Recent News & Articles
Helping children understand climate change through stories
Using Story Box Library’s environment story collection and activity ideas, library staff can engage kids in climate change issues, encouraging care for the natural world, and consideration for community and global sustainability.National Families Week is an opportunity to celebrate and highlight all the characters and vitality of family members everywhere. Find stories about Family Life on Story Box Library.Read feature interviews from library subscribers, including Gabbi Wylie from the City of Ryde Libraries, who coordinates the children’s and young adult services across the City of Ryde’s five branches, and Kelly Makepeace, speech pathologist and Childhood Literacy Officer at Central Northern...
Apr 25, 2022 - Read more
Watch Out for our Special EOFY Newsletter
If you are looking for a way to spend extra funds at this time, why not explore our James Bennett Products page or click through to our regularly updated curated title lists. Contact us if you have any questions or if you require any further information:Client Services: csrs@bennett.com.auAccount managers: sales_team@bennett.com.auProfiling & Selection: public@bennett.com.auBI Team: BusinessProcess@bennett.com.au
Mar 27, 2022 - Read more
RICHMOND TWEED REGIONAL LIBRARY FLOOD RELIEF – Supporting your library
James Bennett, leading Australian Library Supplier, is offering you the opportunity to make a donation to support your community through the www.lovetoread.com.au portal. Donating books to libraries who have experienced flood damage is just the beginning. Before the community can borrow donated books, they need to be made ‘shelf ready’, this involves; processing, (applying protective covering, adding genre stickers for ease of discovery and security tags), and cataloguing (adding the books to the library’s’ catalogue so library users can locate, borrow and reserve titles). This is where James Bennett comes in.James Bennett has committed to donate time and resources to making sure donated books...
Mar 20, 2022 - Read more
Story Box Library March Update
The first ever StoryBox app is here! Download now for Apple and Android devices, making a world of stories now even easier to access.Explore the Holiday Reading Challenge featuring Anzac stories, helping children learn more about the experiences of Australian and New Zealander soldiers and the significance of Anzac Day.Download printable Shelf Talkers for your public library, to promote SBL stories about science, technology and engineering for kids of all ages.Meet Gabrielle Wang, children’s book author and illustrator, and the new Australian Children’s Laureate for 2022-23! Find out more in SBL’s Short Film with Gabrielle Wang. During March, all Short Films...
Mar 20, 2022 - Read more
Gabrielle Wang named 2022–2023 Australian Children’s Laureate
Melbourne-based author and illustrator Gabrielle Wang has been announced as the 2022–23 Australian Children’s Laureate. Gabrielle’s theme is “Imagine A Story” with a focus on encouraging everyone to keep using their imagination by reading, writing or drawing.Find out more about Gabrielle.Monthly ActivitiesGabrielle is sharing a fun creative activity every month. This month, the inspiration is the Hermit Crab. You can do some writing, then perhaps look at some pictures and draw your own Hermit Crab. You could even copy Gabi’s lovely illustration.Don’t forget to share your pictures with us to feature in our Illustration Gallery. Email admin@childrenslaureate.org.au.Laureates OnlineThe Australian Children’s Laureate...
Mar 20, 2022 - Read more
Holiday Reading Challenge - Anzac stories
To help children learn more about the experiences of Australian and New Zealander soldiers and the significance of Anzac Day, Story Box Library has designed dedicated story collections and activity ideas for public libraries. Encourage young kids to enhance their knowledge of Anzac Day by participating in the Story Box Library Holiday Reading Challenge in four easy steps:Watch the story read.Learn more with Short Films.Play with Activity Time.Borrow and discover more!Find out more…With 24/7 access to a world of stories, it’s Storytime, Anytime!Email us today to book in a demo with one of the sales team
Mar 19, 2022 - Read more
James Bennett is proud to exclusively offer Kinderling Kids to Schools and Public libraries across Australia and New Zealand.Kinderling is an award winning Australian audio streaming service that not only broadcasts music, but also stories, fun fables, nursery rhymes, meditations and edutainment programs for children aged zero to nine years old.Kinderling is the perfect companion product to Story Box Library and supports a connection with your community both onsite and remotely; providing your patrons with yet another reason to become or remain active members of their local library.Click through to access more information on Kinderling or email us today to...
