Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Mrlyablog would like to wish all the customers and friends of the library a very Merry Christmas, and an incredibly awesome New Year!

Remember that the Dubbo Branch Library will be closed from Saturday 24 December through to Tuesday 27 December, and will reopen on Wednesday 28 December until Friday 30 December, and then closed from Saturday 31 December to Monday 2 January. Normal library hours will resume on Tuesday 3 January 2012.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Win a Wii!!!

It's that time of year again - time to get reading and go in the draw for an amazing Nintendo Wii!

Our Summer Reading Program, 'The Amazing Read' has kicked off, and all you have to do to get involved is make your way to the Dubbo Branch Library, pick up a Reading Pack, complete a Reading Record and submit it for your chance to win!

For more information, contact the Dubbo Branch Library on 0268014510, or check out our website.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Hunger Games - The Movie!

If you are a fan of all things Hunger Games, check out the trailer for Hunger Games - THE MOVIE!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

It's almost here!!!!

Paolini fans rejoice! Inheritance, the fourth and final title in Christopher Paolini's epic fantasy series (featuring Eragon and his amazing dragon Sapphira) is released on November 8.

The library has copies on order - and you can place a reservation on a copy now! Contact your local branch for more info...

Find out more about Christopher Paolini and his books at his official website.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Inky Award Winners

The Inkys are international awards for teenage literature, voted for online by the readers of insideadog.com.au. There are three awards: the Golden Inky for an Australian book, the Silver Inky for an international book, and the Creative Reading Prize, won by a young person for a creative response to a book they love, in any format they choose.

The 2011 Inky Award winners have just been announced.



The Gold Inky for the most popular Australian book for 2011 was won by James Moloney for his fantasy novel Silvermay.

The Silver Inky for the most popular international book went to Cassandra Clare for her Victorian-era fantasy Clockwork Angel.

For more info about the Inky Awards, and for heaps of ideas for great books to read, visit the Inside A Dog website





Friday, October 21, 2011

Who's your favourite author?

One of my favourite authors of ALL TIME is Road Dahl. His books are just awesome - funny, kind of gross, and sometimes even a bit sad... They are vastly entertaining for adults too- go figure!

Here's my Top 5 Roald Dahl titles (and it is hard to decide on just 5!)

5. Esio Trot

4. The BFG

3. The Twits

2. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

AND...my favourite Roald Dahl book EVER...  (drumroll please)

1. THE WITCHES!

If you love all things Dahl too - or would like to give one a try - come on down to the Dubbo Branch Library and borrow one of his great titles today!

Why not have a look at the wonderful Official Roald Dahl website as well!...

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

So many werewolves, so little time...


The Dubbo Branch library has been bitten by the werewolf bug - it must be a full moon!

Check out these howling good reads...

Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Bryn faces the dangers and joys of love and loyalty in this thrilling sequel to Raised by Wolves. Bryn is now alpha of the Cedar Ridge Pack - although it's not simple when you are a human leading a band of werewolves. Then she finds a teenage boy
bleeding on her front porch. Before collapsing, he tells her his name is Lucas, he's a Were, and Bryn's protection is his only hope. But Lucas is a part of another alpha's pack, and Bryn has no right to claim him. As danger closes in, Bryn will have to accept that to be alpha, she will have to give in to her animal instincts and become less human. And she's going to have to do it alone.

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer
When Calla Tor, werewolf alpha, wakes up in the lair of her sworn enemies, she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer, one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack - and the boy- she left behind. Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting, and how many trials true love can survive.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Brand Spankin' New

What's new at the Dubbo Branch Library? Some great Young Adult fiction, that's what!

Give these awesome titles a try...

Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta
Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home. Or so he believes. Fiercely loyal to the Queen and Finnikin, Froi has been trained roughly and lovingly by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family, and has learned to control his quick temper. But when he is sent on a secretive mission to the kingdom of Charyn, nothing could prepare him for what he finds. Here he encounters a damaged people who are not what they seem, and must unravel both the dark bonds of kinship and the mysteries of a half-mad Princess.
Froi of the Exiles is the sequel to Finnikin of the Rock, from the multi-award-winning author of Looking for Alibrandi. 

