Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

I haven't finished Twilight yet (some people keep reserving it), but I went and saw the movie anyway, and it was great! I am happy I didn't get past chapter 2 in the book when I went to the movie, because I spent the forst 20 minutes say 'that's not right!' and I'm pretty sure I was annoying the other people around me.

I actually think, I enjoyed the movie more than the book (I will probably burn in libray hell now!). I am almost finished the book and I am enjoying it, but I probably wont read the rest of the series. Which I suppose is just as well considering the huge reservation list that keeps forming. I now have 4 copies per branch going round the loop.

According to an interview 'on the night of June 1, 2003, Stephenie had a dream: a young woman was talking to a beautiful, sparkling man in a sunlit meadow. The man was a vampire. They were in love, and he was telling the girl how hard it was for him to keep from killing her.' This dream formed the basis of the first book. I wish my dreams were that profitable.

If you are interested in learning more about Stephenie check out: 10 Questions for Stephenie Meyer

If you liked reading the Twilight Series …

Tithe YA B HAB
Sixteen-year-old Kaye, who has been visited by faeries since childhood, discovers that she herself is a magical faerie creature with a special destiny.

A Great and Terrible Beauty F BRAY ASH
After the suspicious death of her mother in 1895, sixteen-year-old Gemma returns to England, after many years in India, to attend a finishing school where she becomes aware of her magical powers and ability to see into the spirit world.

Beauty YA M ASH
Beauty grows to love the Beast at whose castle she is compelled to stay and through her love releases him from the spell which had turned him from a handsome prince into an ugly beast.

Sirena YA N ASH/HAB
The gods grant immortality to the mermaid Sirena when she rescues a human man from the sea and they fall in love, but his mortality creates great conflict between love and honor when he is called to defend Greece in the Trojan War.

Wounded YA C HAB
Sixteen-year-old Tom Anderson and seventeen-year-old Kate Folan try to escape Kate’s werewolf family and fight becoming werewolves themselves.


A few more to sink your fangs into:

Jinx YA W ASH/ASH
Stardust YA G ASH/HAB
Interview with the Vampire F RICE ASH
Peeps YA W ASH
Vampire blood trilogy YA S ASH
Merrick F RICE HAB
The last vampire F STRI HAB
Blood and Gold F RICE HAB
Bloody bones PB HAB
Lords of the night F LORD ASH
Lilith’s dream F STRI HAB
Dark days GN 741.5973 NIL ASH
Blood is the new black F STIV ASH/HAB
The vampire shrink F HILB ASH
99 coffins YA W ASH
13 bullets YA W ASH
The night watch YA L ASH/HAB

Get in the Game, READ!

This summer holidays your library is offering many opportunities for your family to get involved, get reading and win.

The Summer Reading Club is open 1 December 2008 to 18 January 2009 and all you need to do is read ten books, collect your reading rewards and then go into the draw to win $200 worth of books, toys and vouchers.

Every child who participates will be posted a 'participation certificate'.
To be eligible for the prize draw you must read 10 books and return the reading log to the library before 18 January.

Join in with the many summer holiday activities and games.

Get in the Game Party
The end of the Summer Reading Club will be celebrated at the ‘Get in the game party’. Summer Reading Prizes will be awarded. Bookings are essential.
Date: 23 January
Venue: Haberfield Library
Time: 3pm

Board of Studies Club
Come along for board games at the library with fun, lollies and activities. For 10 years and over. No bookings are required.
Date: 8 to 11 December
Venue: Ashfield Library
Time: 4-6pm
Date: 8 & 10 December
Venue: Haberfield Library
Time: 3.30-5.30pm

‘StorySport’ Pyjama Storytime
Wear your Pyjamas; bring your favourite teddy and friends for supper, stories and songs. Toddlers to 8 years recommended. No bookings are required.
Date: 15 & 20 January
Venue: Ashfield Library
Time: 6pm

Snakes & Ladders Craft
Kids are invited to come along and make their own Snakes and Ladders board game. Recommended for ages 4-12 years. Bookings are essential.
Date: 7 January
Venue: Haberfield Library
Time: 11am
Date: 8 January
Venue: Ashfield Library
Time: 11am

Pizza Olympics Night
Come along for a Pizza Olympics Night. Dress as your favourite sportsman or woman and join in the games and celebrate gold with a pizza supper. Prize awarded for best dressed. Bookings are essential.
Date: 13 January
Venue: Ashfield Library
Time: 6-7.00pm

Sand Boomerang Craft
Design your own boomerang and decorate it with sand art. Recommended for ages 4-12 years. Bookings are essential.
Date: 21 January
Venue: Haberfield Library
Time: 11am
Date: 22 January
Venue: Ashfield Library
Time: 11am

Download the Summer Holiday Fun Flyer and the Summer Reading Log.

