Library News
Walkley Award-winning journalist, Malcolm Knox, coming to Maitland
The versatile journalist and author, Malcolm Knox, will appear as part of Maitland City Library’s Look Who’s Talking programme on Wednesday 2 December.
Knox’s versatility is evident in the positions he has held at The Sydney Morning Herald, ranging from chief cricket correspondent to literary editor. He covered the Sydney Olympic Games for the Herald and the 2000 US Presidential election as a Los Angeles-based correspondent. As literary editor, he broke the story of the fake Jordanian memoirist, Norma Khouri, which won him a Walkley Award (Investigative Journalism category) in 2004. He won another Walkley Award in 2007.
He has published 10 books including the novels Summerland, for which he was named as one of 2000’s Best Young Novelists and A Private Man, winner of a Ned Kelly Award and a finalist in seven other Australian and international prizes. More recently, his novel, Jamaica, was short listed for the 2008 Prime Minister's Literary Awards and the 2008 Colin Roderick Award.
His non-fiction book, Secrets of the Jury Room won an Alex Buzo prize for research and was serialised on ABC Radio. Other non-fiction works include Scattered, an investigation into Australia's Ice crisis and The Greatest, a celebration of Australian cricket from 1993 – 2008.
Malcolm has also worked as an editorial consultant for the publisher Pan Macmillan and is a board member of the Copyright Agency Limited.
“Malcolm Knox is an interesting and provocative writer,” said City Librarian, Keryl Collard. “”From current affairs to cricket, his writing is both inspiring and witty.”
Malcolm Knox will appear at the River Royal Inn, Morpeth on Wednesday 2 December 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm. The cost of this event is $25.00 per person and includes lunch.
Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning Maitland Library on 4933 6952. Malcolm Knox’s books will be available for sale and signing at the event, courtesy of Angus and Robertson.
An evening with Di Morrissey
Di Morrissey is one of the most successful writers Australia has ever produced, and with sixteen consecutive bestsellers to her name, she shows no sign of slowing down. Join this prodigious and popular author for cocktails and canapés on Friday 13 November as she discusses her latest release, The Silent Country, for Maitland City Library’s Look Who’s Talking programme.
Di's first novel, Heart of the Dreaming became an instant best seller when it was published in 1991. This marked the beginning of a hugely successful writing career. Her sixteen novels to date have been best sellers with her seventeenth novel The Silent Country, released this month, destined to achieve the same status.
Di writes for and about Australians, exploring issues that affect us all and weaving these into her stories. She has a strong awareness of the issues confronting all Australians and covers such diverse themes as love of family, heritage, Australian identity, the environment, reconciliation and spirituality.
In The Silent Country, TV producer Veronica Anderson travels to the Northern Territory to retrace the journey of an expedition that had set out 50 years earlier to film the outback, but which mysteriously ended in tragedy. Few of the group are still alive and they are reluctant to talk about the intriguing events. It is through the help of local park ranger, Jamie McIntosh, that Veronica begins to piece together the puzzle and discover the answers – a process that breaks the silence and changes her life.
Di has had a varied career: training as a journalist with Australian Consolidated Press and becoming Women's Editor for The Daily Mail Group in London, before working as a creative copywriter for Ogilvy and Mather Advertising. She had her own television program in the United States on CBS and was a regular presenter on Network 10 Australia. In addition to radio broadcasting, she has written for TV, film and theatre.
Di Morrissey will be appearing at Monte Pio Court in Maitland on Friday 13 November 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm. The cost of this event is $30.00 per person and includes cocktails and canapés. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning Maitland Library on 4933 6952. Di Morrissey’s books will be available for sale and signing at the event, courtesy of McDonald’s Booksellers.
The business of being a bloke
Sam De Brito, well known blogger for the Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne Age, will expound on the business of being a bloke when he appears on the popular Look Who’s Talking programme Friday 16 October.
Described as a writer of caustic strength and sarcastic wit, De Brito is the author of three books, including No Tattoos Before You're Thirty, an advice guide to the author's yet-to-be-born children, Building a Better Bloke, a humorous self-improvement guide drawing from his experiences and feedback from his blog, and The Lost Boys, a novel, about the horrors of life past age 35. A fourth book, No Sex with Your Ex, is scheduled for publication in November this year.
De Brito is not afraid to provoke in his popular blog, All Men Are Liars, where he discusses the complexities of being a man, including everything from gender issues to body image and depression to porn. Drawing on a lifetime of observation, as well as the responses he gets from readers, De Brito’s writing is modern, funny and self-deprecating. . In 2006, All Men Are Liars was voted best Australian and New Zealand blog in The Weblog Awards and runner up in the same competition in 2007.
