Let's Read Program Launch

It was a busy morning in the Library today with our regulars returning books after the weekend and an influx of children, carers, politicians, Councillors, photographers, cameras and catering.

Today we helped launch the Let's Read program partners in Orange – Smith Family, Orange City Council Playgroups, Schools As Communities, Central West Playgroups and Brighter Futures, Benevolent Society. The group see themselves as fortunate to have received this program through Smith Family in Orange and Panterra Press and hope to extend it to reach as many young families as possible during the next two years. Orange City Library Manager Jan Richards (pictured) spoke about the many benefits of reading to children of a young age and program's importance in the upcoming National Year of Reading to help improve literacy skills.

Orange Mayor Cr John Davis, Federal Member for Calare John Cobb, State Member for Orange Andrew Gee and Orange City Councillor Fiona Rossiter presented book packs to children during the morning. The Let's Read program will be run through the local playgroups for parents and carers. On behalf of local author Charlotte Calder, Orange City Librarian Elizabeth Barry (pictured) entertained the children with a reading of Stuck! and they joined in craft activities followed by a delicious morning tea catered for by Canobolas Rural Technology Year 12 Hospitality students (pictured) Dianne, Stef and Ashleigh. Applause all round and thank you to everyone who came along.

Update your vocab with a Tweet!

Update your vocab. Want to know more about tweets? How about crowdsourcing, parkour and helicopter parent? These are just some of the new words added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary this week and you can read more about it in article featuring our own Jan Richards in today's Central Western Daily:
http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/news/local/news/general/all-a-twitter-about-tweet/2271932.aspx
And why not follow us on twitter for all the latest happenings at Central West Libraries. Find us at http://twitter.com/centralwestlibr and haveagreatweekend!

Children's Book Week Reviews - The Piper's Son

And as the sun sets on another successful and rewarding Children's Book Council of Australia Awards season and Book Week we present our last review.

The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta:

I'm probably the only person who hasn't read the prequel to this one Saving Francesca. But I will now.

The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta is a stand alone novel but it returns to the group of friends first presented to us in Saving Francesca. Marchetta quickly has you living with these young characters that become like friends – you want to know what happens to them and you want things to go well. They work in a pub, play music, write songs and worry about life and love. You step inside the thoughts of Thomas McKee who is going through a rough time and has to live with his pregnant aunt while they all cope with family break ups, the death of a favourite Uncle by terrorist bombers in London, try restoring relationships and discover real love.

Life in inner city Sydney is described in detail and Tom's group of friends and family are all believable. It is a well written story with the right mix of humour and heartbreak. Highly recommended to older readers for the story and writing style.

Reviewed by Jasmine

The Piper's Son made it to the Older Readers Book of the Year Shortlist and this section was won Sonya Hartnett for The Midnight Zoo. Congrats to all the authors, illustrators and our reviewers.

More Children's Book Week Reviews

Noni the Pony by Alison Lester

The book has very simple illustrations and a very easy to read rhyme. The story is about Noni the pony, a very friendly pony who lives on a farm overlooking the sea. She has fun playing with her friend's Dave the dog and Coco the cat.

Anyone who loves horses and animals and has a sense of fun should enjoy this book.

Reviewed by Lyn

Maudie and Bear by Jan Ormerod and Freya Blackwood

A collection of short picture book style stories following the adventures of Maudie and her Bear. The collection includes an adaptation of 'Goldilocks' and 'The Snack' which develops into a delightful outdoor tea party. Maudie is a cute little old fashioned girl and bear is extremely large and cuddly. Freya's country style, detailed illustrations bring the simple text to life.

Every child would like a friend like Bear – I'd like one too!

Reviewed by Lisa

Noni the Pony was Shortlisted for the Early Childhood section of the CBCA Awards. This section was won by Maudie and Bear.

Free Poetry Slam Workshop in Forbes

Poetry Slam is coming to Forbes and you're invited!

In the lead up to the Poetry Slam we will be hosting a free workshop with Miles Merrill and there are still places available. It is part of the Kalari-Lachlan River Arts Festival:

Australian Poetry Slam Free Workshop at 11am in the Reading and Writing Tent, Lake Forbes Foreshore. Please book your place at Forbes Library on 6852 1463

Then it is all action and fun for the Australian Poetry Slam. It is not a poetry reading though. It's more like a howling literary campfire with verbal voodoo, breathless rhythms and sweat breaking nerves. Anyone can get up and have a go or be in the audience and you could be a judge!

***Please note new time***

Australian Poetry Slam Forbes Heat – Main Stage 12 noon, Sign up 11.30am
Lake Forbes Foreshore along Buck Bentick Walk, via Lachlan Street, Forbes

Check out www.riverartsfestival.org.au
and www.australianpoetryslam.com