Date: February 21st, 2012

New Zealand Book Month 2012 – get ready to turn the page!


It’s that time of year, when the Hastings community comes together to celebrate how books can change lives.

On Thursday March 1st, the Hastings District Libraries and Matariki Wines invite people to celebrate New Zealand Book Month 2012 at the Flaxmere Library with Nalini Singh. The New Zealander and New York Times bestselling author will present an evening called An Intimate Interlude with Nalini Singh.

A range of literary events, including visits by authors Sir Bob Jones and Allyson Gofton, are being held throughout the district over the month of March by the Libraries, their Friends and Matariki Wines, as well as the Live Poets Society, Keirunga creative hub, and local book groups.

Carla Crosbie, Promotions Co-ordinator for Hastings District Libraries, believes New Zealand Book Month plays a vital role in teaching children and parents that books can be fun and engaging for all ages.

“We want to show the community just how much is on offer for them in the Hastings District. There are events for every age group - from preschool story time with local author Joy Watson Grandpa’s Slippers, fun with food author Allyson Gofton, to discussions on Arthur Ransome and his influence on our reading. Keirunga creative hub will host a range of writing workshops as well as book art classes – there really is something for everyone this New Zealand Book Month in our district.”

New Zealand Book Month is a nationwide campaign to help establish and build a nation of dedicated readers and to bring readers and writers together. In support of New Zealand Book Month, Booksellers NZ will be sending every household a $5 book voucher to help encourage communities to get reading.

The organiser of the nationwide event, Megan Dunn, said: “I hope the Hastings community will join us in celebrating NZ Book Month and take this special time to bond with their families. We believe everyone should be able to experience the magic of the written word.”

Over 200 community groups, libraries and book groups are signed up to take part in the nationwide initiative.

For more detailed information on events, pick up a flyer from your library or visit the library website www.hastingslibrary.co.nz


New Zealand Book Month background

New Zealand Book Month is a non-profit initiative promoting books and reading – and as a result, literacy – in New Zealand.

One month each year we celebrate books and encourage all Kiwis to get involved. The clear goal of New Zealand Book Month is to form a community of readers from Cape Reinga to the Bluff.

We want to see Kiwis:

• Passionate about books, determined to share them with each other and spreading the word
• Telling and retelling stories and recommending new books to read
• Reading and talking about books - from friend to neighbour, school bus to sporting field, workplace to playground.
NZ Book Month works alongside a wide range of organisations fundamental to books and reading in New Zealand. Publishers, authors, booksellers, libraries, schools and reading activists all provide the necessary support to make NZ Book Month a success.

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