News Release
Wednesday 6 March 2013
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Library celebrating NZ Book Month

ROTORUA 06.03.13: There’s so much going on at Rotorua District Library this month that staff just want to shout out loud. The library is celebrating New Zealand Book Month and is offering a range of free events, workshops, film viewings for locals to enjoy, and the opportunity to win $1000 in the Rotorua Biography Competition.

Library marketing & promotions officer Sue Heke said library staff always look forward to NZ Book Month because it gives them an excuse to shout out about great Kiwi books, authors, and all the benefits and pleasures gained from reading and writing.

“We have several NZ Book Month sessions during our regular LibraryLive sessions, including editor of the latest issue of the NZ Writers’ Handbook Tina Shaw who will launch this invaluable volume tomorrow [7 March], as well as a ‘write-in’ where budding writers can get their thoughts down on paper.

“Talented local woman Robyn Sparrow creates beautiful specialty books and professional book binding, and she’ll be in to show-off her talents at a LibraryLive session on Thursday 14 March. Literacy Rotorua will hold Library Live sessions too.

“While a number of our LibraryLive sessions focus on NZ Book Month, we’ve also got lots of other events and activities for the community to get involved in, including our Rotorua Biography Competition where participants can enter a biography of a Rotorua resident, alive or deceased, and be in to win $1000,” said Mrs Heke.

On Wednesday 13 March at 4.30pm aspiring authors can find out how they can get an idea from manuscript to published book at the How to Get Published event hosted by Business Media Services publisher Mike Smith. A group of local published authors will also be available to offer advice.

On Thursday 21 March at 4pm one of Rotorua’s favourite authors, Aunty Bea, will host Kai Pai Afternoon for children and parents. Dress up as a character from one of her books, sing a song from Waiata Mai, or act out a segment from any of her stories to win prizes. People are just asked to make a gold coin donation with all funds going to Aunty Bea’s cancer charity.

The Hindsight Series by local film-maker Kerry Fowler will focus on Rotorua authors and identities, and screen on Wednesday 13 March at 10.30am, Friday 15 March at 2pm, Wednesday 20 March at 10.30am and Friday 22 March at 2pm. Mr Fowler will return on Wednesday 27 March at 5.30pm to present a special screening of uncut footage of several local identities being interviewed by the late Don Stafford.

The Rotorua Biography Competition is sponsored by Friends of the Rotorua Library. Entry forms will be available 20 March.

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