Sam de Brito has spent more than a decade writing for newspapers, film and TV, including the high profile television cop-dramas, Water Rats, White Collar Blue and Stingers. He has also been a journalist for the Daily Telegraph and the US tabloid Star.
Sam De Brito will appear at Mansfield Function Centre, Maitland on Friday 16 October, 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm. Bookings for this event are essential and can be made by phoning Maitland City Library on 4933 6952. Admission is $25.00 per person and includes lunch. Book now
First Friday Book Chat @ Thornton Library
Thornton Library's First Friday Tea and Book Chat provides an opportuntity to share your love of books with others, in a fun and friendly environment. Bring along a recently enjoyed read and have a lively informal discussion whilst enjoying a complimentary morning tea. The First Friday Tea and Book Chat will broaden and enrich your reading choices, so bring along that funny, quirky or wonderful title you would love the world to know about!. Feel free to drop in and join a First Friday Tea and Book Chat at Thornton Library on the first Friday of every month from 10.30- 11.30 am. We look forward to sharing the reading experience with you!
Read the books, watch the movies!
Visit your local library to choose from a wide range of stories and movies to borrow during the Fiction into Fillm Festival. Books, audio books, videos and DVDs for children, teens and adults. Read the story then watch it come to life on the screen. Enjoy the movie then read the story for added detail and description.
Maitland City Library has a wide range of books in paperback, hardcover and large print. You can also listen to books on CD or MP3 - in the car, around the home or on your iPod. Then watch the story come to life on DVD and come along to the Friday night films "Whale Rider", "Shipping News", "Charlie and Chocolate Factory" and "Neverending Story".
There is something for everyone to enjoy during the Fiction into Film Festival at Maitland City Library.
Festival in the Park
To celebrate Mental Health Week 2009, Samaritans, Hunter Area Health and Maitland City Library present Festival in the Park. Maitland Living Library will join with ACON to provide a diverse selection of Living Books. Kids can be entertained by our master storytellers. Come and enjoy the wide variety of treats on offer!
Saturday 10 October 2009, 10.00am- 2.00 pm at Green Hills Gardens .
Fantasy fun during the school holidays
Fantasy fun is the theme at Maitland City Library these holidays, with some great activities for kids of all ages.
A live performance of the fabulous children’s story, Nobody Owns the Moon, is one of the holiday highlights. Recently short listed for Picture Book of the Year, Nobody Owns the Moon will come to life as the award winning theatre company Tony Bones Entertainment performs it live on stage with original music, song, dance, thrilling drama, puppetry and comedy. For ages 3–10, this whimsical story about friendship and belonging is a must see performance that is sure to captivate young and old.Nobody Owns the Moon will be performed at East Maitland Library on Tuesday, 6 October 9.30 am – 10.30 am.
En Garde! Check out the free fencing demonstration by members of the University of Newcastle Fencing Club at Thornton Library on Friday, 9 October 9.30 am – 10.30 am.
Budding artists will enjoy a Manga drawing workshop at Rutherford Library on Tuesday 13 October 9.30 am – 12.00 pm. Ideal for ages 10 – 18
Get into wargaming when an expert from the Games Workshop will present a free talk on the hobby, demonstrate a range of Lord of the Rings fantasy figures and then launch into battle on Wednesday14 October 11.00 am – 1.00 pm.
Maitland Library’s Puppet Theatre will entertain the young and the young at heart with tales of witches, goblins, knights and wizards at Maitland Mall 12.30am – 1.00 pm each Thursday and Friday during the holidays.
Finally, what is a fantasy event without Harry Potter? Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets will be showing at East Maitland Library from 2.00 pm on Wednesday, 14 October.. There will be giveaways for everyone in costume and a prize for the best dressed.
Bookings for all events are essential and can be made by contacting Maitland Library on phone 4933 6952 or by email to programmes@maitland.nsw.gov.au.
See the entire October School Holiday programme here.
Books Alive comes to Maitland
Maitland City Library will play host to two of Australia’s up and coming contemporary writers as part of the national Books Alive campaign, a month-long celebration of books and readinng running throughout September.
The aim of the Books alive campaign is simple – to encourage all Australians to read more books,” said Sandra Yates, chair of Books Alive. “Books Alive 2009 is a perfect way to get Australians young and old reading. With the 50 Books You Can’t Put Down guide, readers can find a title that’s right for them and enjoy the talents of some of Australia’s best writers,” she added.
Throughout the month-long campaign, 1.2 million copies of the guide, 50 Books You Can’t Put Down, will be available through book retailers and libraries right across Australia, including Maitland City Library branches.
