High Road to Reading brings authors to public libraries across Victoria for readings, talks and workshops. Whatever your reading passion, you'll find an event to entertain and inspire you.
The program runs for three years from 2012 to 2014, with author tours taking place in April, May and June each year. All Victorian public library services have the opportunity to participate.
High Road to Reading is funded by the State Library of Victoria and delivered in partnership with Public Libraries Victoria Network. The program is supported by a grant from Copyright Agency Limited.
In 2013, 18 library services across Victoria will take part in the program. Keep an eye on this page for information, updates and events at public libraries in your local area.
Bayside Library Service
Shane Maloney – Meet the author
Join Shane Maloney as he speaks about books and his experiences as a writer.
Saturday 11 May 2013, 2–3pm, Beaumaris Library.
Maureen McCarthy – Meet the author
Maureen McCarthy is an award-winning author of young adult fiction, including bestseller Queen Kat, Carmel and St Jude get a life.
Tuesday 21 May 2013, 1–2pm (for students age 14+), Beaumaris Library
Tuesday 21 May 2013, 6.30–7.30pm (for adults), Brighton Library
Andy Griffiths – Meet the author
Andy Griffiths is Australia’s most popular children’s writer, with more than 20 bestselling books.
Saturday 1 June 2013, 2.30–3.30pm (for students age 7+), Beaumaris Library
For more information or to book, call 9591 5907 or visit bayside.vic.gov.au/literaryfestival.
Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation
Toni Jordan – Meet the author
Join the author of the critically acclaimed novels Addition, Fall girl and Nine days.
Sunday 19 May 2013, 2.30–3.30pm, Pakenham Library
For more information or to book, visit tinyurl.com/cclcevents, email admin@cclc.vic.gov.auor call 5941 2036.
Jane Clifton – Meet the author
Come along for an evening with a genuine show business all-rounder: actress, singer and author.
Wednesday 29 May 2013, 7–8pm, Narre Warren Library
For more information or to book, visit tinyurl.com/cclcevents, email admin@cclc.vic.gov.au or call 9704 7696.
Michael Robotham – Meet the author
Michael Robotham’s brilliant psychological thrillers have been published in more than 50 countries.
Saturday 15 June 2013, 2–3pm, Cranbourne Community Theatre
For more information or to book, visit tinyurl.com/cclcevents, email admin@cclc.vic.gov.au or call 5990 0150.
Frankston City Libraries
Lauren Burns – Meet the author
Lauren is an Olympic gold medalist in taekwondo, a qualified naturopath, an inspiring speaker and author of the vegetarian cookbook Food from a loving home.
Wednesday 10 April 2013, 2–3pm, Carrum Downs Library
Wednesday 10 April 2013, 6–7pm, Frankston Library
Andrew Rule – Meet the author
Join Andrew – journalist and author of the Underbelly and Chopper series – as he talks about his adventures in search of a story.
Wednesday 22 May 2013, 6.30–7.30pm, Frankston Library
Andy Griffiths – Meet the author
Andy is Australia's most popular children's writer, with more than 20 bestselling books, including the Just! and Bad book series.
Saturday 22 June 2013, 11am–12pm, Frankston Library
For more information or to book, call 9784 1020 or email libraryenquiries@frankston.vic.gov.au.
Gannawarra Library Service
Barry Heard – Well done, those men
Barry Heard’s account of his long journey home from Vietnam is an inspiring story of a life reclaimed.
Thursday 18 April 2013, 11.45am–12.45pm and 2–3pm, Sir John Gorton Library
Rachael Bermingham – Meet the author
Meet one of Australia’s top self-published authors and co-creator of the phenomenally successful 4 ingredients series.
Tuesday 18 June 2013, 6–7pm, Sir John Gorton Library
Wednesday 19 June 2013, 10.30–11.30am, Cohuna Council Community Meeting Room
For information or to book, call 5452 1546 or email library@gls.vic.gov.au.
Goulburn Valley Regional Library
Shane Maloney – Meet the author
Join Shane Maloney, author of the Murray Whelan series, for a lively talk about books and his experiences as a writer.
Monday 22 April 2013, 2–3pm, Numurkah Library
Bookings required. Please phone Numurkah Library on 1300 374 765 by Friday 19 April.
Monday 22 April 2013, 6–7pm (nibbles served from 5.30pm), Shepparton Library
Bookings required. Please phone Shepparton Library on 1300 374 765 by Friday 19 April.
High Country Library Corporation
Penny Woodward – Herb and heritage swap meet
Learn about organic gardening, unusual edible plants, and pest-repellent companion planting. Bring in samples from your garden to discuss or swap with other guests!
Wednesday 1 May 2013, 11.30am–12.30pm (followed by light lunch), Myrtleford Library
For more information or to book, call 5752 2038.
Wednesday 1 May 2013, 2.30–3.30pm (followed by refreshments), Mt Beauty Library
For more information or to book, call 5754 4542.
