The Diamond Valley Library is now closed for renovations until mid-winter. We've opened a Click & Collect service from the nearby council office.

A-Z eResources

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50 Words

The 50 words project aims to provide fifty words in every Indigenous language of Australia. Discover the diversity of languages around Australia.

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Age Digital Newspaper, The

Please note: in order to access this resource, you will need to be logged in.

The Library Edition is an archive of true to print digital copies of The Age newspapers from 2006. This collection enables users to find articles, photographs, advertisements, classified or cartoons just as they were printed. Issues can be viewed on computer or tablet and are delivered via a standard web browser (without plug ins).

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Aged Care Guide

Describes options for home and community care, retirement living and residential aged care. Extensive information includes detailed listings for facilities, services and aged care providers, information about eligibility and costs. Read and leave reviews.

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Alcohol and Drug Foundation

ADF is as a resource for those seeking to research information around alcohol and other drugs – for example someone may want to understand the effects of methamphetamine or the newish-kid-on-the-block mephedrone; someone might want to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in addressing cannabis dependence; or they may be interested in understanding the impact of exposure to alcohol advertising on children. It includes links to scholarly articles as well as some other material, and is best for those library users who are wanting to do more in depth study.

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AMES English Training

Australian based English language courses for people to grow their skills and confidence to listen, read, speak and write in English. The courses cover various levels from beginners to intermediate and include worldwide English, Living in Australia and Job seeker modules.

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Ancestry

For a limited time, you can now use your YPRL membership number to access the Ancestry Library Edition from home. Log in to the library website first with your Borrower ID or User name and password.

Ancestry is the world's largest online family history resource. Access Ancestry Library Edition on any computer in every library or via the app (Apple or Android) through the library's free wifi.

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Animalia Digital

Animalia Digital is here!The much loved Animalia by Graeme Base has moved from print into the digital space. The program includes engaging digital read-throughs and levelled activities, games and puzzles focusing on literacy and language for children aged 5-12. Just download it to your device, enter your library membership number and begin.

There's a handy app for your tablet available through iTunes app store or android Google Play or there are PC options (Mac installer or Windows setup). Please note: it is not compatible with phones.

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Anzac Portal

Tells the history of Australians serving in the defence forces though veterans' experiences. A number of history publications, war history websites, a digital exhibition and veteran interviews provide a greater understanding of Australia’s wartime experiences, both on the frontline and on the home front. Includes resources for students.

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ATO

Information about Australia's tax and superannuation systems that support and fund services for Australians.

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Audio Archive

The Audio Archive library is an online resource hosting music recordings and audio ranging from alternative news programming, to Grateful Dead concerts, to Old Time Radio shows, to book and poetry readings, to original music uploaded by our users. Many of the music and audio files are available to download for free or for streaming. Content is available in English and a number of other languages.

The use the Audio Archive Library you need a PC with internet access, your own account and then you can begin to listen.

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Aussie Driver

Preparing to sit your VicRoads learners test? You’ll be ready when you practise using these simulated learners tests. Designed to look and feel just like the real thing, it will evaluate your knowledge of road rules, traffic regulations, as well as vehicle and road safety, all of which you will need to know to pass the learners permit test and drive on Victoria’s roads. Also available to Murrindindi Shire Borrowers.

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Australian Aboriginal History Podcast series

This 16-part podcast series provides listeners with insights into Australia’s Colonial past and makes First Nations history the dominant narrative. In doing so, it acknowledges the rights of our First Nations people to land and sea. It allows a wider audience to understand the impacts of government policies and frontier conflicts on First Nations people, and it embraces and celebrates the stories of Indigenous success and contribution. Presented by Emeritus Professor Richard Broome, LaTrobe University and Royal Historical Society of Victoria in 2007, these podcasts are being progressively published with lecture notes and resources.

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Australian Bureau of Statistics

Access statistical data from the most recent census including census maps. Most publications are available for free, and will download in PDF format. Locate the publication of interest and click download - the file should automatically begin downloading in PDF format to your computer. Please note that some files may be large and may take some time to download.

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Australian Cemeteries

Resource with linked cemetery details, burial registers, headstone transcripts and photographs for your family and local history research.

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Australian Government

A directory of websites available through the Australian Government, State and Territory Governments, and local governments.

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B

Banyule 100

This project aims to cast a spotlight on 100 significant people in the City of Banyule community – those who are either young people aged between 12 and 25 or adults contributing positively to the lives of young people. It celebrates all that is positive about young people – their contribution to our community, their talents, opinions and achievements.

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Banyule 20/20

Stories from twenty local residents of the City of Banyule. Sometimes retrospective, often current and always personal, the stories and portraits form a patchwork of local experiences, sentiment and ideas that reflect Australia since the 1930s.

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Banyule City Council

Website for the Banyule City Council. Discover upcoming events, book hard rubbish, or find out information about the local area.

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Banyule Heartland of the Wurindjeri

The Wurundjeri willam and their land were inseparable. Everything (identity, beliefs and way of life) was intricately woven into the fabric of Banyule and beyond. This booklet published about 2011 by the City of Banyule discusses the clans and their lands, results of an archaeological study of the municipality, an interpretation of what was discovered and the responsibility of conserving this heritage. It includes generous illustrations from various organisations.

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Banyule Heritage Database

The Banyule Heritage Database is a searchable online database that contains information about properties and precincts in the Banyule Heritage Overlay. The information in the database is extracted from various heritage studies completed for the City of Banyule.

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Banyule Planning Scheme reference documents

The Banyule City Council Heritage Study 1998, the Aboriginal Heritage of the Shire of Eltham, 1994 and the Plenty Valley Corridor Archaeological Survey of Aboriginal sites, 1991 can be downloaded from Banyule City Council via the Cultural Heritage tab.

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Beamafilm

Beamafilm offers unlimited quality documentaries and indie features with a focus on Australian stories. Get streaming today. NEW app now available to for Apple and Android. Also available to Murrindindi Library Service Members.

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Beanstack

Beanstack allows you to track your reading by registering in seconds as an individual or family. Earn virtual badges, tickets for drawings, and real-world prizes by keeping track of your reading. You can also post book reviews and keep track of activities you complete along the way.

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Better Health Channel

The Better Health Channel is a government website that provides health and medical information to help individuals and their communities improve their health and wellbeing. Apps are also available to download via Apple and Google Play.

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Better Reading

Better Reading aims to be a great source of independent book recommendations for Australian readers and their families.

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Birds in Backyards

Birds in Backyards is a research, education and conservation program of BirdLife Australia focused on the birds that live where people live. Get involved by becoming a member and taking part in our online surveys. Learn how you can create bird-friendly spaces in your garden and local community. Find out more about Australian birds and their habitats.

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Birrarung Stories

The Birrarung Stories by Jim Poulter are a collection of stories published for the Warrandyte Diary Community Newspaper in order to share and take pride in our Australian Aboriginal history and heritage.

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Borrow Box

Download eBooks or eAudiobooks via the website or straight from the Borrow Box app. Offers Australian and international best-selling authors. You can borrow 10 items at a time and place up to 10 holds. Also available to Murrindindi Library Service Members.

Apps are available to download from Apple and Google Play.

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British Library Newspapers (Primary Sources)

British Library Newspapers part of Gale Historical Newspapers contains full runs of influential national and regional newspapers representing different political and cultural segments of British society. 1741 - 1950. Newspapers are fully text searchable, view entire pages or individual articles and save, bookmark, e-mail and print results. Enter your library card number to access from home.

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British Newspaper Archive, The

Hundreds of millions of pages of historical newspapers from the United Kingdom and Ireland are available from 1603 to the present day. New content added regularly. Search articles by keyword, name, location, date or title.

Access in library only.  Please note: Researchers are asked to register with an email address and password when using the BNA, and to sign in when they access the database each time. You will be able to save personal searches, bookmark articles and more. Login to access these at each visit and go to the "my research" tab.

If you need some help starting your research on The Archive watch their special video to help you make the most out of the Archive.

App also available to download via Apple.

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Busy Things

Busy Things is an online learning resource that hosts a range of quirky, colourful, fun educational games for 3 to 6 year olds. It can be accessed via the website. Also available to Murrindindi Library Service Members.

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C

Carter’s Price Guide to Antiques

Learn about and understand the items, manufacturers, designers and periods as well as the specialist terms used in describing antiques and collectables. Browse by a list of items (arranged alphabetically) or click on a category from the Learn tab. All items include a professionally photographed image.

Carter's Publications have been publishing price guides on art antiquities, antiques, collectables, retro, vintage and 20th century design for 32 years, and include prices on items from 1500 BC to the present day, with a price range of $5 to over one million dollars. Search the database and view the images, but to display the prices and dealer details, a subscription is necessary.

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CFA Fire Ready Kits

The Fire Ready Kit is a detailed and comprehensive resource. It is designed to help you plan for survival, beginning with the basics of preparing before the fire season, through to planning what to do if fire is in your area and you cannot leave. Other resources are also here.

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Choice Magazine

CHOICE Magazine offers unbiased product reviews, comparisons and consumer action reports via the website or app (apple or android). Ensure your choices are informed!

Back issues of CHOICE magazine are available. To access back issues on your desktop or laptop computer, open the most recent issue of a magazine and select the All Issues menu item in the right column to see all available issues. To access back issues on your mobile device, open the most recent issue of a magazine and select the All Issues menu item from the menu in the top left corner to see all available issues.

Apps are available to download via Apple and Google Play.

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City of Whittlesea

Website for the City of Whittlesea. Discover upcoming events, keep updated on news and restrictions, and find out what services are available to residents.

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City of Whittlesea: Local Aboriginal history Wurundjeri Willum people

Many of the names in the City of Whittlesea were inspired by the Wurundjeri including Bundoora, Yan Yean, Mernda, Wollert and Merri.

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CodeCombat

CodeCombat is a platform for students to learn computer science while playing through a real game. The courses have been specifically play tested to excel in the classroom, even by teachers with little to no prior programming experience.

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Community organisation in Nillumbik

Find local community services in the Nillumbik area.

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Community organisations in Banyule

Find local community services in the Banyule area.

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Connected Space

Developed by Relationships Australia Victoria this site provides a range of tip sheets (knowhows) for young people. Ask a question, tips for taking care of yourself and more.

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Coursera

Learn from renowned professors, watch high quality lectures online, achieve mastery via interactive assignments, and collaborate with a global community of students.

