Progress is well underway for a book on Orange's medical history. The Committee behind the book were pleased local author Lis Edwards was able to visit the current Orange Base Hospital construction site as part of her extensive research for the project. Hansen Yuncken Project Manager Wayne Harris showed Lis (pictured) through the main hospital building which is just one of the seven buildings to comprise the new hospital precinct. He said the work totalled $250 million worth of construction with more than 450 people working to complete the project in 2011. The new facility will include the hospital, acute mental health building, forensic mental health, administration and computer sections as well as Mental Health Clinical Services. Lis said it was a worthwhile tour to understand the evolution of medical practices in the city and the full complement of services the new hospital will provide as well as important background for one of the chapters in the medical history book. Lis has been compiling the history of the city's medical services for many months and aims to complete the project in time for the opening of the new hospital.

Congratulations to our very own Freya Blackwood who has won The Kate Greenwood Medal, the UK's most prestigious children's illustration award. Her prize-winning illustrations are inspired by the memory of a beloved pet dog in Harry & Hopper.

The Kate Greenaway Medal was established in 1955, for distinguished illustration in a book for children. It is named after the popular nineteenth century artist known for her fine children's illustrations and designs. The CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded annually for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people.

To read more http://www.booksellers.co.nz/book-news/trade-news/freya-blackwood-wins-2010-cilip-kate-greenaway-medal or http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/2010awards/

This year bushfires, drought and animals were recurring themes across all the sections of the Banjo Paterson Writing Awards. We are pleased to announce the following winners:
Prose: Jacqueline Winn, of Possum Brush NSW, for The Dangers of Swimming, Greg McFarland, of Orange NSW, for Roadside Memorial and Kate Rotherham, of Allans Flat VIC, for Shelter.

Open Poetry: Brenda Saunders, of Randwick NSW, for Wonderland.

Bush Poetry: Ron Stevens, of Dubbo NSW, for Behind the Flag and Ellis Campbell, of Dubbo NSW, for The Toll and Ellis Campbell, of Dubbo NSW, for A Dynasty's Demise.

Children's Writing Awards supported by ABC Local Radio: Chris Frith, of Baradine NSW for The Downpour, Eleanor Delaney, of Orange NSW for The Last Dee Why Day – A True Story and Chester Fitzhardinge, of Balgowlah NSW, for The Dream Protectors.

The Yvonne Zola Encouragement Award goes to Elise Sinclair, of Orange NSW, for her story, Tommy in Trouble. Congratulations!

Come along and see a large display of black and white and colour photos as part of the Western Districts Photo Competition supported by the Orange Camera Club. All the winning entries are highlighted and the exhibition takes up a huge area at the back of the Orange Library. So check them out, spend a bit of time and choose your favourites too! The exhibition is free.

Thank you to all our reviewers for May. Your reviews help other readers make their next reading choice – and that's pretty special. So here you go – the top reads reviewed were:
Travels with Herodotus by Klara Glowczewska; The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville (this is on my list to read);
The Blue Plateau : a landscape memoir by Mark Tredinnick; The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella; Territory by Judy Nunn;
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks and …

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson which one reader described as:
“A bit bogged down at the start but I stuck with it which paid off as it was very hard to put down. I thought I had worked it out but there were many twists and turns not to mention surprises along the way. I thought it was a great book.”

Another gave it a health warning – ” This book more than lives up to its reputation. Don't read it if you have high blood pressure!!… Read this book with coffee and sandwiches as that's what everyone in Sweden eats and drinks – according to the book.”

They were all rated at 8, 9 or 10 out of 10. Do you agree? Happy reading and coffee drinking (for the Stieg fans).