Toni Jordan is the author of Addition, a sassy romantic comedy with a quirky, headstrong protagonist. Described as irresistible, and though-provoking, Addition is about Grace, a young woman with obsessive-compulsive disorder who can tell you the number of bristles in her toothbrush and the number of paces to almost anywhere. Any deviation from her routine throws her into a panic yet Grace is also attractive, brainy, witty and strong-willed. Despite her buttoned-up personality traits she has a conveniently powerful libido and wisecracks her way out of many a tight spot. Join Toni for a literary lunch at the Readers Café, East Maitland Library on Monday 21 September.
Virginia Lloyd wrote The Young Widow’s Book of Home Improvement while living in New York, having won a green card in the annual lottery. A reluctant memoirist, Virginia initially entertained the idea of writing a fictionalised version of her story, but decided that the truth was dramatic enough. The Young Widow’s Book of Home Improvement is a powerful and gutsy story that explores the complexities of love, death and loss without sentimentality. This book provides some penetrating insights into our universal experiences of love and grief. Virginia Lloyd will appear at Café P’Chinos on Tuesday 22 September.
Books Alive is an Australian Government initiative developed throughout the Australia Council for the Arts and supported by the local book industry.
Event details include:
Toni Jordan Monday 21 September 1.00 pm – 2.30 pm
Readers Café East Maitland Library $25 per person (includes lunch)
Virginia Lloyd Tuesday 22 September 10.00 am – 11.30 am
Café P’Chinos Melbourne Street East Maitland $10 per person (includes morning tea)
Bookings for each of these exciting events are essential and can be made by phoning Maitland City Library on 4933 6952.
Exposed: Our Criminal Past
Discover the dark shadows of the Hunter’s criminal past in an event that is not to be missed. From the safety of the present, an expert panel will uncover the scandals and crimes that have shocked us over time. Exposed, a unique event presented by Maitland City Library and Maitland Gaol,promises to provide a unique look into crime through the eyes of crime writers and crime fighters.
Dr Ian Gollan, a prominent local identity and veterinarian, will lead a discussion that promises to range from crimes of the time to those of the murky past. Why do we, as a society, have such a strong fascination with crime and does crime mirror contemporary social issues? Has our exposure to crime changed our outlook? What power does the written word wield over our attitude to crime? These are some of the questions that our panel will seek to address.
Panel members include Sandra Lee (journalist and author of Beyond Bad: the Life and Crimes of Katherine Knight), Duncan McNab (former detective with the NSW police force) and Tony Tamplin (Media Liaison Officer for the Newcastle Police.
Sandra Lee is an Australian journalist and author with more than two decades experience in the daily newspaper and magazine publishing industry in Australia and the United States. She has worked as an assistant editor, foreign correspondent and columnist for The Daily Telegraph,columnist for The Sunday Telegraphand special features writer for Sunday magazine. Sandra is the author of three non-fiction books: the best-selling 18 Hours, The True Story of an SAS War Hero, Beyond Bad; The Life And Crimes Of Katherine Knight, Australia’s Hannibal and The Promise, An Iraqi Mother’s Desperate Flight to Freedom.
A former detective in the NSW police force, Duncan McNab moved into sleuthing for criminal defence cases and the corporate world, then worked as a producer/journalist for programs such as 4 Corners and Sunday and in the print media as well. Duncan is the author of TheUsual Suspect, a biography of notorious crime figure Abe Saffron, The Dodger, based on the life of ex-policeman Roger Rogerson, and Dead Man Running, an exposé of the world's most feared motorcycle gang: The Bandidos.
Senior Constable Tony Tamplin is the Media Liaison Officer for the Newcastle Police and is the public face of police information in the Hunter. A Newcastle boy, born and bred, Tony is known for his wit and has been in the Police Force for 31 years, almost all of it in Newcastle, having held the position of Media Liaison Officer for the past 25 years.
Exposed: Our Criminal Pastwill be held Thursday 10 September 6.00pm – 8.00 pm at the Maitland Gaol Auditorium. The event, which celebrates NSW History Week, is presented by Maitland City Library in partnership with Maitland Gaol in the first of a new Look Who’s Talking History series.
Entry to the event is $10.00 per person and bookings can be made through phoning Maitland Library on 4933 6952, Maitland Gaol on 4936 6482 or online at www.maitlandgaol.com.au/historyweek
Thrilling crime from a former paramedic
Katherine Howell used to be a paramedic and now she writes crime thrillers about people in that job. Howell uses her expertise as a former paramedic to combine the police procedural genre with adrenlaine-charged emergencies handled by ambulance crews.
'Using real life experiences in fiction gives the work that unmistakable ring of truth," says Katherine. "It's this fine level of detail that can really bring a scene to life for the reader."
Fresh from the success of the 2009 Davitt Award (Readers Choice category), Katherine Howell is set to keep Maitland audiences on the edge of their seats when she appears on Friday 4 september for the Maitland City Library Look Who's Talking programme. A week ago, the 500 members of sisters in Crime voted Howell's second novel, The Darkest Hour, as the top book of 2008.
