Latest from the Library

Dalby Regional Library Service

2008-11-18T21:57:00.000-08:00

As we are now the one library service, you can go online and look at the catalogue for the entire region. Simply go to http://dalby.spydus.lgaq.asn.au/ . You can join up and make reservations online. You may find that your details are already on the system. We have been adding clients so please ring us if you need your pin number to log in. Our number is 46691990.

Updating History

2008-11-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

Move into the 21st Century, go on line to view a catalogue of the resources in the local history room. We will be endeavouring to catalogue the entire collection on the website www.librarything.com. You can log on and see for yourself. The user name is chinchilla.history and the password is library.

Pink Ribbon Day

2008-10-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Month, and Monday 27th October is Pink Ribbon Day. We've all heard the stats- that 36 women are diagnosed with Breast Cancer every day (www.breastcancer.org.au). Now's your chance to help. Host or attend a "Girl's night in", or buy a pink ribbon or wristband to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation. These can be purchased from various businesses around the town.

For more information check out these websites:

Breast Cancer Network Australia www.bcna.org.au
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: http://www.nbcam.org/
National Breast Cancer Fund: http://www.nbcf.org.au/
Pink Ribbon Day: www.pinkribbonday.com.au
Girls Night In: http://www.girlsnightin.com.au/

Or visit the library, check out display, and peruse the range of books and brochures available.

Some of the bras created/ designed by local identities...

Walking Class Hero

2008-10-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

Friday 3rd October is national "Walk To Work Day".

So be a Walking Class Hero and do something for the environment.

For more information, or to register, go to http://www.walk.com.au/

Celebrate Spring Time @ the Library

2008-09-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

Get out into the garden with a book this spring

New books in time for school holidays

2008-09-14T23:49:00.000-07:00

The school holidays are coming up fast.

As always, the library will be running crafts every weekday afternoon from 4pm. The theme this time is "space", so kids will be making aliens, moonrocks and mobiles, trying not to get sucked into a black hole, and lots of other fun stuff. So come get SPACE-d out @the library this holidays.

While the kids are getting spaced out, parents should check out the range of new books the library has just recieved. With over 600 new items to choose from you're bound to find something to keep you occupied until it's time to pick the kids up...

New CDs

2008-09-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

The library has recently aquired a range of new young adult CDs.

Until now, the only CDs we have had to borrow are old country artists like Slim Dusty, classical music, kids soundtracks such as Bob the Builder or music from the Tigger movie, or really weird stuff like Nik Fish- all of which is fine, but not really what the youth of today tend to listen to.

The new music includes artists such as Good Charlotte, 50 cent, Simple Plan, the Veronicas, Thirsty Merc, Usher, Hinder and Maroon 5.

Enjoy!

Masquerade Ball

2008-09-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with Bookweek, a mask ball is held every year at the Library. All students who visited the library with their class are invited to attend. This year we had fairies, princesses, spiderman, the Lion king and various other costumes. We played celebrity heads and danced to 'cool' (ie popular) music, before devouring all the snacks provided. The punch was also a hit, as evidenced by the sticky floor the next morning! Though the number of kids who attended was a little dissapointing, I think everyone (incuding staff) had a fantastic time. And it was great to see some students from the small schools attend as well. What else can I say, except to add that everyone had a "ball".

BookWeek 2008

2008-09-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Discovering the forest

Bookweek is the biggest event in the library calendar. This year the theme was "fuel your mind".

Hand drawn mural of a magical place

the "forest" the water fountain

The library was redecorated to look like a mystical forest, lights were dimmed, fairies were hidden and the staff dressed up- all to encourage the classes of students who visited us to use their imaginations.

"Maisy"

Dressed as an elf- owner of the mystical forest

The children who visited us were told ancient greek and norse myths, and these stories correlated to a puzzle picture on the display board.

The competition

All students were also invited to attend the annual "Masquerade Ball" the following week. Photos of this grand event to come...

Photos

2008-08-17T23:33:00.000-07:00

A promised:

Preparing...

...waiting...

Worth waiting for!

Author Visit- Hugh Lunn

2008-08-13T23:20:00.000-07:00

Queensland author Hugh Lunn visited the Chinchilla Library Wednesday morning. Mr Lunn is a very funny man and his humourous anecdotes kept his audience captivated. He then signed autographs for those who wanted to meet him, while everyone else mingled over morning tea/ lunch. One who was particularly interested in (re)meeting Hugh was a local man who, as it turned out, went to university with him.

A great time was had by all. A big thankyou to all who attended, and a special thanks to Hugh Lunn.

...Coming soon... photos of the great event

Author Visit

2008-08-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hugh Lunn

As part of "The Courier Mail Big Book Club" promotion the Queensland author Hugh Lunn will be at the library on Wednesday the 13th August at 11.00 am. Hugh has written several books on his life growing up in Queensland. The most famous being Over the top with Jim. Mr Lunn has also recorded his controversial career as a reporter for Rupert Murdoch in the book Working for Rupert. He was one of the first to see the potential of the Rugby League State of Origin concept. Bookings are essential to ensure that you enjoy an interest morning out. Please phone us on 46691990.