Mar 18, 2022 - Read more
Why James Bennett is delivering The Sustainability Project
At James Bennett, we have delivered end-to-end procurement solutions to libraries for over 50 years.The Sustainability Project (TSP) is a green initiative created in order to assist libraries in disposing of all unwanted weeded library material from any Public, School, Academic or Priavte Library.Did you know?Around 30 million printed books are held in collections by Australian Libraries. If libraries are weeding at the recommended rate that would equate to 4.5 million books or 1, 800 tonnes going to landfill each year.We can help!By working together in partnership, we have an opportunity for innovation in a way that sees us achieve...
Mar 13, 2022 - Read more
Announcement of the 7th Australian Children's Laureate - Save the Date.
The 2022–2023 Australian Children’s Laureate will be announced on 8 March 2022.This will be the seventh Australian Children’s Laureate and will continue work to promote the transformational power of reading, creativity and story in the lives of young Australians.More information about the announcement will be available closer to the date.For more information on previous Australian Children’s Laureates or the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation head to www.childrenslaureate.org.au
Mar 13, 2022 - Read more
collectionHQ Wins platinum award in LibraryWorks’ Modern Library Awards!
collectionHQ, the leading library analytics solution, is pleased to announce it has received a platinum award in LibraryWorks’ eighth annual Modern Library Awards (MLAs).collectionHQ is the leading collection performance improvement solution for public libraries, based on the proven Evidence Based Stock Management (EBSM®) methodology.By analyzing detailed trends of how the library’s collection has been used over time and comparing this with current provision, collectionHQ provides action plans to help librarians develop and manage their collection, saving time and money, improving turnover and aligning the collection with local demand.Read more on the Modern Library Awards herePlease visit www.collectionhq.com or contact us for more information
Mar 12, 2022 - Read more
On Tuesday 22 February, join library engagement experts and the Story Box Library (SBL) team for an informative event, Ask the experts: Increasing library engagement in a digital age, suitable for everyone looking to get creative with community engagement using technology. Assisting children with good sleep habits, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s Sleep with Kip bedtime story series is available to watch free on SBL. After watching stories, families can download activity pages to practice some of the sleep skills that Kip talks about. Due for release in all app stores February 2022, the first ever StoryBox app is almost here!...
Feb 14, 2022 - Read more
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Feb 13, 2022 - Read more
Happy New Year from the Story Box Library (SBL) team! Get the new year off to an exciting start, with SBL’s fun back-to-school stories and activities. Promoting good sleep habits for families, SBL is soon releasing a special story series with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), available to watch for free. Read more about the research behind the series and the story releases. The StoryBox app is coming soon! SBL is working closely with our web developers to release the app as soon as possible. January story release: Written and read by Christopher Cheng, and illustrated by Di Wu,...
Jan 17, 2022 - Read more
The Australian Children’s Laureate Illustration Exhibition is LIVE and ONLINE
This very special exhibition features original illustrations from the stories of our Australian Children’s Laureate Ursula Dubosarsky. Enjoy gorgeous images from some of Australia’s most loved illustrators and some never before seen pictures too. Visit the gallery. Laureates Online If you are planning for 2022 or even some fun activities for the end of 2021 why not take a look at the fantastic new offering – Laureates Online. Ursula Dubosarsky talks about Show Don't Tell, Write What You Know and Writing the First Draft, while Alison Lester shows you How to Create a Picture Book step by step. All funds...
Nov 25, 2021 - Read more
Summer updates from Story Box Library
Story Box Library (SBL)’s Summer Story and Activity Challenge is back! Download resources to keep kids reading, engaged and visiting their libraries during the holiday break, designed to complement library reading programs. Watch an expert discussion hosted by SBL about screen time for young kids, and explore how digital technologies can enhance creativity and learning in early childhood, in Mythbusting Screen Time for Kids. Plus, the StoryBox app is almost here! Find out more here. In a two-part blog series on how libraries support mental health and wellbeing, SBL spoke with Frankie Jaiyeola, from State Library Queensland and Pip Mullins...