New Books for November

Hey, I forgot to tell you about the new books list for November, and yes I know I have the wrong month on the cover (a blond moment- well blond streaks anyway).

Some of the new kids fiction books are:
Terror in cubicle four by B. Strange
UFO afloat by Dave Hackett
The Dragon Prince by T. Nhat Hanh
The wizard of Rondo by Emily Rodda
Werewolf versus dragon by M. Morgan

Some of the new youth books are:
The cat kin by Nick Green
Buffy: The quotable slayer
Rich dad poor dad for teens by R. Kiyosaki
Nation by Terry Pratchett

Some of the new youth graphic novels are:
Avril Lavigne’s make 5 wishes by C. D’Errico
Master of the clow by Clamp
World embryo by D. Moriyama
The knockout makers by K. Hashimoto
Good as Lily by Derek Kirk Kim
Kimmie66 by A. Alexovich

Some of the new kids graphic novels are:
Geobreeders by Akihiro Ito
Baby & me by Marimo Ragawa
Cowa! by Akira Toriyama (same guys who made Dragon Ball Z)
Kilala Princess by Rika Tanaka
Garfield pigs out by Jim Davis

There is also a very long list of baby board books in the book list, that's because in the span of two weeks about 15 mothers said 'why don't you buy more board books?'. I do buy board books, in the last 6 months alone the library has spent almost $5000 on them. It's just that I can't spend all the money on board books, or we would have no kids or teen fiction or information books, or graphic novels. There are of course many, many more new books at the library, a selection (with some reviews) is listed in the new books list but also check out the library gazette for more reviews pick up either in print at your library.

Happy reading.

Trends in borrowing

Just a quick note, It has been a few weeks since an update on any library activities - that's not because I haven't done anything - rather that I have been doing to much.

All the Summer Reading Challenge stuff is almost ready to launch, are you ready to Get in the Game? Along with the joy of reading, and of course the thrill of the competition (I know you don't have to be the best - but you cant help wanting to win can you!) There will also be some Board of Studies afternoons in December - that's board games and snacks in the libraries after school (Homework is on hold, but the tutor will be there if you have a mean teacher who has given you some) . As well as after Christmas we have a heap of holiday activities all in the sporty theme to go with the Summer Reading Challenge (not that I normally accessorize).

In the theme of reading, I was hanging out with a group (45) of childrens' and youth librarians on Thursday and we discussed what you and your friends are reading. That's right we do talk about you amongst ourselves (hope that doesn't sound too creepy). Did you know that there has been a state wide drop of 13% in kids and teens reading non-fiction (that's information books for you non library types) and a gigantic 43% increase in teen books being borrowed! What's so amazing is that traditionally librarians have said 'those teens don't read' and scarily some still think that (they arn't childrens' or youth librarians though).

So in accordance with this trend and many other little things I've noticed about our reading community at Ashfield, I am planning on merging (read mash-up) the kids and adults non-fiction (info books) together and expanding the teen area a bit further. Now of course you do get a say, so if you think its a horrifically catastrophic mistake feel free to email me and say so alexanderm@ashfield.nsw.gov.au.no.spam.

Something else I probably should tell you is that the Council will be advertising shortly for people aged between 12-24 to join a youth council advisory thingy. So if you are (or know) someone who is passionate about our community start thinking about joining. It wont actually be called the youth council advisory thingy, but you will know it when you see it (and I will point it out here anyway).

Oh, and next week we have Mike who will be spending some time with us at the library for work experience, so he will be featuring here soon!

Ok, that's enough procrastination, I have an essay to finish.
Have fun.

PS. Did you know JK Rowling has a new book coming out soon?

KOALA Winners

I spent a wonderfully exhausting day today out at Blacktown Library for the 2008 KOALA Awards Day. I got to meet (and have lunch with) Duncan Ball, Ursula Dubosarsky, Anna Fienberg, Kim Gamble, Catherine Jinks, Chris Milne and Emily Rodda. I also got to meet all the students from across the state who attended Awards Day.

