By Laura Michell
Books, authors and a love of reading will be celebrated at Whittlesea libraries next month.
Yarra Plenty Regional Library will run a series of events honouring books as part of its Booklovers Festival from September 6 to 21.
Reading and literacy co-ordinator and award-winning author Sarah Schmidt said the festival was designed to spark creativity and connections in the community and break down barriers between audiences and writers.
“There is so much creativity and undiscovered writing talent bubbling in the suburbs and we’re excited to spotlight local and emerging writers throughout the festival,” she said.
“At its heart, Booklovers Festival is about connecting attendees to their community and to themselves.”
The festival will include author events, a silent reading garden party, a tasting afternoon matching chocolate to recommended reads, and bilingual Macedonian and Australian readings and performances. Librarians will offer a book valet service, curating personalised reading lists for library members.
YPRL chief executive Jane Cowell said the libraries were aiming to make the festival accessible and inclusive.
“Large, traditional literacy festivals can be intimidating,” she said. “At Booklovers, attendees mix and workshop their projects with authors and other community members in relaxed, familiar settings.
“Libraries are now creative community hubs and we welcome everyone to come along and get inspired at this year’s Booklovers Festival.”
Details: yprl.vic.gov.au
