Manly Library Author Talk: Bob Ellis

Bob Ellis is the author of more than eighteen books.

His most recent work is And So It Went: Night Thoughts in a Year of Change and other recent titles include the bestselling Goodbye Jerusalem,

Goodbye Babylon and First Abolish the Customer.

Bob Ellis will be speaking at Manly Library:

Wednesday 24th June 7pm
Manly Library Meeting Room

Market Place, Manly NSW
$5 entry light refreshments provided
Bookings essential call 9976 1722

Manly Library Author Talk: Love in the Age of Drought by Fiona Higgins

Fiona Higgins will speak at Manly Library on Wednesday 6th May on her first book Love in the Age of Drought her true story of rural romance.
Author Fiona Higgins met her husband-to-be at a conference in Melbourne, she wasn’t looking for a relationship, let alone the upheaval of falling for an eco-aware cotton farmer from South East Queensland.
But then life never goes quite according to plan...

Check out her interview with Grazia magazine.

6.30pm Wednesday 6th May

RSVP 9976 1722

Light refreshments provided

Afloat borrower goes floating from Byron to Sydney

One of my regular borrowers is off to Byron today where he’s going to kayak back to Sydney with a mate to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer Treatment. They’re getting a bit of publicity, and you can follow their progress on their blog:
http://www.b2b4prostate.blogspot.com/

- Richard
(The Manly Library Afloat service is parked outside Manly Wharf from 7:15am to 9:15am weekdays)

Re(a)d or white : uncork a book

Manly Library hosted an informal evening of wine tasting on Thursday 18th September with presenters matching wines to their favourite books. It was a great success and we've had requests for information about the presenters and the wines they selected.

Ann Skea read from and talked about The Letters of Ted Hughes (Ed. Christopher Reid). With special insight as a friend of Hughes and his family and the editor Christopher Reid. She recommended a Canary Island sherry - part of the traditional butt of sack awarded as payment to Poets Laureate. Ted went to Spain to see his wine being bottled and he designed his own label for it. http://ann.skea.com/

Sue Murray talked about Breath by Tim Winton (as an ex-West Australian who knows the south coast of WA well and the wineries there too!) Sue has worked in both theatre and education: as a member of a children's theatre company, a clown, a teacher, a university tutor, a project officer at Australia's national drama school and the series editor of the Macmillan Drama Studio. http://www.suemurray.com.au/

Michael Hedger talked about Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy and selected a Hardy's red to go with it. Michael is the Council’s Cultural and information Services Manager. He was previously Manager of Visitor Services at the National Maritime Museum and before that the Director of the Campbelltown Regional Art Gallery and the Deputy Director of the British Council in Australia. Before these positions he was a teacher, lecturer and education officer. He was the art reviewer of the Newcastle Herald and the writer of Public Sculpture in Australia which was published in 1995. He has MAs in English Literature and Arts Administration.

Wendy Burridge chose The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer. She recommended a smooth, easy drinking Merlot to accompany it. Wendy has been part of the Humphreys Newsagency Team for a number of years now and runs their Book Department. She has access to all the latest publications, selecting the best for their Manly clientele. Wendy has developed a high standard of customer care, provides personalized service, loves her work and has a brilliant product knowledge. She reads what she sells. http://www.humphreys.com.au/

Felicity Pulman is a young adult author who wrote the Shallott trilogy and The Janna Mysteries series. Felicity talked about the books that informed and inspired The Janna Mysteries, ie Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters, When Christ & His Saints Slept by Sharon Penman, and also her new crime series featuring Justin de Quincy, the Queen's man, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett and Sarum by Edward Rutherford - she recommended that they be washed down with a glass of mead. http://www.felicitypulman.com.au/

John MacRitchie talked about a favourite book of his: Augustus Carp, being the autobiography of a really good man, by Anon. This is a classic of Edwardian humour, about a pompous prig named Augustus Carp, and it features a scene where wine figures prominently, specifically port wine. Carp, the secretary of the local branch of the Anti-Drunkenness League, never takes strong drink. Until... (The entire text of the book can be found online).

