Thanks Toni for your posts which will inspire many a romantic this summer because of course summer is hotter for booklovers!

As part of the free Summer Read events across Victoria, Toni will be appearing at:

•    Clayton Theatrette, Clayton Community Centre,
Cooke Street Clayton on Thursday 12 February 2009, 6.30 – 8.00 pm
For more information phone Clayton Library 9544 0668 or book online at http://summerread20.eventbrite.com

•    Frankston Library, 60 Playne Street, Frankston for Cake and Champagne on Valentines Day,  Saturday 14 February 2009, 2.00 – 4.00 pm
For more information phone 9784 1020 or book online at http://summerread23.eventbrite.com

•    Rosebud Library morning tea McDowell St, Rosebud on Valentines Day on Saturday 14 February 2009, 11.00 – 12.30 pm
For more information phone 5950 1230 or book online at http://summerread24.eventbrite.com

Vote for Addition or SMS ADDITION to 13 46 88

Thanks Steven for your beautiful posts, which will inspire many a classic to be added to ‘must read’ lists this summer.

As part of the free Summer Read events across Victoria, Steven will be appearing at:

• Radcliffe’s in Echuca on Thursday 15 January 2009, 8 – 9pm
For more information phone Echuca Library 5482 1997 or book online http://summerread2.eventbrite.com

• Sam Merrifield Library, Moonee Ponds on Thursday 22 January 2009, 7.00 – 8.00 pm
For more information phone 8325 1950 or book online http://summerread3.eventbrite.com

Vote for The Zookeeper’s War or SMS ZOO to 13 46 88

Thanks Sophie for your enjoyable posts, sharing your snaps as you were getting the hang of your new Nikon D80 camera and updating us all with the outcome of the ‘emu egg cup’.

As part of the free Summer Read events across Victoria, Sophie will be appearing at:

* Yea Library on Tuesday 3 February 2009, 7.00 – 8.00 pm

For more information phone 5797 2209 or book online at http://summerread17.eventbrite.com

* Mildura Library on Wednesday 11 February 2009, 7.30 – 8.00 pm

For more information phone 5018 8350 or book online at http://summerread19.eventbrite.com

Vote for Bird or SMS BIRD to 13 46 88

Thanks so much Alice for your insightful posts.

Vote for Growing up Asian in Australia

As part of the free Summer Read events across Victoria, Alice will be appearing at:

- Footscray Library on Wednesday 11 February 2009 at 7pm
For more information and bookings phone 9688 0289

- Mill Park Library on Monday 23 February 2009 at 6.30pm
At this event Alice will launch the Mill Park Writers Group. For more information and bookings phone 9437 8189

It’s on again! The State Library’s annual Summer Read program. As in previous years, there’s a list of 20 great books to read over the summer and get excited about. The list includes something for everyone - an even mix of fiction and non-fiction titles including fiction genres of crime, romance, literary and historical fiction and non-fiction titles including biography, memoir, sport, history, political issues, short stories and poetry.

Vote for your favourite read and be you’ll be entered into the draw to win nearly $5,000 in prizes including a personal library of 20 Summer Read books, accommodation vouchers for Best Western Hotels, a Sovereign Hill ticket package and book vouchers.

The five most popular books voted by the public will be announced at the State Library of Victoria on Friday 20 March 2009 at 4pm, along with voter prizes.

So this is your chance! Why not sneak away for a few long afternoons this summer to laze around and relax with a book from our list. Turn off the computer, turn on the answering machine and lock the door. And when you’ve finished reading, let us know what you think here on the blog or by voting for your favourite.