Competition

2008-07-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

The library is running a new competition for July. Simply match up the famous Double Acts.

The paired acts are gathered from the entertainment world - some are real people, while others are characters from a movie or television series. Come on in and see how many you can guess correctly - there is a prize for the winner.

Disney Fun

2008-07-13T23:33:00.001-07:00

Holiday time in the library means arts and craft, games and lots of fun. The theme this time around was Disney movies. Kids made a magic lamp to wish upon, a magic carpet to fly away on. Other craft included a Bugs Life mobile, Mary Poppins chalk boards and Finding Nemo jelly fish. As well as listening to music from the movies, kids played musical chairs, statues and freeze and bob. Celebrity head was popular as well as the all time favourite of the hunt throught the library. Children had to search for different characters or symbols each day. The children from "Charley's Place" came down for a visit on the first Friday of the holidays- what a great bunch of kids. All in all a great time was had by the children and the staff.

Trivia Night

2008-06-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

$241.30 was raised at the Chinchilla library last night

The "Throw the book at M S Trivia Night" was a great night for all who participated. We had seven teams pitting their wits against each other. A prize was on offer for the team with the best name. The Block of chocolate went to the "Chilla Chicks". The other teams were "Funky Felines", Moorlands "Leaping Deeres", "Rainbows", "Possums", local banking sector "Money Minders" and "Ab Fab". After round three and a couple of bonus rounds the "Ab Fab" team were showing themselves to be clear favorites to take the first prize home with them. An encouragement award was given to the "Possums" at this point and the chocolate hit seemed to inspire them as they managed to avoid taking the wooden spoon. It came as no surprise at the end of the evening to see that the "Ab Fab" team won.

Rounds included "Memory Glands" these were questions on famous movies. "All the worlds a stage" songs from musicals. "Pick up lines" pick the book from the first line. "Literary humbug" multiple choice literature. "Shall we dance" pick the dance without the sound. "Telly Ho" how well do you remember 80's television. We had bonus rounds, no points awarded but you chose the next round topic. The challenge was to watch a music clip and answer observation questions afterwards. There were also lots of laughs in the "Heads & Tails" bonus game. You give a donation to compete and then chose whether you want heads or tails, a coin is tossed, if you lose you sit out or pay up again to stay in. Whoever is left standing wins the right to pick the next topic.

We would like to thank all who came and made the night so much fun. A huge thank you to the kids who gave up their evening to help us.

Holiday Crafts - Disney Fun

2008-06-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to do in the holidays? Why not join us as we make Disney-themed crafts, games and read some of the stories these movies are based on. Activities will start on the 30th June until the 11th July 3.30- 4.30 pm weekday afternoons. Please book ahead as spaces are limited. Phone us on 46691990

Change of Date

2008-06-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

The "Throw the book at MS" Trivia night has had a change of date and time. Please note it will now be held on the 24th June and questions begin at 6pm. Please phone ahead to book a table, it should be a fun night and for a good cause.

New Exchange!!

2008-06-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

The library has just recieved it's new exchange. We have just the book for you to curl up with on these chilly days/nights. There should be something here to entice you away from the heater for a visit. Come and see what we have to offer. There are some new titles, some old favouites and something to intrigue. Hope to see you soon.

Trivia Night

2008-05-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

The Chinchilla Library is hosting a trivia night called "Throw the book at MS" to raise funds for MS research Australia.
June 19th. Questions begin at 5pm.
It is a free event, though a hat will be passed around at the end of the evening for donations to the MS fund.
Book a table for 4-5, or be assigned a table.
Please call ahead.

It should be a really fun evening.

Winners

2008-05-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Beau and Natalie, who won our 'tree' competition. They correctly matched all 24 authors with the character/s they created. They can collect their prize from the loans desk in the library. Thanks to everyone else who entered. A special mention to the Christian School kids who who completed the competition during their half hour school visit to the library- most of you did exceptionally well.

A HUGE thankyou

2008-05-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

to all the children and adults who helped make our May Day float the success it was. The fairy wings and peter pan hats you made looked terrific, the big butterflies we carried were very effective, and most importantly, the pamphlets you handed out encouraged a number of people to join the library. And we even won second place for our efforts! Well done!! So again- a really BIG ThankYou.

MAY DAY

2008-04-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

The CHINCHILLA LIBRARY is having a FLOAT in the MAY DAY PARADE.

We would like as many kids as possible to dress up wearing wither "tinkerbell" wings or "peter pan" hats. If you don't have one hanging about the house feel free to join us in making some after school the week before may day.

If you want to be in the parade with us, or for more details, please phone the library on 46691990.

Please also note, being a public holiday, the library will not be open on May Day.

Photos

2008-04-15T17:44:00.001-07:00

Some photos of stuff that's been happening around the library lately...

The tree competition: Match the author to the character they created

The Spiderwick Chronicles comp. and kids crafts display

Masterpieces being created at the library arts and crafts activities during the school holidays

Autumn Celebrations

2008-03-25T23:46:00.000-07:00

We have just put a new competition up in the library. There is a big tree on the display board with a bunch of red and yellow leaves on it. Just match the author (red leaves) with the character/s (yellow leaves) they have created to have a chance to win a prize. For clues, try using the OPAC. Forms can be collected from the front desk. This competition will be running until after the school holidays.

