Friends through Folk Art Guild - 20 years celebration
If you are interested in joining this group or want more information visit their website at www.folkartfriends.net.
Adult Summer Reading Club: Books worth a re-read....
Read, revisit, remember...
Emma by Jane AustenCelebrating its 200th anniversary of publication in 2015, now is the time to re-read what is regarded by many as Jane Austen's most accomplished work. Emma, the 21 year old heroine of the book is beautiful, clever, rich and meddlesome!
Join Sutherland Shire Libraries as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Emma at Sutherland Library, as Susannah Fullerton presents...Emma.
Tuesday, 10 February 6.30pm
Sutherland Library
Bookings open soon online.
$5.00 per person. Sorry no refunds.
Looking for Alaska by John GreenCelebrating its 10th anniversary in 2015. This is the unmissable debut novel from bestselling and award-winning author of The fault in our stars.
Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words - and tired of his safe, boring and rather lonely life at home. He leaves for boarding school filled with cautious optimism, to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps. Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another. Poignant, funny, heartbreaking, compelling.
Lord of the Rings by J.R R Tolkien."The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and those who are going to read them."
― Sunday Times
This enormously popular epic high fantasy trilogy just celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2014. The third book in the trilogy, Return of the King is celebrating its 60th anniversary of publication in 2015. Originally planned as a sequel to the Hobbit, it was published in three volumes in 1954 and 1955. Many of you may have recently seen the the second part of the Hobbit movie adaptation.Lots of reasons to read or re-read these books! Short of time ? Listen to the audiobooks or watch the movies!
Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Conjured up one 'golden afternoon' in 1862 to entertain his child-friend Alice Liddell, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was an instant bestseller, and has never been out of print. Celebrating 150 years since publication in 2015, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson's (Lewis Carroll was his non de plume) crazy wonderland, navigated by the curious Alice, continues to charm and excite.
With the publication of My life in Middlemarch by Rebecca Mead, now is the perfect time to re-read what is regarded by many as the as the greatest English novel. Described by Virginia Woolf as 'one of the few English novels written for grown-up people', this is a classic worth re-reading over and over.
After seventy years out of print, Three Early stories by J.D Salinger have been republished. Enjoy these stories and re-visit this most well known and classic novel of teenage angst- by an author regarded as one of the most significant American authors of the 20th Century.
What books do you want to re-read and why?
**Don't forget to to fill in an entry form and drop it into an entry box at any of the library branches for your chance to win an Adult Summer Reading Club weekly prize.
Pages to Screen
As one of the resident 'movie buffs' in the library, here is a selection of books that have been made into recent release movies or are coming out soon..
Hobbit J.R.R. Tolkein
This book is one of the best known fantasy books about a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo is chosen to go on a long journey with a group of dwarfs and a wizard. The purpose of the journey is to take back what is rightfully theirs and to slay the dragon that attacked their kingdom many years ago. We see Bilbo's character develop from a lonely hobbit who stays close to home to a more adventurous, brave character. This book appeals to all ages - an adventure packed with orcs, trolls, goblins and an array of mystical creatures. It is a small book with a large adventure inside. Do the orcs ever win?
Water Diviner Andrew Anastasios
When the Great War ends, Joshua Connor, a grieving father and sometimes water diviner decides to go to Gallipoli to recover the bodies of his 3 sons and bury them on consecrated ground. For those who are going to see the movie it is best not to reveal anymore of the plot here. This is not a war novel or even an anti-war novel but focuses on the battles going on in both Turkish and Australian hearts and minds as they try to recover their dead and rebuild their lives after the First World War. This story is based on diaries and official records. This is a novel very sympathetic to the dreadful losses suffered by the Turks at Gallipoli. The book and the film are recommended.
Suite Francaise Irene Nemiirovsky
This book is not easy to review as it was written with a lengthy delay between parts, is unfinished and the author did not know how the war would end. The handwritten manuscript was found many years after the author was killed in Auschwitz in 1942 and was transcribed by her daughter. The first surviving part of the novel - Storm in June details the movements of the French middle and upper middle classes trying the escape the Germans while retaining their privileges and possessions. The characters include a variety of people who display classism, cowardice, hypocrisy, arrogance, greed and the general inertness of many of the French of that time. In the second part - Dolce, many of these characters disappear. Apparently the rest of their stories were to have been told in the third unwritten part - Captivity. Dolce focuses on one character and her mother-in-law and what happens when they are forced to billet a German soldier. In this part of the book the Germans and the French interact together in a way that presents the Germans as more human than they are usually portrayed during the war. This book is different in that it is not about the persecution of the Jews but gives a voice to how civilian populations reacted to occupation. Read the appendices to get a better insight into the author's intent.
