Author talks and workshops tour of Melbourne

The State Library of Victoria in partnership with Public Libraries Victoria Network is touring 14 of Australia’s most popular and engaging authors as part of High Road to Reading, a statewide author talks and workshops program.

Sue Roberts, CEO and State Librarian, is proud of how the program has developed in collaboration with Public Libraries Victoria Network.

‘This is a huge program visiting 53 venues throughoutVictoriaand featuring 33 great Australian authors. Our strong partnership with Public Libraries Victoria Network enables this broad-based community program to reach as many Victorians as possible.’

‘This year we celebrate 100 years since the domed reading room opened and reflect on the State Library’s role in the community over the past century. We continue to celebrate the importance of our Library as a cultural and knowledge centre ofVictoria, something which remains as relevant today as it was when the domed reading room first opened in 1913.’

‘To service Victorian communities 100 years ago the Library shipped books in wooden crates to readers around the state. Technology now enables us to bring more of our collection and services to more people than ever before, while initiatives like High Road to Reading are extending the rich program of events held in Melbourne to every corner of the State.’

‘I will be travelling aroundVictoriathroughout our Dome Centenary year to hear from communities about how we can continue to deliver programs and services that generate new knowledge and ideas for Victorians. Getting that right is very important.’

Touring authors include bestselling and internationally acclaimed Looking for Alibrandi author Melina Marchetta; true crime writer and journalist Liz Porter; musician, performer and writer Dave Graney; Chloe Quigley,  co-creator of ‘Michi Girl’ discussing her writing and the all-important questions of fashion; and show business all-rounder, actress, singer and author Jane Clifton.

Complementing High Road to Reading, a special program for primary and secondary children will run a series of workshops and author in Beaumaris, Footscray, and Yarraville.

To see the full listing of author events in May and June 2013 or for more information about High Road to Reading visit: slv.vic.gov.au/high-road-to-reading.

May and June events in Melbourne

Watsonia Library
Yarra Plenty Regional Library
Thurs 16 May 2013
Melina Marchetta
2–3 pm

Pakenham Library
Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation
Sun 19 May 2013
Toni Jordan
2.30–3.30 pm

Phoenix Park Library
Stonnington Library & Information Service
Tues 21 May 2013
Liz Porter
11.30 am – 12.30 pm

Brighton Library
Bayside Library Service
Tues 21 May 2013
Maureen McCarthy
6.30–7.30 pm

Prahran Library
Stonnington Library & Information Service
Tues 21 May 2013
Dave Graney
6.30–7.30 pm

Melbourne City Library
Melbourne Library Service
Tues 21 May 2013
Jane Clifton and Denise Scott
7.30–9 pm

Fawkner Library
Moreland City Libraries
Wed 22 May 2013
Chloe Quigley (Michi Girl) 
2–3.30 pm

Footscray Library
Maribyrnong Library Service 
Wed 22 May 2013
Liz Porter
4.30–5.30 pm

Footscray Library
Maribyrnong Library Service
Wed 22 May 2013
Liz Porter
6.30–7.30 pm

Frankston Library
Frankston City Libraries
Wed 22 May 2013
Andrew Rule
6.30–7.30 pm

Coburg Library
Moreland City Libraries
Wed 22 May 2013
Chloe Quigley (Michi Girl)
7–8.30 pm

Nunawading Library
Whitehorse Manningham Regional Library Corporation
Wed 22 May 2013 
Dave Graney
7–8 pm

Narre Warren Library
Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation
Wed 29 May 2013
Jane Clifton
7–8 pm

Beaumaris Library
Bayside Library Service
Sat 1 June 2013
Andy Griffiths
2.30–3.30 pm

Doncaster Library
Whitehorse Manningham Regional Library Corporation
Wed 5 June 2013
Jane Clifton
7–8 pm

Coburg Library
Moreland City Libraries
Wed 12 June 2013
Tanya Ha
1–2.30 pm

Coburg Library
Moreland City Libraries
Wed 12 June 2013
Tanya Ha
7–8.30 pm

Cranbourne Community Theatre
Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation
Sat 15 June 2013
Michael Robotham
2–3 pm

Prahran Library
Stonnington Library & Information Service
Tues 18 June 2013
Benjamin Law
6.30–7.30 pm

Frankston Library
Frankston City Libraries
Sat 22 June 2013
Andy Griffiths
11 am–12 pm

Melbourne City Library
Melbourne Library Service
Wed 26 June 2013
Andrew Rule
6.45pmfor7–8pm

About the program
The three year program is delivered by the State Library of Victoria in partnership with Public Libraries Victoria Network. Author tours take place in April, May and June each year and all Victorian public library services have the opportunity to participate. In 2013, 18 library services acrossVictoriawill take part in the program.

About the Library’s dome
Originally commissioned for the Library’s 50th anniversary, and envisaged as a crowning glory to the city’s intellectual and artistic centre, the dome symbolised the making of a new world – socially, politically and creatively.

Over the past century, it has inspired generations of writers, artists, researchers, students and visitors. More than a remarkable architectural accomplishment, it represents all that the Library has to offer the world: a vast collection, expert staff, a place to connect with the community, and a source of ideas, learning and pleasure.

END