During the school holidays we will also be running kids crafts. Come along and bob for apples, make a jigsaw, start your very own leaf collection and much more. Crafts will be held from the 7th April until 11th from 3.00-4.00pm. Please call ahead.

Author Quote

2008-03-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

A great quote from bestselling author James Patterson:

"For all those parents who wonder 'How do I get my kids to read', here's a simple, earthshaking notion: Give them a book. For gosh sakes, give them a couple of books."

Happy Easter

2008-03-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

The Chinchilla Library would like to wish everyone a very happy Easter. We hope the Bunny finds you all safe and well.

Please be advised that the library will be closed for the whole weekend, and will not reopen until Tuesday 25th.

On that note, you've no doubt realised how quickly easter snuck up this year. There is a reason for that- here is what we've found out:
1. Easter is based on the lunar calender and is always the first sunday after the first full moon after the autumn equinox.
2. Therefore, it can actually be one day earlier (march 22)
3. The last time it was this early (march 23) was in 1913- 95 years ago. The next time it will be this early is 2228- 220 years from now.
4. The last time is was 22 march was 1818. The next time will be 2285- 227 years from now.

So this is the earliest Easter anyone alive will ever see again!

On that happy note: Drive safe, don't eat too much chocolate, and we'll see you again soon.

Liz Byrski- Author visit

2008-03-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

Liz Byrski- author of "Food, sex & money", "Gang of four" and "Bellydancing for beginners" will be at Dogwood Crossing @ Miles to promote her new novel "Trip of a lifetime", thanks to The Big Book Club and the State Library of Queensland.

Where: Dogwood Crossing @ Miles (Miles Library), Warrego Highway
Date: Monday 17th March
Time: 6.30pm
Please RSVP for catering
Cost: FREE!

For more information or to RSVP, ph 46285566

Website

2008-03-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

I saw this really interesting article on the internet about why Librarians are so great.

http://librarianavengers.org/worship-2/

Well worth checking out. :)

New Doors- Update

2008-03-05T16:20:00.001-08:00

After all the hassles we had during the past 2 days while getting new doors installed they're finally working.

It's very exciting.

The librarians spent about 20 minutes yesterday afternoon playing with different settings and working out how to lock them for the night.

They're fully automatic, which mums with strollers in particular find handy, and so far nearly everyone who's come through has commented. And they actually close properly (our last door didn't).

So come visit the library- if only to check out our new doors.

New Doors

2008-02-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

Date claimer for library users!!

Finally......................................... NEW DOORS!!
for the library will be installed on Tuesday the 4th of March.

Access to the library will, unfortunately, mean coming in the back-door. To get to the back-door, you will need to walk the length of the library towards the school. File past the air-conditioners and take a sharp right through into the courtyard. On your right the glass doors will be open. If the front door is unblocked, please come in and admire our sensor-operated sliding glass door.

New Exchange!!

2008-02-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

A new exhange has just arrived. We'll be putting some of the books out by tomorrow.

In other news, the Christain school has started coming on weekly visits to the library. We read stories, play games and also teach the kids basic library and research skills. It's great that they've been given to opportunity to spend time in the library (because they will be so much more likely to use it in the future) and also gather valuable skills for later in life.

Library Lover's Day

2008-02-13T20:29:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines Day everyone

February 14th is also the day Australian Libraries celebrate Library Lover's Day. Everyone loves the library but sometimes it's nice to be reminded, so please come and tell us (or better yet tell someone else!) how great we are.

There's also a competition running for kids at the moment. If they can tell us what their top 5 favourite books are, or write a review for a book they've read, we'll give them a chocolate.

So come to the library- "We'll help you find the book of your dreams".

Book Club

2008-02-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

Come and join our bookclub...

Thursday 8th will be the first bookclub evening of the year. Come along to have a chat about a book over a cuppa. Everyone is welcome to join us and new faces are always welcome!

This month you can talk about any book- an old favourite or one that you have recently read; and then choose the book that everyone will read before next month.

Bookclub is held on the first thursday of every month at 5pm at the library. Tea and coffee are provided; bring a plate of something to share if you wish. As an added bonus, every night you come to bookclub, your name will be entered into a draw. At the end of the year we will pick a name from a hat and that lucky person will win a hamper complements of the library. The more often you come the more chances you'll have of winning.

Hope to see you there.

Thought for the day...

2008-01-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

Be careful of reading health books. You may die of a misprint.

Mark Twain

WHACK

2008-01-28T18:33:00.000-08:00

Apologies for not blogging in a while- I have been on holiday for the past 3 weeks.

Writing Holiday Activity For Chinchilla Kids
This is a creative writing competition for kids that is held every year at the library. This year's winner is Sam Richardson. He wins $50. Congratulations Sam!

Fun @ the Library

2008-01-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. We all enjoyed our break, but it's great to be back at work (especially on these really hot days when we can stay inside with the air conditioning).

