Hawthorn Library Closure!

Just a reminder that due to minor building works to provide increased community space and RFID (Radio Frequency ID) enabled loans and returns, Hawthorn Library will be closed from Monday 28 February to Sunday 6 March 2011. The Hawthorn Library after-hours chute will be available during this period. Hawthorn Library reservations will be available for collection from Kew Library and other Boroondara Libraries will be open as usual. Library users will also be able to access our online presence at www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/library where enquiries, reservations, renewals and other online services will be available.

Hawthorn Library will reopen to the public at 10 am on Monday 7 March. The Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development has contributed financially to this project through the Living Libraries grants program.

Balwyn Library 33 Not Out

As part of the celebration of 150 years of continuous Public library service in Boroondara Balwyn Library held a morning tea to celebrate its 33rd birthday on 17 February.

A brief history of Balwyn Library

 The Balwyn Library, situated at 336 Whitehorse Road, was opened in February 1978. It stands on the site of "Ingliston" the family home and surgery of Dr E.M.H. Inglis (1891-1955), Balwyn's first doctor.


Dr Inglis lived and practised medicine at this address from 1919-1955. His wife continued to live at this address until 1969. In the early 1970s the property was purchased by Camberwell City Council for the purpose of building the Balwyn Library.


Balwyn library was officially opened by the Mayor of Camberwell, Councillor John Jackson on Friday 17 February 1978 and opened to the public on Monday 20 February 1978.


It was built to serve the residents to the north of Camberwell who relied on the Bookmobile service.

The architect was Daryl Jackson of Daryl Jackson Evan Walker Architects Pty Ltd who is now one of Australia's leading architects. The project architect was Bryan Miller and the builder was McDougall Ireland Pty Ltd. The cost was approximately $750,000 (including furnishings!).

At the time of its opening the Balwyn Library was staffed by Carmel Higgins as Branch Manager, four librarians and seven library assistants. Ruth Cameron was the Regional librarian.

Blind Date with a Book

As you all know February 14th is Library lovers Day.

So why not drop into Balwyn Library and treat yourself to a blind date with a book.

 

Mystery books have been wrapped in brown or red paper and dotted strategically around the library.

Give it a try - you never know what you might find....

 

Storm damage at City of Boroondara Libraries

Storms over the last few days, and particularly on Friday night, have caused damage to Ashburton, Camberwell and Kew Libraries and damage at the Council Offices has caused disruption to the Council computer services.

As a result of this damage:

• Camberwell Library will be closed until further notice due to flood damage
  
• All other libraries are open but with limited computer services
• Public computers may not be available so if you wish to use one it is best to ring in advance
• You can access many of Boroondara's library services online through the Council website www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/libraries or through our mobile site mobile.boroondara.spydus.com.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused and hope to resume full services as soon as possible.

Hawthorn Library building works

Additional seating space and an improved returns/loans area are on the way at Hawthorn Library!


Hawthorn Library will be closed from:


Monday 28 February to Sunday 6 March 2011.

Hawthorn reservations will be available from Kew Library during the closure.

Our other branches will be open as normal during this period.