Friday 18 February 2011

Some of New Zealand’s leading authors are doing their bit to support the people of Christchurch by participating in a fundraising reading event in Auckland Libraries next week.

Writers’ Read In is a joint initiative between the New Zealand Society of Authors and Auckland Libraries and will see more than 120 authors reading some of their work at around 32 locations across the region.

There will be several authors at each venue with sessions at 1pm or 6pm. Entry will be by gold coin donation, with proceeds going to the New Zealand Government Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

Among the authors participating are Emily Perkins, Tessa Duder, and James George, who will read for about eight to 10 minutes.
Maggie Tarver, CEO of the New Zealand Authors Society is also delighted to be involved in the fundraising initiative. “I am overwhelmed with the amazing response we have received to this initiative. Over 134 writers have now committed their time to read from their work in libraries spread across Auckland. The idea started with one library and a few writers and has grown into a significant literary event.”

Author James George says the event is a way for the country’s literary community to show its support. “In tough times like this, the least each of us can do to support our friends in need is to do what we do normally, what we do best. Writing and reading are among our most treasured gifts, with our words and stories linking us from hand to hand, from ear to ear. We're not all fire-fighters and rescue workers, we can't all be in Christchurch. But we are writers and readers and by doing that which we do, and dip into our pockets while doing it, we can contribute in our own way.”

Auckland Libraries is also offering free three month memberships to earthquake evacuees and is accepting returns on behalf of the Christchurch City Library.

“We’ve had quite a bit of interest from people who fled Christchurch to Auckland and were wanting to access library services and we were happy to do what we could,” says Mrs Dobbie.

What: Authors Read In
When: Friday, 25 March at 1pm and 6pm.
Where: For a full programme go to www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz or www.authors.org.nz

ENDS

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