Don't forget we've got holiday crafts for kids on again. They will be making all kinds of fun stuff including butterfly fans, wind mobiles, dragon boats and bird attracters; as well as reading stories and playing games. The activities will be held mon-fri at 4pm from 7th- 25th January.
Please book ahead

Kids can also check out the cool summer holiday website the State Library has done. Play games; test your knowledge; craft ideas; audio books; and more. http://www.summerreadingclub.qld.gov.au/

The last post of the year...

2007-12-21T15:17:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Stay cool, travel safe,

See you again in 10 days...

Christmas Opening Hours

2007-12-17T20:44:00.000-08:00

A reminder that the library will be CLOSED over Christmas.

The last day we are open is Saturday 22nd Dec (9am-1pm; 2-6)

We will not reopen until Wednesday 2nd Jan. (9am-12noon; 1pm-6)

Feel free to take a few extra books if you think you will need them to tide you over the break.

You can still return items using our after hours chute located on the left of the front door.

Thought for the day...

2007-12-13T14:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas begins around the first of December with an office party and ends when you finally realize what you spent, around April fifteenth of the next year.

- P.J. O'Rourke

Holiday Crafts

2007-12-11T15:42:00.002-08:00

Just a reminder that the library will be having kids craft sessions during the school holidays. For the week before Christmas, we will be reading stories, and making cards, stars, tree ornaments, fridge magnets and photo frames. Children of primary school age are welcome to join us.

The crafts will be held every afternoon at 3.30pm 17-21 Dec.

Please book ahead.

New Exchange!!

2007-12-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

We've got new books coming!!

As regular library users may have noticed, every couple of months the Chinchilla library swaps a number of books with the State Library in Brisbane*. So a couple of weeks ago we picked a couple of hundred old/boring etc. books off the shelves here and sent them away. Then one of the staff spent half of last week in Brisbane choosing some new ones to be sent out here. Now (within the next few days) we'll get 25-odd boxes of new books that we will have to go through and will then put on the shelf.

So for all those people who have felt like they're running out of interesting books to read, don't worry. We'll make sure theres a whole bunch of new ones out for you to take over Christmas. Feel free to take a few extras if you think you'll need them over the Christmas break.

On that note, the Chinchilla Library will be closing over the Christmas period. The last day we are open will be Saturday the 22nd December. We will be reopening on Wednesday the 2nd January 2008.

And don't forget that we've got kids crafts during the holidays. In December they will be held at 3.30pm from 17th- 21st. Activities will also be held in January at times to be decided. Please book ahead as resources are limited.

*Usually toward the end of 2 months we've started getting complaints along the lines of "we've read all the books in the library. When are you getting some new ones?".

Library Thing

2007-11-20T17:01:00.000-08:00

This is a great website I discovered a couple months ago and have been using ever since. It allows you to keep a track of all the books in your own personal library. There are also extra features that allow you to catalogue your books for easy searching, review books you liked (or didn't like) and get recommendations based on the books in your library. You can also share your library and check out the books other people read*, or join an online bookclub.

I use the website all the time, and love the fact that it will recommend books. And many of the recommendations so far are for books I actually went on to read.

For more information check out the website: http://www.librarything.com/. Just look around, or take the "tour". Or just ask one of the library ladies- we'll be able to show you all the best features.

*There will be some eerily similar libraries to your own.

Thought for the day...

2007-11-18T15:30:00.000-08:00

My experience with public libraries is that the first volume of the book I inquire for is out, unless I happen to want the second, then that is out.

— The Poet at the Breakfast Table
Oliver Wendell HOLMES (1809-1894)

Flashback to the 80s

2007-11-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

Enter our new comp and win lots of chocolate!!

On the big display board at the front of the library, we've pinned up 50 pictures of TV shows that were prominant during the 80s. Write down as many as you know to have a chance to win a block of chocolate.

There are also a number of supplementary questions to answer if you're brave enough-yell the catchcry of one character, or sing the theme song of another.... You could win a freddo frog for each of the extra questions you get correct.
We dare you.

The competition will be running all month.

Author success

2007-11-04T22:42:00.000-08:00

Thankyou to everyone who turned up to hear Anita Bell speak last thursday night. The evening was very successful, despite going longer than anyone anticipated*. Every report has been positive, with many wanting to know when the next author event will be**. Please keep telling what the talk was all about, as we spent the whole night serving drinks and standing behind the counter and babysitting, and never actually got to hear Anita talk. And if you could also keep telling us how much you enjoyed the night and how "beneficial" it was from a "community perspective" it might help us convince the necessary people to let us do it again. :P

All in all, a great night out. And thanks again to all who attended.

*Because so many people where almost too interested and kept asking questions. But at least we know it wasn't boring.

**We don't know- we've never done this before! (at least not to this extent.) But fingers crossed that we might be able to do it more often.

"The Librarians"

2007-10-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

Has anyone noticed the new show that's coming on TV? Called "The librarians", it centres around head librarian Frances O'Brien as she prepares for the biggest event in any library's calender- Book Week. It features a number of well known Australian actors and comedians, including Robyn Butler, Wayne Hope, Bob Franklin, Roz Hammond, Heidi Arena and Josh Lawson.

After checking out the previews and web site on the internet yesterday, I think it will absolutely hilarious. It starts tonight at 9.30pm on the ABC.