The Drop Dennis Lehane
This book sparked my interest as it is written by the author of one of some very well regarded thrillers such as Mystic River and Shutter Island. The movie, The Drop is also the last movie to feature the late James Gandolfini. Set in Brooklyn it is the story of a bar called Cousin Marv's. Cousin Marv's is technically owned by Marv but is run by Chechen mobsters who use the bar as a money drop. Marv's cousin Bob, a sad character, works as a bartender at Marv's. The story begins with Bob finding a beaten puppy in a bin. He also meets Nadia, a woman with problems. Cousin Marv's is robbed and the Chechens visit and insist that Bob and Marv get their money back. Add in a determined detective, the dog's original owner and an unstable ex-con with an agenda and you get a story of loneliness, money, illegal gambling, intimidation, violence and love. This book is an expansion of a short story written by Dennis Lehane in 2009. While there may be a feeling that the reader could have spent more time with the characters the ending is still satisfactory.
Child 44 Tom Rob Smith
This grim book is not for everyone. It begins as a horror book but ends up a thriller. The author creates a nightmarish, claustrophobic world of mistrust and fear. The story is about a murderer travelling around Russia killing children. Instead of trying to catch the killer, the State wants to make it go away as unsolved crimes don't look good. One policeman, Leo decides to make a stand. For me the suspense of Child 44 doesn't come from the many action scenes but rather from the anticipation of what the State can do to innocent people. What will happen to Leo, his wife, children, parents and anyone who helps him? The ending for me was the weakest part. What do you think?
Wild Cheryl Strayed
You could look at this story in two ways - the story of a self-absorbed, ill prepared young woman who leaves her husband and then proceeds to indulge in other reckless behaviour before setting off to find herself by walking the Pacific Crest Trail - alone. Along the way she gets special treatment by other seasoned hikers, loses weight and gets sun bleached hair. Or you could see it as a learning experience for the author who used a spontaneous journey along the trail to help her to face her demons and to come to terms with her mother's death. Be prepared for swearing and details of the author's sex life but you could also read between the lines and see the author learn to accept and let go.
The Light Between the Oceans M.L Steadman
Tom Sherbourne returns from WW1 a shattered man, not understanding how he survived when some of his mates didn't. He becomes a lighthouse keeper and takes up residence on the small island of Janus Rock, a very remote location off Western Australia. His only human contact is with the 2 men from Partageuse who bring supplies and mail every 3 months. While training in Partageuse Tom meets Isabel Graysmark and over a few months, with letters going back and forth, a relationship develops. Tom and Isabel eventually marry and set up home on Janus Rock. Their happiness is marred by miscarriages and depression until one day a boat with a dead man and a baby blows ashore. As the years go by their decision on that day affects many lives with very sad results. This is M L Steadman's first book and a recommended read.
Secret Scripture Sebastian Barry
Secret Scripture is two versions of the life of Roseanne McNaulty, a 100 year old woman who lived most of her adult life in a mental hospital. The first version of the story is told through Roseanne's unreliable recollections, recorded in her secret journal while the second story is told by her psychiatrist Dr Grene as he investigates Roseanne's records and evaluates her for release into the community. Both accounts of Roseanne's life gradually reveal the mystery of her long term confinement in the mental hospital. Which account will you believe?
Still Alice Lisa Genova
Most people see Alzheimer's as a disease of old age. After you read Still Alice you will never look at Alzheimer's in the same way again. The story is about 50 year Alice, a Harvard professor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. As the narration is told through Alice as her condition progresses, some of the plot appears to get lost but we gain a better insight into the progression of the disease because of this. The writing style is not perfect but for anyone with a relative with any form of dementia or Alzheimer's it is a book that does a great job of highlighting this debilitating disease, the effects on families and the sufferer and societal attitudes. The author self published this book. Unlike many self published books it has attracted many positive reviews. As someone with a relative who had dementia, I recommend this book to at least gain a small insight into their world.
And the 10th suggestion? Over to you!
This book is one of the best known fantasy books about a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo is chosen to go on a long journey with a group of dwarfs and a wizard. The purpose of the journey is to take back what is rightfully theirs and to slay the dragon that attacked their kingdom many years ago. We see Bilbo's character develop from a lonely hobbit who stays close to home to a more adventurous, brave character. This book appeals to all ages - an adventure packed with orcs, trolls, goblins and an array of mystical creatures. It is a small book with a large adventure inside. Do the orcs ever win?
