June 2020

Re-discover your library services

We are happy to announce that our libraries are now open for borrowing, in line with the Queensland Government's easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

This month's eNewsletter provides an update on some changes to expect and how to safely enjoy your time at the library. It also outlines some of the great online activities and resources we have on offer. 

What to know before you visit - important information

If you plan to visit us at your local library, here is some important information:

• We can only currently have a maximum of 20 people visiting at a time. Please be patient and prepared to queue.
• Social distancing, gathering rules and hygiene requirements are in place.
• We are open for borrowing purposes only - this includes borrowing, returning items and collecting holds.
• Public computers, printing services, newspapers and reading areas are unavailable.
• Check our opening hours and available services before your visit.
• Book return chutes are now open. Still reading the books you've borrowed?  The great news is all library loans have been extended until 30 June 2020.

Stay-up-to-date with library news on our Facebook and Instagram pages. The entire library team thanks you for your ongoing support.

Library programs have gone online

If you can't make it into a library, or just want to avoid heading out in wintery weather, we have a number of programs for all ages available online:

• Watch our range of weekly author talks, with fascinating discussions, author Q&A’s and information about their new releases
• Experience the magic of It’s Online Story Time with your child, weekdays on Facebook and YouTube
• Experiment with fun STEAM children's activities at your convenience and from the comfort of your own home
• Access family history resource Ancestry.com Library Edition from home until 30 June 2020
• Road to IELTS – English language proficiency tutorials

Rachael Johns talks about her latest book

Redland City Council Libraries welcomes internationally bestselling and ABIA-winning author of 'The Patterson Girls', Rachael Johns, for this online author event for our library enewsletter subscribers.

Rachael Johns, an English teacher by trade and mum 24/7, is the author of a number of romance and women's fiction books including ‘The Art of Keeping Secrets’, ‘The Greatest Gift’ and ‘Lost Without You’. Rachael lives in the Perth hills and is currently Australia's leading writer of contemporary relationship stories around women's issues. 

Celebrating the release of her latest novel, ‘Something to Talk About’ Rachael Johns will answer your questions and provide insights into her moving story of overcoming obstacles and learning to love.

About Something to Talk About
It's the opposite of love at first sight...or is it?

Dairy farmer Tabitha Cooper-Jones has a heart of gold, yet she's the eternal bridesmaid. Despite facing some serious challenges over the years, she's built a successful ice-cream business and cafe, she's adored by her family and is an integral part of her hometown - there's just one thing missing from her life. But the last thing Tab wants is a man - or worse, love - to stop her achieving her dream.

In town for a temporary teaching contract, Fergus McWilliams thinks the small community of Walsh will be the perfect place to stay under the radar, but he couldn't be more wrong. Suddenly, the kids' cricket team coached by Ferg is inundated with female supporters - single female supporters - and that's only the beginning.

The only woman who doesn't seem to have her sights set on Ferg is Tabitha. Despite a disastrous first meeting and a visit from a past love, circumstances keep throwing them together. Neither can deny the sparks between them, but can friendship even be possible for these two strong-willed people?

Presented in partnership with Rachael Johns and Harlequin Australia.

Available as an eBook and eAudiobook in our Digital Library - free with your library membership.

Digital Book Clubs - Hot Reads eBook Shelf

Did you know that we have a new resource available in our Digital Library – the simultaneous borrowing of eBooks!

Available on BorrowBox, the Hot Reads eBook shelf gives you access to titles, with enough simultaneous loans for the biggest book clubs.

Avoid the hold queues and try this month's featured eBook titles:

‘The Family Next Door’ set in a Melbourne neighbourhood, is a story about how the safest suburbs often hold the deepest secrets. Isabelle is a new arrival, single and childless, when everyone else is married with kids and her job is mysteriously vague. Strangest of all, Isabelle is very curious about her neighbours. Too curious, some might say. It soon becomes clear that this was no accident and her presence might bring even more secrets to light. If you liked Sally Hepworth’s previous title ‘The Secrets of Midwives’ you will love ‘The Family Next Door’.

If you are a fan of memoirs you might like Adam Kay’s often hilarious, at times horrifying and occasionally heartbreaking diaries of a former junior doctor, and the true story of why he decided to hang up his stethoscope in ‘This is Going to Hurt’.

For lovers of historical fiction we recommend Melissa Ashley’s book which imagines the fascinating life of Elizabeth Gould, who was so much more than just the woman behind the man. In 1838 Eliza defied convention, joining her husband on a trailblazing expedition to the untamed wilderness of Van Diemen’s Land and New South Wales to collect and illustrate Australia’s ‘curious’ birdlife. ‘The Birdman’s Wife’ paints an indelible portrait of an extraordinary woman overlooked by history, until now.

Classics available on RB Digital

You told yourself you’d always read them but you've never had the time - until now. Catch up on the classics with RB Digital.

Not sure where to start? Our Adult Programs and Technology Librarian has highlighted eBook titles for you that you can download on your device.

Science fiction:
The Invisible Man
The Time Machine

Monsters:
Dracula
Frankenstein

The Great Escape:
Around the World in Eighty Days
Robinson Crusoe

Whodunnit:
The Innocence of Father Brown
The Hound of the Baskervilles

Staff favourites:
Ethan Frome
Little Women

Need assistance with using our digital resources?

Our library staff are here to help you navigate the digital world. From movies to eBooks, eAudiobooks to music, there is amazing content on our library catalogue to help you pass the time.

Contact us

We are available over the phone during business hours 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday,  to answer your questions and to help you access our online services. Phone: 3829 8999  

Alternatively, you can email us at library@redland.qld.gov.au, complete our Ask a Librarian online form or message us on Facebook.

Social media: You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to connect and stay up-to-date.