Apps are available to download via Apple and Google Play.

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Cybersafety

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides children, parents and teachers with information and resources to help children and young people stay safe online. Australian children under the age of 18 who have experienced serious cyberbullying can report the material to the Office. Specific information about the complaints process is available on the Office’s website.

More Cybersafety Resources:

Apps are available to download via Apple and Google Play.

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D

Daily Mail Historical Archive, 1896-2004 (Primary Sources)

Described as the "the newspaper that rules Britain", the Daily Mail has been at the heart of British journalism since 1896, regularly changing the course of government policy and setting the national debate. Part of Gale Historical Newspapers. Enter your library card number to access from home.

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Darrabi Garden

The Darrabi Native Food & Reconciliation Garden was opened in May 2007 as a joint initiative of Nillumbik Reconciliation Group and Hurstbridge Primary School. The word Darrabi means awaken, Darrabi was established to help awaken and educate children and visitors to the wisdom of indigenous culture, and the usefulness of our native plants.

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Deadly Story

A resource for Aboriginal children and young people, and others to learn about Aboriginal culture and identity. Includes tools and templates for carers and practitioners and news section.

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Dementia Guide

The Dementia Guide is an important resource for any person impacted by any form of dementia, of any age. Learn about dementia and the treatments, support and services available. The Dementia Guide may also be useful to the friends, families and carers of people living with dementia, as it contains information about the impact dementia may have on a person, the treatment, support and services they may need, as well as for anyone taking on a caring role. Download from Dementia Australia.

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Department of Health & Human Services

The Department of Health & Human Services is a government department responsible for health, ambulance services, families and children, youth affairs, public housing, disability, ageing, mental health and sport policy in the state of Victoria, Australia.

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Department of Health and Human Services: Face Coverings

Straight from the mouth of the Department of Health and Human Services! Everything you need to know about wearing face coverings in Victoria.

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E

edx

EdX was created for students and institutions that seek to transform themselves through cutting-edge technologies, innovative pedagogy, and rigorous courses

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Encyclopedia of Australian Science

The Encyclopedia of Australian Science is a register of the people and the many industries, corporations, research institutions, scientific societies and other organisations that have contributed to Australia's scientific, technological and medical heritage, with references to their archival materials and a bibliography of their historical published literature. Explore the role these people and organisations have played in transforming science into processes, objects, buildings, and products that influence our lives and contribute to the development of our nation. Find out where they worked, who they worked with, what they worked on and what they achieved.

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eSafety

Includes The Online Safety, Start the Chat campaign helping everyone is a child's life to have a conversation about online safety. Resources and information and how to make a report.

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eSafetyWomen

eSafetyWomen is designed to empower Australian women to take control of their online experiences. The eSafetyWomen resources aim to help women manage technology risks and abuse by giving women the tools they need to be confident when online.

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F

Family History (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)

The AIATSIS manages a collection with information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families, communities and places. Start your family history research here with tips to get started, research step by step, other resources and contacts for other key organisations. Download the Family History Kit.

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Find My Past

Discover billions of historical records from around the world, covering Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the United States. Records for your research in Victoria include electoral rolls (name or address search), birth, death and marriage indexes, Petty Session registers, Victoria Police Gazette, Passenger lists and more. Access the Library Edition via any of Yarra Plenty Regional Library’s public computers or through our free Wi-Fi. Please note we have a limited seat licence. If you are unable to gain access, wait 15 minutes and try again.

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Flickr: Yarra Plenty Regional Library Local History

Browse or search over 7,700 contemporary and historical images relating to our area on this popular photo sharing website, including photos of the old Ivanhoe Library, the COVID-19 Pandemic time capsule, The Fay Thomas Collection documenting the family of Mernda pioneer Moses Thomas, The historic Alice Broadhurst Collection documenting the 16th Australian General Hospital at Mont Park after World War One and more, The aftermath of Black Saturday, The construction of the WaterMarc complex in Greensborough, local war memorials and more. Create an account and add comments and upload, organise, tag, edit and annotate your own photos.

Apps available to download via Apple and Google Play.

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Flora of Victoria

A new online guide removes the guesswork when it comes to identifying flora. The Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria have published the world's first online "horticultural flora" a compendium of information on the 8700 different types of plants being cultivated in south-eastern Australia. The guide provides plant profiles and identification tools for many of the cultivars of every plant - native and exotic - growing in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, NSW and south-eastern QLD. It includes descriptions of the plants, their origin and general history, and contains illustrations that highlight a plants identifying features. There are also botanical keys to follow a sequence of identification steps and the names of parks and gardens where you can see them growing. Encyclopedic in approach , the online flora digitises the information in the five-volume, 2700 page Horticultural flora of Southeastern Australia.

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G

Gale Literary Index

Gale Literary Index is a master index to the major literature products published by Gale. It combines and cross-references author names, including pseudonyms and variant names, and listings for titles of works into one source.

Gale Literary Index provides quick and easy access to author and title listings from over 130 literature products from Gale and the imprints Charles Scribner's Sons, St. James Press, and Twayne Publishers. The referenced products themselves will contain complete biographies on authors and critical essays on their writings.