Thursday 2 May 2013, 12–1pm (followed by light lunch), Benalla Library
For more information or to book, call 5762 2069.
Thursday 2 May 2013, 3.30–4.30pm (followed by refreshments), Mansfield Library
For more information or to book, call 5775 2176.
Friday 3 May 2013, 11.30am–12.30pm (followed by light lunch), Bright Library
For more information or to book, call 5755 1540.
Friday 3 May 2013, 2.30–3.30pm (followed by refreshments), Wangaratta Library
For more information or to book, call 5721 2366.
Latrobe City Libraries
Scot Gardner – Meet the author
Scot’s novels for children and young adults include One dead seagull, Burning Eddy, White ute dreaming, and The detachable boy.
Monday 20 May 2013, 7–8pm, Moe Town Hall
For more information or to book, call 1300 367 700.
Felice Arena – Meet the author
Meet the author of the bestselling and award-winning Specky Magee, Farticus Maximus and Stick dude series.
Thursday 23 May 2013, 7–8pm, Morwell Library
For more information or to book, call 1300 367 700.
Andy Griffiths – Meet the author
Andy is Australia’s most popular children’s writer, with more than 20 bestselling books, including the Just! and Bad book series.
Saturday 15 June 2013, 1.30–2.30pm, Latrobe Performing Arts Centre
For more information or to book, call 5176 3559.
Maribyrnong Library Service
Liz Porter – Writing true crime: where to begin and how to continue
Liz will lead a workshop for emerging writers interested in the true crime genre.
Wednesday 22 May 2013, 4.30–5.30pm, Footscray Library
Liz Porter – Getting away with murder: secrets of the real CSI
Join Liz as she reveals the reality behind the fiction and explains how real-life investigators use forensic science to solve crimes.
Wednesday 22 May 2013, 6.30–7.30pm, Footscray Library
For more information or to book, call 9688 0290 or email library@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.
Melbourne Library Service
Barry Heard and Michael Hyde – The legacy of Vietnam
Michael and Barry discuss their personal war experiences and the wider war debate.
Tuesday 23 April 2013, 6.45pm for 7–8pm, North Melbourne Library
Jane Clifton and Denise Scott – Groundbreakers: voices of Australian women in comedy
Enjoy the fun when these two writers and pioneering women of comedy get together!
Tuesday 21 May 2013, 7.30–9pm, City Library
Andrew Rule – Truth is stranger than fiction: crime in Melbourne
Step into the notorious world of Underbelly, the true story of one of the bloodiest crime battles in Australian history.
Wednesday 26 June 2013, 6.45pm for 7–8pm, City Library
For more information or to book, call 9658 9500 or visit melbourne.vic.gov.au/melbournelibraryservice.
Mildura Rural City Council Library Service
Barry Heard – Well done, those men
Barry Heard’s account of his long journey home from Vietnam is an inspiring story of a life reclaimed.
Tuesday 16 April 2013, 7.30–8.30pm, Mildura Library
Melina Marchetta – Meet the author
Meet Melina Marchetta, bestselling and internationally acclaimed author of young adult fiction, including the much-loved Looking for Alibrandi.
Wednesday 15 May 2013, 7.30–8.30pm, Mildura Library
Liz Porter – Getting away with murder: secrets of the real CSI
Award-winning journalist and true crime writer Liz Porter reveals the reality behind the fiction of television programs such as CSI.
Wednesday 19 June 2013, 7.30–8.30pm, Mildura Library
Thursday 20 June 2013, 10.30–11.30am, Merbein Library
Liz Porter – True crime writing workshop
Liz will lead a workshop for emerging writers interested in the true crime genre.
Thursday 20 June 2013, 1–3pm, Merbein Library
For more information or to book, call 5018 8350 or email mrcclibraryservice.eventbrite.com.au.
Mitchell Shire Library and Information Service
Marc McBride – Illustrating books
See award-winning artist Marc McBride create amazing airbrush illustrations.
Wednesday 10 April 2013, 10–11am and 11.30am–12.30pm, Wellington Square Shopping Centre
Catherine Deveny – The happiness show
Join us for an evening with Catherine Deveny – comedian, writer, social commentator, media presenter and columnist.
Tuesday 30 April 2013, 6–7pm, Kilmore Library
Michael Wagner – Meet the author
Michael’s entertaining, uplifting talks bring his stories and the writing process to life.
Wednesday 15 May 2013, 10–11.30am, Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre
For more information or to book, call 5782 1322 or email kilmorelib@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au.
Moreland City Libraries
Andrew Rule – Meet the author
Join journalist and author Andrew Rule as he talks about his adventures in search of a story.
Tuesday 23 April 2013, 7–8pm, Coburg Library
Chloe Quigley – Meet Michi Girl
The co-creator of ‘Michi Girl’ will discuss her writing and the all-important questions of fashion.
Wednesday 22 May 2013, 2–3.30pm, Fawkner Library
Wednesday 22 May 2013, 7–8.30pm, Coburg Library
Tanya Ha – Mama green
This session will focus on practical ideas relevant to new parents. Babies welcome!