Nov 24, 2021 - Read more
The Follett Corporation announces a change in ownership of its Baker & Taylor division
The Follett Corporation today announced a change in ownership of its Baker & Taylor division. Baker & Taylor, the world's premier distributor of physical and digital books and services to public and academic libraries will now operate as an independent, privately owned entity after a divestiture to a private investment group led by President and CEO Aman Kochar. Baker & Taylor's related businesses are moving with the sale and general operations and leadership remain unchanged. Businesses transitioning with the sale include Baker & Taylor Publisher Services, collectionHQ, Baker & Taylor UK and James Bennett Australia. Kim Jardine, MD of James...
Nov 7, 2021 - Read more
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Oct 17, 2021 - Read more
October updates from Story Box Library
October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Story Box Library (SBL) is sharing stories to support children's mental health and wellbeing, featuring blogs showcasing libraries supporting mental health and wellbeing, and outdoor Activity Time ideas for children of all ages. Watch SBL’s expert panel discussion event, Whose story gets to be shared? Creating a diverse library. Featuring experts and members of the Story Box Library team, our PD focuses on the importance of representation and diversity in children’s literature and practical ways to ensure all children are heard and seen through stories. Story releases: Girl from the Sea is a...
Oct 17, 2021 - Read more
September updates from Story Box Library
Story Box Library’s (SBL) next online event, Whose story gets to be shared? Creating a diverse library will be held 7pm (AEST) Tuesday 19 October. Featuring academic Dr Helen Adam and author Melissa Keil, the event will explore the importance of representation and diversity in children’s literature and practical ways to ensure all children are heard and seen through stories. Register here. Has your library connected to Story Box Library via SIP2 yet? It's quick and easy to set up in your SBL Account Settings, provides increased statistical data and offers individualised playlists for library patrons. Read more in FAQs...
Sep 19, 2021 - Read more
August updates from Story Box Library
With covid-19 restrictions still happening across Australia, Story Box Library (SBL) is sharing five ways for library staff and patrons to make the most of SBL. Discover story releases in partnership with Melbourne Writers Festival, featuring famous storytellers and favourite titles. Engage library patrons with brand-new downloadable SBL bookmarks, shareable social media tiles, and more, plus stickers are available upon request. Watch SBL’s first online PD event, a step-by-step guide to using all features and functions, contributing towards LIANZA professional registration and the ALIA PD Scheme. Explore new story releases: When Arno loses his precious toy horse, all the kids...
Aug 23, 2021 - Read more
Heads up! PressReader is getting a facelift.
Don't worry. It’s still the same reading experience that your patrons know and love — just refreshed and easier to use. Take a peek at what's new below. Navigate through the catalog with just one click Whether you want to jump straight to the home feed or browse your recently read titles, your PressReader routine will take just a few clicks to get to where you want. Find your favorite titles at a glance Categories, recently read titles, top publications, and saved publications are conveniently displayed vertically in a grid layout. Enjoy a cleaner home feed Patrons will get to...
Aug 22, 2021 - Read more
James Bennett's 2022 Calendar Competition!
We’re looking for 12 amazing photos, from our incredible libraries, for our 2022 James Bennett wall calendar. This year, our theme is “Creative and unique ways Libraries make a difference” and we want you to submit a photo that you feel showcases how your library supports your community and/or our environment. This year we are offering great PRIZES for the best photos! 1st prize: 12 month subscription to CCM Lite 2nd prize: 6 month subscription to CCM Lite 3rd prize: Mystery Book Prize Pack What you need to know: Due date: images need to be received at James Bennett by...
Jul 19, 2021 - Read more
July updates from Story Box Library
Get fun and engaging CBCA Book Week activities for digital and printed use, linking to CBCA shortlisted stories in the Story Box Library (SBL) collection. Introducing SBL’s first Auslan release! Read by singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke for Melbourne Writers Festival and translated into Auslan by Jason Alford from Auslan Consultancy, How to Make a Bird is a beautiful picture book by Meg McKinlay and Matt Ottley. Stories in this series will be released over the coming months, in a project that has been assisted through a grant received from the Telematics Trust. Meet Lauren, Library Services and Programs Officer at Mornington...