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Gale Primary Sources (Primary Sources)

Also known as British Library Newspapers part of Gale Historical Newspapers, contains full runs of influential national and regional newspapers representing different political and cultural segments of British society. 1741 - 1950. Newspapers are fully text searchable, view entire pages or individual articles and save, bookmark, e-mail and print results. Enter your library card number to access from home.

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Gambay

First Languages Australia is working with regional language centres nationally to develop a map of Australian languages that reflects the names and groupings favoured by community.

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Gawa Wurundjeri Resource Trail

The Gawa Wurundjeri Aboriginal Resource Trail is near Watsons Creek on the Eltham-Yarra Glen Road and is part of the Panton Hill Bushland Reserves System. It provides a self-guided 340 metre looped trail, with markers explaining how the Wurundjeri clan of about 50 people lived near the creek, and used the land to obtain bush foods, medicines, implements, shelter and clothes. This resource provided by the Nillumbik Reconciliation Group provides a map and further information which is also provided on the trail markers.

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Goodreads

Goodreads is the world's largest site for readers and book recommendations. See what your friends are reading, organise what you've read, list your favourite books, discuss literature, form groups, and connect with other readers.

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H

HealthDirect

Free Australian health advice provides introductory information about a range of common health concerns, including over 1,250 health topics, plus information about medicines. Further information is provided by links to leading Australian health organisations.

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Historic Homes

PROV holds a wide variety of records for researching buildings and properties in Victoria. Are you embarking on renovations and want to pay respect to your home’s heritage? Maybe you’re just keen to find out who built the house or who lived there long before you did? This research guide, developed in collaboration with Ballarat City Council, provides an introduction to what government records can reveal when trying to discover the hidden history of a home.

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History of the Shire of Nillumbik

This guide showcases Nillumbik’s heritage sites, its people and their stories. The new digital version features extra pages which are multi-layered and interactive, 315 additional images and 40 new stories. Walking and driving tours with interactive maps can be used as the basis for self-guided journeys.

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Home Care: A Guide to your consumer rights

Following a change in the way funding is organised for home aged care, called consumer directed care, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has developed this educational resource aimed to help older Australian's understand their consumer rights when receiving home care.

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I

IELTS Road to IELTS - Academic

Users will need to ‘Continue as a guest’ after entering their library card details. Road to IELTS Academic provides the best possible preparation for the IELTS exam covering the reading, writing, listening and speaking modules via the website or app (Apple or Android).

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IELTS Road to IELTS - General

Users will need to ‘Continue as a guest’ after entering their library card details. Road to IELTS General training provides the best possible preparation and practice for IELTS testing. It covers the reading, writing, listening and speaking modules via the website or app (Apple or Android).

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Illustrated London News Historical Archive, 1842-2003 (Primary Sources), The

Presents a vivid picture of British and world events - including news of war, disasters, royalty, social affairs, the arts and science. Enter your library card number to access from home.

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IMDB

IMDB is a free online movie database including reviews, ratings and recommendations.

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Inside a Dog

Inside a Dog is to be a virtual home for Australia’s bookish teens. It is a bright, fresh place for sharing reviews, creative writing, book news and more.There are lots of spaces where book lovers of all ages can come together to share their love of YA, but few which are for the ‘young adults’ the category is all about. This is part of the reason only 12-18 year olds can be registered users of this site. But adults can still read all published content on the site, keep up with Inky Awards information and general news, but you won’t be able to write content, comment or enter our competitions.

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Instructables

Instructables is a site that lets you explore, document and share your creations. Browse through thousands of creations and learn how to build and make almost anything.

Apps available to download via Apple and Google Play.

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International Children’s Digital Library

Free access to 4,000 online (public domain) children's picture books in Spanish, Arabic, Persian, Chinese, French, Croatian, Portuguese, Hebrew, German, Filipino, Russian, Thai, Italian and others.

App available to download via Apple.

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J

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health

Jean Hailes is a leader in women’s health. They believe in physical and emotional health and wellbeing for all women in Australia throughout their lives. This resource provides fact sheets and more with a Health A-Z on topics including bladder & bowel, bone health, breast health, cardiovasuclar health, endrometriosis, fertility & pregnancy, health checks, healthy living, indigenous health, menopause, mental and emotional health, natural therapies & supplements, PCOS, Periods, sex & sexual health and more. Explore Podcasts, recipes, webinars and more.

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Jigsaw Planet

Jigsaw Planet showcases images from YPRL’s local history collection you can do from home. We have created a variety of puzzles suitable for all ages and levels of experiences, including puzzles with pieces that rotate. Choose from an album from where you live, our libraries album or from any featured on our landing page. Create an account and keep a log of the puzzles you complete and your best times. Search for themes you like or pick from the random or featured puzzles from the home page for more fun.

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Job Outlook

Job Guide is written mainly for students. It provides information about a wide range of occupations and the education and training pathways that lead to them. It also includes useful information on the job search process, provides details of available government assistance and suggests where to go for further information.

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Justice Connect

Assists in connecting those who cannot afford a legal practitioner by linking them to online resources, both specialist and generalist services. Browse or search for self-representation, not-for-profit, Seniors, Homeless, Public Interest and Domestic Building.

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K

Kahn Academy

The Khan Academy is a not-for-profit with the goal of changing education for the better by providing free world-class education for anyone anywhere. All of the site's resources are available to anyone.

