Futurewise: life choices for your future

Session One: Gardening into the 21st Century

Andrew Laidlaw is a popular gardening commentator on 774 ABC Radio. He is responsible for designing the popular Children’s Garden, Water Conservation Garden and the Long Island Indigenous Garden as well as many other award wining gardens for international flower and garden shows.

Andrew will draw on his extensive industry knowledge and experience to speak about water smart gardening.

This session is free, however bookings are essential.

When: Tuesday 8 September at 7.30pm
Where: Hawthorn Library, 584 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn



Session Two: Technology Petting Zoo
Iphone, Kindle, Ebook reader, twitter, facebook, apple, netbook, blackberry.

What does it all mean?

Join the Online Services Librarian and library staff as they show you the gadgets and tools that are making news today and for the future.

This session is free, however bookings are essential.

When: Thursday 10 September at 11am
Where: Balwyn Library, 336 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn



Session Three: Give your home a green makeover
Stuart McQuire is an environmental scientist committed to sustainable living and working. He is past President of the Alternative Technology Association and his house is the West Brunswick Sustainable House; a comfortable family home that has been transformed into one of Australia’s leading homes for environmental sustainability.

Stuart’s book Water not down the drain gives practical examples on how water can be captured and used effectively throughout your house and garden.

This session is free, however bookings are essential.

When: Monday 14 September at 7.30pm
Where: Ashburton Library, 154 High Street, Ashburton



Session Four: 'Financial planning for the future while investing in a better world'
"If we're marching in the streets against Gunns Ltd, why on earth would you want to support them with your savings and superannuation!"

Anne-Marie Spagnolo joined EIS in January 2000 and is a managing partner and owner of Ethical Investment Services. She specialises in advising clients on financial planning strategies and investments with an ethical overlay.

Anne-Marie is regularly invited to conduct seminars on the benefits of ethical investment and has participated in numerous television and radio interviews. Anne-Marie is also the author of The Ethical Investor, a handbook for ethical investors published by the Penguin Group in 2007.

This session is free, however bookings are essential.

When: Tuesday 13 October at 7.30pm
Where: Kew Library, Cnr Cotham Road & Civic Drive, Kew


To book for any or all of these sessions: Library Bookings or call 9278 4666

Hugo Award Winners

Hugo Award Winners 2009

Best Novel: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (HarperCollins; Bloomsbury UK)

Best Novella: ''The Erdmann Nexus'' by Nancy Kress (Asimov's Oct/Nov 2008)

Best Novelette: ''Shoggoths in Bloom'' by Elizabeth Bear (Asimov's Mar 2008)

Best Short Story: ''Exhalation'' by Ted Chiang (Eclipse Two)

John W. Campbell not-a-Hugo Award for Best New Writer: David Anthony Durham

Best Related Book: Your Hate Mail Will Be Graded: A Decade of Whatever, 1998-2008 by John Scalzi (Subterranean Press)

Best Graphic Story: Girl Genius, Volume 8: Agatha Heterodyne and the Chapel of Bones Written by Kaja & Phil Foglio, art by Phil Foglio, colors by Cheyenne Wright (Airship Entertainment)

Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: WALL-E Andrew Stanton & Pete Docter, story; Andrew Stanton & Jim Reardon, screenplay; Andrew Stanton, director (Pixar/Walt Disney)

Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: Doctor Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Joss Whedon, & Zack Whedon, & Jed Whedon, & Maurissa Tancharoen, writers; Joss Whedon, director (Mutant Enemy)

Best Editor, Short Form: Ellen Datlow

Best Editor, Long Form: David G. Hartwell

Best Professional Artist: Donato Giancola

Best Semiprozine: Weird Tales edited by Ann VanderMeer & Stephen H. Segal

Best Fan Writer: Cheryl Morgan

Best Fanzine: Electric Velocipede edited by John Klima

Best Fan Artist: Frank Wu

Limited Service Saturday 8 August

Due to Council system maintenance, limited services will be available at the libraries on Saturday morning.

To minimise any disruption please note the following:

* Borrowers must have a library card to borrow
* You will still be able to use the website for enquiries, renewals, reservations, booking, databases
* PC/Internet bookings can be made via the website, by phone, or in person (with your library card)
* Council payments at Kew can only be taken if the payment is not overdue and the appropriate paperwork is provided

We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience.