Another inspiring list. The New York Times has published its list of most notable books for 2008:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/books/review/100Notable-t.html
Have a look and let us know what you think  maybe there are books you enjoyed last year that are missing from the list including titles like:
Mary Ann Shaffer The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society,
David Brooks The Fern Tattoo or
Geraldine Brooks People of the Book
What would you put on the list?

Children (and a few adults too) had a great time meeting children's author Michael Panckridge (his favourite books are the Toby Jones series) when he visited Orange, Molong and Cowra. As a reluctant reader in childhood he knows the key is to capture their interest with an engaging story and throwing a few basketballs around helped too. Read more about Michael in his interview with The Central Western Daily: http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/news/local/news/general/michael-turns-a-page/1413374.aspx

It's Summer time and if you are not listening to or watching the cricket I hope you are taking part in the Summer Reading Club. Hang on  you could be listening to cricket AND reading. This year's theme is “Get in the Game, Read”. It is also perfect timing for our author visit by Michael Panckridge who has worked with some sporting legends including Brett Lee to bring you brilliant sporting stories. The Summer Reading Club continues until 15 February  so keep reading to be in the running for some great prizes. Read more about it in this Central Western Daily article: http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/news/local/news/general/book-in-for-summer-reading/1398480.aspx

The Classics Book Club resumes next week to talk about Brontes: January meetings will be held at the Blayney branch on Tuesday 20 January from 11am to 12 noon to discuss Shirley by Charlotte Bronte. Orange day group meet on Thursday 22 January from 12.30pm  1.30pm to talk about Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. The Orange evening group meet on Thursday 22 January from 5.30pm for early birds or 6pm  7pm to chat about The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte and Cowra meet on Tuesday 27 January from 12.30pm to 1.30pm to talk about Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Elizabeth Gaskill wrote about this Bronte sisters' portrait by Branwell (he painted himself out but you can see him in faintly in the middle) in her biography of Charlotte Bronte:
“there could be no doubt about Branwell's talent for drawing. I have seen an oil painting of his, done I know not when . . . It was a group of his sisters, life size, three-quarters' length; not much better than sign-painting, as to manipulation; but the likenesses were, I should think, admirable. I could only judge of the fidelity with which the other two were depicted, from the striking resemblance which Charlotte, upholding the great frame of canvas, and consequently standing right behind it, bore to her own representation, though it must have been ten years and more since the portraits were taken. The picture was divided, almost in the middle, by a great pillar. On the side of the column which was lighted by the sun, stood Charlotte, in the womanly dress of that day of jigot sleeves and large collars. On the deeply shadowed side, was Emily, and Anne's gentle face resting on her shoulder. Emily's countenance struck me as full of power; Charlotte's of solicitude; Anne's of tenderness. The two younger seemed hardly to have attained their full growth, though Emily was taller than Charlotte; they had cropped hair, and a more girlish dress. I remember looking on those two sad, earnest, shadowed faces, and wondering whether I could trace the mysterious expression which is said to foretell an early death. I had some fond superstitious hope that the column divided their fates from hers, who stood apart in the canvas, as in life she survived. . . . They were good likenesses, however badly executed.”

Adults are invited to attend a free workshop with experienced artist Colin Jones, of Mudgee, to create their own memory box. Create a miniature world and learn basic exhibition construction skills using various techniques to create miniature worlds in defined spaces. This space is the 'box' and can vary in size as required and be made from any available material – recycled, of course. NetWaste and Orange City Council have organised this free workshop to be held on Monday, 19 January at the Environmental Learning Facility at Orange Showground, Leeds Parade from 1pm  4pm. Please book your place or ask for more information by calling Sue Clarke on 6393 8771 or 0400 336 508.