The Shadow Girl by John Larkin
The shadow girl never imagined she'd live on the streets. After her parents disappear, life with her aunt and uncle takes a sinister turn. Terrified that the authorities will believe her uncle over her, she flees. She tricks her way into a new school and pretends to have a loving family. No one knows she sleeps in rail
yards, sand dunes and abandoned houses. At school she meets the author she will call on years later. Over time, they piece together the story of how she survived. who helped her, and the friend she wishes she could have saved.
John Larkin's latest novel is thrilling, profound and compelling reading.

Hades by Alexandra Adornetto
 The sequel to Halo, Hades continues the story of Xavier and Bethany.
Jake Thorn and his demons have been banished and Xavier and Bethany settle down to resume a normal life. But on the night of Halloween, a childish prank goes terribly wrong and Jake is summoned back to the sleepy town of Venus Cove. Bethany is deceived and like the mythical Persephone she finds herself dragged into the nightmarish underworld of Hades. While the angels call on higher powers to help rescue Bethany, Jake decides to play dirty and goes after the one thing she loves more than anything. But to spare Xavier's life, Bethany must make the ultimate sacrifice.

Pick up these -  and many other great titles, at the Dubbo Branch Library!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Yay for more vampires!

Just when you thought it was safe to venture out with your jugular vein unprotected...

Vampire lovers can get their fix with the new title from Richelle Mead. Bloodlines is the first book in a new series by the author of the phenomenally popular Vampire Academy sextet. (Just before you think I am being rude, that means a set of six!)

Bloodlines focuses on Sydney Sage, whom you might remember from the last two books in Vampire Academy. Sydney is an Alchemist, and a reluctant co-conspirator with the Moroi, a race of peace-loving vampires. When Sydney is assigned to Jill Dragomir, Moroi princess, and half-sister to the queen, she finds herself at high school in Palm Springs - with all the accompanying teenage angst. Fans of Richelle Mead will be familiar with a number of the characters in Bloodlines and those who felt sorry for Adrian for losing out on Rose Hathaway can be comforted in the knowledge that Adrian plays a significant role in this new series. I found Bloodlines an entertaining read, with strong female characters and a fast-paced storyline. A great new series that should appeal to Twilight fans and lovers of paranormal fiction. Reserve a copy from the library today!

The second book in the series, The Golden Lily, will be released in 2012.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Get Reading!

Although it sounds a little bossy, Get Reading! is a great Australian Government initiative to encourage Australians to pick up a book and start reading - because it's fun!

Pick up a copy of the free Get Reading! booklet from the Dubbo Branch library which lists the 50 books you can't put down - some awesome reads guaranteed to please, or check out our display for some of the titles. There are books for adults, books for children, and best of all, books for young adults!

For more info about Get Reading! visit their website

Here is a sneak peek at some of the featured books:

True Spirit: The Aussie Girl Who Took on the World by Jessica Watson
In 2009, 16 year old Jessica Watson proved that anything is possible when she became the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Here, she details her journey - the battles against sleep deprivation, gale-force winds, mountainous seas and solitude, all endured by someone who claims she's just an ordinary girl, but whom we acknowledge as a true heroine.

The Painted Man by Peter V. Brett
As dusk falls each evening in Arlen's isolated world, a mist rises from the ground, promising death to any who brave the darkness. Hungry demons materialise from the vapours to feed, forcing humanity to take shelter behind magical wards and pray that their protection holds until dawn. But Arlen must leave the safety of his wards to discover a different path and offer humanity a last, fleeting chance of survival...

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Sydney is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic, protecting vampire secrets - and mortal lives. When she's ordered into hiding to guard Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, she doesn't expect to be sent to a private school in Palm Springs. And although the school is the last place anyone would look for vampire royalty, Sydney finds the drama is only just beginning. Bloodlines is the first in a new series by the author of the phenomenally successful Vampire Academy series.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Reading Writing Random

Don't forget to join us at the Dubbo Branch Library on Thursday afternoons at 4.00pm for Reading Writing Random.


If you have a passion for books or are bursting with great ideas for your own stories, Reading Writing Random is for you!


Where: Youth Area, Dubbo Branch Library

Age: 12-18 years

When: Each Thursday of the school term, 4.00-5.00pm

Why: Because it's fun!