John is Manly Library's Local Studies Librarian. He spends four hours a day commuting by public transport so he spends plenty of time reading. John is a regular reviewer and contributor of articles to library journals and to the Manly Library weblog. He is compiling a book of bad poetry to be called ‘Mongrel Doggerel’. Don’t encourage him.

Poetry at Manly Library

WANTED - PEOPLE WHO LIKE POETRY

We are a small group of people who enjoy reading and listening to poetry.
Some of us write it, some do not. We read all kinds of poetry - old, new, rhymed, unrhymed, famous, infamous, good, bad - anything that sparks our interest!

Come and join us. Bring a favourite poem. Recite a poem you remember.
Share a poem you have written. Or just listen.

Our only rule is: "Do not apologise for your poetry".

Where: Manly Library Meeting Room. Market Place, Manly NSW.
When: 1st Tuesday of each month. 10.00am - 12.00noon


FREE.


Ann Skea
Website and Ted Hughes pages: http://ann.skea.com/

Manly Library Afloat turns one!

Manly Library Afloat is one year old! The daily mobile library service for commuters at Manly Wharf has steadily grown in popularity with many regular borrowers making it part of their morning ritual.

The service runs from 7:15 to 9:15 on weekday mornings just outside Manly Wharf.

Come and visit on Friday 4th of April for our birthday celebrations!

Heritage Festival 2008

5 - 20 April 2008 Theme: Our Place

The program of events for the 2008 Manly Heritage Festival is listed below.

Brave and Bold: History of Manly Village Public School 1858-2008
March 2008
“Brave and Bold” will be launched at Manly Village School, Corner Darley Road and Wentworth Street, Manly during March 2008. Copies of the book will be available from the school and Manly Library during the Heritage Festival.
Venue: Manly Village Public School. Enquiries: 9977 3066

Manly Heritage Festival Launch
Thursday April 3 2008 6pm
Launch of Heritage Festival in Manly, NSW for 2008. Will include talk by Manly Council Heritage Planners about how heritage relates to everyone in Our Place, Manly. Light refreshments will be provided, plus an opportunity to be amongst the first to view the library’s exhibition “Growing by the Sea” a selection of photographs of Manly Village Public School.
Venue: Manly Library. Bookings: 9976 1732

“Growing by the Sea”: 150 years of Manly Village Public School
3 – 21 April 2008, during Library open hours
An exhibition of photographs of events and people associated with the school over its 150 year history. The photographs for this exhibition have been selected by Professor John Ramsland, author of the official history of the school to be published in March 2008.
Venue: Manly Library. Enquiries: 9976 1732

Family Art Stories
2-4pm Saturday 12 April 2008
An innovative concept by Mike Rubbo encouraging you to create your own family art book which illustrates and tells the ‘stories’ of the artworks in your own collection; how and when they came into your collections, the story of the artists and how generations of your family may have appreciated and enjoyed them over time. Mike will discuss his idea at the Manly Art Gallery & Museum and discuss the layout and content of the Family Art Book. All invited to come along and enjoy afternoon tea.
Venue: Manly Art Gallery & Museum. Enquiries 9949 1776

The Nature of Manly
Exhibition: 4 April 2008 – 16 March 2009
Curator’s Talk: 3-4pm Sunday 13 April
A new museum exhibition which explores Manly’s unique natural environment and how it has changed over time. What has shaped Manly and its basic elements? What changes have occurred both to its natural elements, animals and plants, and to its constructed environment? How have the people living in Manly affected it at different periods? Manly’s latest planning guidelines (Local Environmental Plan) also supplement the exhibition. Curated by Virginia Macleod.
Venue: Manly Art Gallery & Museum. Enquiries: 9949 1776

