We have a new date for our author visit with Adam Courtenay launching his latest book Three Sheets to the Wind: Why a motley crew of merchant seamen walked 600 miles to save 7,000 gallons of rum at  Cowra Library on Thursday 29 September at 2pm, and Orange City Library from 5.30pm to 7pm.  The date was changed from 22 September due to the Queen’s Memorial Public Holiday. 

When in 1796, Calcutta-based Scottish merchants Campbell & Clark dispatched an Indian ship hurriedly renamed the Sydney Cove to the colony of New South Wales, they were hoping to make their fortune. But when the Sydney Cove went down north of Van Dieman’s Land, cargo master William Clark and sixteen other crew members were compelled to walk 600 miles to Sydney Town to get help to save the rest of the crew and the precious goods. Assisted by at least six Indigenous clans on his journey, Clark saw far more country than Joseph Banks ever did, and his eventual report to Governor Hunter led to far-reaching consequences for the colony. And the rum? Find out more about this true story when Adam is our guest at Orange City Library. Please book your place online for Cowra or call us on 6340 2180, or Orange City Library online or call 6393 8132. 

Snuggling up beside the fire with a good book is one of winter’s pleasures. Be inspired by our incredible guest authors at this year’s festival.

Enjoy a lively program of non-fiction and fiction authors with Robert Tickner, Helen Ennis, Petronella McGovern, Michael Brissenden and Todd Alexander at this intimate Readers and Writers Festival to be held at the Hotel Canobolas on Saturday 6th August coinciding with the Winter Fire Festival.  Tickets $75 before 8 July, $95 after and include morning tea and lunch. Please note the History Writing Workshop with Rebecca Wilson author of Kate Kelly: the true story of Ned Kelly’s Little Sister is booked out.   

Be quick – book your place: Orange Readers and Writers Festival

A heart-warming tale about an unlikely hero, Cooper Not Out by Justin Smith, is the Central West Libraries ‘One Library One Book’ community read this winter, and readers have the chance to meet the author. The innovative community reading program encourages everyone in the region to read and discuss the same book at the same time in Orange, Blayney, Canowindra, Cowra, Forbes, Manildra and Molong. Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair, Councillor Mel McDonell encourages everyone to read the book and share it with friends and family.

Meet Cooper Not Out author Justin Smith on:

• Monday 20 June at Blayney Library 11.30am; or Cowra Library 2.30pm.
• Tuesday 21 June at Forbes Library 1pm; or Orange City Library 5.30pm – 7pm 
• Wednesday 22 June at Molong Library at 11.30am.
• Please book your place online or call your local library. Happy reading!

Please be advised due to the current lockdown in Blayney, Orange and Cabonne Local Government Areas, libraries in Blayney, Canowindra, Manildra, Molong and Orange will be closed for the next 7 days. Cowra and Forbes Libraries are open.

CWL online services – Story Box Library, audiobooks, magazines, Beamafilms, Kanopy, Kanopy Kids are available online 24/7 via the website: www.cwl.nsw.gov.au.

Library programs planned for the next 7 days will not be going ahead – this includes Orange and Canowindra Storytimes, Music For Little Ears, 1,2 Books, Ten Minutes a Day, Orange Purlers, Orange Family History Group, Code Club, and Lego Club.

If you have library items due, please call us on 6393 8132 to renew them for you. Any reservations will be available for collection after the lockdown ends.

 If you need assistance with online access, your PIN or have any questions, please call us on 6393 8132. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding at this time. We hope you take care, stay safe and well. See you all in 7 days.

#Blayney #Canowindra #Manildra #Molong  #Cabonne #Orange #orangensw #orange360 #regionallockdownnsw #COVID19

What motivates a pilot to sit in the cockpit of a light aircraft for days, overloaded with fuel, alone over a vast ocean? This is the remarkable story of the late Jim Hazelton, local pioneer Australian aviator by author Mark Nelson.

The first Australian to fly the Pacific solos in a single-engine aircraft in 1964, Jim crossed the Pacific over 200 times, revelling in the hazardous business of ferrying light aircraft.

Renowned for his unique instructing style and flying ability, Jim was respected and admired by all who shared his cockpit. He was a pilot with a rare gift, a man who found himself literally at one with the sky.

The event is supported by Collins Booksellers, Orange and books will be available for purchase at the event.

Join us to launch the book Jim Hazelton Born to Fly on Thursday 3 June at Orange City Library, Byng Street, Orange from 5.30pm – 7pm. Please book your place online via Eventbrite or call 6393 8132.