as signposts to our past
Recommended - If Trees Could Speak by Bob Beale, Allen & Unwin, 2007
It might be a little gimmicky to recall snippets of Australian history through trees that have a link to certain events or people but the idea works. This idiosyncratic book by science and environment journalist Bob Beale takes trees out of their ubiquity in the landscape and, through photographs, stories and science and history lessons that aren't too taxing, makes us think about them as living beings and reminders of the country's natural and human past.
Although Australia is home to about 40 billion of them, in some places in our landscape, trees are, of course, far from ubiquitous. Many millions have been cut down since Europeans arrived. But if we have loved cutting trees down, we have also loved planting them as a way of memorialising occasion and loss. According to Beale, the avenue of honour is a peculiarly Australian phenomenon.
There are plenty of well-known trees included - Lone Pine, the Dig Tree, the Wollemi Pine, Melbourne's own Fairies Tree - and the biggest, tallest, oldest trees. But there are also those that are barely noticed, such as two forest red gums that sit overlooking the Sydney Opera House, having survived the arrival of the First Fleet and the building of Sydney. Their presence and the absence of all the neighbours that would once have stood around them are a symbol of endurance and transience.
Click here to request the book.
It might be a little gimmicky to recall snippets of Australian history through trees that have a link to certain events or people but the idea works. This idiosyncratic book by science and environment journalist Bob Beale takes trees out of their ubiquity in the landscape and, through photographs, stories and science and history lessons that aren't too taxing, makes us think about them as living beings and reminders of the country's natural and human past.
Although Australia is home to about 40 billion of them, in some places in our landscape, trees are, of course, far from ubiquitous. Many millions have been cut down since Europeans arrived. But if we have loved cutting trees down, we have also loved planting them as a way of memorialising occasion and loss. According to Beale, the avenue of honour is a peculiarly Australian phenomenon.
There are plenty of well-known trees included - Lone Pine, the Dig Tree, the Wollemi Pine, Melbourne's own Fairies Tree - and the biggest, tallest, oldest trees. But there are also those that are barely noticed, such as two forest red gums that sit overlooking the Sydney Opera House, having survived the arrival of the First Fleet and the building of Sydney. Their presence and the absence of all the neighbours that would once have stood around them are a symbol of endurance and transience.
Click here to request the book.
02 January 2008
Welcome Back - New Year's Resolutions
Belinda Webb, whose first novel A Clockwork Apple will be published in April 2008 says:
"So here we are, in 2008. Today is the day when many of us will take stock of the 12 months that have passed us by. Some of us will also set out our good intentions for the year ahead. A few of my friends will fork out loads of money to join a gym - whether they go enough, or at all, is another matter. I, however, have made a different resolution this time, and it involves cancelling my gym membership. No more feigning enthusiasm for body-bending yoga or trying to improve on the just-about-attainable 10 lengths of a crowded public pool. Instead I've vowed to do something I am actually quite good at, and which comes naturally to me. I will use the money saved on gym membership to subscribe to an audiobook service from which I can download "books" onto the MP3 player I bought myself for Christmas. I will walk the hour or so to work every morning while consuming classics and other books that, in print format, I have so far failed to "get". "
The ACT Public Library provides an innovative eBook and eAudiobook service for its members. Click here for more information.
"So here we are, in 2008. Today is the day when many of us will take stock of the 12 months that have passed us by. Some of us will also set out our good intentions for the year ahead. A few of my friends will fork out loads of money to join a gym - whether they go enough, or at all, is another matter. I, however, have made a different resolution this time, and it involves cancelling my gym membership. No more feigning enthusiasm for body-bending yoga or trying to improve on the just-about-attainable 10 lengths of a crowded public pool. Instead I've vowed to do something I am actually quite good at, and which comes naturally to me. I will use the money saved on gym membership to subscribe to an audiobook service from which I can download "books" onto the MP3 player I bought myself for Christmas. I will walk the hour or so to work every morning while consuming classics and other books that, in print format, I have so far failed to "get". "
The ACT Public Library provides an innovative eBook and eAudiobook service for its members. Click here for more information.
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