For further info, visit our website or contact us at the library on 68014510.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Between the Lines

Between the Lines is Penguin Australia's dedicated space for young adult readers, writers and books. Here's the link. Find out about new releases, check out some book trailers, and see what's going on with your favourite authors.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Knits and Pics

The Dubbo library is the place to be these holidays! Beat the winter holiday blues and learn to knit an awesome scarf, beanie or amigurumi toys - or find out how to take amazing photos with your digital camera.

Contact the library on 68014510 to book your place so you don't miss out!


Cool Knits
Learn to knit, crochet and loom knit so you can make your own fashionable scarves, beanies and amigurumi creations.
Thursday 5 July, 1.00pm-4.00pm
Ages: 12+
Cost: $5

Digital Photography
Discover how get the most from your digital camera and take brilliant photos with the Dubbo Camera Club. Please bring your own camera, manual and USB.
Thursday 14 July, 1.00pm-4.00pm
Ages: 12+
Cost: $5


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Thursday, June 16, 2011

Children's Book Council Award Shortlist

The Children's Book Council have released the shortlist of books nominated for prizes in 2011... Let us know which one you think will win!


And the nominees are:


Older Readers Shortlist


Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley


The Midnight Zoo by Sonya Hartnett


About a Girl by Joanne Horniman


The Life of a Teenage Bodysnatcher by Doug MacLeod


The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta


Six Impossible Things by Fiona Wood

Friday, May 6, 2011

Random House Teen Book Video Awards



Are you a high school student who is a budding filmmaker and book lover?

Random House are offering the chance for high school students to create one 90-second book trailer and win some fabulous prizes.

All you need to do is choose one of the 16 books and create a 90-second trailer.

All submitted entries must have the Assignment Deed form, Talent and Location Release form plus the entry form.

The winner will receive a massive cash prize of $1,000 plus $1000 worth of Random House books for their school!

For more details visit the Random House website.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Calling all creative beings!

SpineOut online is a place where you can express your ideas and thoughts and share your creativity in words, art, film and music.

Library members can access the site free through the Library's website - and here's the link:




Check out the book trailers - and maybe create one of your own and submit it...

Friday, March 25, 2011

Youth Week Trivia - Win Great Prizes!

Now is the time to start gathering your smart friends and getting a team together for the awesome annual Youth Week Trivia at the Dubbo Branch Library.

Form teams of up to 6 people and get your brains working overtime. The Quiz is sponsored by Dubbo City Youth Council and ZOOFM - and features heaps of prizes, music , frivolity, free pizza and soft drink.


When: 3.00-5.00pm Wednesday 13 April 2011

Where: Dubbo Branch Library, Corner of Macquarie and Talbragar Streets Dubbo

Register: 68014510 by Tuesday 12 April

Inside a Dog - Updated


If you love everything about books and like to post reviews, talk about your reading and win great prizes, visit Inside a Dog!


The site is a place for teens to find great reads, and share their thoughts via reviews, blogs and book clubs. Read about an author's process with a new guest Writer in Residence each month, create your own profile and discuss the latest news in youth literature.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Back to School - get a great start @ the library!

Want to get great marks with less work? Check out some of the great resources available from the Dubbo branch library for students.

The Dubbo Branch library has a dedicated HSC collection with heaps of useful information to assist you - from Excel guides to journal articles and literature guides to help you 'translate' English prescribed texts for your exams and assignments.

We have a range of databases available for library members to access from home as well as great links to internet sources from our website (http://www.mrl.nsw.gov.au/). Available databases include Encyclopaedia Britannica Online, Australia/NZ Reference Centre, Consumer Health Complete, Find Legal Answers, History and Reference Library, and more.

Try the HSC Help link to find even more great info to help you out.

Our helpful and knowledgeable staff are also more than willing to assist you with your study information needs - and are happy to demonstrate how to use databases and other resources.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The Library is OPEN!

Great news for all our fantastic customers - The Dubbo Branch is all dried out and open again to the public!

So come on down and borrow some books, DVDs, CDs, magazines or talking books, take advantage of our free wireless access or use our internet computers.

The Summer Reading Program is in full swing so grab a pack and get reading for your chance to win a Nintendo Wii console and games! Entries close on Friday April 8 - so read as much as you can for more chances to win! Contact the Dubbo Branch library on 68014510 for more information.