It was a great day despite the miserable and wild weather. Val the KOALA Secretary commented 'it is the first time that authors have had to come through snow to attend Awards Day!'

The 2008 Kids Own Australian Literature Awards were announced and the winners are:
Picture Book Winner: Annie's Chair by Deborah Niland
Honour Books: Where is the green sheep? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek and Rex by Ursula Dubosarsky and David Mackintosh

Younger Readers Winner: Just Shocking! by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton
Honour Books: Tashi & the mixed up monster and Selby Shattered by Duncan Ball and Allan Stomann

Older Readers Winner: The Key to Rondo by Emily Rodda
Honour Books: Boy Overboard by Morrris Gleitzman and Spookiest stories by Paul Jennings

Fiction Years 7-9 Winner: Mao's Last Dancer by Lee Cunxin
Honour Book: Dragon Moon by Carole Wilkinson

Here are a couple of pic's Yvonne took today.

Ursula Dubosarsky, Catherine Jinks, Duncan Ball and Emily Rodda

Anna Fienberg and her Tashi doll.

Did you know? Anna invented the Tashi stories with her mum, and Kim Gamble invented the way Tashi looks. Kim had this little doll made for Anna so he could keep her company while she writes, but Anna's little boy liked the tashi doll so much Anna gave it to him.

Kim Gamble and the artwork he created in front of our eyes.

Kim's artwork was won by Wollondilly Public School on Awards Day. Kim was inspired to create a dragon for Tashi after Lee Castledine told the assembly a story about a great dragon and a magic golden snail.

Ashfield Spring Life

Abstract expressionist paintings by the children of Ashfield
We had a picnic in the library on Friday 10th October to celebrate the art works created by the children.
The project was coordinated by the Artist in Residence Cher Breeze and involved 5 preschools and a parents group 'Jump in Joeys' who created a series of abstract expressionit paintings reflecting Ashfield in the spring time.
Each of the 6 canvases was a communal work completed by many hands; this shared creative experience means that these works truly reflect the vibrancy and uniqueness of the Ashfield community through the eyes of children.
The works have been displayed in the Ashfield Library Children's Section, please drop in and see them.

Inky's Shortlist

Have you been following the Inky Awards nominations?

The nominations have been cast and the shortlist have been drawn.

Now you get to decide who gets the Golden and Silver Inky.

Vote now!

The shortlist

Town, James Roy

My brother Kimlan works all night fixing the road. He wears a shirt that reflects the light from the cars. The boss man says that if he does not wear that shirt, no one will be able to see him unless he smiles.

Tales from Outer Suburbia, Shaun Tan

It's funny how these days, when every household has its own intercontinental ballistic missile, you hardly even think about them.

A Brief History of Montmaray, Michelle Cooper
Officially, the head of our household is Uncle John, who is Aunt Charlotte's brother and Veronica's father (and the King of Montmaray), but he's rather distracted on his good days, and downright alarming on his bad ones.

Genesis, Bernard Beckett

…the only thing the population had to fear, was fear itself. The true danger humanity faced during this period was the shrinking of its own spirit.

Boy Toy, Barry Lyga

It was like watching the mating rituals of retarded birds, clumsily stepping the wrong patterns around each other over and over again.

Before I Die, Jenny Downham

I sit up and switch on the bedside light. There's a pen, but no paper, so on the wall behind me I write, I want to feel the weight of a boy on top of me.

School Holiday Fun

Click on the thumb nail to download the school holiday activities flyer.
Call the library to book on 9716 1810 or email me on alexanderm@ashfield.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Spring has Sprung - and I hope you can keep up!

Ok, this is a big season, take a big breathe and then read on!

Winner: The Peasant Prince Competition
Luke R, 4 years old from Summer Hill for his review of Ziba came on a boat by Liz Lofthouse, illustrated by Rob Ingpen "When I look at the paintings it makes me feel I'm on the boat and even in the waves, hanging on to the edge of the boat. The waves are splashing me, too. When I see Ziba and her family eating, I feel like Im eating with them. It is sad and scary to see them run from bad guys and guns. I hope they come to Australia on that boat.

Teddy Tales Picnic - Thursday 18 September 2008
Ashfield Library and Summer Hill Community Centre invite you to bring your bear for a Teddy Tales Picnic on Thursday, 18 September 2008 at Darrell Jackson Gardens (next to Summer Hill Community Centre, 131 Smith Street, Summer Hill).
Bring a picnic lunch to share with your teddy. Stories and fun begin at 1.30-2.30pm followed by a bear hunt at 2.30pm.
Please RSVP by Tuesday 16 September 2008 on 02 9716 1810. Down load Flyer.

October School Holiday Fun
Get crafty and creative this school holidays, let your imagination run riot, and visit your library!

Page to Stage Workshop
Join Monkey Baa in looking at how you can adapt a story for the stage, and have fun with improvisation, movement and drama games. For teens between 8-11 years Bookings essential, limited places.
1pm Friday 03 October Graham Yarroll Room above the Haberfield Library.

“Millie Jack and the Dance” Drama Play Workshop
Join Monkey Baa and be delighted with this magical exploration of drama through games, storytelling and fairytales. Ages 5-7 years. Booking essential with limited places.
10am Friday 03 October Graham Yarroll Room above the Haberfield Library.

Creative Beading Workshop
Come design and make your own unique jewellery to reflect your unique personality. Booking essential with limited places. Strictly for ages 12+
3pm Friday 10th Oct Graham Yarroll Room above the Haberfield Library
3pm Wednesday 08 Oct Ashfield Library

Imaginitis Pyjama Storytime
When everyone catches ‘imaginitis’, who knows where these tall tales will take you! Wear your Pyjamas; bring your favourite Teddy and friends for supper, stories and songs. Children of all ages welcome. No Bookings Required.
6pm Tuesday 07 October Ashfield Library

Twisted Tales Storytime
Why do they always pick on the poor wolf? Has anyone seen that naughty Goldilocks? And what is that smell! Come for stories, songs and morning tea. 0-8 year olds. No Bookings Required.
11am Wednesday 01 October Haberfield Library
11am Thursday 02 October Ashfield Library
11am Wednesday 08 October Haberfield Library
11am Thursday 09 October Ashfield Library

Chinese Storytime
Come for stories, poems, craft and fun for 0-8 year olds. No Bookings Required
11am Friday 03 October Ashfield Library

Kids Author Talk: DEBORAH ABELA

Date: Friday 28th November, 2008

Time: 10am arrival, talk 10.15am till 11am

Venue: Ashfield Council Chambers

Author of the fantastically popular “Max Remy Super Spy” Series and “Jasper Zammit Soccer Legend” is coming along to share some of her stories and adventures with us. Ideal for kids in grades 4 to 7.

Living Languages Carnival

Ashfield Carnival of Cultures is coming up on Sunday 12 October 2008

The Carnival will be back to Ashfield Park. This family and community celebration attracts up to 20,000 visitors from Ashfield, the Inner West and beyond. So join us again to celebrate "Living Languages".

I told you to take a deep breathe. There is so much coming up in the next few weeks I think I will need a holiday, O' that's right these are the school holidays.

Children's Book Week

Children’s Book Week is celebrated right across Australia, from Hobart to Broome. This year we at Ashfield celebrated with many storytelling events, with preschools, primary schools and even babies. Children’s Book Week is all about celebrating stories, those found in books and those we make ourselves.

The Winning Picture Book this year “Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley” is about two unlikely best friends, a typical tale of childhood. I know every child in ashfield has many stories to tell, and who know's, one day we may see them published.

On the afternoon of August 22nd Clr Ted Cassidy, Mayor of Ashfield, announce the winners of the StoryCraft and Colouring Competitions to a crowded Haberfield Library. The Mayor congratulate every child who participated and, that afternoon awarded over 100 prizes.

The Colouring Competition received over 700 entries, and every participant has had a certficate forwarded to their school. The StoryCraft competition invited years 4-12 to submit a creative storyline in a unique way, pictorial and graphic works were encouraged. Of all the wonderful tales received we could not pick 3 winners, it was just to hard! So the following 4 winners will receive a $50 Music or Book Voucher.

Raymond W.
Terrell H.
Ricky V.
Desmond C.

I encourage you to drop into your library and have a look at many of the entries on display in the children’s area.

Is there a book you want?

Requests taken!!!
Don't forget, if there happens to be a book (or CD or DVd or Sound recording) you want, and we dont have it yet, let me know! The library does take requests, and if we cant buy it, we will borrow it for you... yes libraries borrow from libraries (we are all connected in library-land).

So if you have been hanging for Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Book 3 Brisinger or can't wait for that librarian to get around to picking up Stephenie Meyer's Breaking Dawn, or Melina Marchetta's new On the Jellicoe Road, send in a request to my email (or on paper in the library) and don't forget your name and library card number or I can't set it aside for you.

Melina is our next Kids Authors @ Ashfield author talk. So if you want to come along and meet her, you can and it's free.

Check out an interview with Melina on Insideadog

July New Books (and other stuff)

Woohoo! It's a new year!
Financial year that is, with a shiny new budget and lots more money to spend on books, toys, DVD's and music etc, etc. Talking about spending, the July new Books list is up have a squizze. If your into real life stories and reality (that's non fiction for you library types) we are experiencing a tidal wave of new titles. From stuff on Vivaldi (a classical muscician), a book called "Why should I eat this carrot?" a very informative read, stuff on "Australia’s Air Force "and Navy, if your interested in animals and nature, what about "Venom" or "Cockroach’s night out" or if your into the heavy stuff "It’s a climate for change".

There are still some new good stories of course!

Leaving Barrumbi by Leonie Norrington is a new talking book (CD to listen to, a book with no reading!) The author spent much of her childhood on a remote community, growing up among aboriginal people who live in the traditional way, and she has brought many of these experiences into this beautiful story. The sequel to The Barrumbi kids and The Spirit of Barrumbi, this story see’s Dale start boarding School. Many challenges face Dale, finding his place in ‘white’ society, making new friends, and staying connected to his family and community – no wonder Dale doesn’t know who he is anymore! This story is 7 ½ hours long and is read in a fashion that will engage with adults and children alike. This book is listed on the Children’s Book Council 2008 shortlisted, and it deserves an award, it is a great story to read or hear.

Clay’s Way by Blair Mastbaum
The reviews screamed “A gay Catcher in the Rye”, “trilling, sexy, terrifying” and it was voted 2005 “Book for the Teen Age” by the New York Public Library. What can I say; it came highly recommended, so then why was I disappointed? I found the push and pull between Clay and Sam the duo-protagonists to be scary and disturbing; I couldn’t stand either of them, let alone like them. Set in the sun and the surf of Hawaii, Mastbaum must be congratulated for achieving a dark and twisted tale that delves into the teen psyche to perturb the readers mind. That said it is a good read, it held me and I just had to finish it, I wasn’t happy at the end, but did I really want a Disney ending, definitely not.

Win a copy of the Peasant Prince!
To win a copy of The Peasant Prince, tell us in 50 words or less about a picture book or illustrator that has moved you. Submit your entry at the library desk by 24 Sept 08.

Erak’s Ransom wins the Australian Book Industry Award: Book of the Year for Older Children. A Spokes woman from the RHA said 'Sales for Australian series Ranger’s Apprentice have topped over 1 million copies worldwide. The adventure, humour and friendship of the Ranger’s Apprentice series is clearly resonating with fans across the world. With more books in the series and a major film deal struck with United Artists films and writer-director Paul Haggis, Random House Australia is looking forward to the continuing success of this series.'

Madeline and Milia

I would like to welcome Madeline and Milia to the Ashfield (they are here every day for a week the poor things) for their work experience. You can check out what they are getting upto this week on their blogs. Madeline's Blog and Milia's Blog.

You can leave messages or comments on their blogs.

If you think you may one day like to work in a Library, check out the Workplace Learning Blog and see how you can do work experience here at the Ashfield Library with us.

Going Tribal: July School Holiday Fun

Feel the jungle beat this July as we go tribal at the Ashfield and Haberfield Libraries. Download the flyer here.

Shekere Beats Drumming Workshop
Ideal for 6-16 year olds, get into the beat with this tribal drumming workshop.
Date: 2pm Wednesday 16 July

Venue: Graham Yarroll Room above the Haberfield Library.

Henna Tattooing Workshop
For ages 10+ who want to learn the art of Henna and have some fun. Booking Essential with limited places
Date: 3pm Wednesday 9 July

Venue: Wattle Room Level 2, above Ashfield Library.

Jungle Drums Pyjama Storytime
Wear your Pyjamas, bring your favourite Teddy and friends for supper, stories and songs. Children of all ages welcome. No Bookings Required.
Date: 6pm Tuesday 15 July

Venue: Ashfield Library

Savanna Storytime
Stories, poems, craft and fun
for 0-10 year olds. No Bookings Required.
Sessions:

11am Wednesday 09 July @ Haberfield Library
11am Thursday 10 July @ Ashfield Library
11am Wednesday 16 July @ Haberfield Library
11am Thursday 17 July @ Ashfield Library

Please contact the Children's Librarian for more information and bookings on 9716 1827.