PS. Don't forget tomorrow night is the big author visit. I hope to see as many people there as possible to hear Anita Bell speak.

New Computers

2007-10-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

The library has just invested in some new monitors to go with the old windows 98 computers we had sitting under a cupboard. So even though they're really old and so slow the internet would freeze every five minutes, they are fine for using Word to type assignments/ letters etc.

So now we will have 6 internet computers for use by the public, which can be used for half an hour a day for free. We will also have 3 computers that will only have Word (a typing program) installed on them. These will also be free and can be used as long as needed (unless someone else has booked it).

In other news, did everyone see the article in the Chinchilla News about Author Anita Bell's upcoming visit to the library? People living in town should also have received a flyer advertising this; those on farms should receive theirs early next week. We hope to see as many people as possible next Thursday night. Please RSVP the library on 46691990 if you intend to come.

New Cards

2007-10-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

With all the amalgamation business (don't get us started), the Chinchilla Library will have to become a sub-branch of the Dalby Library (don't get us started on this either). This will bring a few changes to the library and the way we operate things, so over the next few months we will gradually try to implement these changes. Hopefully this way, it will be a lot less stressful for us and easier for everyone else.

This is why we're asking everyone who still has an old green or grey library card to let the library know. The next time you visit us hand over your old card- or if it has sentimental value, feel free to keep it; it just won't be usable any more- and we'll make up a new library card for you. It will also have the new (well actually not that new anymore since they were changed at the start of the year) library times on it. So if you still can't remember our times,which even the staff have trouble with sometimes, and have misplaced both your library bookmark and the booklet we gave you when you joined 10 years ago, you will be able to check them on the back of your library card. Unless of course, that's missing too...

Been a while...

2007-10-17T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hello.
It's been a few months since I last posted an entry. I'm not sure if any one actually reads them anyway, but from now on I'll try to blog a lot more often.

Here's a date claimer for you. On the 1st of November author Anita Bell will be visiting the library and speaking about the importance of literacy. Anita is best known for her financial how-to books (eg "How to pay off your morgage in five years"
etc), but has also written a number of mystery novels. She is a very funny and informal speaker. The bar will be open from 6.00pm and Anita will speak from 6.30. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event.

New Times!!!

2007-02-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

Chinchilla Library has extended it's opening hours.
The new times are:

Mon: 10-12; 1-6

Tues: 10-1; 2-7

Wed: 9-12; 1-6

Thurs: 10-1; 2-7

Fri: 9-12; 1-6

Sat: 9-1; 2-6

Ask for a bookmark or a new library card with the new times on it

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2007-02-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

...albiet a month late! The library has been very busy over the last couple of months-

Over the school holidays a number of things have been happening.

Crafts- Crafts were held every afternoon for primary school aged children. The stories and activities were based around the theme of pirates, spies and magicians. Some of the activities included learning card tricks and going on a treasure hunt.
WHACK- Writing Holiday Activity 4 Chinchilla Kids. Children can write a story in any format they want- as a comic, prose or just illustrations. The best stories win $25.
Summer Reading Club- Run by the State Library of Queensland. Just fill in the activity booklet and return it to the library to go into the draw to win an i-pod.
Colouring Competitions- Children could win a 4 person pass to see "Charlotte's Web" or "Flushed Away". Posters, sheets of stickers and balloons were also up for grabs.

Competitions

2006-10-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

Two competitions have been held recently. The first was during the spring holidays. For the two weeks of the holidays a guinea pig, 2 budgies and a siamese fighting fish were living at the library. These had been borrowed from the Chinchilla Pet Shop. The competition was to name the guinea pig. Winners received a chocolate.

Winning names were:

Name with the most votes- Rupert
Name that sounds the best- Gilbert the Guinea Pig
Name that made us laugh the most- McTasty
Most apt- Chomper
Most clever- Papua New Guinea.

The other competition was to see Shane Webke in Toowoomba as he publicized his new book "Warhorse". People were asked to write down the name of the best book they have read and why they liked it for a chance to win a two-person pass to this author event.

The winner of this was Hayden Benden.

Thanks to everyone who entered and voted, as well as to the pet shop for the use of their animals, and Mrs G. Reid for donating one of the Shane Webke tickets.

X-Box nights

2006-10-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

When the Gromets were first established, we asked them what sort of activities they wanted to have and what would make the library a more 'cool' place to hang out. One thing they all agreed on was holding X-Box nights.
It sounded like a strange idea, especially considering no-one above a certain age even knows what an X-Box is.
However, after some research- an X-Box is something that can be plugged into a TV to enable 1-4 people to play video games on the TV- the idea sounded a little more reasonable. So now, after having a projector added to the reference area, the kids will be able to organise X-Box nights that allow up to 8 people to play against each other.

But of course the projector can be used for more than just kids games. If anyone has photographs or slide shows they wish to show others members of their organisation, they are welcome to talk to the library staff. For example the Field Naturalists Club has already expressed interest in using it to show others, pictures of recent trips.