Howell was the winner of the 2007 Davitt Award for best new crime novel by a woman writer for her book, FranticEach of Howell’s books are crime thrillers, which feature a different paramedic whose life spirals into danger alongside Sydney police detective Ella Marconi who lands the job of sorting out the mess.
Katherine Howell’s novels have been published in Australia, the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Russia. Recent UK reviews describe her work as ‘finely paced and engrossing’, and say that ‘the former Sydney paramedic is set to do for that profession what US author Patricia Cornwell did for forensic pathologists’.
“Howell’s fast-moving plots are taut and suspenseful,” said City Librarian, Keryl Collard. “She brings a gripping sense of reality and drama to her books.”
Katherine Howell will appear at the Family Hotel, Maitland on Friday 4 September, 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm. Entry is $10.00 per person and includes wine and canapés. Bookings are essential for this event and can be made by phoning Maitland Library on 4933 6952. This is a Maitland City Library Look Who’s Talking event
Write Now! Award Winners
The winners of the Write Now! Awards were announced at a special presentation ceremony on Wednesday 26 August at East Maitland Library. The awards recognised excellence in writing by infants and primary aged children in the Maitland area and were established by the Friends of Maitland City Library in partnership with Maitland City Library and the University of Newcastle last year.
"The aim of the award is to encourage literacy development, foster creativity and promote pride in achievement for children in the local Maitland area,” said Barbara Gow, Friends of Maitland City Library Chairperson. “It has provided an exciting opportunity for infants and primary aged students to develop their writing skills and be rewarded for their efforts.”
The award was open to entrants from years K to 6, including Stages 1, 2 and 3. Winning and highly commended entries were awarded to the following children.
Stage 1
Winner: Jonathon Willmot
(Home Educated)
Highly Commended: Jessica Sleap
(Bolwarra Public School)
Stage 2
Joint-Winner: Jordyn McFerran
(East Maitland Public School)
Joint-Winner: Elizabeth Gioia
(Thornton Public School)
Stage 3
Winner: Gabrielle Cadenhead
(East Maitland Public School)
Highly Commended: Brianna McDougall
(Bolwarra Public School)
Write Now! entries are currently on display at East Maitland Library.
Award winner to visit Maitland during Children's Book Week
Colin Thompson brings a unique combination of humour, imagination and social conscience to his writing. His latest title, The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness, is currently shortlisted for the 2009 Children’s Book Council Picture Book of the Year, an award he won in 2006 with the critically acclaimed and universally loved Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley. Last year, Thompson received an Honour Award in the same category for his book, Dust. He has been shortlisted for the Astrid Lindgren Award - the most prestigious children's literature prize in the world.
I have always believed in the magic of childhood and think that if you get your life right that magic should never end,’ says Thompson. Since he started writing and illustrating children's books in 1990, Colin Thompson has had more than 50 books published. Thompson, who has worked as a silk-screen printer, graphic designer, stage manager and film maker, has also written for adults. His semi-autobiographical novel, Laughing for beginners, is an exceptionally moving, yet funny account of losing and retrieving sanity.
More recently he has raised over $120,000 for the Save the Children organisation through the picture book Dust. Inspired by 2005 television news reports of starvation in Niger, Colin decided to organise the book to raise money to try and help those who cannot help themselves. He wrote the book and he and 13 other illustrators each did an illustration.
Colin is currently working on two adult novels, an illustrated book of poetry, two film scripts, a TV series called Fairies (which is not a children’s series!) and a sequel to Dust.
Maitland City Library will host Colin Thompson at Brough House, Church Street, Maitland on Tuesday 25 August, from 6.00 – 8.00 pm. The cost is $10.00 per person including wine and canapés. Bookings are essential for this event and may be made by phoning Maitland Library on 4933 6952.
Take a Book Safari during Children's Book Week
Kids are invited to come on a Book Safari to discover some great stories with Maitland City Library during Children’s Book Week 24-28 August. Join the expedition at any of the Library’s branches and go wild with the world of books.
Children’s Book Week is a great time to experience the magic of stories,” said City Librarian, Keryl Collard. Maitland City Library has an exciting programme aimed at highlighting quality books for children, including storytelling and author visits.”
Children’s Book Week is the longest running children's festival in Australia, enjoying its 64th birthday in 2009. The prestigious Children’s Book Week Awards are given every year in recognition of quality children’s literature. This is a great time for celebrating books and the joy of reading with local children.
Visitors to Maitland City Library branches can expect some wild scenes as children from preschools and primary schools join the Book Safari. The Library’s expert storytelling team will present a selection of the best stories from the 2009 Children’s Book Week Awards short list during the week.