Jul 19, 2021 - Read more
Australian Children’s Laureate Illustration Exhibition
You are invited to “The Shop Gallery” in Glebe, any day from August 12 to August 18, 2021 for a very special exhibition. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the original illustrations from the best-selling books by Australian Children’s Laureate Ursula Dubosarsky. Ursula and illustrator Tohby Riddle will hold workshops, sharing the story behind the stories, plus you can create your own artworks to add to our illustration wall. If you are a local Sydney school – why not book an excursion? Numbers are limited so book early to make sure you secure a spot! For more details, to...
Jun 21, 2021 - Read more
Story Box Library Q&A with Chris Epple, Sales Consultant at James Bennett
In a sentence, explain your role and responsibilities at James Bennett. My Role at James Bennett is Sales Consultant for all products and services offered by James Bennett, this includes providing on-going support to our customers. How have libraries successfully incorporated SBL and how have they promoted its use? Story Box Library is so easy to promote to patrons as the James Bennett and the SBL team have provided some amazing options to promote in various way. Some of the best ways to increase discoverability of SBL is with the use of the free marc records to discover via the OPAC...
Jun 21, 2021 - Read more
June updates from Story Box Library
Welcome to a month of Story Box Library stories, with CBCA Book Week 2021 titles and upcoming story releases with Auslan translations. Explore NAIDOC Week stories to engage children in First Nations’ cultural knowledge, history and voices, and read our Q&A with Frankie Jaiyeola, Librarian Storyteller of the Year Winner 2020. JB sales representative Chris Epple shared insights into how library communities across the country are using SBL to promote literacy and reading. New Story Releases: From creator Jess Sanders, Love Your Body encourages young girls to admire and celebrate their bodies for the amazing things they can do and...
Jun 21, 2021 - Read more
May updates from Story Box Library
As Story Box Library (SBL) is committed to continuing to make meaningful impacts and uplift First Nations voices through children’s literature and storytelling, SBL is sharing First Nations stories and short films for National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) and beyond. Focusing on familiarising public libraries with SBL’s various features and functions, on Tuesday 4 May SBL held their first public libraries PD session. Watch this engaging session here. To help library communities everywhere make the most of SBL’s Activity Time, here are some creative and inspiring ideas from subscribers. Upcoming story releases: Young Maggie doesn’t know how...
May 20, 2021 - Read more
Watch Out for our Special EOFY Newsletter
If you are looking for a way to spend extra funds before EOFY, why not explore our James Bennett Products page or click through to our regularly updated curated title lists. Contact us if you have any questions or if you require any further information: Client Services: csrs@bennett.com.au Account managers: sales_team@bennett.com.au Profiling & Selection: public@bennett.com.au BI Team: BusinessProcess@bennett.com.au
Mar 22, 2021 - Read more
Updates from Story Box Library
Making the most of the season, discover Story Box Library’s (SBL) stories and activities for the upcoming Autumn holiday break, parts one and part two of a feature on libraries promoting inclusion and diversity in the community, and the top reasons why libraries love using SBL. Has your library connected to SBL via SIP2 yet? Find out more about the features and benefits of doing so for SBL subscribing libraries on our blog and FAQ page. The Stories SBL will be sharing throughout April: Written, illustrated and read by Nicki Greenberg, Bitsy is about a cheeky little bat with daring...
Mar 22, 2021 - Read more
Australian Children's Laureate Update
Playwriting Competition The ACLF is proud to be partnering with Reading Australia to present an exciting opportunity for young storytellers. Students across Australia are being invited to write a scene in a play inspired by Pierre’s Not There or another play by Australian Children’s Laureate Ursula Dubosarsky. More information on the challenge, the prizes and how to enter. Entries close on 30 April 2021. Write with Ursula A new month means a new Laureate-inspired writing activity. What do MARCH and CHARM have in common and how can they inspire all kids to have fun with words? Download all of Ursula’s...
