Focus on books
WHILE writers are often celebrated in festivals around the world, it is easy to forget about the book.
To bring the joy of reading home, the inaugural Celebration of Books will hit Maleny at the end of this month.
The event will bring book lovers together to hear discussions, readings, theatre and join in conversations with local authors over three days.
Event co-ordinator Claire Booth said the aim of the festival was to bring the reading community together.
"Being in its first year we really want to test the waters and see what works and what people love," Ms Booth said.
"An event like this really provides an opportunity for readers from throughout south-east Queensland to gather in beautiful Maleny and share their passion."
University of Queensland Creative Writing senior lecturer Dr Stuart Glover said the event was being held at the perfect time as an interest in reading reached a new high.
"Interest in writing and reading is at an all-time high in Queensland," he said.
"Maleny has long been recognised for its passion for books, writing and reading, and I'm thrilled the community is celebrating in this way."
The signature event of the Celebration of Books will be the Book Club Gathering where readers will be invited to participate in a lively afternoon discussion about the 2012 Orange Book Prize Winner - Song of Achilles.
Among other events will be witty panel discussion between nationally renowned authors and playwrights, a book swap tree, treasure hunt for children, book craft, visual arts display and a scary stuff story telling session.
Upcoming authors will also be on show as local students read and present their own works in the Maleny library.
For the first time the library will be open on Sunday 9.30am-1pm to cater for the visitors coming into town.
"It's going to be a great weekend, and it's just going to be great to bring people together who really love reading," said Maleny Community Library co-ordinator Sue McCleary.
For a complete list of events on throughout the Celebration of Books later this month visit celebrationof booksmaleny.com.