Maitland City Library is also pleased to host the prize winning children’s author and illustrator, Colin Thompson, during Book Week. Colin won Picture Book of the Year during the 2006 Book Week Awards for The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley and has been shortlisted for many other awards, including the Astrid Lindgren Award - the most prestigious children's literature prize in the world. This year The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness has been shortlisted for Best Picture Book.
Children’s Book Week events are suitable for preschool, infants and primary school groups. Bookings are essential and may be made by contacting the friendly staff at Maitland City Library on phone 4933 6952 for session times and details
Write Now! Children's Literary Award to be announced during Children's Book Week
Winners of the Write Now! Children’s Literary Award will be announced during Children’s Book Week. A special presentation to Write Now! winners will take place at East Maitland Library on Wednesday 26 August.
Entries have been shortlisted and will be judged by a panel including local crime writer, Barry Maitland, the City Librarian and representatives from the University of Newcastle and the Friends of Maitland City Library.
The following prizes will be awarded:
- First place, Stage 1 students $100.00 voucher at McDonalds Bookshop
- First place, Stage 2 students $100.00 voucher at McDonalds Bookshop
- First place, Stage 3 students $100.00 voucher at McDonalds Bookshop
- Highly commended awards $25.00 voucher at McDonalds Bookshop
The award recognises excellence in writing by infants and primary aged children in the Maitland area and were established by the Friends of Maitland City Library in partnership with Maitland City Library and the University of Newcastle in 2008.
Entrants, friends, families and school teachers are welcome to attend the award presentation, which will be held 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm on 26 August at East Maitland Library. Bookings can be made by phoning 4933 6952.
Dont judge a book by it's cover
The Living Library, a new community initiative based on sharing stories to increase understanding and acceptance, is set to commence operation this week. The Living Library is just like a regular library, but with one difference – in a Living Library, people are the books!
The Maitland Living Library is part of a national initiative to break down barriers through conversation in local communities. It is based on the quirky analogy of calling people books and making them available for short term loan in the safe and welcoming environment of the public library.
Have you ever wanted to know how to rescue bread, what blind people really see or how people smile after something terrible has happened? There are currently over 30 living books in the Maitland Living Library catalogue and the following books are available ‘for loan’ on July 30 -31:
Surviving: Survivor of extreme childhood abuse, changing the law and living with a partner with cancer
Activist: Being an activist and ex-Councillor
The bloody new Australian: Life as a teenager in occupied territory in World War 2 and the bloody new
Australian!
An accidental life: Owning a private zoo and going blind by accident
Moving on: Living with an alcoholic and living with a hearing impediment
Success at 63!: University at 63 and life in a 3rd world country
Suicide and cults: Surviving a son’s suicide after following his father into a cult
Anyone can: Living with an alcoholic father, agoraphobia, brother's death from
AIDS, teenage daughters
Living Books will be available at Maitland Library on Thursday 30 July from 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm and East Maitland Library on Friday 31 July between 10.00 am – 1.00 pm. To reserve a Living Book please phone Maitland Library on 4933 6952 or book online at www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/library.
Barry Maitland in conversation with Peter Corris:
Maitland City Library is proud to host the launch of Barry Maitland’s exciting new crime novel on Friday 24 July, when Maitland joins Peter Corris ‘in conversation’ to probe behind the covers of his latest release, Dark MirrorBarry Maitland is widely recognised as one of Australia’s foremost crime fiction writers and has been nominated by The Australian as one of the top five crime writers in the world. Barry, a well-known local, has written 10 critically acclaimed titles and is the award winning author of the acclaimed Brock and Kolla series of crime mystery novels set in London.
Dark Mirror is Maitland’s eleventh novel, and marks the return of Brock and Kolla after a brief hiatus, when they are brought in to investigate the murder of a mysterious beauty in the London Library. As Brock and Kolla get closer to the truth, another victim dies an excruciating death by poison in a library, and it looks like a serial murderer is on the loose.
Peter Corris has written over 50 books and has been described as the ‘father’ of crime fiction. He is credited with pioneering the crime novel in Australia, being the first to use local, recognisable setting and Australian cultural references. However, it is for Cliff Hardy, a Sydney-based private eye and the central character of many of his novels, that Peter Corris is so well-known. Cliff Hardy has walked the mean streets in 30 novels so far, with his most recent appearance in The Undertow, which was published in December 2006.
This will be a compelling event,” said City Librarian, Keryl Collard. “Two writers who are recognised as masters in their fields will discuss the exciting new Dark Mirror, and provide an insight into why we are fascinated with crime.”
Barry Maitland and Peter Corris will appear ‘in conversation’ on 24 July 6.00 – 8.00 pm at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning Maitland City Library on 4933 6952.
