Recognition at Manildra

Wednesday 23 April 2011 was a perfect Central West autumn day in Manildra, the ideal occasion on which to celebrate 22 years (and 1 day) since the youngest of Central West Libraries 7 branches was opened in 1989.

This date was chosen as a fitting time to unveil a plaque commemorating the dedication of Barbara Gosper and Judy Douglass (both deceased) whose untiring efforts led to the establishment of the Library and whose commitment ensured that it became the community hub it remains.

Members of the Gosper and Douglass families (pictured) were joined by Manildra residents and representatives of Cabonne Council and Central West Libraries in the celebration of this event. Students from St Josephs Convent School (pictured) performed the National Anthem.

Storytime Bookings now open

A new booking system has been introduced for Storytime during Term 2 at Orange City Library. Due to overcrowding in the past and difficulties for everyone attending to listen to the stories being read, we are restricting numbers to 25 children per session.

Bookings open at 10am on the Monday of the week before you plan to attend. Please make your bookings in person or call the Library on 6393 8132. We do expect it will take a little time for everyone to get used to making a booking and planning ahead but it will help children, parents and carers enjoy their reading experience at Storytime in the Library.

Reminder:
Storytime is held each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during School Term;
Recommended age is 3 – 5 years;
Storytime starts promptly at 11am, latecomers will not be admitted;
Numbers are limted to 25 children per session;
Bookings open at 10am on the Monday the week before you plan to attend;
Bookings can be made in person or by phoning 6393 8132;
If you are unable to attend, please let us know. Thank you and see you at Storytime.

Books on the Menu: Zopf, A Swiss Sunday Bread

Hi there, just in time for Easter. Here is the Swiss bread recipe from Books on the Menu guest speaker Monika Rickli. It is really delicious and fabulous with dips and I'm looking forward to trying it toasted with blackberry jam – Yummo! Try the plaited look (see below) or make it into fun shapes (pictured above) like rabbits and frogs – just as Monika did.
Monika's recipe is taken from a Sydney Morning Herald Good Living story on Homecook Hero Anita Spragg.

Zopf, A Swiss Sunday Bread

Ingredients

500g plain flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp honey

2 tbsp butter, soft

2 1/2 tsp dry yeast

1 and 1/4 cup milk, lukewarm

One egg yolk, lightly beaten.

Method

Put all the ingredients except milk and egg yolk into bowl. Rub between flat hands until butter lumps disappear.

Add milk, mix well and knead well with hands. When there are no more loose pieces take dough out of bowl, whack it onto a breadboard and knead again for 10 – 15 minutes. The dough should be smooth – add more flour if it is too sticky.

Put the dough in a bowl, cover with clingwrap and a tea towel and place on a saucepan filled with hot water to rest for 30 – 60 minutes. The dough will double in size.
Plait or shape the dough into desired patterns, but do not over-knead. Place dough on a tray lined with baking paper. Brush the egg yolk onto the dough.

Put the tray onto the lower rack of a hot oven (220C). Bake for 20 – 30 minutes for small shapes and 30-45 minutes for larger shapes.

The bread should be golden brown and firm when tapped on the underside.

Makes 1 x 500g loaf. Enjoy!

Loosely Woven entertains at Library

More than 35 musicians, instrumentalists and singers entertained guests on Saturday afternoon at Orange City Library with a wide range of music with a mix of folk and popular songs. When the choir stood and sang the most amazing sound filled the Library. Instruments included strings, clarinets, flutes, guitars, harp and accordion and keyboard. Thank you to everyone who came along. For more details about this community group go to www.looselywoven.org

Books on the Menu Delights Audience

Our F.O.O.D. Week event books on the Menu enthralled more than 70 guests (pictured) with wine and produce, food stories, recipes, cookbooks and anecdotes from local foodies Monika Rickli, Max Schofield, Justin Byrne and Rhonda Doyle.

The buzzing crowd asked questions, enjoyed local wines and delicious local produce created by Library “Masterchefs” Jan Richards and Elizabeth Barry. There was also time to look over new cookbooks recently acquired by the library and a display celebrating 20 years of F.O.O.D. Week. Visitors from Byron Bay took home the lucky door prize generously supplied by sponsors Boomers Bookshop & ABC Centre.

First guest speaker Monika Rickli talked about her early life in German speaking Switzerland. That's where her parents owned and ran the local bakery. Contrary to what you would expect, growing up in a bakery meant she did not pick up any baking skills at all as her father ran the production on his own during the night and the two girls of the family were delegated to help Mum sell the goods in the shop during the day. In the tradition of Easter, Monika baked our guests a decorative plaited loaf to try and also experimented with rabbit and frog shapes which were cute. We'll pass on her recipe for the delicious bread in an upcoming blog. Her favourite recipe book is one she created herself with snippets from other chefs including Jamie Oliver, Karen Martini and friends from Switzerland with sections for savoury, baking, Thai and Asian. Monika said there was never any question of where to come to for her “tree change” – Orange ticked all the boxes. We're glad she did. And did you know she handcrafted the timber chopping boards using her woodworking skills. Clever lady!

Stay tuned for favourite books from our other guest speakers.