26 June 2006

Library symposium celebrates Mahy’s life

Christchurch Libraries will celebrate the work of internationally famous children’s author Margaret Mahy with a one-day literary symposium this Sunday (2 July).

Mahy, who turned 70 in March, is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated children’s authors and the symposium will celebrate this milestone in her life of literary achievement.

Mahy was employed as a children’s librarian in Christchurch, leaving in 1980 to become a full-time writer.

Following the Looping Line: a celebration of Margaret Mahy will provide a forum for an entertaining and informative discussion of Mahy’s young adult fiction. A lively programme of panel discussions, conversations and reader responses will deepen understanding and extend discussion of the work of one of our national treasures.

Featuring some of New Zealand’s leading writers for children and the most notable commentators on children’s literature, the symposium is for an adult audience, in particular those with a professional interest in the Mahy’s work, such as librarians, teachers and students of children’s literature, and members of the public.

The programme will open with a keynote address by Tessa Duder, a young adult author and author of the recently published biography Margaret Mahy: a writer’s life. This will be followed by a panel of children’s literature experts and academics on Mahy’s literary legacy.

Authors David Hill, Joanna Orwin and Gavin Bishop will contribute to a second panel discussion with a focus on Mahy’s influence on writing for children in New Zealand.

Young adult writer and reviewer Kate De Goldi will engage in conversation with Mahy, the day concluding with a slide show tribute to the author and a social hour.

Registration is open to interested members of the public. The cost is $50 per person. The symposium will be held at Our City O-Tautahi, corner Oxford Terrace and Worcester Boulevard.

ENDS

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