Birthday Celebrations at Thornton Library
Thornton Library is turning 10 this month, and we are inviting you to come along and help us celebrate!Officially opened by Premier Bob Carr on 28 July 1999, Thornton Library has seen its popularity continue to grow in the last 10 years. Over 50 new members join each month and every new joining is able to immediately borrow up to 30 items at a time for three weeks . Many more people visit the library to read the newspaper, browse the magazines or surf the net.
The birthday celebrations have already started with a competition to design a 10th anniversary commemorative bookmark, open to all children up to 12 years of age. A limited run of the winning book mark will be produced and available through the library.
The celebrations continue on Monday 27 July 10.30am with a birthday theme for storytime and a free balloon for every child.
Tuesday 28 July is time to celebrate. At 10.30 am come along to our Baby Book Club for children up to 2 years of age.
Everyone is welcome join the library staff for afternoon tea from 1 p.m
All week drop in to the library and collect a voucher to reserve 3 items for free from any Maitland City Library branch.
Can you guess how many items are in the Thornton collection? (Hint between 16,000 and 20,000). Drop your entry in before 1August to win a fabulous prize.
See you at Thornton Library – Happy 10th Birthday!
Well known author of indigenous literature to visit Maitland during NAIDOC Week
One of Australia’s most prolific and well-known authors of indigenous literature, Dr Anita Heiss, will appear in Maitland as part of Maitland City Library’s Look Who’s Talking programme on Monday 6 July.
A member of the Wiradjuri nation in central NSW, Anita is in town as part of the Library’s NAIDOC Week activities. Anita has not only published across a range of historical fiction, chick lit and poetry, she is also an activist, academic and social commentator.
Her published works include the historical novel Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937, the poetry collection Token Koori, satirical social commentary Sacred Cows, non-fiction text Dhuuluu-Yala (To Talk Straight) – Publishing Aboriginal Literature, and a children’s book entitled Me and My Mum. Anita has also edited editions of Southerly, Five Bells and the anthology Life in Gadigal Country.
In 2008, Anita co-edited with Peter Minter The Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature, which showcases 81 different Aboriginal writers, playwrights, storytellers, poets, songwriters and leaders.
In 2007 Anita released three titles: Not Meeting Mr Right (Random House) for which she won the Deadly Award for Outstanding Contribution to Literature. Her poetry collection also released in 2007 I’m not racist, but… (Salt Publishing) won the Scanlon Prize for Indigenous Poetry and the kids novel Yirra and her deadly dog Demon (ABC Books), was launched at the 2007 Sydney Writers Festival by Her Excellency Marie Bashir, Governor of NSW.
Her latest work Manhattan Dreaming will be released in 2010.
Anita was awarded the ASA Medal for Under 35s for her contribution to Australian community and public life in 2003. In 2004 Anita was awarded the NSW Indigenous Arts Fellowship and was listed in The Bulletin magazine’s “Smart 100”. She was also nominated for a 2004 Deadly Award for Outstanding Achievement in Literature. Anita has performed her works nationally at writers’ festivals across Australia, and internationally in Spain, Austria, the USA, Canada, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, China and New Caledonia. She has also been published widely in journals, anthologies and on-line. Anita has made guest appearances on the ABC's Einstein Factor, Message Stick, Vulture Critical Mass, A Difference of Opinion and The Catch up and 9am with David and Kim.
Dr Anita Heiss will appear on Monday 6 July 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm at the Royal River Inn, Morpeth.
Maitland Living Library Launch
An exciting community initiative is set to be launched by Maitland City Library on Monday 25 May. The Maitland Living Library is part of a national initiative to break down barriers through conversation in local communities. It is based on the quirky analogy of calling people books and making them available for short term loan in the safe and welcoming environment of the public library. In fact, it is just like a regular library, but with one difference – in a Living Library, the books are people!
We all have a story worth telling and worth hearing,” said City Librarian, Keryl Collard. “The Maitland Living Library is an opportunity to increase our understanding of different life experiences through dialogue. Fundamentally, it’s about challenging our views and assumptions, and learning about the experience of others.”
The idea was initiated at a European music festival in an effort to address violence and racism. The concept was that if people actually met and talked to their prejudices, increased understanding would result in less violence. The initiative was taken up by the ‘all different-all equal’ campaign in Europe and Living Libraries are now a popular fixture at music festivals around the world.
In Australia, the first living library was launched by the Lismore community in 2006 thanks to the drive of a Lismore resident who read a small article in the Sydney Morning Herald. It was intended to be a one off event that has since evolved into an ongoing programme, now administered by Lismore Library on a monthly basis. It is part of a national strategy, launched by the Australian Government in 2008, aimed at connecting and strengthening local communities through conversation.
The patron for Living Libraries Australia, well-known actress Noni Hazlehurst, says, “You truly cannot understand or criticise someone until you walk a mile in their shoes - and to do that you have to meet them and talk to them. Living libraries encourage the kind of communication revolution we desperately need, and the possibilities for friendship and enrichment are endless. I can think of no demographic or age group that wouldn't benefit from borrowing from the living library.” Maitland Living Library will operate on a designated day each month from July 2009. Borrowers will be allocated 30 minutes for their book reading and can renew their loan if there are no other bookings. The book and borrower go to the appointed reading place in the Library where they will converse about the Book’s identified subject. The Maitland Living Library will be launched 6.00 pm Monday 25 May 2009 at East Maitland Library. Contact Maitland Library on phone 4933 6952 to book for this event or for more information.
National Simultaneous Storytime at Maitland
On Wednesday 27 May beginning at 11.00am Maitland City Library will join libraries, schools and other community centres from Broome to Hobart, reading the picture book Pete the Sheep to more than a 800,000 Australian children.
Now in its ninth successful year, National Simultaneous Storytime 2009 aims to celebrate and acknowledge the vital work being done in libraries, schools and communities around Australia to develop young people’s literacy and numeracy skills.
This event has been organised by the Australian Library and Information Association to promote the value of reading and literacy, the importance of Australia’s book industry and the role of libraries’’, said City Librarian, Keryl Collard.
This year's book, Pete the Sheep, is written by celebrated author Jackie French and illustrated by Bruce Whatley. The story is about Shaun, a shearer, who doesn't have a sheepdog to help him - he has a sheep, named Pete!
‘We have some guest storytellers participating in National Simultaneous Storytime at Maitland City Library branches,’ said Keryl. ‘Local schools and pre-schools have been invited to attend the sessions which are also open to any children to attend from the general community.’
For information about National Simultaneous Storytime at Maitland City Library branches, contact Maitland Library on 4933 6952, East Maitland Library on 4933 7122, Rutherford Library on 4932 8730 and Thornton Library on 4964 4468.
Treasures for book lovers and bargain hunters
Book lovers and bargain hunters can indulge their passion at the Friends of Maitland City Library annual book sale. The sale will be held Saturday 30 May from 9.00 am – 4.00 pm at the Maitland Town Hall.
It will be a book lover’s paradise’, said Friends of Maitland City Library Chairperson, Barbara Gow. ‘There is a wide selection of books, from fiction to non-fiction, paperback to hardback. People can pick and choose their favourites to take home’.
Each year the style Library sorts through its collections and removes redundant stock and offers them at bargain prices. The Library Book Sale is always a huge hit with members of the community, and it offers great value for money. Prices range from 50c to $2, and library bags can be purchased and filled for $10.
Not only is there a larger selection of books than ever before, bargain hunters will also be able to enjoy a sausage sizzle which will be provided by Ashtonfield Public School P&C Association.Information on the book sale may be obtained by phoning Maitland City Library on 4933 6952.
Local Studies Strategy for Maitland
A new project is underway to coordinate access to historical records relating to the history and heritage of Maitland.As information is held in many locations and by various organisations, community groups and individuals, the key focus of the project is the development of a single electronic access point.
All groups and individuals known to hold records relevant to the project will be sent a questionnaire shortly to complete. This information will assist in locating and understanding the extent of available resources.
Information sessions to assist in completing the questionnaire will be held at Maitland Library on May 12th 10am -12pm and May 13th 6pm-8pm.
The project will also provide best practice guidelines for the preservation of records and will promote partnerships between community groups, government departments, organisations and individuals.
Mayor Peter Blackmore said, “A common issue faced by researchers is not knowing where or how to locate information on the history and heritage of Maitland. This project will, for the first time, provide the ability to locate information electronically from a single access point. It is a major step in the development of the City’s local studies resources.”
For further information about the project, please contact Keryl Collard on 4934704 or Clare James on 49349832.
Writing skills to be rewarded
Maitland kids will be sharpening up their writing skills over the next couple of months as they take on the Write Now! challenge. Entries are now open to Maitland's newewst writing competition, Write Now! - an exciting opportunity for infants and primary aged children in the Maitland area.
The aim of the award is to encourage literacy development, foster creativity and promote pride in achievement for children in the local area,” said Barbara Gow, Friends of Maitland City Library Chairperson. “It will be presented for excellence in creative writing and will be open to K-6 students.”
Kids are invited to write on the theme of ‘My Local Hero’ to be in the running for some great prizes. They can also get some help by attending a series of free writing workshops which will assist in the development of creative writing and presentation skills.
