Thursday, October 28, 2010

New Uniforms?

Ahh yes. Everyone has their idea of the typical librarian in their heads. Perhaps an elderly, silver-haired woman with stern features and little circular glasses that sit so precariously on the tip of her nose that every time she mutters "Shh!" at noisy schoolchildren you swear they're going to topple off her face and land in her fine bone china tea cup. Perhaps not. Chances are you picture someone rather neatly, stiffly, and stuffily dressed.
At Hurstville Library, our librarians are considerably more relaxed. They drink their English Breakfast tea out of mugs, not fine bone china! Which is why, these t-shirts are far more appropriate uniform suggestions.









Well, what do you think? Do the wonderful, albeit slightly nuts, people that work at Hurstville Library need a uniform like this?

(images via. zazzle)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Mr. Bean in the Library

Oh bless the English, for not only have they brought us colonisation and Jordan, but they also offer up the quietly hilarious and entirely endearing Mr. Bean




Where would we be without his blundering antics to amuse and delight us?

Just make sure you treat Hurstville Library's books a bit better!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

From Sweden with Love




First we had Abba




















Then came Stieg








Why not come and see all our New Swedish Authors

Monday, October 25, 2010

Check it out! - Museums & Galleries NSW IMAGinE Award






Last Friday night, Hurstville City Museum & Gallery won a Museums and Galleries NSW IMAGinE award for 'Exhibitions - Less than seven staff' for our permanent exhibition, Living on the Water's Edge: Stories of St George!


The event was held on the beautiful Circular Quay Terrace at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). It was a perfect way to spend a Friday night - and an awesome birthday present for one of our curators!

Congratulations to all the LMG staff who worked on this exhibition. A big thank you to all the volunteers and interns who assisted as well.


Look at our virtual version of the exhibition online or why not come and visit us and see our 'award winning' exhibition for yourself!


Congratulations to the nominees in all categories. Check out the winners of the other categories!



Friday, October 22, 2010

Hugh Mackay - What Makes Us Tick?

Hurstville City Library was lucky enough to have leading psychologist, social researcher and author, Hugh Mackay, join us at the library. Hugh discussed his new book 'What Makes Us Tick?' and in this short excerpt, delves into the human desire for control.



Check out more videos at the LMG's YouTube Channel.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Do You Love To Write? Yes!


Check out these works hot off the press from the recent Hurstville City Library youth creative writing project! ‘Do You Love To Write?’ was a series of fun, relaxed writing workshops for young people. The group worked on their techniques, learnt skills and received feedback from authors, culminating in a publication and launch of their work. There are more writing workshops coming up, starting on Tuesday 9th November from 4.30pm at the Library and continuing right through until May 2011, if you would like to be involved call 9330 6118 for more information. Until then, have a look at these cool short stories from the group!


In trouble


By Amelia S.


He knew he was in trouble when the teacher called out his name.
“Yes, Miss?” His voice squeaked.
“Up,” she ordered.
He glanced around the room. The other students were a sea of curious eyes watching him. He gulped loudly and stood up. His chair scraped against the floor.
“Jay, do you know why I’m making you stand up?” asked Miss Miller, leaning against her desk.
“No, Miss,”
Miss Miller raised an eyebrow. Jay’s knee shook.
“You’re not lying, are you, Jay?”
He could feel sweat beads form across his forehead which he wiped with the back of his hand.
“No, Miss, I wouldn’t lie,” he said, hoping his squeaky response wouldn’t give him away.
“Hmm,” said Miss Miller, tapping a pen against her lips.
His teacher shook her head and walked around the other side of the desk.
“Sit down, Jay.”
He sat down quickly as his classmates broke into whispers.
Jay watched as Miss Miller went through the papers piled on her desk.
Please, please don’t let her find it. He prayed silently.
But Miss Miller found what she was looking for, the piece of paper that could –
“Well class,” she began, “it seems that I am going to have to interview every single one of you now.” She stared at the paper in her hands.
Jay’s best friend, Thomas, stared at him. He shrugged. Even though Jay was the only one who knew what Miss Miller was talking about, he figured that acting clueless was the best option.

