This fantastic library meme is going around at the moment, reminding everyone about the valuable role libraries still play in our lives:
CREDIT: Chris OBrion – chrisobrion.com
I agree! Not only do I love libraries, their studious calm and mind-expending resources, but they’ve provided a safe haven for me many times over the years – from studying at school and university, to enabling me to still work during power failures, grabbing an extra hour of writing time during a busy day at work, giving my children access to books and DVDs we couldn’t otherwise afford to hire, and connecting with similar others.
Manly Library, one of my amazing local libraries, has enabled me to connect with a whole host of young writers recently through the free writing workshops I’ve organised to reach out to those with a passion for writing and/or those who turn to words when times are tough, no matter what their socioeconomic background (the next one’s on Tuesday 22nd September!).
Today I get to reach out again, this time to young readers as well as writers – through a free author talk at Manly Library in celebration of book week. Thanks to Manly Library, I’ll be talking about:
- the publishing industry
- how to get words into print
- how to write a book in a day
- the two award-winning books A Dolphin for Naia & Scribbles in the Dark, and
- writing journeys
So if you or your young reader(s) have some free time between 4pm and 5pm today, come and munch on some popcorn, enjoy the studious calm and support reading, writing and all things library!
If you have a few dollars spare too, I’ll be selling copies of the award-winning books A Dolphin for Naia & Scribbles in the Dark to raise money for The Kids’ Cancer Project.
Can’t make it but still want to help sick kids? You can! Just click on the link below, select ‘Northern Beaches Writers’ Group’ and donate what you can spare to support research into children’s cancers. Every little bit helps:
Donate to The Kids’ Cancer Project via WABIAD!
You get a receipt to use at tax time!
Alternatively, why not purchase Scribbles in the Dark and A Dolphin for Naia from your favourite online retailer (such as Amazon) in either print or ebook? Sales from these books go towards The Kids’ Cancer Project too!
HI Zena
I heard from someone this morning living in the UK that there are few libraries anymore in the UK. I was horrified.
Is this true? Gee, I hope it doesn’t happen in Australia! But the technologists might get their way, here. What do you think?
I know, I used digital technology to send you this message, haha. Of course, I don’t see the contradiction in that, 😉
Wish I could be there for your talk at the Manly Library.
All the best!
Robert
Hi Robert,
I don’t think that could be true! When I was in England last I drove past two of my local libraries and they had in fact both had a make-over! They’re all pumped up with computers and WiFi and private study desks. I wonder where in the country your friend lives?
Thanks for wishing me well at the talk!
Zena 🙂
HI Zena
She is someone I know through K.M. Weiland’s website, Helping Writers. Otherwise, I don’t really know her.
But she lives in Britain and seemed to think that Britain was almost out of bookshops because of digital publishing.
I think she might have been expressing an opinion rather than talking facts.
Regards
Robert
Ah okay. Yes digital publishing is certainly a big thing! And a lot of bookshops have closed here too.
But libraries are here to stay!!
Libraries rock! 😉
Oooo, just in: photos from yesterday’s talk now on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZenaShapter