Harmony Day. Everyone Belongs.

Harmony Day is celebrated around Australia on 21 March each year.

It's a day where all Australians celebrate our cultural diversity.

The day is also the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The continuing message for Harmony Day in 2011 is that Everyone Belongs, which means all Australians are a welcome part of our country, regardless of their background.

It's a time to reflect on where Australia has come from, recognising the traditional owners of this land.

It's also about community participation, inclusiveness and respect – celebrating the different cultures that make Australia a great place to live.

A selection of new items will be available for loan at Boroondara Libraries to celebrate Harmony Day.

Happy Birthday Ashburton

Boroondara Libraries 150

Ashburton Library

Ashburton Library was officially opened by the Mayor of Camberwell, Councillor J. W. Rumpf, on Friday 14 March 1980. The opening day programme included hourly tours of the library which ended with refreshments in the community meeting room. Book bags, library stickers, balloons and certificates signed by the Mayor were handed out to borrowers.

The architect was Daryl Jackson of Daryl Jackson Architects Pty Ltd who is now one of Australia's leading architects. The project architect was John Niemann and the builder was McCorkell Construction Co Ltd. of Hawthorn. The final cost of the building project was approximately $790,500 (including furnishings!).

Ashburton Library was built to serve the residents to the south of Camberwell who relied on the Bookmobile service. With the opening of the Ashburton Branch Library the Bookmobile service ended and the Bookmobile bookstock of approximately 14,000 items was incorporated into Ashburton Library's basic collection of books.

At opening Ashburton Library had a collection of approximately 31,000 items. It was staffed by Lydia Klimonvitch as Branch Manager, three librarians and six library assistants. Ruth Cameron was the Regional librarian.

Continuing the celebration of 150 years of continuous library service across Boroondara

Ashburton Library & Community Centre Upgrade: Community Consultations

Wednesday 23 March, Ashburton Library, 6:45pm-9pm

Wednesday 30 March, Ashburton Library, 1:30pm-3:30pm

Council is planning to upgrade these facilities.

The upgrade will provide additional space for both the library and community centre, and some multipurpose space for intergenerational activities.Council is aware of the need to preserve the integrity of the Daryl Jackson design of the library, and to take account of the adjoining playground and any significant trees.

Before we begin the design process, Council wants your ideas for the upgraded library and community centre.ConsultationJoin us for a community information and discussion workshop.

An evening workshop will be held on Wednesday 23 March at Ashburton Library.

Refreshments will be available from 6.45pm for a 7pm start.

A lunchtime workshop will be held on Wednesday 30 March at Ashburton Library, starting at 1:30pm.

Lunch will be provided.

You can also participate through an online survey or a survey on the e-kiosk at the Library: available from 15 March 2011.

More information

We would appreciate registration of your intent to attend for catering purposes.

Phone: Fiona Brown,

Senior Policy and Project Officer on 9278 4476

Libraries Closed Monday March 14.

All Boroondara Libraries will be closed on Monday March 14 for the Labour Day public holiday.

Normal Hours resume on Tuesday March 15.

While the libraries are closed you can still return books via our after hours return chutes.

You can also renew your books and place reservations via our online catalogue.

Ashburton Library and Community Centre Upgrade: Community Consultations

Wednesday 23 March, Ashburton Library, 6:45pm-9pm

Wednesday 30 March, Ashburton Library, 1:30pm-3:30pm

Council is planning to upgrade these facilities.

The upgrade will provide additional space for both the library and community centre, and some multipurpose space for intergenerational activities.

Council is aware of the need to preserve the integrity of the Daryl Jackson design of the library, and to take account of the adjoining playground and any significant trees.


Before we begin the design process, Council wants your ideas for the upgraded library and community centre.


Consultation

Join us for a community information and discussion workshop.


An evening workshop will be held on Wednesday 23 March at Ashburton Library. Refreshments will be available from 6.45pm for a 7pm start.

A lunchtime workshop will be held on Wednesday 30 March at Ashburton Library, starting at 1:30pm. Lunch will be provided.

You can also participate through an online survey or a survey on the e-kiosk at the Library: available from 15 March 2011.

More information

We would appreciate registration of your intent to attend for catering purposes.

Phone: Fiona Brown, Senior Policy and Project Officer on 9278 4476

Have your say on the Ashburton Library upgrade

Council is planning to upgrade the Ashburton Library and Ashburton Community Centre.


The upgrade will provide additional space for both the library and community centre, and some multipurpose space for intergenerational activities.


Council is aware of the need to preserve the integrity of the Daryl Jackson design of the library, and to take account of the adjoining playground and any significant trees.

Before we begin the design process, Council wants your ideas for the upgraded library and community centre.

Consultation

You can participate in a number of ways: through an online survey on Council's website, a survey on the e-kiosk at the Library, and by attending one of two community information and discussion workshops being held during March.


The survey will be available online and in hard copy from 15 March 2011

More information

If you would like to participate in one of the community workshops, or want further information on the consultation process, phone 9278 4476.