“Miss, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Jay.
“Miss, you haven’t exactly told us anything about this catastrophe,” chimed Thomas, hoping to help his friend out. There were a few nods of agreement around the classroom.
Miss Miller held up the piece of paper.
“This is what I’m talking about,” she said.



The most unusual day in the world

By Cate H.


One day I was walking to school when something unusual happened. I could see my friends running towards me, squealing and screaming excitedly.
“Why are you so excited”? I asked them.
At first they didn’t respond. I kept asking them why they were so excited. Finally I got an answer.
“You’re the best singer in the world because your album went to second place over night!”
My two friends told me that I would work it all out when I got to school.
When we got to school, everyone started running towards us.
Then we saw the backs of two men and I wondered who they were.
When they turned around, we realised they were Justin Timberlake and Zac Efron. I couldn’t believe my eyes. My friends screamed so loudly.

“Quiet,” they said. “We don’t want to get caught.”



Adam

By Denise C.

I remember when I first heard him. I wanted to pinch myself, convinced that this was just a dream. I wanted to run around the hospital room, screaming and laughing like a lunatic. This was it. My biggest wish since I was four years old.
“He’s coming,”said the doctor.
Those two words turned my legs to jelly and a sudden chill ran down my back. Tears burst from my eyes, tears that I didn’t try hiding. Still, I promised myself I’d be strong, just for mum. The doctor held him carefully, supporting his neck. Mum pushed. She didn’t scream or cry like in the movies. My brother’s cries made me want to soothe him, reassure him that the world he was entering was OK.

I watched transfixed as my mother closed her eyes and gave a final push. My heartbeat quickened, my mouth went dry. The doctor turned to me.
“I need you to help me pull him out.”

Birds Of Tokyo

Australia produces some true rock gems, and this group of superb talents is definitely one of them.


Birds Of Tokyo gained notoriety as one of Australia's leading rock powerhouses in 2006 with their debut album Day One. This song, Silhouettic, is off their sophpomore album Universes. The lead singer Ian Kenny also fronts progressive metal band Karnivool and with vocal abilities like that, it sure is hard to deny his talent. He also rivals Peter Garrett for the title of 'Australia's Strangest Dancer'.

Coming soon! - St George Art Awards 2010 exhibition


The inaugural St George Art Awards exhibition will be officially opened on Friday 29 October, 2010 at 6.00pm at Hurstville City Museum & Gallery (14 MacMahon St, Hurstville).

The biannual St George Art Awards is a national competition open to all Australian residents. To be eligible artists had to submit entries relating to the theme below:

Relationships [ri-ley-shuhn-ship] - noun
1. connection; a particular connection
2. connection by blood or marriage
3. an emotional connection

The theme enables artists to explore ideas such as the connections between and water; humans and the earth; disticy cultures; the past and present or emotional connections between people.

Prizes will be awarded the in the following categories:
  • St George Art Prize 2010 - $8,000; Painting; Acquisitive
  • St George 3D Art Prize - $3,000; 3D works
  • St George Local Youth Prize - $500 of art materials; No theme, open to either paintings or drawings.

For the Awards inaugural year we are proud to have attracted entries by established artists, emerging talents, students and amateurs. Hurstville City Library, Museum & Gallery would like to thank all the artists who entered and warmly congratulate those selected for exhibition in the first year of the St George Art Awards.

Make sure you bring your family along and come to the opening night to see the winnder of each category announced. We would love to see you there!

To RSVP, call the Museum & Gallery on 9330 6444 or send an email to museumgallery@hurstville.nsw.gov.au

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Bringing books and people together

If you've ever aspired to that most noble of professions - the Librarian - heed this educational film from 1946 for a 'startlingly accurate' depiction of what we do.




Yes, that's right you too can "...derive satisfaction from the knowledge that your work is vital and essential in forming the kind of world in which you want to live." Even without PCs and research databases and online assistance and eBooks and, and...other stuff, the essence of a librarian's work is surprisingly similar to what it was 64 years (and more) ago and will probably continue to remain the same.