September Holidays

2006-10-12T22:54:00.000-07:00

During the spring holidays the Chinchilla Library celebrated all things wee, little, tiny, teeny and tiddley.
Every afternoon after reading a story, the children would make something to take home as well as something to add to the mural created in the kids room.
The first afternoon was spent brainstorming what was needed in a backyard- a tree, pond, house, garden, clothes line, clouds, fish and insects. Numerous other things were also added along the way- a picket fence, a garden path, bird bath and a lost hat. The task was huge, but the kids outdid themselves and the mural was completed in two weeks. The result is fantastic.
Check it out and see if you can find 48 ants, 7 pegs or a pair of lost reading glasses.

Masked Ball

2006-10-12T22:29:00.000-07:00

A part of the Bookweek celebrations, all children who visited the library received an invitation to the Masked Ball that was held at the library the following Thursday night.
A large number of various superheroes turned up, as well as many animals, fairies and princess.
The kids had a great time dancing, playing games and eating. Prizes were awarded for the best dressed, best masks, best dancers and winners of 'celebrity heads'.
Thanks must go to the parents who helped with costumes/ masks and brought food; the gromits for helping out and supervising; and of course the children who turned up. We really appreciate the children being so well behaved, and the effort everyone made to help make the event a success.

Bookweek 2006

2006-08-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest events on the library's calander is nearly upon us once again. Every year, book week is given a different theme; this year it is "Book Now" and will be held from the 21st-25th August.

As part of the celebrations, a number of classes from primary schools in Chinchilla will be visiting the library. Children will be given a secret identity, hear about the competition we will be running, and be invited to a special event to be held at the library. Of course, they will also listen to stories and hear about all the services the library offers.

We hope the children will have as much fun taking part in the activities as the library staff have had in preparing them.

Gromet Vomit

2006-07-03T19:43:00.000-07:00

The gromets are a group of kids that hang out at the library. They will helping out around the library, and giving us ideas on how to promote the library to the younger generation. They will also act as a liaison between the library staff and the community, and help out with special activities (like x-box nights).

So keep an eye out for them- they will be wearing badges and special "Gromet" shirts. Ask them if you have any questions, and tell them your ideas.

Toddler Time

2006-07-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

Come to the Story Teller's Nook for a Book!

Story telling time for toddlers and their Mums, Dads or carers is being held at the library from 10.30 - 11.00 every second Friday (beginning Friday 26th May).

Come along to share the special time of enjoying stories being read out loud with your children.

Holiday Activities

2006-07-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

During the June school holidays the Chinchilla Library will be celebrating the release of the book "Jungle Drums" by Graeme Base and the movie "Over the Hedge".

From 3pm every afternoon of the holidays we will be reading animal stories, doing jungle-themed crafts and playing games. Any children of primary school age are welcome to come and join the fun.

There is also a colouring competition running. The winner will recieve a 4-person pass to see "Over the Hedge". Just pick up a colouring sheet from the library and return it by the end of the holidays.

Easter @ the Library

2006-04-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

There will be children's easter activities held at the library during the first week of the school holidays (Mon- Thurs). Come along at 4pm to create mosaic masterpieces, play conkers, decorate eggs, throw chocolate kisses and hunt for nests. Please call ahead on 46691990, to ensure we have enough materials for your children.

Listed below are a number of easter-related games that you can play from the web:

1.www.primarygames.com/puzzles/jigsaw/easter/BunnyJigsaw.htm
2.www.matmi.com/games/eggbert.html
3.www.primarygames.com/holidays/easter/games/egg_hunt/egghaunt2.htm
4.www.prongo.com/easterfun/hatcheaster/index.html
5.www.billybear4kids.com/holidays/easter/mixmatch/mixmatch.htm
6.www.billybear4kids.com/holidays/easter/tictactoe
7.www.bethanyroberts.com/SpringPersonalisedStory.htm
8.http://akidsheart.com/holidays/easter/decoeg.htm

Bookweek Winner

2006-04-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Elisha Weedon, who was the winner of the competition held in celebration of bookweek. Her entry was pulled from a container after she successfully matched all the character names with the books they starred in. Elisha wins a $35 dollar voucher to spend at Betta Electrical Chinchilla.

The answers were:

Great Expectations: Pip
Good morning, midnight: Dalziel and Pascoe
Trojan odyssey: Dirk Pitt
Power of One: Peekay
Pride and Prejudice: Elizabeth Bennett
Seven ancient wonders: Jack West Jr.
Point of origin: Kay Scarpetta
Murder on the orient express: Hecule Poirot
Hounds of the Baskervilles: Sherlock Holmes
The Concrete Blonde: Harry Bosch
To the nines: Stephanie Plum
Charlotte's web: Wilbur
Hunting for hidden gold: Frank and Joe
Charlie and the chocolate factory: Willy Wonka
Starting gate: Carole, Stevie and Lisa
Chronicles of Avonlea: Anne Shirley
Treasure Island: Jim Hawkins
Circle of Evil: Nancy Drew
A Christmas carol: Ebenezer Scrooge
A little princess: Sara Crewe
Alice's adventures in wonderland: Mad Hatter
While I live: Ellie Linton

OPAC now operational

2006-03-02T21:52:00.000-08:00

The Chinchilla Library now has a (working!) OPAC system. But what is an OPAC? It is basically the complete list of the library's resources on a computer. So you can now search for a particular author or book, research a subject, or see if the bestseller you've been dreaming of is on the shelf.