When the Great War ends, Joshua Connor, a grieving father and sometimes water diviner decides to go to Gallipoli to recover the bodies of his 3 sons and bury them on consecrated ground. For those who are going to see the movie it is best not to reveal anymore of the plot here. This is not a war novel or even an anti-war novel but focuses on the battles going on in both Turkish and Australian hearts and minds as they try to recover their dead and rebuild their lives after the First World War. This story is based on diaries and official records. This is a novel very sympathetic to the dreadful losses suffered by the Turks at Gallipoli. The book and the film are recommended.
This book is not easy to review as it was written with a lengthy delay between parts, is unfinished and the author did not know how the war would end. The handwritten manuscript was found many years after the author was killed in Auschwitz in 1942 and was transcribed by her daughter. The first surviving part of the novel - Storm in June details the movements of the French middle and upper middle classes trying the escape the Germans while retaining their privileges and possessions. The characters include a variety of people who display classism, cowardice, hypocrisy, arrogance, greed and the general inertness of many of the French of that time. In the second part - Dolce, many of these characters disappear. Apparently the rest of their stories were to have been told in the third unwritten part - Captivity. Dolce focuses on one character and her mother-in-law and what happens when they are forced to billet a German soldier. In this part of the book the Germans and the French interact together in a way that presents the Germans as more human than they are usually portrayed during the war. This book is different in that it is not about the persecution of the Jews but gives a voice to how civilian populations reacted to occupation. Read the appendices to get a better insight into the author's intent.
This book sparked my interest as it is written by the author of one of some very well regarded thrillers such as Mystic River and Shutter Island. The movie, The Drop is also the last movie to feature the late James Gandolfini. Set in Brooklyn it is the story of a bar called Cousin Marv's. Cousin Marv's is technically owned by Marv but is run by Chechen mobsters who use the bar as a money drop. Marv's cousin Bob, a sad character, works as a bartender at Marv's. The story begins with Bob finding a beaten puppy in a bin. He also meets Nadia, a woman with problems. Cousin Marv's is robbed and the Chechens visit and insist that Bob and Marv get their money back. Add in a determined detective, the dog's original owner and an unstable ex-con with an agenda and you get a story of loneliness, money, illegal gambling, intimidation, violence and love. This book is an expansion of a short story written by Dennis Lehane in 2009. While there may be a feeling that the reader could have spent more time with the characters the ending is still satisfactory.
This grim book is not for everyone. It begins as a horror book but ends up a thriller. The author creates a nightmarish, claustrophobic world of mistrust and fear. The story is about a murderer travelling around Russia killing children. Instead of trying to catch the killer, the State wants to make it go away as unsolved crimes don't look good. One policeman, Leo decides to make a stand. For me the suspense of Child 44 doesn't come from the many action scenes but rather from the anticipation of what the State can do to innocent people. What will happen to Leo, his wife, children, parents and anyone who helps him? The ending for me was the weakest part. What do you think?
You could look at this story in two ways - the story of a self-absorbed, ill prepared young woman who leaves her husband and then proceeds to indulge in other reckless behaviour before setting off to find herself by walking the Pacific Crest Trail - alone. Along the way she gets special treatment by other seasoned hikers, loses weight and gets sun bleached hair. Or you could see it as a learning experience for the author who used a spontaneous journey along the trail to help her to face her demons and to come to terms with her mother's death. Be prepared for swearing and details of the author's sex life but you could also read between the lines and see the author learn to accept and let go.
Tom Sherbourne returns from WW1 a shattered man, not understanding how he survived when some of his mates didn't. He becomes a lighthouse keeper and takes up residence on the small island of Janus Rock, a very remote location off Western Australia. His only human contact is with the 2 men from Partageuse who bring supplies and mail every 3 months. While training in Partageuse Tom meets Isabel Graysmark and over a few months, with letters going back and forth, a relationship develops. Tom and Isabel eventually marry and set up home on Janus Rock. Their happiness is marred by miscarriages and depression until one day a boat with a dead man and a baby blows ashore. As the years go by their decision on that day affects many lives with very sad results. This is M L Steadman's first book and a recommended read.
Secret Scripture is two versions of the life of Roseanne McNaulty, a 100 year old woman who lived most of her adult life in a mental hospital. The first version of the story is told through Roseanne's unreliable recollections, recorded in her secret journal while the second story is told by her psychiatrist Dr Grene as he investigates Roseanne's records and evaluates her for release into the community. Both accounts of Roseanne's life gradually reveal the mystery of her long term confinement in the mental hospital. Which account will you believe?