Despite popular opinion, being bilingual in Dewey Decimal is not a prerequisite.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Dianne Blacklock Guest Author at Hurstville City Library

Hurstville City Library
cnr Queens Rd & Dora St
Wednesday 10th November, 2010
12.15pm Exhibition Area

Free Event: Bookings 9330 6142

One of Hurstville Library's most popular authors, Dianne Blacklock will be speaking about her writing and her new book The Right Time
Dianne says of her new book, "It's about that unconditional love you only find in families. The four Beckett sisters can be annoying, resentful and drive each other crazy, but when it really matters, they are there for each other in a heartbeat. I hope you enjoy their journey; I certainly enjoyed taking it with them."
Dianne's visit will be a treat for lovers of her works or for fans of books that explore family relationships, men-women relationships, love and friendship.
Other Dianne Blacklock books held by the library include:

Friday, October 15, 2010

Spotlight on DVD titles for October


New DVD titles come in regularly to the library. The sample list below of new DVDs is a mixed bag of titles to suit a variety of tastes.


DVDs and CDs are free to borrow but remember to bring them back on time so you don't receive a fine.


We would like your suggestions for DVDs and/or CD titles. It's easy! All you need to do is post your suggestions here.

DVD Titles Coming Soon:


  • Fish Tank - starring Katie Jarvis, Michael Fassbender and Kierston Wareing; directed by Academy Award-winning director Andrea Arnold. This is a mysterious and powerful story of family, love and lust. Mia, played by Katie Jarvis is at war with everyone and everything. Her one passion is dancing which she practices in secret. One day Mia's mother brings home a stranger called Connor who promises to change everything in their lives.

  • Letters to Juliet - starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave. I really enjoyed this movie. It's a simple and lovely story set in stunning Italy where we get a glimpse of the beautiful Italian countryside and I really, really want to go there even more after watching it. It is set in the city of Verona, where Romeo first met Juliet. The heartbroken leave notes to Juliet asking for her help. Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) finds a 50 year old letter and sets off on a journey with the author Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) and her handsome grandson to find Claire's long lost first love.


  • Fantasitc Flesh - a documentary on special effects make-up where we meet the masters of the craft and discover it's history. There are behind-the-scenes photos and footage with interviews with Quentin Tarantino, James Brolin, John Landis to name a few. We also get to see clips from Frankenstein, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Exorcist, Planet of the Apes, The Thing, An American Werewolf in London and many more.


  • Fashion in Film -a documentary that takes a look at the history of costumes, couture and glamour icons in the movies. There are interviews with designers, stylist and stars such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Tyson Beckford, Amanda Bynes, Jennifer Beals. Also, clips from The Devil Wars Prada; Flashdance; American Gigolo; Legally Blonde; Atonement; 27 Dresses; Clueless and more. A good one for up and coming designers to watch or anyone insterested in fashion.
  • The Book of Eli - starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman. Eli (Denzel Washington), is a lone warrior who walks in a post-apocalyptic wasteland that was once America. He possesses the last copy of a book he fiercely guards with his life for it holds the only hope for the future. Carnegie (Gary Oldman) if the bad guy who is determined to get the book off Eli but Eli is determined to fulfill his destiny.


Thursday, October 14, 2010

Midnight Juggernauts

Check out this amazing vid of Midnight Juggernauts Lara Vs The Savage Pack from The Crystal Axis.



Each frame was shot individually, then printed on 2000+ pieces of paper, reassembled and then re-shot as the final vid. Genius effort, probably several hundred, profoundly agonising papercuts in all that brilliance.

Like it? Place a reserve on the album for yourself or call us or drop in and let us do it for you. Don't forget to add your review!

Oh, yeah, and we also have their previous album, Dystopia, as well.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Need a bookmark? Here are some rather inventive designs.

It's quite easy to lose your place when you're reading any book, let alone a 963 page monstrosity like Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina.
These designers and design companies have come up with some rather unique ways of ensuring you never lose your place again. Tassled bookmarks are SO nineties.





A bookmark lamp by fulguro perhaps?




Oh no your book's leaking! Or is it? Digustingly cool bookmarks by Kyouei Co Ltd.




How about this bookmark/USB stick? Data storage and page reminders all in one nerdtastic Clark Kent-glasses-style package designed by Willie Tsang

Happy Library-ing!