Not only that, but you can also see which items you have out on loan, renew overdue books, and reserve a book that's out on loan to someone else. To do this you just need your library card and a password- ask about this at the front desk.

If you still can't find what the item you're after, you can search the State Library of Queensland website and view all the resources in Queensland. Just write down the name of the book and the author, and we'll get it in for you, usually within a week or two. The website is www.slq.qld.gov.au, then follow the links to catalogues and Public Library Services Catalogue.

World Book Day

2006-03-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

The 2nd of March is World Book Day and to celebrate this, the Library is running a competition. On the display board as you enter the library are a number of characters from famous books festooned in the leaves of our tree of knowledge. Match these with the names of the books they star in to be in the running to win a $35 gift voucher from Betta Electrical Chinchilla. If you're having trouble, try searching the OPAC to find the book on the shelf, and flick through the book to find the main character. Winners will be drawn at the end of March.

Also as part of World Book Day, we have found the favourite books of some celebrities, which are also displayed on the board. Read through them and see if you share the same taste in books as a movie star, comedian, lawyer or sports-person. And if your favourite book isn't mentioned, tell us what it is - so we can display it for others to discover.

Bear-y Special Winners

2006-03-02T20:57:00.000-08:00

Winners of last month's bear competition are as follows:
1st- Samantha Alsemgeest;
2nd- Noah Hodson; and
3rd- Alex Andrews

Congratulations!! All winners recieve a bottle of chocolates.

The answers were:
1. Yogi Bear & Booboo
2. Big Ted (from Play School)
3. Balloo (from The Jungle Book)
4. Corduroy
5. Care Bears
6. Humphrey B. Bear
7. Rupert
8. Little Ted (from Play School)
9. Super Ted
10. Winnie the Pooh
11. Sooty
12. Bear in the Big Blue House
13. Fozzie (from The Muppets)
14. Paddington
15. Gummy Bears

Think Assignments . . .

2006-01-31T20:39:00.000-08:00

Think Assignments; Think quick reference

Now available through the State Library of Queensland free online databases are the very helpful Britannica and Newsbank.

Britannica has some new features and is available through www.slq.qld.gov.au and can be accessed by clicking on Indexes and Databases on the homepage. From here click on Queensland wide databases and scroll down to Britannica Online. Select Chinchilla Library from the list and enter your library card number.

Some features of Britannica include beautiful colour photos and illustrations; the world Atlas; a dictionary & thesaurus; links to the best websites; current magazines and news items and articles; biographies; video clips; timelines and reviews on events through the year. What is new is that there are age specific homepages for juniors, students and adults.

Newsbank is a new database offered by the SLQ. Follow the instructions above, except scroll down to Newsbank. Newsbank offers the world map so you can find the newspapers you want to search without necessarily knowing their names. You can save your searches to a folder and then at leisure search through the articles to find what you are looking for. Individual newspapers also have the last four issues displayed so that if you read that newspaper regularly you can click on the new edition. If you keep up-to-date with several newspapers you can create a custom list. Most prominent newspapers of the nations of the world are available and alot more of Australia's newspapers are available.

Not enough?

Want a book to take home and languish over?

Then ask our library staff to help you find some subject relevant books to go with your research.

Announcing winners of Summer Holiday competitions

2006-01-31T15:01:00.000-08:00

Winner of WHACK senior - Krysta Hallum
Winners of WHACK junior - Jamaica Home-Ansey & Brady Drescher
Runners-up of WHACK - Julia Kerr & Abby Drescher

Winner of COOEE senior - Haley Moore
Winners of COOEE junior - Dayna Pukallus & Courtney McClelland

Winner of Nanny McPhee movie pass - Madelyn Gath
Runner-up of Nanny McPhee colouring-in competition - Sarah Poustie

If you have not already done so, please come in to pick up your prize.

A Valentine's theory of relativity.

2006-01-30T23:20:00.000-08:00

"Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour.
Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. THAT'S relativity"

Albert Einstein

This Valentine's Day get some ideas at the library to woo your Valentine.

Perhaps a few lines of poetry . . .

Maybe a well-chosen quote about love and it's effects . . .

Perhaps an e-card sent post-haste from the library . . .

Or just the thing: a hand-made card cracked in a zillion pieces . . . that only your true love can put back together again.

For poetry, e-cards, quotes and more - come see us at the library for some ideas.

Or if you would like to book in for the card-making please call us on 46691990. Open to Adults and Children alike. The card-making will be held from 4 pm during the week leading up to Valentine's Day.

NAME THAT BEAR

2006-01-30T23:08:00.000-08:00

This February try and win a jar of chocolates.

First name the framed portraits of the famous bears hung on the wall. Second, put your list in the barrel. The draw will be held on Tuesday the 28th of February. Three lists will be drawn from the barrel.

There are 3 jars. A Papa jar, a Mama jar and a Baby jar. If your name is drawn and you have all the names of the bears you will win Papa jar. If you have only some bears named you will win Mama jar. If you only have a few famous bears on your list you will win Baby jar.

