Media Release
The Summer Read - State Library of Victoria Promotes Summer Reading
20 November 2007
The State Library of Victoria is celebrating the joy of summer reading in its latest program, The Summer Read. Using a reader-knows-best policy, The Summer Read asks participants to vote on their favourite from a recommended list of 20 books of fiction, poetry and non-fiction, each set in Victoria or written by Victorians.
The 20 Summer Read books were announced this morning at the State Library of Victoria by Rosemary McKenzie, wife of Victorian Premier John Brumby. Authors Dianne Georgeff and Max Barry helped to launch the program by reading from their own works.
Paula Kelly, manager of reader development at the State Library Victoria believes summer is a great time to read.
‘A good book is essential equipment for the holidays, whether you're on the beach, in the bush or in your own backyard. We think these 20 books are great summer reads but we want to hear what Victorian readers think.
The Summer Read books show Victoria as a place of inspiration and incubation for great writing. By asking readers to vote we hope to encourage the reading of several, if not all, of these books over the summer months,’ she said.
The Summer Read incorporates a series of events throughout summer, offering the opportunity for readers to speak with authors at libraries in Melbourne and throughout Victoria.
The Summer Read web site contains extracts from all 20 recommended books and allows readers to interact with authors and each other by joining authors online and contributing reviews, recommendations and blog entries. The site also includes summer reading reflections by prominent book reviewers and details The Summer Read events around the state.
Voting opens today and closes Friday 1 February 2008. Votes can be submitted in three ways:
Online at: the website (slv.vic.gov.au/goto/summer-read)
Via SMS to: 0427 777 759
Via post to:
Reading Victoria
c/o The State Library Victoria
328 Swanston St
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Readers who vote go into the draw to win a weekend escape in Victoria along with other great summer prizes. The five most popular books will be announced at the State Library of Victoria in February 2008.
The 20 books on The Summer Read list are available at public libraries and bookshops around Victoria. The Summer Read list is available online.
Interviews available upon request.
Media inquiries
Matthew van Hasselt
Media relations coordinator
State Library of Victoria
Ph: 03 8664 7263
Email: mvanhasselt@slv.vic.gov.au
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