It's almost that time of the year again when our town turns it's love of books, reading and writing into a fabulous weekend of activities as we celebrate books! Maleny Celebration of Books runs from
24-28 October this year - you can see the full programme here and there will be a variety of different things to do.
On Friday we have some great storytelling workshops with children; and later in the day our young and emerging writers from the High School present their creative works. It was great last year to hear them read their own work - or have friends do it for the shy ones. There is also a haiku workshop that I am hoping to attend...
Saturday begins with a burst of fun decorating the Book Swap Tree at the top of town - adults come along and drop off a book; or swap a book; then down to the Library park where we do a Book Swap Bush for children; have a Treasure Hunt based on clues found in books; and where I will do another book-making workshop with children. Barry has once again been enlisted as my helper...
Some of last year's books...I have a different book in mind to make this time - but still lots of colour!
Meanwhile about 30 local authors are gathered in the Community centre with an antiquarian book display as well; and then there's the Big Book Club. This year the book is The Dinner, by Herman Koch which is aptly described as 'riveting, compelling and deliciously uncomfortable' by Christos Tsiolkas, author of The Slap and other books (who is also visiting on the Monday night!!). Small groups meet and chat and then we are having a big get-together, facilitated by an ethicist to discuss the book - it's that kind of book.
There are films based on books - a children's film and a night-time adult film; and a performance based on Queensland writer's and their characters. Throughout the day, local shops are creating spaces within them for children to sit and read - and be read to which will be great.
On Sunday we finish with a fabulous forum about how non-fiction writers make facts interesting...with some wonderful panellists. I really enjoyed the discussion last year and am sure this year will be equally engaging.
I am also preparing some work for the wall in the Library, and local children's authors are doing a display of their books in development - behind the covers I think it's the called.
All in all a great, community-based and run weekend where we all get to celebrate books!
And today, another milestone...we delivered the works to the Butter Factory in Cooroy for the A Letter a Week exhibition which opens this week! The official opening is at 10am this Saturday, 12 October.
The car was full to its brim, but they all made it safely - phew. I can hardly wait to see the works, all on together and displayed beautifully. Stay tuned!
24-28 October this year - you can see the full programme here and there will be a variety of different things to do.
Saturday begins with a burst of fun decorating the Book Swap Tree at the top of town - adults come along and drop off a book; or swap a book; then down to the Library park where we do a Book Swap Bush for children; have a Treasure Hunt based on clues found in books; and where I will do another book-making workshop with children. Barry has once again been enlisted as my helper...
Some of last year's books...I have a different book in mind to make this time - but still lots of colour!
Meanwhile about 30 local authors are gathered in the Community centre with an antiquarian book display as well; and then there's the Big Book Club. This year the book is The Dinner, by Herman Koch which is aptly described as 'riveting, compelling and deliciously uncomfortable' by Christos Tsiolkas, author of The Slap and other books (who is also visiting on the Monday night!!). Small groups meet and chat and then we are having a big get-together, facilitated by an ethicist to discuss the book - it's that kind of book.
There are films based on books - a children's film and a night-time adult film; and a performance based on Queensland writer's and their characters. Throughout the day, local shops are creating spaces within them for children to sit and read - and be read to which will be great.
On Sunday we finish with a fabulous forum about how non-fiction writers make facts interesting...with some wonderful panellists. I really enjoyed the discussion last year and am sure this year will be equally engaging.
I am also preparing some work for the wall in the Library, and local children's authors are doing a display of their books in development - behind the covers I think it's the called.
All in all a great, community-based and run weekend where we all get to celebrate books!
And today, another milestone...we delivered the works to the Butter Factory in Cooroy for the A Letter a Week exhibition which opens this week! The official opening is at 10am this Saturday, 12 October.
The car was full to its brim, but they all made it safely - phew. I can hardly wait to see the works, all on together and displayed beautifully. Stay tuned!
My heart is on it's way over! Have a great time.
ReplyDeleteThanks Annie - I'm sure your spirit will be with us as we celebrate!
DeleteSounds like a terrific weekend, something to think about doing here. Thanks for the idea Fiona, and can't wait to see photos of the show!
ReplyDeleteHi Liz - I do love it. It brings together a love of books and reading in so many ways - performances, treasure hunts, book making and so on. A number of shops get involved along with local authors and the Library is key; and then there's just the enthusiasts like me!
Deletefiona, i just love the concept of your book festival. i want to know more...seems like something we could do here....
ReplyDeleteand congratulations on the next exhibition.
you and barry seem to keep yourselves rather busy!
Hi velma - it is just a bunch of readers and writers getting together and choosing what they could contribute, then taking responsibility for it. We do have an amazing driving force in Claire who sets up websites and ticketing and promotional stuff, but there are no passengers. In the end we all just do our bit and it seems to work. I would recommend it to small towns - the accommodation folk and tourism folk are all involved as well. Yes we are a wee bit busy at the moment - but life is good!
DeletePhew! Even I am exhausted, busy times Fiona. Big props for the ALaW Exhibition too! Congratulations and a big thank you for all you have done to achieve a successful exhibition - it is a stunning display.
ReplyDeleteYes Kim, there is still plenty on and much to do before we head off in November, but life is good. The ALAW exhibition does look good and it is pretty special to have it come together so well. Yay us!
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