Most people see Alzheimer's as a disease of old age. After you read Still Alice you will never look at Alzheimer's in the same way again. The story is about 50 year Alice, a Harvard professor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. As the narration is told through Alice as her condition progresses, some of the plot appears to get lost but we gain a better insight into the progression of the disease because of this. The writing style is not perfect but for anyone with a relative with any form of dementia or Alzheimer's it is a book that does a great job of highlighting this debilitating disease, the effects on families and the sufferer and societal attitudes. The author self published this book. Unlike many self published books it has attracted many positive reviews. As someone with a relative who had dementia, I recommend this book to at least gain a small insight into their world.
And the 10th suggestion? Over to you!
Building or Renovating?
Here are three very handy tools you can use, in the library, to facilitate your building process.
Cordell eCosting Guide
Cordell's cost guides are the industry standard for estimating the costs of building and construction projects, including materials and labour.
Build up your own cost estimate of your job using the latest figures from the industry, as well as seeing what options are available for the job you want done...hmmm, marble or slate? Oregon or pine?
Components include professional fees, labour rates, demolition, excavation, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, roofing, internal fittings, etc. etc. etc.
Access either the New South Wales Commercial or New South Wales Housing ecosting guide from any Shire Library, just ask a staff member.
Build up your own cost estimate of your job using the latest figures from the industry, as well as seeing what options are available for the job you want done...hmmm, marble or slate? Oregon or pine?
Components include professional fees, labour rates, demolition, excavation, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, roofing, internal fittings, etc. etc. etc.
Access either the New South Wales Commercial or New South Wales Housing ecosting guide from any Shire Library, just ask a staff member.
__________________________________
National Construction Code of Australia
The National Construction Code Online incorporates, the Housing Provisions (Vol. 1) and The Guide to the Building Code of Australia (Vol. 2) plus the Plumbing Code of Australia (Vol. 3).
The BCA regulates building standards throughout all Australian states and territories. It contains technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures, covering such matters as structure, fire resistance, access and egress, services and equipment, and certain aspects of health and amenity.
The PCA contains the technical provisions for the design, construction, installation, replacement, repair, alteration and maintenance of all aspects of plumbing including roofing, gas installation and drainage services.
__________________________________
This resource provides full web-based access to over 6,800 national Australian Standards, most with full text coverage. Where copyright of a standard is not held by Standards Australia, full text is not available, however, instructions on how it might be purchased are provided.
When the full document is available for viewing, copyright and license restrictions limit the number of pages that may be printed.
This service is not designed as a replacement for a printed copy of the entire standard, but as an aid in instances where one is looking for which Australian Standard may apply, or where only a portion of a standards needs to be referred to.
The BCA regulates building standards throughout all Australian states and territories. It contains technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures, covering such matters as structure, fire resistance, access and egress, services and equipment, and certain aspects of health and amenity.
The PCA contains the technical provisions for the design, construction, installation, replacement, repair, alteration and maintenance of all aspects of plumbing including roofing, gas installation and drainage services.
__________________________________
SAI Global
This is Standards Australia's online document collection of specifications and procedures designed to ensure quality and establish safety criteria, in many areas including building and construction.
This resource provides full web-based access to over 6,800 national Australian Standards, most with full text coverage. Where copyright of a standard is not held by Standards Australia, full text is not available, however, instructions on how it might be purchased are provided.
When the full document is available for viewing, copyright and license restrictions limit the number of pages that may be printed.
This service is not designed as a replacement for a printed copy of the entire standard, but as an aid in instances where one is looking for which Australian Standard may apply, or where only a portion of a standards needs to be referred to.
_______________________________
Consulting these three tools, as you work your way through your project, will help ensure a result everyone is pleased with.
Please ask your library staff for access and assistance.
Consulting these three tools, as you work your way through your project, will help ensure a result everyone is pleased with.
Please ask your library staff for access and assistance.
building
,
Construction
,
Cordell
,
Standards
2015 Reading Resolutions...
It's time to make your New Year's reading resolutions...
2. Expand your literary horizons...Try a new author, or genre you wouldn't normally read. Try a re-telling, a classic, a crime or contemporary novel. Try a new reading format. Download an audiobook or ebook (accessible from the library website).
You don't have to finish every book you start. This year, resolve to give a book a fair go (50 pages or so), you may find you love it! If not, read the ending and return it.
4. Join a book group.
A great way to discover and read books outside your comfort zone. You will read at least one book a month, and enjoy lively discussion with like minded people. You can find book groups at the Library.
5. Read a classic.
6. Make time to read.
Take a book with you everywhere and try to read just ten minutes a day. Multitask. Try listening to an audiobook as you walk, garden or iron, or download an ebook onto your phone.
7. Visit the Library.
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