Wednesday 12 June 2013, 1–2.30pm, Coburg Library
Tanya Ha – Future ready
Find out how to plan a greener home for the future.
Wednesday 12 June 2013, 7–8.30pm, Coburg Library
For more information or to book, visit morelandcitylibraries.eventbrite.com.au.
Stonnington Library & Information Service
Liz Porter – Book chat
Liz reveals the reality behind the fiction and explains how real-life investigators use forensic science to solve crimes. Bookings not required.
Tuesday 21 May 2013, 11.30am–12.30pm, Phoenix Park Library
Dave Graney – Open book
Musician, performer and writer Dave Graney discusses his memoir, 1001 Australian nights.
Tuesday 21 May 2013, 6.30–7.30pm, Prahran Library
For more information or to book, call 8290 3344 or visit stonnington.vic.gov.au/library.
Benjamin Law – Open book
Benjamin talks about his black comedy memoir The family Law and his new book, Gaysia.
Tuesday 18 June 2013, 6.30–7.30pm, Prahran Library
For more information or to book, call 8290 3344 or visit stonnington.vic.gov.au/library.
Wellington Shire Library
Liz Porter – Getting away with murder: secrets of the real CSI
Journalist and true crime writer Liz Porter reveals how real-life forensic investigators solve crimes.
Thursday 28 March 2013, 7–8pm, Yarram Library
Terry Denton – Meet the author/illustrator
In a prolific career, Terry Denton has written 20 children's books and collaborated on more than 80 others.
Friday 7 June 2013, 10–11am, Rosedale Library
Friday 7 June 2013, 2–3pm, Stratford Library
For more information or to book, call 5142 3368 or email library@wellington.vic.gov.au.
Whitehorse Manningham Regional Library Corporation
Ramona Koval – Meet the author
Hear celebrated writer, editor, journalist and broadcaster Ramona Koval discuss her memoir, By the book.
Tuesday 16 April 2013, 7–8pm, Nunawading Library
For more information or to book, call 9872 8600 or visit Whitehorse Manningham Library website.
Dave Graney – Meet the author
Musician, performer and writer Dave Graney discusses his memoir, 1001 Australian nights.
Wednesday 22 May 2013, 7–8pm, Nunawading Library
For more information or to book, call 9872 8600 or visit Whitehorse Manningham Library website.
Jane Clifton – Meet the author
Come along for an evening with a genuine show business all-rounder: actress, singer and author.
Wednesday 5 June 2013, 7–8pm, Doncaster Library
For more information or to book, call 9877 8500 or visit Whitehorse Manningham Library website.
Wimmera Regional Library Corporation
Catherine Deveny – The happiness show
Catherine’s latest book, The happiness show, is a funny and feisty exploration of love and marriage.
Thursday 16 May 2013, 2–3pm (followed by refreshments), St Arnaud Library
For more information or to book, call 5495 2188 or email starnaud.library@wrlc.org.au.
Thursday 16 May 2013, 7.30–8.30pm (followed by refreshments), Horsham Library
For more information or to book, call 5382 5707 or email horsham.library@wrlc.org.au.
Friday 17 May 2013, 10.30–11.30am (followed by refreshments), Stawell Library
For more information or to book, call 5358 1274 or email stawell.library@wrlc.org.au.
Wyndham City Library Service
John Marsden – Meet the author
Meet the award-winning author Tomorrow, when the war began and The Ellie chronicles.
Wednesday 24 April 2013, 4.30–5.30pm, Plaza Library
For more information or to book, call 9748 9333 or visit wyndham.vic.gov.au/libraries.
Terry Denton – Meet the author
Author and illustrator Terry Denton has written 20 children’s books and collaborated on 80 more.
Wednesday 1 May 2013, 4–5pm, Wyndham Vale Library
For more information or to book, call 8734 8930 or visit wyndham.vic.gov.au/libraries.
Sally Rippin – Meet the author
Meet Sally Rippin, award-winning author and illustrator of Angel Creek and the popular Billie B Brown and Hey Jack! series.
Thursday 2 May 2013, 4–5pm, Point Cook Library
For more information or to book, call 9395 7966or visit wyndham.vic.gov.au/libraries.
Yarra Plenty Regional Library
Lili Wilkinson – Meet the author
A lively talk on books, writing, and why teenagers are made of 'Awesome'.
Wednesday 10 April 2013, 7–8pm, Diamond Valley Library
Sally Rippin – Meet the author
Meet the author and illustrator of Angel Creek and the Billie B Brown and Hey Jack! series.
Thursday 9 May 2013, 10–11am and 11.15am–12.15pm, Thomastown Library
Melina Marchetta – Meet the author
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Melina's much-loved first novel, Looking for Alibrandi.
Thursday 16 May 2013, 2–3pm, Watsonia Library
For more information or to book, visit the Yarra Plenty Regional Library website.
