Sutherland Shire Libraries News

They call themselves the ‘Mild Ones’

Once a year librarians from all over the State gather for a fun-filled weekend and talk fest. The topic of their discussion, you may suggest would be literature and culture in all its guises and you’d be right, but the talk will also be about their motorcycles. Get a group of riders together and it can’t be avoided!


They are, however, in tune with their profession and so on the road south scheduled pitstops are being made at various libraries along the way. They know that librarians love an excuse for coffee and a chat!

The event is called Biblio Turismo 2007 and this year the gathering point is Engadine Library on Thursday 8th of November. Bikers (who happen to be librarians) will begin arriving from 8.30am and are scheduled to depart at 10am.

The riders will then be calling in on Corrimal, Bowral (for lunch), Ulladulla and Bateman’s Bay public libraries as they make their way to Bateman’s pub for a well earned cool drink, invigorating topical discussion, dinner and rest.

The next day will see them gathering in front of libraries in Narooma, Bombala and Merimbula. Saturday the route leads them back north but via the inland route. Taking in a library stop in Monaro, then cruising up to Kiama where the offical ride ends.
Here participants bid their farewells and depart in all directions to be ready on Monday, to help their own unsuspecting library customers.

The inaugral ride was in 2006 and travelled from Springwood to Cootamundra. It was organised by Gorford City Library staff to raise awareness about country libraries and encourage young people into the profession.

Whilst the leather-clad librarians were outside Cootamundra Library, one young lad was heard to say to his mates, “they can’t be librarians – they’re too cool for that.” Just the effect to help dispell the stereotype of librarians being quiet and conservative.

If you find the concept of librarians on bikes all too hard to reconcile… come see for yourself! Have a coffee & a chat and let them convince you!

The Book Thief Part 3

If you've watched part 1 and part 2 of the Markus Zusak talk at Sutherland Library you'll want to have a look at the third and final part. In this video Markus tells a story about the impact the book has had on people who have read it and reads a short passage from The Book Thief.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - Part 3: a Reading by the Author from Sutherland Shire Libraries on Vimeo.

What did you think of the Markus Zusak talk? We hope to have more author talks in the near future. Is there someone you would like to hear talk at the Library? Leave a comment and share your thoughts with us so that we know how we can best serve you.

The Book Thief Part 2

In part 1 of this video series Markus Zusak talked about his writing process. Here, in the 2nd video of the series he answers questions from the audience about The Book Thief and his writing in general.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - Part 2: Questions from the Audience from Sutherland Shire Libraries on Vimeo.

The final video in the series will be coming soon...

HSC Advice Line is now Open

Students can now call the HSC advice line is on 13 11 12 to get help preparing for exams. It will operate from Monday 8 October to Thursday 8 November. Remember to have your student number with you when you ring.

Here's a bit about the service from the Board of Studies:
The HSC Advice Line is staffed by highly experienced expert teachers waiting to answer your questions, and to help you prepare for the exams. For just 25 cents, no matter where you live in New South Wales, you can ring the Advice Line with questions about any of 26 different courses.
or you can read the all about it on their web site.

A Book Thief in Sutherland Library!

Did you miss out on the recent talk by Markus Zusak? Would like to relive the experience? Well, we're giving you a 2nd chance. We recorded and the talk so you can watch it online.

It was standing room only when over 100 people turned up at Sutherland Library to listen to local author Markus Zusak give a fascinating talk about his most recent novel, The Book Thief. In this first video Markus tells a story about his childhood and then explains how that story illustrates the thought process he goes through when writing.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - Part 1: The Writing Process from Sutherland Shire Libraries on Vimeo.

We will be posting the rest of the talk over the next couple of weeks, so keep your eye on this page (or subscribe to the feed!).

Term 4 Internet Training Program is Now Available

We are now taking bookings for our Internet Training courses for Term 4 (Oct - Dec 2007).
Sutherland Shire Libraries present a number of different Internet training courses including:

Introduction to the Internet & Email
This course is designed to give absolute beginners all the knowledge and skills necessary to get started on the Internet. The course covers accessing and browsing the Web, basic searching and an introduction to sending and receiving email. Next course starts on 23 October.

Digital Photography & the InternetThis course is designed for those who are new to digital cameras. Discover how digital cameras differ from film cameras, gather tips on improving your photographic technique, learn to organise and edit your digital photos and share your photos using the Internet and Email. Next course starts on 25 October.

Internet Searching and SecurityIn this course you will learn the secrets of expert searchers and improve your ability to find quality information on the Internet. In addition, we explain the security issues associated with email and the Internet and help you understand how to protect yourself from those threats. Next course starts on 6 November.

Full details of times and dates can be found on our Events Calendar. Enquiries and Bookings can be made by telephoning Sutherland Library on 9710 0351.

Want a different course? St George and Sutherland Community College offer lots more computer courses in a range of different areas. You can pick up a Term 4 brochure at any of our branch libraries.

Weedbusters @ Sutherland Library

As part of Weedbusters Week Sutherland Library will be hosting Sutherland Shire Council Weeds Officers on Wednesday 10 October between 10am - 2pm. Come along and ask them a question.

These experts will be keen to share their knowledge. Find out what to grow instead of invasive plants in your garden as well as ways of protecting our bushland.

Weedbusters is an awareness program that works with the community to achieve sustainable land and water management, primarily through increased public involvement in weed management, education and awareness projects.

Officers will also be available at Southgate Shopping Centre on Tuesday 9 October and Cronulla Beach CBD on Thursday 11 October.