In September 1971, 181 numbered marbles roll around in a barrel while Australia holds its breath. The last number drawn will shatter two women’s lives, and bring them together again…

Sixteen-year-old Caroline ‘Miki’ Patrick confides to her best friend — the outspoken, smart-mouthed Jude — that she’s pregnant. Miki’s parents place her in the iron embrace of St Anthony’s, a home for wayward girls, with the scheming Sister Angela pressuring her to give up her baby. But Jude convinces Miki they can raise the child, and together they make a pact and take to the road. But ultimately Dominic is surrendered to the home.

Two decades later, Miki is a dangerous woman, and she’s on the run. A vocal anti-war activist who assists draft dodgers, Miki is hiding from the Federal Police and never stays in one place very long. That is, until Dominic’s birthday is drawn in the conscription lottery and Jude steps back into her life. Now Miki and Jude will stop at nothing to be reunited with him. Goodbye Lullaby by Jan Murray is another great book club read.

Recently we held a successful party in the Library to celebrate 15 years since Waugoola House was given to the community for use as the  Cowra Library, Art Gallery , Family History Group rooms and a multi-purpose meeting room.

About 36 people attended including Mayor Bill West and councillors who were responsible for the proposal of moving the council out and letting us in. Bill, Caroline from Cowra Library and Brian Langer from the Art Gallery gave talks and thanks. Then a huge sponge cake was cut by current Mayor Bill and past Mayor Bruce Miller for the celebration. Congratulations Waugoola House.

Dress up as your favourite circus character for Dress Up Circus Storytime and enjoy a performance by the Orange High School Circus Troupe. Think ringmasters, clowns, acrobats, lion tamers and of course circus animals like lions, tigers etc. All happening on 8, 9 and 10 December at 11am.

Good Reading magazine this month features Isabel Allende’s The Japanese Lover, best political cartoons and its annual Xmas Guide. It also includes easy to read independent book reviews and lots of interesting Australian and international articles, author profiles, stories on bookshops, short stories, book trivia and more. Access to Good Reading Online requires you to enter your library membership number starting with the letter “B”. If you need to update your membership number please contact your local branch for a free replacement card.

Everyone has a story to tell, the experiences and relationships and adventures of their own life. This is a one day writing workshop for anyone who wants to write memoir or autobiography. In a creative and supportive environment, you will learn how to get started, how to bring your experiences to vivid, three-dimensional life on the page and how to find your writing voice. Orange Regional Gallery, Thursday 3 December from 10am to 3pm. Bookings 6393 8136, Fee $135 Friends of Orange Regional Gallery, $150 Non-members.