Mr. Hank is here to guide you around the UTS library!

Perhaps the LMG needs someone like Mr. Hank to get the word out about our facilities?
Happy library-ing!

Monday, October 11, 2010

School holiday visitors

We were lucky enough to have some visitors into Hurstville City Library during the September/October school holidays.

They weren't visitors we are particularly used to, however! These beautiful little gems of Australian fauna were brought in to entertain and entrance the kiddies.


And here's one of our staff, Lisa, getting up close and personal with Olive - the snake!




You can see more photos of our four-legged (and some no-legged!) friends at the LMG flickr photostream.

Friday, October 08, 2010

Tracking your collection in a digital age: RFID Technology

How can modern technology help you find those missing artefacts?

This presentation explores the benefits RFID technology has for the Museum and Gallery sector by examining the results of a six month trial at a regional museum & gallery.

Advantages covered include increased collection visibility, automatic tracking of objects, ability to quickly locate misplaced items, efficiency in conducting audits and stock takes, and reductions in object handling. We will also explore convergence and its relationship with RFID.

A useful case study for any institution interested in ways technology can help streamline the management of their collection.

Presented By Jessica Allen, LMG Curator at the Museums Australia Conference 2010 in Melbourne.

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Mo-brarians


Movember is a global charity phenomenon. Every year thousands of men (and if able, I'm sure even some women!) grow spectacular fuzzy facial hair to help raise awareness and money for mens health issues, in particular depression and prostate cancer.
And now these fur-lip-lined heros of male health have spread! Into our libraries!
Mo-brarians is a group of male library workers in Australia that have banded together to help encourage participation in the Movember shenanigans.
So what do you think? Should we get some of the men at Hurstville Library growing some truly spiffy little caterpillars above their lips?

October is Mental Health Month


Mental health is a positive term about wellbeing and happiness. The theme this year is "Good friends help us bounce back".
The Library, Museum, Gallery is offering two Mental Health information sessions: Friday 15 October from 10-11 am for Mandarin speakers and Monday 25 October from 10-11 am for Arabic speakers - at Hurstville City Library - Miles Franklin Room. Call: 9330.6142 to book.

Some simple things to do when stressed:
  • Take a deep relaxing breath
  • Go for a walk with a friend
  • Go to a funny movie and laugh
  • Take a relaxing bath
  • Surround yourself with people you enjoy
  • Get enough sleep
  • Eat healthy food
  • Take time to do things you enjoy

How do your friends help you feel better when you're down?











Tuesday, October 05, 2010

But wait- There's more!



The response to the Cram For The HSC sessions so far has been amazing- so there are more on the way! After this Friday (8th October) session, the Cram series will be moving to weeknights so you can get that extra bit of realxed group studying done during the week. The Cram Sessions will continue on the following dates:
-Wednesday 13th October, 5-9pm
-Wednesday 20th October, 5-9pm
-Thursday 28th October, 5-9pm
-Tuesday 2nd November, 5-9pm.

Remember, please put you name down at the info desk in the library to make sure we are prepared with snacks and other goodies for you and your friends, and during this stressful exam time, please respect the space and one another here at the library and use the quiet study area for quiet study ONLY, thank you!

Congratulations to the 2010 NRL premiers!


Everyone at the library today is buzzing and frantically recalling the wonderful moment on Sunday eve when the St. George Illawarra Dragons held up the NRL premiership trophy for the first time in 31 years. From the heart of St. George territory, we want to congratulate the Dragons on a spectacular victory. Way to show 'em who the chokers are, boys!





(image courtesy of Getty images)

Friday, October 01, 2010

On this day in history..


On October 1st 1946 Roland Berill and Dr. Lancelot Ware formed MENSA - the high IQ society were the only qualification for membership involves having an IQ in the top 98th percentile. There is estimated to be around 100,000 members worldwide. The original aims were, as they are today, to create a society that is non-political and free from all racial or religious distinctions.
You know what else happened this day in history? The first annual 'Follow a Library day' on Twitter! Do you follow the LMG? If not then follow us toot-suite @hurstvillelmg
http://twitter.com/hurstvillelmg