Hal Spacejock... Wow, a free ebook!

Here is an interesting marketing tool: get book 1 of the Hal Spacejock Series free and then you need to buy the rest of the series! Don't fall into the trap, read book 1 free and then visit your local library, get all of them free to read. Terms and conditions apply!

See whats in stock on the Ashfield Catalogue

Hal Spacejock by Simon Haynes (from the website)

'An incompetent, accident-prone pilot is given one last chance to save his ship. An ageing robot is trusted with a midnight landing in a deserted field. And a desperate businessman is prepared to sacrifice both of them to get what he wants ...

Combining relentless action with non-stop laughs, Hal Spacejock explodes onto the science fiction scene with the subtlety of a meteor strike and the hushed reverence of a used car salesman.'

"Better than Red Dwarf" Tom Holt

"The quirkiest genre satire to hit bookstores since Terry Pratchett's Discworld" The West Australian

The Hal Spacejock series to date:
1. Hal Spacejock (2005)
2. Hal Spacejock: Second Course (2006)
3. Hal Spacejock: Just Desserts (2007)
4. Hal Spacejock: No Free Lunch (2008)

Visit Hal Spacejock's web page to download your free copy of book one. http://www.spacejock.com.au/

New Books for May

This month we have some fab new titles for you. get the new book list into your hot little hands and reserve your choices now!

May's Staff Picks:

+Anima Volume 1 JF M ASH
By Mukai, Natsumi
+Anima is unabashed shonen (Boys) manga, with adorable magical childrenwith golden hearts and mysterious secrets yet to be revealed. All the characters are likable, and the drawing clear and stylised. An enjoyable romp for comic/manga readers with a sweet tooth.

The clockwork forest JF M ASH
By MacLeod, Doug
Morton goes into the forest in search of four precious objects, and he discovers something far more valuable. The Clockwork Forest is a wonderfully dark and twisted fable. Bringing to life a
magical world where nothing is as it seems. Danger lies everywhere. But the biggest surprise is
what lies at the end of the quest?

Joel and Cat set the story straight YA E ASH
By Earls, Nick & Sparrow, Rebecca
A love-hate relationship, without the love part. This book has assault rifles, tea-drinking heroines, a Salvadorian salsa instructor and the most hilarious medical scene. You may have guessed, humour is a big part of the book, but there's drama, too, as both Cat and Joel experience family breakdown. The Joel/Cat tension is finely balanced and the end is sweet but not sickly. A very funny read!

SMASH 08 - pre register

Now I know that you know, but just in case you dont know (what SMASH is that is), let me tell you. SMASH is an Anime con. Just in case you dont know what an Anime con is:

An anime convention is an event or gathering in a venue where the primary focus is on anime and manga as a fan driven event. An anime convention allows fans to meet and interact with other like minded people, show off their own creative talents, buy anime and manga related goods and celebrate their fandom in a social environment. Simply put, an anime con is a place for anime fans to gather and have fun, spend all their yearly savings and buy art & merchandise until they go bankrupt. source

SMASH is a one day Anime convention on August 2nd at Roundhouse@UNSW with a $10 entry fee if you pre-register, $15 if you pay at the door.

Hidenobu Kiuchi

SMASH! 2008 is going to have the very first Japanese Voice Actor to make an appearance at an Australian Convention!

Kiuchi is a talented seiyuu, well known for his role as Oshitari Yuushi from Prince of Tennis, and more recently, Ryohei Sasagawa from Katekyo Hitman Reborn.

He has also starred in a number of leading roles including, but not limited to, Kenzo Tenma (Monster), Ren Honjo (Nana), Hei (Darker than Black), Ryuuren Ran (Saiunkoku Monogatari), and José (Gunslinger Girls); his credits also include Rurouni Kenshin, Death Note, Pokemon, Hunter x Hunter and many more!

Now do you know what I'm talking about?
See ya there!

Oh my, I turn around for one momento and April is gone... lost forever

Oh, well, there will be another...

Congratulations to the Competition Winners for Brewhaha Poetry Slam and Youth/ Seniors Creative Writing Competition
Thank you to our poetry slam performers and congratulations to Raymond N and Jesse N who took home $300 worth of prizes.
Thank you to those who submitted entries into the writing competition and congratualtions to Meredith W and Elizabeth W who each recieved $100 worth of prizes.
One of the winning entries was 'The Homeless Kindergarten' by Elizabeth. It is reproduced here in full.