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Kanopy

Kanopy offers thousands of movies, documentaries and TV series for recreation and education. Movies come in 70+ languages and there’s even a Kanopy Kids section with content from ABC Kids. You can watch up to 6 films monthly on your TV, mobile phone, tablets or online.

For more information, check out our Kanopy FAQ page.

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Koorie Heritage Trust

The Trust's purpose is to preserve, protect and promote the indigenous culture of South Eastern Australia and in doing so, bridge the cultural gap between Koories and the wider community. They also provide a family history service.

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L

Law Handbook

The Handbook is fully searchable, contains thorough legislation and case indexes, contact information for relevant legal services, and helpful pop-up definitions of legal terms. Contents Page links introduce different areas of the law, providing a useful starting point.

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Law Institute of Victoria

A membership organisation offering a referral service. Search for a legal practitioner by practice area, location and legal issue.

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Leader Community News

More than 40 Leader newspapers covering the Greater Melbourne region, including Melbourne, Diamond Valley, Heidelberg and Whittlesea Leaders. Scroll down to choose your title, click on it and look for “back Issues” link on top left-hand corner. These links will take you to digital issues accessible for the following dates only.

Diamond Valley Leader 9 October 2019 - 8 April 2020
Heidelberg Leader 8 October 2019 - 7 April 2020
Whittlesea Leader 15 October 2019 - 7 April 2020

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Learn English online with AMES

Australian based English language courses for people to grow their skills and confidence to listen, read, speak and write in English. The courses cover various levels from beginners to intermediate.

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LGBTQ Reads

LGBTQ Reads is an American site dedicated to promoting curated LGBTQIAP+ literature for all ages. It offers reviews and recommendations for queer books, and also catalogues them all by type - for example, if you were looking something specific such as a YA with queer parents. 

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Libby

Download eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines via the website or straight from the Libby app. This also includes Marvel comics and graphic novel eBooks! You can borrow 10 items at a time and place up to 10 holds. Also available to Murrindindi Library Service Members. Beginning 20 November 2020, the OverDrive app will be removed from the Chrome Web Store. This will prevent future downloads of the application. Users who have already downloaded the Chrome Web Store’s version of the OverDrive app can continue to use it, though OverDrive’s ability to troubleshoot and resolve any reported issues will be limited. Going forward, new users on ChromeOS devices can access the Google Play Store directly to download OverDrive apps, including Libby.

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LinkedIn Learning

*Please note: LinkedIn Learning replaces Lynda.com and the Lynda app*

LinkedIn Learning is an online learning site that hosts a growing library of over 16,000 courses in 7 different languages, delivered by expert instructors.

Courses cover a variety of topics (including business, design, web development and multimedia skills) and software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and open source applications) that can help you pursue personal and professional goals.

Log in with your library card and PIN. Please note that you may receive a 'something went wrong' message on your first login attempt. Please try again (this might take a couple of attempts) until it works. We are currently with Linkedin to resolve this issue.

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Local Food Connect

Local Food Connect covers all matters food in North East Melbourne. It includes a local food directory, calendar of events, information about food justice, community gardening, growing guides, recipes and more. The News post on the homepage is updated regularly.

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Local Government Victoria

Local Government Victoria provides policy advice, oversees legislation and works with councils to support responsive and accountable local government services.

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Local History Images

Explore the rich tapestry of local history within Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea. Choose the 'Local History' option on the catalogue to search directly for local historical images and documents.

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M

Making History

An online learning resource from Museums Victoria to support students, individuals and community groups to investigate and create a short digital history. This resource guides you through the process to research, produce and share a digital history about a person or event. Follow the modules to research, create and share family and community stories.

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Millions, The

Offers reviews on books, arts and culture and is touted by the New York Times as “The indispensable literary site”. Also includes a new release Tuesday blog post.

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Money Smart

MoneySmart by ASIC offers free, independent guidance so you can make most of your money. The site has smart tips on dealing with the ups and downs of life: losing your job, having a baby, divorce or separation, buying a home, losing your partner and many more.

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Mont Park to Springthorpe

Explores the former Mont Park Hospital and Asylum, Macleod and its environment, the heritage-listed buildings, its significant landscape design, social and cultural history, hospital and psychiatric care history, indigenous history, significant historical figures and includes interviews with people associated with the area in the past. A new feature includes self-guided heritage walks.

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MOOCs and Online Courses

Find a wide range of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and Free Online Courses available in Australia, using this directory.

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Museums Victoria

Australia's largest public museum organisation.

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My Aged Care

The starting point to access Australian Government funded services for aged care. Myagedcare can help you find out about the types of aged care services available, your eligibility for services, service providers in your area, costs you may need to pay, quality in aged care, advocacy services, how to make a complaint and more.

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myDr

myDr provides is an Australian online site which provides comprehensive articles and topical items of interest about a wide variety of diseases and conditions, tests and treatments, health and fitness issues, and medications. Search for a health professional in your area using several criteria, including specialty and gender.

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myGov

myGov is a fast and simple way to access government services online. A secure myGov account lets you link a range of Australian Government services and access them all in one place.

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N

National Construction Code

The National Construction Code contains technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures. The NCC requires users to complete a registration process before receiving access to the NCC Online website.