Return to Manly School
Tuesday 8April 2008, 10am – 12.30pm
Return to Manly School, tours of the school for former pupils and friends. The event will include a talk by Professor John Ramsland, author of the official history of the school to be launched early March 2008.
Venue: Manly Village Public School. Enquiries: 9977 3066

The Corso Heritage Walk
Friday 11April, 11am
Join a walking tour of the main street of Manly, lead by local historian Terry Metherell, revealing the history of this dynamic public thoroughfare. Meet in front of the Manly Council Chambers to begin the tour.
Cost: Free (numbers limited)
Bookings essential: 9976 1722

Seaforth Heritage Walk
Saturday 12April 2008 10.30am
Join a walking tour of the suburb of Seaforth, lead by local historian Brian McAteer.
Meet at the Balgowlah/ Seaforth Library to begin the tour.
Cost: Free (numbers limited)
Bookings essential: 9976 1722

Manly Congregational Church Organ Recital
Manly Congregational Church, Whistler Street
Listen to an hour-long organ recital and take the opportunity to view this historic church.
10 and 17 April 2008. Recitals at 2.30pm, church open for viewing 9am to 5pm (until 8pm on 17 April) and for worship from 9am to 10.30am and 7pm to 8pm.
Free. Enquiries 9938 3785

Manly Cemetery Heritage Walk
Wednesday 16 April 2008. 10am and 10.30am
Join one of two guided walks around Manly Cemetery led by Terry Metherell and Adele Heasman.
Meet: Manly Cemetery (numbers limited)
Cost: Free
Bookings essential: 9976 1722

Further information on the National Trust Heritage Festival 2008 is avalable on the Nation Trust website:
http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/events/festival/

What's on in February 2008

Click on the image for a full-size events calendar.

January library events

Click on the image for a full-size events calendar.

Book discussion group January: Books that influenced you most

This discussion topic is really about you and your reading. What books have really influenced you? What was it about them that made such an impression? Has there been any one person, agency or incident that has influenced your reading patterns?

For inspiration on what to read for the group, check out these lists:
The New York Times 100 notable books of 2007
Costa Book Awards most re-read books in the UK
The American Library Association's list of notable books

The group will be meeting on Wednesday the 16th of January 2008 at 6pm in Manly Library.

Manly Library wins business award

Manly Library has won the Manly Daily 2007 True Local Business Award in the category of Community Service/Not-for-profit. We were presented with a plaque for our service to the community and the range of services and programmes offered, at an event attended by in excess of 700 people.

We are fortunate to have a community who is prepared to acknowledge us by nominating us for these awards as no other local government service was included in the nominations. Thank you to all our borrowers and clients for supporting us!

November library events

Click on the image for a full size events calendar.

October library events

Click on the image for full size events calendar.

September Book Group: All things Japanese

This September (Wednesday 12 September at 6pm) the book group will be looking at books that reveal Japanese culture. A special list of books held by Manly Library has been prepared and is available is the library, or you can email fran.inkster[at]manly.nsw.gov.au for an electronic version. This booklist tries to give an insight into Japanese culture, through fiction and non-fiction works. The emphasis is on current Japanese culture, with a look at some of the elements that have made the Japanese what they are today. Items relating to World War 2 have not been included. Some items illustrating the Japanese influence, or the Japanese in other countries have been included.

Suggested items (with Manly Library call numbers) include:

Non-fiction ;
Addiss, Stephen, 1935-
A Haiku menagerie : living creatures in poems and prints
New York : Weatherhill, 1992.
895.6104/ADD

Addiss, Stephen, 1935-
How to look at Japanese art / Stephen Addiss ; with a chapter on gardens by Audrey Yoshiko Seo.
New York : Abrams, 1996.
709.52/ADD

Bringing home the sushi : an inside look at Japanese business through Japanese comics.
Atlanta, Ga. : Mangajin, 1995.
658.8/BRI

Buisson, Dominique.
Japan unveiled : understanding Japanese body culture
London : Hachette Illustrated, 2003.
391.0952/BUI