New CD Roms for loan and use in the library

2005-12-08T23:18:00.000-08:00

From January 2006, the library will no longer allow the use of games from the internet. Instead, a range of CD Roms are available.

Ages 3+

Paddington- the World Mystery Tour - Explore the world by helping Paddington find his Aunt Lucy.
Phonics First- Beginners reading programs
Smudge Spells- learn spelling under the sea
Disneys Ready for Math with Pooh- Counting, sorting, adding and subtracting.

Ages 8+

Scooby Doo 2- Monsters Unleashed - Someone has brought the costumes of Scooby's greatest villians to life and now they're threatening Coolsville! Can you help Scooby and the gang solve the crime?
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? - Lead a crime - stopping chase around the world
Disney Princess Magical Dress Up- Create a gown, pick out a crown and live the princess dream
Uncle Albert's Mysterious Island - Find out what sort of strange secret Uncle Albert brought back from his faraway island
Chemicus- Journey to the other side - Another world, shrouded in secrecy and intregue, lies on the other side of reality, but the balance between our worlds is in danger...
The Saddle Club- Willowbrook stables- Solve the mystery, compete in events and look after your horse
Hands on experiments for smart kids- Touring the Planets - 100 fun interatctive experiments with water, gas, parachutes, telescopes and pulleys
Spy Kids Learning Adventures- Mission: the Underground Affair - The SpyKids are ona a new mission and they need your help. Deep in the jungle, the anti gravity mines have been plundered. The Spy Kids must journey beneath the Earth to find the secrets of ... the Underground Affair

The variety of games available will change periodically. Most games are also available for loan.

Chance to win family pass to the movies : Colouring-In Competition

2005-12-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

Nanny McPhee is about 7 very naughty children and their attempts to rid themselves of their 18th Nanny. However there is a little bit of magic about Nanny McPhee which the children find out much to their discomfit and much to our amusement.
There will be stickers and colouring-in competitions at the library.

For more information on the movie check out
www.nannymcphee.co.uk

And it's goodbye from her...

2005-12-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

What do you say when you're leaving after 19 years serving the community as Chinchilla Shire Librarian? Friday 9th December will be my last day on the job and it's causing a lot of mixed feelings.

Satisfaction - a lot has been achieved and I think I'm leaving things in very good order and well-positioned for the future. It's a time to see another generation coming on and bringing their children in to share the love of books and reading, a time to see how useful this new website will be to our staff and clients, a time to see how the library can offer clients an opportunity to learn and grow for the rest of their lives, and a time to see how our staff are enthusiastically continuing the programs and activities which have begun in the new library.

Sadness - it's the end of my opportunity to offer service and ideas in this capacity. It's a time to say goodbye to the many valued customers who have become wonderful friends over the years, a time to think of the many customers I served for years who are no longer with us. Time moves on.

Happiness and optimism - it's a time to move forward with my own life. There will be time for family and friends, time to chat and time to share, time to do lunch and time to travel and read, time to play music and smell the roses, time to enjoy being a granny and time to spend with my wonderful mate of 36 years. Goodbye and God bless.

Judy Bell

Latest from the Library

2005-11-09T22:54:00.000-08:00

Marketing the services @ your library

What's your library card worth? A lot more than it used to be, evidently. This week I am speaking to the local National Seniors about library services and the number of services and opportunities that your library card can provide is quite amazing.

Try these for size - fiction and non-fiction books, paperbacks, books in large print, magazines, newspapers, CDs, talking books, videos, DVDs, Internet access, computer access, reference service, local studies and genealogy resources, printing, copying, laminating, faxing, online databases, book reading groups, holiday activities, storytimes, school visits, community meeting areas - to name a few.

Qualified staff are always ready to assist you find the information you require, so just visit, phone or email, and Ask a Librarian!

Join the Reading Group

2005-10-17T23:18:00.000-07:00

If you really enjoy getting into a good book, and then sharing ideas and comments, come along to the Book Reading Group at the Library. The group meets monthly on a Wednesday morning from 10-12 and begins with a friendly cuppa. Facilitator Maryanne Davidson then gets the lively, sometimes hilarious, sometimes serious conversation going about the book which all the participants have read in the previous month.

Titles discussed so far include:
The da Vinci Code / Dan Brown
Wild Swans /Jung Chang
Mao's Last Dancer / Li Cunxin
Life and Death in Shanghai / Nien Cheng
Barra Creek / Di Morrissey

Next Meeting: Wednesday 16th November @ 10am
Book: The shark net / Robert Drewe

WHACK

2005-10-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Whack, Whack, Whack!!

That's the acronym for our library holiday writing activities for kids this Christmas holidays - Writing Holiday Activities for Chinchilla Kids! A storyboard has been set up in the children's area to motivate kids to think like writers and show them how to develop the story.

The story can be about anything, although it must contain:

the elements of cause and effect
character development
research into the plot
character development
good grammar, spelling & sentence construction
a beginning, a middle and an end

There are great cash prizes, courtesy of Chinchilla Security Services, so check out the storyboard, sharpen your pencils, and get cracking. Prizes will be presented at the Australia Day ceremony at the Chinchilla Museum in January.