'The Homeless Kindergarten'

The ceiling is dissolving
and the carpet seems to smell
kinder kids are moulding
and the classroom is as well.

The fungi start to smoulder
it is like a prison cell
the kindy kids are homeless
in the small hall they must dwell.

The roof tiles are fragmented
there's an under carpet dam
electricity is risky,
and we cannot use our plan

Book week's a disaster!
The children are upset.
They cannot practice reading
for their readers are too wet.

I hope we get the funding
for the flooding to resolve
'Cause if we don't replace the roof tiles
the children will dissolve.

Elizabeth W from Haberfield Public School

Harmony Day Celebrations

Happy Harmony Day!
Well, yes I am late, Harmony Day was the 21 March, which was a public holiday due to that Easter thing. So at Ashfield Library we celebrated Harmony Day on the 28th March. I want to share with you what the children of our ESL class put together for their parents on Harmony Day.

harmony day

The Ashfield Library ESL homework help class practice their English Skills with songs and poems and short stories. They performed some of these for their parents at the Harmony Day afternoon tea.

harmony day radio program

The children were recorded by radio announcer Joy Lu and broadcast on Saturday 12 April on 2AC Australian Chinese Radio.

Harmony Blossoms was written by poet Li Fu Qi for the program.

Harmony Blossoms
the star in the sky,
the flower on the ground,
we are in one family,
joined to the world.
hand in hand,
shoulder to shoulder,
I help you, you help me,
love one another happily.
our fiends every where in the world,
for peace ,for freedom,
let us sing and work together,
making a peaceful universe,
harmony in bloom all over the world.

$500 worth of prizes up for grabs!

Brewhaha Poetry Slam
Ashfield Library in conjunction with Leichhardt Library will be launching our first Brewhaha Poetry Slam taking place 12pm on Saturday 12 April in the new Brewhaha Chill Out Tent.

A poetry slam is a competition which performers read or recite original works, or more rarely that of others, without any other tools except for the microphone.

Up for grabs as first and second prize is $300 worth of prizes for a slam-dunk performance.

Entrants must register for the event by Sunday 6 April 2008, with full contact details and a short spiel on their work in writing. For more details contact Alexander 02 9716 1827. Brewhaha Poetry Slam flyer or entry form.

Youth and Seniors Creative Writing Competition
'They think they know it all!' is a Writing Competition where you can flex your creative muscle and express your viewpoint on the topic of harmony and acceptance of all ages.

Entries can take any written shape or format. All entries must be delivered by hand or mailed to Ashfield Municipal Library, PO Box 1145 Ashfield NSW 1800 by Sunday 13 April 2008.

Up for grabs as first and second prize is $300 worth of prizes. For more information contact Alexander on 02 9716 1827. Entry form.

Are you an online manga reader

Did you know manga was online and free to read?
I didn't, well I did but not to this extend.

I have been asking the teens and kids for fav titles and manga authors to add to the library, and yes I have bought lots of new stuff (almost $3000 worth) it will hit the shelves over the next few weeks.

I digress, One kid asked for Naruto, and I said we have that (turns out its all missing off the shelves , sorry my bad, but I don't have time to stand there watching who touches what.) I'm getting some more if your a naruto fan! But its online - free - for you to read!

My friend Ms Doyle also recommends OneManga and says 'my students love this site -- they can read some of their favorite manga online, another favorite is crunchyroll where they watch anime'

Check out some of these:
MangaVolume
OneManga
ReadManga
Mangashare

Computer games in the library

THERE'S GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS!

There is strong debate between academics and librarians (not to mention parents) on whether computer games are good for you, not to mention if they have a place in the public library.

My stand was (and has been for a long time) that kids and teens know where to find online games, and therfore can play them in the library. That has worked at ashfield till now!

The Good News : we have new computers. Every PC now has a wide screen and is much faster than the old ones.

The Bad News : the new PC's are so locked down for network security that they do not allow plug-ins or add-ons, and therfore can not play most online games.

I have been flooded with feedback (not all complaints) that we can not play games on the internet anymore. What has been decided is that we will have a few additional PC's in the children's area reserved for PC games. There will be no internet access, but they will be networked together for multiplayer games.

So here's where you come in : What games should we buy to put on them?