Mar 22, 2021 - Read more
March updates from Story Box Library
With international Harmony Day approaching on March 21, Story Box Library (SBL) is exploring what diversity and representation looks like through children’s literature and storytelling, and championing libraries promoting inclusion in their communities. “Story Box Library was a ‘lifesaver’ for our teaching during lockdown, enabling students to engage with so many beautiful books,” University of Sydney early childhood program director and lecturer, Amanda Niland, said. “We have a high quality online resource to direct students to.” Read how universities are enhancing early childhood education using SBL. The stories SBL will be sharing throughout March: A hilarious tale of adventure and...
Mar 2, 2021 - Read more
Unique ISBNs Allowing for more complete catalogue entries and creating greater awareness of and engagement with your Story Box Library (SBL) subscriptions, each of the SBL stories now have their own unique ISBN numbers. Story Box Library ISBNs are categorised as “digital media”, registered with Thorpe Bowker and soon to be with Nielsen. With this update, libraries receiving SBL MARC records will now be able feature an image of the title’s storyteller displaying the book’s cover in their library OPAC. MARC Records Beginning in February, the monthly MARC record file will include the ISBNs for all SBL stories. Including SBL’s...
Feb 15, 2021 - Read more
SBL Summer Holiday Story and Activity Challenge
Keep kids inspired with diverse stories and creative activities over the summer with Story Box Library’s Summer Holiday Story and Activity Challenge. Designed to support the reading programs and book clubs already offered by public libraries, we’ve created a list of our favourite online stories celebrating a range of voices, ideas and communities. We connect children with the world of stories through storytelling outside of regular library opening hours and when physically getting to the library isn't possible. By participating in the challenge, kids will be able to tick each story off as they watch them and see how many...
Dec 17, 2020 - Read more
SBL Announces Librarian Storyteller of the Year Winners
Story Box Library (SBL) has been thrilled and overwhelmed with the response to its Librarian Storyteller of the Year initiative, of which James Bennett were proud sponsors and judges. It was a challenge to narrow it down to a shortlist, not to mention establishing the winners. Read on to find out who won! SBL now offers customised URLs for library social media accounts to link directly to SBL's login page with your library name pre-selected. Saving patrons the need to locate their library in the dropdown menu when accessing via social media. To request a customised URL email libraries@storyboxlibrary.com.au Remember,...
Dec 13, 2020 - Read more
Join PressReader Bring Awareness to Media Literacy
At PressReader, we believe knowledge is power. Now, more than ever, readers worldwide are witnessing a dramatic increase in information through digital communication. The constant stream of content we engage with largely determines our perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes. Knowing that content is correct is essential. That's why we're asking for your support to bring awareness to the importance of media literacy. Access to trusted sources of journalism supports sustainable development and creates responsible digital citizens. In line with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, media literacy supports strong institutions, holds those in power accountable, educates, and helps to reduce...
Dec 10, 2020 - Read more
The Hottest Titles of The Year From The Collections Team at James Bennett
Abby H. and Claire M. Adult Fiction If we call 2020 anything, it’s definitely not ‘normal’ but Adult Fiction has seen some amazing growth in both numbers and quality of titles produced. In these uncertain times, our Australia publishers have certainly stepped up to give us some exciting titles to see us through! Firm favourites amongst our team are both Aussie authors departing from their usual genres - The Last Migration by Charlotte McConaghy and Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason. Both titles showcase a beautiful writing style with strong and determined female characters driving the narrative. Trent Dalton’s All...
Dec 10, 2020 - Read more
PressReader’s Exclusive Resources
PressReader ‘COVID-19 News’ Channel Addressing an elevated need for quality news and reliable information in this time of uncertainty, PressReader launched a channel called ‘COVID-19 News’, a news feed of all the latest stories from around the world, which has also been made available as a digital newspaper called ‘COVID-19 News’ on the platform. The digital newspaper and COVID-19 channel are unique because no one else can offer the world’s top news from over 120 countries in 60 languages, all in one place. Easy how to: Enter ‘COVID-19 News’ into the search bar on the PR platform via any device...
Dec 10, 2020 - Read more
Calling for Nominations for the 2022–2023 Australian Children’s Laureate
As our current Laureate nears her halfway mark, the ACLF Board is calling for nominations for our 2022–2023 Australian Children’s Laureate. We encourage people from the world of Australian children’s books – students, school and public librarians, authors, illustrators, educators, booksellers, publishers, children’s literature organisations, critics and readers to join the Laureate nomination process. We have been blessed with the contributions made by each of our Laureates, and now is your chance to help the ACLF Board select the next national ambassador who will actively promote the transformational power of reading, creativity and story in the lives of young Australians....