Chambers, Veronica.
Kickboxing geishas : how modern Japanese women are changing their nation
New York : Free Press, 2007.
305.40952/CHA

For fiction try these authors:
Eisler, Barry.
Endo, Shusaku.
Fast, Howard, 1914-
Guterson, David.
Hoyt, Richard 1941-
Kawabata, Yasunari, 1899-1972
Kikuchi, Hideyuki.
Lockwood, Cara.
Massey, Sujata.
Mori, Kyoko.
Murakami, Haruki, 1949-
Otsuka, Julie, 1962-
Suzuki, Koji.
Tanizaki, Junichiro, 1886-1965
Trobaugh, Augusta.
Yamada, Taichi.
Yoshikawa, Mako.
Yoshimoto, Banana, 1964-
Yoshimura, Akira, 1927-
Yu, Miri, 1968-

Book group wrap up: Medieval Mysteries

Recently we discussed Medieval Mysteries at our bookgroup. Members had read a variety of titles from this genre, and many had read more than one. Surprisingly it was not well liked. I believe they kept reading more in the hope that the next book would be better. Selected titles were easy to read, so did not take long to read, but also did not provide a lot of intellectual stimulation.

The main complaint was that authors spent too much effort detailing medieval life and not developing characters. It didn’t matter how good the background was, if the characters and plot were not up to scratch, the book was no good. Margaret Fraser was singled out for her atrocious language. Her dialogue was very contrived and did not reflect the language used at the time, and in the opinion of the reviewer, was not even a good parody of the language which would have been anglo-saxon, not English.

One author to get the best reviews, was Felicity Pulman, (spelt with one ‘l’) who writes for young adults. Her books had been read by at least three of the group and rated well, taking into account the audience they were written for. Quite by accident, the week after the discussion group, I spoke to Felicity Pulman, who was eager to hear what the group had to say about medieval mysteries. She took all comments very seriously and will keep them in mind when writing her next book – keep developing characters, make sure you have a worthy plot, the background is important, but keep it in the background and keep the language real as you are still writing for a modern audience.

I asked Felicity about her research. She has done extensive work into Arthurian legend, and the medieval era. She was very disappointed as she had recently broken her foot, which meant she had to delay a trip to England. She was keen to see the countryside in autumn, and wanted to walk in forests and other places she puts her characters. You may like to check out Felicity’s website at http://www.felicitypulman.com.au/ . She covers information about her books (which are published by Random house), biography, as well as about her research, medieval mumbo-jumbo and also provides links to writing sites and other authors of her ilk. Felicity has written the Shalott series, Guinevere Jones books and episodes for the television series in conjunction with Sophie Masson, and her most recent works the Janna Mysteries – all medieval based.




-Fran

Book discussion group August

Next meeting of the Manly Library Book Discussion Group (Book Club) will be on Wednesday 8th August at 6pm.

Our topic is Medieval Mysteries – even without modern forensics, medieval mysteries could be solved. What do you think they have in common?

If you would like to come along or want further information, please contact Fran on 9976 1732.

One suggested book to read is Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose. Also check out the Official Rules for writing Medieval fiction.

Some other suggestions are:

Koulias, Adriana
Temple of the grail.
Sydney : Picador, 2004.
France--History--13th century--Fiction.
F /KOUL

Lawhead, Steve.
The mystic rose.
London : HarperCollins, 2001.
Series Title: (Celtic crusades ; 3)
Spain--History--711-1516--Fiction.
F /LAWH

Lindbergh, Judith.
The thrall's tale
Sydney : Bantam 2006.
Middle Ages--Fiction.
F /LIND

McIntosh, Pat.
The harper's quine.
London : Constable, 2004.
Scotland--History--15th century--Fiction.
F /MACI

Moore, Viviane
Blue Blood
London, Gollancz, 2000
F/MOOR

Morgan, Philippa.
Chaucer and the legend of good women.
London : Constable, 2005.
Chaucer, Geoffrey, d.1400--Fiction.
F /MORG

You can check the availability of these titles in our online catalogue.

