Are you fluent in, or are learning a second language? Did you know that YPRL carries books, audio visual material and magazines in over a dozen languages other than English? Check at your local branch to find out where the collection/s for your chosen language are held.

Are you a ‘tech head’ who likes all things computer-related? Do you want to know the latest in technology, or are seeking a ‘how to guide’ to fix computers, install programs and the like? YPRL holds an array of computer magazines including PC and Tech Authority, TECHlife Australia (formerly Australian PC User), Australian Personal Computer, Computer Choice and PC World. If Apple products are your . . . more »

We love the library. It's a place where a whole world of opportunity awaits, where you can explore books and ideas to your hearts content. But what about those books you come across that you'd like a copy of yourself? And what a perfect thing to give someone, to share in your love of reading. In this year, the National Year of Reading, it's all . . . more »

I am one of those unfortunate souls who is yeast and lactose intolerant. This can, and often does, present problems when I am eating out. When I am home however, I can usually adapt most recipes to suit these intolerances. (I make a mean chocolate mousse and Aldi makes a fine milk-free chocolate that I use, but I digress.) I have yet to find a . . . more »

Be in the running for one of three iTunes vouchers, just by interacting with our website during May and June. Collect the most community credits and win. Earn a community credit by: Reviewing a book, movie, CD... any item Commenting on a blog post Creating a list Tagging an item with relevant tags Not a library member? Join here Not registered on the site? Log . . . more »

There's just over three weeks left to tell the Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries what you want in tomorrow's library. With submissions closing on Thursday 31 May, your help is needed to reach as many people as possible. If you haven't already, go online to www.tomorrowslibrary.com.au to tell us what you want in the library of the future, 'Like' us on Facebook, 'Follow' us . . . more »

My mother always said she wasn’t interesting in eating or cooking ‘fancy food’ as she termed it. She grew up in the War years, and in those days there wasn’t the access, let alone the funds to acquire, the vast array of ingredients we take for granted these days. Hence she learned to make good, wholesome meals with the minimum of fuss and with readily . . . more »

Yarra Plenty Regional Library and publisher Wilkins Farago are delighted to host Italian author and illustrator, Davide Cali to launch their new program called Reading for Social Peace. Visitors to Lalor Library will be able to meet Davide on Thursday 24 May from 10.00am – 11.00am. Davide Cali is on a whirl-wind two-week tour of Australia.This tour will include the launch of his new book . . . more »

As well as avoiding books that have hard to source ingredients, or ones which I just wouldn't use (see post with verjuice,) there are some recipes listed in cookbooks that just don't appeal. An example is that I avoid any recipes with the following words in their title - rabbit, baby octopus, tagine, twice-cooked, aspic, chilli, venison or offal. This isn't a complete list, but . . . more »

Before borrowing a cookbook, I first have a quick flick through it to get a 'feel' for it, and what type of cook it is written for. Yesterday at work I saw a new book by Maggie Beer. I like her and enjoyed her tv series 'The Cook and the Chef' very much. However, I have yet to see any of her recipes that I . . . more »