Nov 20, 2020 - Read more
Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival
James Bennett is proud to be a presenting partner of the Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival, Australia’s only national literary event with a dedicated focus on non-fiction writing and ideas. The Word for Word 2020 Online Festival takes place this weekend, 20-22 November – and you can still get tickets! Don’t miss international bestseller Heather Morris, discussing her first non-fiction book Stories of Hope, on Sun 22 Nov. From a young age Morris discovered that people would tell her their stories if she stopped and listened. In her first Heather explores the art of listening – a skill she...
Nov 19, 2020 - Read more
collectionHQ Global Coffee Break
In November, cHQ are hosting their first ever “collectionHQ Global Coffee Break”, a series of 45-minute webinars taking place daily from November 16th – 19th 2020 with the ANZ version being hosted on the 19th November at 11 am (EST). The ANZ coffee break will feature interviews with Jane Cowell, Yarra Plenty Regional Library, and Jane Alexander, Brisbane City Council Libraries. They’ll be discussing how forward-thinking libraries have continued to serve communities throughout the uncertainty brought about by Covid-19. They’ll share the changes introduced at their libraries to support the new normal, including Yarra Plenty’s initiative to call 8,000 library...
Oct 22, 2020 - Read more
We have some exciting updates to share with you regarding our customer service team: We are now Client Services. Although we have a new name, you can continue to expect the same great service that James Bennett is known for, and we will be allocating each library a dedicated Client Services Team member. As some of you may be aware we have been training an additional two new staff members who joined us recently, and we are now ready to announce the States and Territories each team member will be working with. Below is our new Client Services Team; we...
Oct 9, 2020 - Read more
Story Box Library Librarian Storyteller of the Year Awards
James Bennett are proud major sponsors and judges in the recently launched Story Box Library (SBL) Librarian Storyteller of the Year Award initiative which aims to celebrate the achievements of librarians from Australia and New Zealand, and recognise their ongoing community services by maintaining connection with their local communities and encouraging continued engagement with children’s stories. Focusing on children’s librarians who have released their own online storytime solutions to maintain connection with patrons and students, librarians are invited to submit a 30-60 second storytelling video with the opportunity to win a number of prizes including the ultimate Storyteller opportunity to read professionally for SBL!...
Oct 5, 2020 - Read more
Story Box Library Activities for CBCA Book Week
CBCA Book Week 2020 offers kids the opportunity to be curious, and to use their minds to seek knowledge and new experiences. Story Box Library has created a complete collection of activities that cater for a range of age groups, abilities and interests, and are adaptable for use at home, in the classroom or at the library. Libraries and schools can use this link to download SBL’s CBCA Book Week resources. Using the instructions and templates provided, children can write a letter to a curious creature, solve a curious message, discover what it’s like to be a CBCA judge or...
Sep 10, 2020 - Read more
Culturally Diverse and Inclusive Titles
Diversity and inclusivity in publishing has become more of a focus over the past few years, helped by the #OwnVoices movement and a growing need for all readers to be able to see themselves in books. This is especially important in children’s and young adult fiction as highlighted by the Knights Of campaign #BooksThatMatter In addition to publishers like Knights Of, here in Australia we have Magabala Books who promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and illustrators. Other major publishers including New South Books, Walker Books, and Simon & Schuster, have been publishing more diverse titles – authored by...
Sep 7, 2020 - Read more
Dear Customer, We hope that you and your colleagues are staying well as the library world adapts to the new normal. Whether your library has reopened in some capacity, remains closed, or has unfortunately reclosed due to regional restrictions, please know that we are here to help you maintain an appealing collection that will engage your community. On 29th July 2020, we released the next phase of collectionHQ enhancements designed to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on your collection data, including: Updates to Dead On Arrival (DOA) Dashboard and Reports DOA Dashboard Charts and Reports help you to identify material added...