Manly Library book group

Have you had trouble finding a book club?

Manly Library runs a monthly book discussion group on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6pm, which are quite unique in the world of book groups.

Our emphasis is on the joy of reading, where we provide monthly lists of suggested reading to challenge and broaden the horizons of our members. We also offer access to the latest acquisitions at the Library. We do not restrict ourselves to one book to critique and avoid a classroom style experience.

We work on the premise that life is too short to read something you don’t enjoy – so don’t read it – go and find something you do like – but tell us about it so we won’t make the same mistake as well. We have lots of suggestions about books to read, and if variety is the spice of life, we can be very spicy.

If you would like further information about Library Book Discussion Groups, please contact Fran Inkster at Manly Library on 9976 1732 or email fran.inkster [at] manly.nsw.gov.au

.......................................................

Do you have a passion for reading – looking to expand your reading horizons, but want to stay close to home?

Would you like meet in your own home, with people you know to share your passion and discuss the books you have read? Perhaps you would like to start your own book group, but don’t know where to begin. Fran Inkster, Customer Services Librarian at Manly Library, would be happy to help you start up your own group, and demonstrate how Manly Library can support your group.
For further information, please contact Fran on 9976 1732 or email fran.inkster [at] manly.nsw.gov.au

Library knit in

From now until the end of July the library will be holding a regular knit in! From 12-2pm on Thursdays you can drop in and help us knit squares which will be used to create wraps for the charity Wrap With Love.

Squares need to be 25cm x 25cm (10" x 10") and knitted in 8ply wool with size 8 (imperial) knitting needles (4mm needles) in any stitch except stocking stitch. Come and get all the instructions and patterns you need and join the group to knit & ‘bitch’!

Author talk: Banafsheh (Bonnie) Serov

Banafsheh Serov was 8 when revolution erupted in Iran. Four years later, under threat of being caught by Khomeini’s revolutionary guards and in the midst of the Iran-Iraq war, her family set off across the mountains to Turkey.

Bonnie’s story tells of their journey from Iran to Sydney. She has published a book called Sorrow of my native land. Come and meet Bonnie and hear about their struggle to survive and their success here in Australia.

Wednesday 20 June at 6pm at Manly Library
RSVP 9976 1722

Light refreshments served.
There will also be a display of crafts by Friendly Aliens, Manly group.

Library Afloat sets sail!

This month sees the launch of an exciting new service, Manly Library Afloat, a mobile library positioned at Manly Wharf that will operate weekdays between 7.15am and 9am.

This service commences on Monday 26th of March and is aimed primarily at ferry and bus commuters so they can make the most of their precious time.

A golf cart style vehicle (see picture) funded with a grant from the State Library of New South Wales has been custom fitted to accommodate over 1,000 titles (books and audio books).

Our vision is to make Manly Library accessible to all members of the community and ‘Manly Library Afloat’ is part of achieving that goal.

The official launch of the service will be held on Tuesday the 27th of March in the Manly Wharf forecourt from 7:30am to 9am.

Law Week talk for teens

As part of Law Week Manly Library will be hosting a talk on Youth Rights and Responsibilities for teens and their families. A panel of local lawyers, police and community workers will talk and answer questions. Topics will include:

spiked drinks
under 18's legal advice
youth rights in public spaces
student consumers
violence against women
safe parties
what to do if you crash a car
starting work

Manly Library Meeting Room
Wednesday
28 March
6.30—7.30pm
RSVP/Enquiries: Louise McMorland
Phone: 9976 1731
louise.mcmorland[at]manly.nsw.gov.au

March library events

Manly: Places in context, cultural and natural landscapes
1-18 March
An exhibition of aerial photographs to celebrate the National Trust Heritage Festival

