Nicholas starts to tell HIS story

Maggie plays the Queen who walks into the wrong story

Elephant (Peter), Pirate (Bailey), Monster (Caleb), Queen (Maggie) and Rats (William) were in the wrong book

Everyone takes a bow

Thumbs up from Storyteller Nicholas (aka Library team member Michael)

Thank you to our “stars” for taking part in National Simultaneous Storytime featuring Nick Bland’s story The Wrong Book about a a boy called Nicholas trying to tell his own story when an elephant, monster, pirate, Queen, rats and puppets interrupt.  It made Nicholas most upset. Much to the delight of the audience who called out with Nicholas everytime – “You are in the Wrong Book!” Congratulations Peter, Caleb, Bailey,  Maggie, William, Fiona and our guest storyteller Nicholas (aka library staffer Michael). Happy reading everyone!

Here is the next instalment from our F.O.O.D Week event Words on a Plate with guest Sophie Hansen. Writer, blogger, farmer and all round stylish lady Sophie spoke about her background in magazine writing and her stint in Italy working with Slow Food. She described the international atmosphere of the office as “crazy” with so many different nationalities represented in the one place. From there she talked about meeting her husband Tim and the transition from “city girl” to “country girl”. She revealed the vision for her blog Local is Lovely, as well as a highlight in her career the National Year of Reading Writing in Residency (check it out at onefarmday.blogspot.com.au) and then her latest project having just signed a book contract. (Applause, fanfare, red carpet!) And here’s how she announced it on her blog: “A couple of months ago I received a lovely email from publishers Hachette Australia, wondering if I might be interested in writing a book based on Local is Lovely. The answer of course was a big fat yes. So after many discussions about how it might look/feel/come together, I’ve just driven back from Sydney with a contract and a (terrifying) deadline. And am beyond excited. Local is Lovely ‘the book’ will be a seasonal collection of stories and recipes, including some favourites from the blog and lots of new content too. It’s due for release in April 2014 (holy moly!).” Congratulations Sophie and we can’t wait to have Local is Lovely on our Library shelves!

At our Words on a Plate event Mark Logan talked about photography and said before ‘truth in advertising’ food photography was full of tricks including varnish!! to help make food look shiny. Those days are gone (thankfully) and now the done thing is back-lit photography. He said most cookbooks have a distinctive style of photography which can be seen by flicking through any of the latest books. He talked about his love of growing vegies and the managing the differences in climate here, than in Sydney. He’s said goodbye to watermelons and hello tomatoes. He moved onto to explain his concept for the Orange Post which is welcoming contributions from a wide variety of writers – not just about food, but almost any topic you can think of… Most recently they reviewed coffees around the local area and coming soon with be a BBQ Chicken review (please vote!). It will include takeaways and home cooked. (Looking forward to that)….Check out the Orange Post for all things local and literary: http://orangepost.com.au/

In honour of Library lovers and book readers everywhere – we have renamed Valentine’s Day – Library Lovers Day!  Help us celebrate Library Lovers Day this year by telling us in a few words why you love reading. For example: “reading is like breathing, something I have to do,” or “it takes me to places far away,“ or “it helps me relax”. Show your love for reading by:

 Calling in and popping a heart-shaped post-it note on our ‘wall of love’. Send us an email with your reading quote to library@orange.nsw.gov.au. Like us on Facebook and post a message on our wall. We aim to use the quotes throughout the year. So come on, tell us why you love to read.

What would Jane say? Who would she prefer as Mr Darcy? Colin Firth or Mathew Macfadyen? This week marks the 200th anniversary of Pride and Prejudice being published – Jane Austen’s classic love story about Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy. It’s incredible we are still talking about the novel today but film and TV versions have certainly helped like Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle in the BBC adaptation and Mathew Macfadyen and Keira Knightley in 2005 film version. 

And read Helen Garner’s comment on the Austen phenomenon at the SMH:  http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/pride-and-joy-20130124-2d82c.html And here’s an interesting take on it all from the UK: http://metro.co.uk/2013/01/28/our-200-year-love-affair-with-elizabeth-bennet-3368732/ The best way to celebrate is to read the book! Or watch the film and TV versions…. Enjoy!