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National Library of Australia

Website for the National Library of Australia (NLA).

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NCACL Cultural Diversity database

The University of Canberra’s National Centre for Australian Children's Literature Inc. has launched a Cultural Diversity Database which contains 340 Australian children's books aimed at children from birth through late secondary. All books are linked to both the Australian Curriculum and the Early Years Learning Framework (as appropriate to individual books) while also identifying 'key concepts', audience levels more generally and other features such as annotations and jacket covers for each book.

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NeuRA

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is a research institute and leader in brain and nervous system research. Read the latest research on reducing your dementia risk, how strength and balance can protect against falls and the importance of sleep as we age. "Your Health" provides information on various topics including anxiety, back pain, dementia, depression, falls prevention, pain and more.

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Nielson Book Data

BookData Online is a database of books and related products. You can discover up to date and comprehensive bibliographic information about book titles and who supplies them.

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Nillumbik Shire Council

Website for the Nillumbik Shire Council. Discover upcoming events, news and important information for the local area, and learn about what services are available to residents.

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O

Our Eltham Artistic Reflections

Our Eltham Artistic Reflections is a collection of panels that was commissioned by the Eltham Cemetery Trust as part of its vision to offer the community a fresh and unique relationship to the cemetery. Thirty one panels were produced depicting historical images of Eltham and the nearby area with images of indigenous flowers and plants. A majority of the images were provided to the collaborating artists in digital form by Yarra Plenty Regional Library in partnership with Eltham District Historical Society. The panels were unveiled on September 21, 2017.

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Overdrive / Libby

Download eBooks or eAudiobooks via the website or straight from the Libby app. This also includes Marvel comics and graphic novel eBooks! You can borrow 10 items at a time and place up to 10 holds. Also available to Murrindindi Library Service Members.

Beginning 20 November 2020, the OverDrive app will be removed from the Chrome Web Store. This will prevent future downloads of the application. Users who have already downloaded the Chrome Web Store’s version of the OverDrive app can continue to use it, though OverDrive’s ability to troubleshoot and resolve any reported issues will be limited. Going forward, new users on ChromeOS devices can access the Google Play Store directly to download OverDrive apps, including Libby.

For e-book download instructions click here and for eAudiobook download instructions click here. For Overdrive-compatible eBook devices and platforms click here.
eAudiobooks on Mac are no longer supported by Overdrive. Click here for some other great suggestions!

Download our guide to using Libby.

Apps available to download via Apple and Google Play.

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Personal Digital Archive Toolkit

NSLA (National and State Libraries Australia) have produced a Personal Digital Archive Toolkit which provides information on how to understand your digital treasures and steps to identify what you want to save and what is important to you, organising the content and saving copies in different locations.

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Picture Victoria

Search and access digitized photographs, drawings, artworks and maps from local history societies who have collaborated with public libraries to digitize their collections. The single-point-of-access service provides access to images ranging from the past to present day, and includes both local history and national events. You will find black and white and colour photographs of people, places, buildings and events, as well as drawings, sketches, paintings and maps.

Use this website to:

  • View historical photographs of your town or suburb
  • View historic wedding photos, sports team photos and political photos
  • View photos and sketches of buildings and houses

To access some images provided by Yarra Plenty Regional Library use "Advanced Search" and choose one of four options listed in the "search all Library Services" field. The Picture Victoria collection can also be accessed via Trove.

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Places of Pride

The National Register of War Memorials records the locations and photographs of every publicly accessible memorial across Australia. Upload your own photo and story.

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PROV Koorie Services

The Koorie Records Unit promotes awareness about Aboriginal records within the Public Record Office Victoria collection and aims to improve accessibility of these records to the Aboriginal community.

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PROV: Online Collections

Public Records Office Victoria holds over 100km of government records in their collection related to all facets of significant Victorian Government activity from the 1830s onward. Some of the popular records, including photographs, maps, and documents relating to family history, have been digitised. Search within the list of records of interest to you. The digitised record can be downloaded from the catalogue directly. PROV is constantly adding new digitised items to their collections so check back regularly for updates.

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ReachOut.com

ReachOut is Australia's leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. The website offers practical support, tools and tips that have been created on the latest evidence and designed with experts, young people and thier parents. The digital self-help tools are trusted, relevant and easy to use.

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Readings in Australian History

An online study course of articles by Jim Poulter on Australia Aboriginal history and heritage into the first contact and colonial period. The nearly sixty articles in this course are grouped within eight themes. Questions are provided for discussion with others. Note that this course is not approved by the Wurundjeri Woi-wurring Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

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Relationships Australia Victoria

The focus of the organisation is to provide effective services that strengthen relationships and social connections for individuals and families, and in schools, workplaces and communities across all life stages. It includes links to a free online course Good Connecting. A range of tip sheets on various topics including Children and parenting, family violence, mental health, relationships, older Australians and separation. Click on the Resources link and explore

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Research Guides

Explore the many research guides at State Library Victoria. There are 70 guides that cover a wide range of research topics. The guides are not restricted to the library's resources but identify the best resources wherever they are located. The guides focus as much as possible on resources that are available online, either through SLV's digitised collections, online subscriptions (available to any registered Victorian resident) and online resources held by other agencies, including public libraries. The guides promote information literacy, and digital information literacy by identifying resources and placing those resources in the context of research tasks. There are a wide range of family history and history guides but also guides to a varied range of other topics. Of particular note are the guides created to assist VCE students in a number of units.