Aug 10, 2020 - Read more
James Bennett's 2021 Calendar Competition
Has Your Library Been Responding with Innovation to the Covid-19 Pandemic Restrictions?! We’re looking for 12 amazing photos, from 12 incredible libraries, for our 2021 James Bennett wall calendar. This year our theme is “Thriving in Lockdown: Engaging with Your Community” and we want you to submit a photo that you feel highlights how your library has continued to engage with your community during the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions. What you need to know: Due date: images need to be received at James Bennett by 5pm AEDT, Friday 14th August to be considered. File size: Images must be high resolution: 300dpi...
Jul 26, 2020 - Read more
Entertainment News Update Part II: Physical Product Makes a Resurgence
It’s not just movie studios that are working hard to find a ‘new normal’ right now. Free to air TV should be reaping the rewards of everyone staying at home, looking for entertainment, yet they haven’t like you’d expect. There have been some success stories, Lego Masters and Masterchef are both doing well, thanks to both of them being shown across multiple days, and family focused. Beyond those though, it’s not been great for the networks and free to air TV is also suffering from the same production delays that the movie studios are. This is even more exaggerated when...
Jun 1, 2020 - Read more
Entertainment News Update: Physical Product Makes a Resurgence
Right now cinemas are closed across the globe, and even as they reopen in the coming weeks and months, it’s unlikely that they’ll go back to the way we remember them for a while. There are likely to be fewer sessions per day and the sessions won’t be as full as cinemas put social distancing policies in place. All of that will have impact on the box office results for movies – it will be a long time before we see movies get billion dollar box office results. Even the biggest studios – Disney, Sony, Warner, etc – are suffering...
May 25, 2020 - Read more
New Carousels and Lists on JBO
The Library landscape has seen some rapid changes over the last month and we want to support the innovation we are so proud to be seeing in our industry. So, James Bennett have created a new e-scape carousel on JBO dedicated to highlighting eAudio and eBooks for escaping while in social isolation. While these are indeed challenging times, we hope this initiative will help to ease one aspect of your work life. Lists include: VIC PRC eBooks NSW PRC eBooks For Mothers eBook Sale! Severn House 1st in Series Aussie Fiction must-haves-ebooks And MORE! Don’t forget our regular carousels are...
Apr 30, 2020 - Read more
COVID-19 Update: James Bennett is OPEN and Shipping
COVID-19 Update: James Bennett is OPEN and Shipping. We’re working proactively with all our suppliers so we can continue to deliver the quality service you know from us. Our main advantage in this situation is that almost our entire supply chain is Australian based which means our pricing is shielded from the sudden drop in foreign exchange rates keeping the products well priced. Our suppliers have all indicated they too will remain open as long as we’re ordering and supporting them during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will remain open until the government instructs all businesses to go into full shutdown....
Apr 30, 2020 - Read more
Safe Online Library Resources For Your Community
You may be closed right now, but Story Box Library has 3 easy ways to help you offer patrons 24/7 access to favourite Australian and NZ children’s stories and storytellers. 1. Virtual Storytimes Complement your live storytime readings with Story Box Library! Our short film content and videos from a soon-to-be released initiative show the author’s/illustrator’s creative process and stories behind the stories. Plus, they’re permissable for you to use, in their entirety, on social media! Aren’t offering your own live storytime? Use us! Share our story release announcements on social media (1-2/week), or share a tale for your patrons...
Apr 2, 2020 - Read more
4,000 FREE digital titles for your Axis 360 collection!
James Bennett has partnered with our publisher partners to give our customers free access to over 4k multi-user eBooks in Axis 360! This includes a wide range of Pre-K through 12th grade fiction and non-fiction titles. From crafts and science to mystery and suspense, this collection can help your patrons with eLearning or recreational reading. Contact us to request these titles for your Axis 360 collection. The free multi-user titles will be loaded to your repository for discovery and use within your overall collection. You will receive notification once they are made active for your library. Titles will be available...
Apr 2, 2020 - Read more
Free access to PressReader newspapers and magazines for a month
At a time when being connected and having access to credible news sources is more important than ever, we offer PressReader with an additional free month on an annual subscription. PressReader offers the following: Over 7,000 newspapers &magazines from 160 countries, in 100 languages, with translation into 18 languages Unlimited simultaneous multi-user access Seamless offsite and onsite access News from credible sources Supports interaction and collaboration with others across the world, all in one place Built for an engaging reading experience, with search functionality and topic alerts Take a look here to see how easy it is for your members to access PressReader Contact your Sales...