The award is administered by the Friends of Maitland City Library in partnership with Maitland City Library and the University of Newcastle’s Faculty of Education and will be presented during Children’s Book Week in August. Entries close on 19 June
Information about the Write Now! writing challenge is available from all Maitland City Library branches, the Maitland City Library website at www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/library or by phoning 4933 6952
Share your story in the Living Library
We all have a story worth telling and worth hearing. A new community initiative, the Living Library, is based on sharing stories to increase understanding and acceptance. The Living Library, which will be launched by Maitland City Library in 2009, is just like a regular library, but with one difference – in a Living Library, people are the books!
“We are very excited at being able to offer this programme to the community,” said City Librarian, Keryl Collard. “Based on the quirky analogy – calling people ‘books’ and listing them in ‘catalogues’, the Living Library offers a unique, innovative approach to increasing our understanding of serious issues.”
The purpose of a Living Library is to give people an opportunity to speak personally to a 'stranger' in a structured, protected, yet completely free space. It works on the premise that sharing stories through one-on-one conversations provides a way of replacing stereotypes and prejudices with understanding and acceptance.
First launched in Denmark in 2000, it was quickly picked up by the Council of Europe for their all different – all equal campaign and is now a regular feature at music festivals around the world. The Australian government recently launched a national strategy, Living Libraries Australia, which aims to introduce a Living Library into every Australian community.
Patron for Living Libraries Australia, well-known actress, Noni Hazelhurst, said, “You cannot truly understand or criticise someone until you walk a mile in their shoes – and to do that you have to meet them and talk to them.”
Maitland City Library is interested in local people who are willing to share their story openly, while at the same time being able to respond calmly and maturely to stereotypes and prejudices. People that have successfully changed negative or destructive behaviour, navigated a challenging life experience or have a story about a different life experience are encouraged to apply to be volunteer Books.
“A Living Library provides the Maitland community with an effective and low-cost strategy to bring people from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles together in one-on-one conversation. Maitland City Library is excited to be a part of the international groundswell implementing the Living Library concept,” Keryl Collard said.
Information sessions for people interested in becoming a Book in the Maitland Living Library will be held at the end of March. If you are interested in becoming a Living Book please contact Maitland City Library on 4934 9845, use our online registration form or email livinglibrary@maitland.nsw.gov.au for more information.
Connect @ Your Library
Maitland City Library service enriches community life through connecting people with learning and leisure resources.
From books and CDs to relaxing magazines and interesting information.
You can keep up with the latest read by grabbing something from the New Title stand. Feeling busy? Then connect by listening to a book on a CD while in the car, kitchen or garage!
Connect via email or blogs on the internet computers at your library.
Connect with authors through "Look Who's Talking" and fun stories for children at "Reading Adventures".
Babies, parents and carers connect through sharing reading, rhymes and actions.
Meet with friends...Ask the staff for just what you need...Connect with the past through local studies and family history.
Visit your local library today at Maitland, East Maitland, Rutherford and Thornton.
Maitland City Library - Connecting Our Community Return to top
Look Who's Talking in 2009
Get ready to be informed and entertained by the great line-up of authors and events in Maitland City Library's Look Who's talking programme. If you loved last year's programme, listen up for the authors who will be coming to town this year. Read about our 2009 programme
Want quick and easy access to a world of information, anytime and anywhere?
From the world of art, literature, science, health, history or current affairs, to such respected resources as the Oxford English Dictionary and the World Book Encyclopedia, our electronic resource collection is sure to assist with your research needs. A Maitland City Library card is all that is required to get connected, so contact any branch library to enquire about obtaining a card if you do not already have one.
To ensure that the whole community can benefit from our electronic library, all Maitland Library branches provide free public access to computer facilities along with staff assistance to help you get the best results for your research.
Please contact us for further details, or visit our Online Database page to see our full list of online resources or to begin searching.
Its never too early to learn how to read
Our Baby Book Club will commence in February with weekly sessions at all Maitland City Library branches.
Studies have shown that babies as young as 0 - 2 years respond positively to stories and rhymes, and that early literacy development is an important building block for future success at school. Children whose parents read books to them when they are young often learn to speak, read and write more easily. Stories are great for encouraging a range of important skills such as language development, comprehension and counting.
The benefits of reading regularly to your baby are enormous, including increased comprehension and vocabulary development, as well an opportunity to incorporate an enjoyable activity into daily routines. The first two years of life are an important time for language development. By listening to nursery rhymes, songs poems and stories, babies begin to recognise words and language patterns.
The Baby Book Club aims to encourage and promote a positive attitude and desire for reading from an early age and empower parents with the skills to develop their children's literacy.
The Baby Book Club is run on a weekly basis at all Maitland branch libraries. Sessions are 30 minutes in length and include stories, nursery rhymes, songs and finger plays. The programme is designed to be enjoyed by babies from 0 -24 months, accompanied by a parent or carer.