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Research Guides – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People

Seven separate subject guides produced by staff at State Library Victoria provide infomation on resources available to research family history, find the meaning of Aboriginal words, learn more about adoption and Forgotten Australians and more.

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Research Guides – National Library of Australia

Has your research hit a dead end? Are you struggling to find what you’re looking for? The National Library of Australia's research guides can help! They steer you through our rich collections and provide advice on a wide range of topics, including Australian literature, aerial photographs and their Pacific collection.

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Ryerson Index

The Ryerson Index is a free index to death notices appearing in Australian newspapers. The date range covered extends from the Sydney Gazette of 1803 up to newspapers published within the last week or so. The Index also includes many funeral notices, and some probate notices and obituaries. The Index grows at a rate of over 100 entries per day. It includes over 385 newspapers and websites and has over 7,625,000 entries. Search by surname or even by place name alone.

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Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a crafting and documenting activity that involves taking books or albums with blank pages and adding photos, memorabilia, journaling, and embellishments. It is a fun way to unleash your creativity and preserve precious family memories. Learn how to scrapbook like a pro with tutorials, instructions and inspirational ideas.

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Scratch

Scratch is designed especially for ages 8 to 16 and helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century. Using Scratch, you can program your own interactive stories, games, and animations — and share your creations with others in the online community.

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Share our Pride

Resource designed to give non-Indigenous people a glimpse into the lives and cultures of Australia’s First People developed by Reconciliation Australia. It introduces the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in a simple way.

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State Library Victoria

State Library Victoria membership is free and you can sign up for their card online here. Members can log in to thousands of online databases, journals, magazines, eBooks and newspapers from around the world. Library members can also access over two million books, photos, artworks, documents, maps, manuscripts and more when they visit State Library Victoria. You can enjoy a range of member-only benefits, programs and services by signing up. This video has more about State Library membership benefits.

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Stay Smart Online

Stay Smart Online provides simple, easy to understand advice on how to protect yourself online, as well as up-to-date information on the latest online threats and how to respond.

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Story Box Library

Story Box Library as an online 'reading room' that allows children and parents to look at a book and listen to a range of celebrated stories read aloud by a diverse range of storytellers with varying accents and from different cultures. It is an interactive experience for 2-12 year olds. Stream via a smartphone, tablet or other device with an internet connection. Murrindindi Library Service Members.

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Storyline Online

This USA based award-winning children's literacy site curates videos of celebrities reading famous children's books, accompanied by animations that bring the books to life. For example, viewers can enjoy comedian Sarah Silverman reading A Tale of Two Beasts (a story about unlikely friendships and differing perspectives), and actor Chris Pine reading Clark the Shark (a story about a joyful fish who uses clever rhymes to control his enthusiasm). Stories are selected for all primary school age levels (and tagged with the appropriate age level in the description). In addition to the animated videos, stories are accompanied by an activity guide that expands on themes presented in the books. On the All Books page, visitors can sort through the abundance of stories and filter by author, reader, title, or run time (most are under 10 minutes).

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Sunday Times Digital Archive 1822-2016 (Primary Sources), The

The Sunday Times (UK) Digital Archive is a gateway to the greatest crimes, careers and culture of the last 190 years. Enter your library card number to access from home.

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Tax in Australia – what you need to know

If you are new to the Australian tax and super system, this booklet is for you. Download in your choice of language: Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Hindi, Korean, Nepali, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Urdu and Vietnamese. Learn More

Telegraph Historical Archive; 1855-2000 (Primary Sources), The

This fully searchable digital archive encompasses what was once the world's largest-selling newspaper. The archive is fully text searchable, view entire pages or individual articles and save, bookmark, e-mail and print results. Part of Gale Historical Newspapers. Enter your library card number to access from home.

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Times Digital Archive 1785-2014 (Primary Sources), The

This archive covers over 200 years of The Times (London) , one of the most highly regarded resources for eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth-century news coverage. Hailed as the world’s “newspaper of record”, The Times is regarded as the most authoritative medium for political, legal, business and social news. Enter your library card number to access from home.

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Translated resources – coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) translated information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, health professionals and industry. Information includes factsheets and promotional materials from the Department of Health and Human Services

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Translated Resources for Tax Time

This year the Australian Tax Office has translated some new resources for Tax Time to assist people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with their tax returns with information on:

  • How to get ready to do your tax return checklist
  • Help for your first tax time
  • Important information for your 2019-20 tax return, and
  • Newsletter articles for you to share with your community

These resources are available to download here in the following languages: Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Greek, Hazaragi, Indonesian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Polish, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Thai, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese.

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Transparent Languages Online (Byki)

Transparent Languages Online (ByKi) utilises dozens of fun and engaging learning activities to help you learn up to 99 different languages. Learn on the Go with Transparent Language Mobile. Just follow these simple instructions, and you could be learning in no time!

Apps are available to download via Apple and Google Play.