Apr 2, 2020 - Read more
We have the perfect solution with some great priced DVD packs for you! Contact us for more information. Keep watching for our newsletters, we will continue to post new promotions at regular intervals.
Apr 2, 2020 - Read more
10% discount on all new CHQ and ESP subscriptions
Work Smarter, Not Harder. When resources are tight and spending collection dollars wisely is vital, libraries need a streamlined collection development process that ensures you have the titles you need, when and where you need them. CHQ is an Analytics Engine that can: Supercharge your collection, boost patron experience and maximize Circulation. Save time, save money, improve performance Make more effective use of your collection budget Identify usage trends to improve buying ESP revolutionises collection development: Integrates with James Bennett online services Uses predictive analytics to support selection decisions Reduces DOA Increases ROI Contact your Sales Rep or email us direct for more information.
Apr 2, 2020 - Read more
The Mirror & The Light Reading Guide
James Bennett are excited to bring you the below Bookclub Questions for The Mirror & The Light. BOOKCLUB QUESTIONS • Thomas Cromwell is now in his fi fties, ‘the same small quick eyes, the same thickset imperturbable body; the same schedules.’ But to what extent is he a different man to the one we know from Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies? How has his character developed? • Discuss Hilary Mantel’s use of the present tense in The Mirror & the Light. She allows us to follow her characters in real time as they make decisions the consequences of...
Mar 16, 2020 - Read more
PressReader has been honored as a Gold Award Recipient in the 2020 Modern Library Awards
The awards are presented annually to recognize excellence in products and services for libraries. "Receiving this award validates all the hard work our team puts into building a platform that has become a standard in libraries around the world," said Mark Ritchie, Director of Libraries at PressReader. "We take the judge's feedback seriously, and we will continue to work towards an inclusive platform that not only provides valuable content, but connects communities at large." Mark Ritchie Director of Libraries at PressReader
Mar 8, 2020 - Read more
Partnering with Good Reading in 2020
In 2020 James Bennett is partnering with Good Reading (GR) to make it easy for you to keep in touch with what’s hot and what’s not. Good Reading is Australia’s most popular print magazine and trusted digital resource about books and reading. With a subscription, library members and staff can access their suite of magazines, including Good Reading, SpineOut (for YAs) and PK mag (for primary kids), plus an array of digital resources including book reviews, interviews, exclusive articles, video content, podcasts, flip-book and HTML versions of our magazines and latest book news, all with a high level of Australian content....
Mar 8, 2020 - Read more
Emma Wiggle Announced as NSS 2020 Storyteller
For the last six years, Story Box Library have been bringing the National Simultaneous Storytime book to life with dynamic storytellers and fun locations! Last year, they filmed the always-hilarious Alpacas with Maracas at Stanton Library. Amidst the passion evident within the library’s walls, they filmed their latest story release, Barney, read by Stanton’s own Yasmin Greenhalgh ... And they got some footage of alpacas roaming library shelves to get readers into the NSS spirit! This year, Story Box Library are bringing the glitter and feather boas to a reading of Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas! With Emma Watkins...
Mar 8, 2020 - Read more
NEW Australian Children’s Laureate 2020-21
Children’s author Ursula Dubosarsky has been chosen as the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2020–21. The theme of Dubosarsky’s two-year term will be ‘Read for your life’. Dubosarsky told Books+Publishing she hopes to increase the number of children who join their local library during her time as Laureate. James Bennett's Profiling and Selection team member, Katrina, was at the event announcing Dubosarsky's appointment and we are all very excited to see what Ursula has planned over the next 2 years. Each month, James Bennett’s Book Marked will showcase titles, share Laureate related activities, and provide updates on the Laureate’s monthly theme, as...
Mar 8, 2020 - Read more
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James Bennett
Unit 3, 114 Old Pittwater Road
Brookvale NSW 2100, Australia
P: +61 2 8988 5000