Board Games for Primary School Students
Fridays 2, 16, 23 and 30th March
3.30 – 5.00pm
Enquiries call Louise on 9976 1731

Whatever Club for High School Students
Tues 6 March
3.30-5.30pm Library Meeting room
Make a poster using a digital camera and the library colour photocopier about you
Afternoon tea included
Enquries call Louise on 9976 1731

Bob Mitchell, the “Memory Man”
Wed 7 March
10.00am
Bob will talk about ‘Using the Five Senses to Trigger Memory’ and also his own publications.Morning tea will be provided and a selection of new books will be available to borrow. This is part of the Manly Council Seniors’ Week Program.
RSVP: 9976 1722

Baby Bounce and Rhyme
Wed 7 March
10.30am – 11am
Especially for the 3 -18 month age group. You and your baby will enjoy sharing songs, rhymes and stories. Parent participation essential.
Enquiries: 9976 1727

"My Time” Book Group
Wed 7 March
11am
For parents with young children, directly after ‘Baby Bounce & Rhyme’
Enquiries: 9976 1732

A Manly Album: Favourite photos from the Library Collection
Sat 10 March
4.30pm
Come and find out which photographs in Manly Library’s collection of over 5,000 images are the favourites of Local Studies Librarian John MacRitchie. More information here.
Cost: $12. Refreshments will be served.
RSVP: 99761722

11- 18 March
Seniors Week

Years Ahead’ presentation about driving and road safety for seniors
Wed 14 March
10am
Presented by NRMA speaker Carl Bliim to increase awareness of safe driving practices, encourage all drivers to monitor their ability to drive, encourage older drivers to seek advice from their doctors regarding their capacity and to drive provide information about alternative transport options. Refreshments will be served.
RSVP: 9976 1722

Book Discussion Group
Wed 14 March
6pm
Topic: Cornwell, Deaver & Reichs – current forensic fiction.
RSVP: 9976 1732

A Manly album

Favourite photos from our local studies collection.

On Saturday the 10th of March the library is holding a presentation and discussion of some of the library's local studies photographic collection.

Come and find out which of Manly Library's 5000 photographs are the favourites of Local Studies Librarian, John MacRitchie. John will present his selections from recent acquisitions and talk about the stories behind the images. More than any other format, photographs take us to that strange place, the past.

There will also be a chance to have a private viewing of the Library's Heritage Festival exhibition of aerial photographs of Manly through the years. Will your house be in one of them?

This is a Manly Library Trust event. Cost for the presentation is $12 and refreshments will be served. For bookings please call the library on 9976 1722. If reception is unattended please leave a message with your name, number attending and contact details.

Library lovers day

February 14th used to be Valentine's Day... now it's library lovers day!

http://www.librarylovers.org.au/

We will be hosting a 'Blind date with a book' stand - selected books will be wrapped up and identifiable only by a 'lonely hearts' ad on the front. E.g. 'Seeking adventurous reader who enjoys sailing, history and romance...'

Pop into the library on the 14th of Feb to pick up your blind date!

Street party

The library's annual children's street party was a great success! The theme this year was 'Everything Japanese' and we had karaoke, karate, sushi and origami. For some recommended books about Japan try Liz Dalby's Kimono, 2001; Peter Carey's Wrong about Japan, 2005 or Karen Muller's Japanland: a year in search of Wa, 2005. Some great Japanese authors include Haruki Murakami and Banana Yoshimoto. You can check the availability of these titles in our online catalogue. Find out more about Japanese literature here.

ALA banned books week

This year is the 25th aniversary of banned books week - a week to 'celebrate the freedom to read'. Visit the American Library Association page here for more information and Google also has a page here, where you can find out about books that have been challenged over the years.

Books Alive 2006

The Books Alive campaign is on again and you can get your free copy of the 'Great Read Guide' at the library. You can also view the guide online here. The campaign aims to promote the joys of reading, and is funded by the Australian Government. You can check the availability of books advertised in the guide on our online catalogue.