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Trove

Trove is a valuable constantly growing free resource about Australia and Australians hosted by the National Library of Australia. Search resources from its own holdings and those of other Australian institutions, including hundreds of newspapers and gazettes, magazines, including The Australian Women's Weekly and newsletters, journals, books, articles, letters, archives, maps, photos, music, sound, video, archived websites and more. Many collections are digitised.

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Tumblebooks

Tumblebooks takes existing picture books and adds animation, sound, music and narration - in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and Russian. Titles are only accessible online. Also available toMurrindindi Library Service Members.

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Tynker

Tynker is a creative computing platform helping children from ages 7+ to program and build games, apps and more. Tynker offers self-paced online courses for children to learn coding at home, as well as an engaging programming curriculum for schools. View available apps (Apple or Android) for Tynker Coding for Kids.

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Up the Creek

A collection of articles about the pioneers, people and local history of Arthurs Creek and surrounding districts by historian Bruce G. Draper. It expands on his published work and pulls together for the first time his 25 years of research with the addition of a vast array of photographs.

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Victorian Births, Deaths, Marriages

Search Victorian Historical indexes free and order certificates to confirm stories in your family’s history. Births from 1853 to 100 years before today’s date Marriages and relationships 1853 to 60 years before today’s date Deaths from 1853 to 30 years before today’s date Church baptisms, marriages and burials 1836 to 1853

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Victorian Collections

Victorian Collections is a central portal to over 170,000 collection items and cultural treasures held by local history and community groups distributed across Victoria. Visit Eltham District Historical Society, Greensborough Historical Society and City of Whittlesea

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Victorian Government

Website of the Victorian Government, which includes resources, tools, and support for people living in the state of Victoria.

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Victorian Government Gazette

Search this online archive 1836-1997 by place name or family name. You can find information about land transactions, court notices, government appointments, bankruptcies, proclamation of acts, de-registration of medical practitioners, statistics, tenders, unclaimed letters and monies, reward notices, cemeteries and more.

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Victorian Heritage Database

The Victorian Heritage Database is home to the Victorian Heritage Register which lists the State’s most significant heritage places, objects and historic shipwrecks protected under the Heritage Act 1995. It's also home to the Victorian Heritage Inventory which lists all known historical archaeological sites in Victoria.

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Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents

Browse or search the Victorian Law Today link for authorised electronic versions of legislation produced for each new Act that is enacted and each new Statutory Rule that has been made since 2011 in PDF or Word format. Previous versions of Acts and Rules are available back to 1997.

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Victorian Places

Discover the history of every town, city, suburb, village and settlement in Victoria. Over 1600 places with a population of over 200 people are listed. Navigate by the search or browse facility.

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Warrandyte Aboriginal Reserve

Downloadable pamphlet includes a short history of the reserve at Pound Bend, Warrandyte. It includes a map, a list of significant sites in the Yarra Valley and information on the traditional owners before and after colonisation.

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Warrandyte Aquaculture

Discusses traditional fish farming area on the Yarra River. Produced by Reconciliation Manningham.

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Westgarthtown

Westgarthtown is an historic dairy farming settlement established in 1850 by German and Wendish immigrants. It is located within the residential suburbs of Thomastown and Lalor in the City of Whittlesea and many of Westgarthtown's outstanding bluestone heritage buildings and structures still survive. View their film “Westgarthtown and WW1”. While its opening hours are temporarily suspended, it has an online schools’ program that can easily be adapted for individual use. It is based on the Victorian Curriculum for years 1- 6 and covers local history, geography plus civics and citizenship. It is a very interesting and accessible program. While it was developed for primary school children, much of the information is interesting for adults as well. It can be downloaded for free at westgarthtown.org.au/schools.

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Whichbook

A new way to choose what to read. Whichbook enables millions of combinations of factors and then suggests books which most closely match your needs.

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Who Else Writes Like...?

Welcome to the online version of Who Else Writes Like…? which is designed to help anyone who enjoys reading fiction to expand the number of writers they read. It is designed to answer the perennial question “I’ve read all the books by my favourite authors, who shall I read next?” Simply follow the links to find an author whose books you like, and see which other writers are recommended underneath. The aim of this website is to encourage readers to try the works of new authors and to open up to them the wealth of good reading that is available in their local public library.

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Wikinorthia

Designed to document life in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Wikinorthia provides a snapshot of life now as well as the past. It documents five local councils (Darebin, Moreland, Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea) with rich cultural histories and diverse communities telling the stories of early pioneers, local World War One enlistments, personal reminiscences, local histories and more. Contact the library if you would like to add yours.

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Wildlife

The new Help for Injured Wildlife online tool has been launched to help Victorians find help for sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife. The tool shows details about wildlife rehabilitators, rescue organisations & veterinarians in your local area.

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Wurundjeri

Includes profiles on significant people and places, Aboriginal cultural heritage work, cultural and educational services and land management services.

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Wurundjeri Daily Life at Pound Bend

Downloadable pamphlet describing activities managing the local environment including the river system, food resources and leisure. Produced by Reconciliation Manningham.

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Yallambie : Wurundjeri

From a local historian's blog that concentrates on the local history of Yallambie and district, in the City of Banyule. This post discusses the Batman Treaty and the suggestion that it was signed on the nearby Plenty River.

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YPRL Facebook Videos

Videos from our Facebook page.

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YPRL YouTube

Videos from our YouTube account.

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