Borrow a living book!

Have you ever wanted to spend 20 minutes one on one with crime writer PD Martin, Arresting Woman Senior Constable Pru Lombardi, QC Julian Burnside or artist Caroline Carruthers? As part of the celebrations of 150 years continuous public library service in Boroondara the library is holding its very own Living Library.

A Living Library is a community project which, by calling people 'Living Books' and listing them in 'catalogues' for a 20 minute loan, offers a light-hearted, fun approach to serious issues: increasing social cohesion, breaking down barriers between people belonging to different groups in society and offering the chance to listen to one another.

If you have ever wondered what life is like for people with backgrounds, lifestyles and occupations which differ from your own then why not visit our Living Library at Boroondara Library Service. We are holding the following events:

Ashburton Library Wednesday 10 November, 10am – 1pm

Hawthorn Library Thursday 11 November, 6pm – 8.30pm

Read more details about and book the Hawthorn event and the Ashburton event by clicking on the links.

Come and enjoy a one-on-one conversation with an intriguing person! This is a free event, but bookings are essential.

Some of the Living Books that you might like to talk to!

· Elizabeth Porter - Ordinary Woman, Extraordinary Life

· Julian Burnside AO QC - Human rights, Better Life

· PD Martin - A Passion for Crime

· Liz Corbett - Aspiring Author

· Cr Coral Ross - Leading Women Locally

· Dr Wouter Schellart - Adventures in the Earth's Crust

· Judy Duff - Individuals with a Disability Leading Everyday Lives

· Robyn Peck - Poetry and Performance

· Paul Fuller - Behind the News

· Caroline Carruthers - A Life in Art

· Lester DeVere - Life in the Antique Trade

· Senior Constable Pru Lombardi - An Arresting Woman

· Rina Chia - Business Bestseller

Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

All our libraries will be closed for the Melbourne Cup Holiday on Tuesday November 2, 2010.

Normal hours will resume on Wednesday November 3, 2010.

Remember you can renew your items, check the library catalogue, place reservations via our online catalogue. Click here for the catalogue.

All libraries have returns chutes that are open when the libraries are closed.

Raise a Reader @ Balwyn Library

An information session for parents or carers of babies, preschoolers and early primary school aged children.

The session will provide useful tips to assist in developing a child’s early literacy skills as well as encouraging a lifelong love of reading.

Suitable books for different age groups will be discussed and a copy of our special kit will be given to each participant.

Please note, this session is not about teaching your child how to read, rather about making the transition to reading an easier and happier path.

This event is free but bookings are essential.

Friday 22 October at 10:30 am
Location: Balwyn Library,
336 Whitehorse Road,
Balwyn 3103
Contact: 9278 4666

Internet unavailable at Balwyn Library today

Due to circumstances beyond our control internet access will not be available at Balwyn Library today.

This outage will also affect the library catalogue at Balwyn

All other branches have normal internet and catalogue access.

The Boroondara Library Service apologises for any inconvenience caused.

We have tried to contact all users who have computers booked at Balwyn today.

The Boroondara Library Service apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Ashburton & Balwyn This weekend.

Due to circumstances beyond our control internet access will not be available at Ashburton & Balwyn Libraries this weekend.

This outage will also affect the library catalogue at these branches.

All other branches will have normal internet and catalogue access.

The Boroondara Library Service apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Online safety

Hot Tips for Cool Parents Series: Internet Safety
Tuesday 5 October at 07:30 pm

Location: Kew Library
Corner Civic Drive & Cotham Road,
Kew 3101.
Phone: 9278 4666


ThinkUKnow is an internet safety initiative which aims to raise awareness of the issues which young people face online and while using mobile phones. It is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Microsoft Australia.

This presentation from ThinkUKnow will cover topics such as how young people are using technology to have fun, online grooming, cyber-bullying, inappropriate content and e-security.

Learn more about how you can help young people stay in control on the net, how to minimise risk and how to report a problem.

These sessions are free but bookings are essential.