Connect with readers online as part of Victoria Reads

After a long year of reading alone, it’s time for Victorians to get together and share stories about their reading lives.

To celebrate Australia Reads, Public Libraries Victoria is pleased to announce Victoria Reads: Stories that Matter, a special event featuring some of Victoria’s most treasured personalities, to be held online on Tuesday, September 14, 7pm to 8.30pm.

Victorian readers are in for a humorous and illuminating evening as Christian White, Nazeem Hussain, Tony Birch and Alice Pung, together with hosts Claire Hooper and Paul Kennedy, share their reading lives.

Victoria Reads: Stories that Matter will highlight books that have changed lives, books that made our guests smile, and books they would take into outer space. Their answers will surprise and delight you.

This state-wide program will virtually connect Victoria’s public libraries and transcend metropolitan and regional boundaries to give attendees the opportunity to share their own stories and reading life.

Public Libraries Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Dr Angela Savage, highlights the importance of reading in this time of stress.

“In a time where we are in and out of lockdown, it is more important than ever that we give time to reading. Reading helps stimulate those parts of your brain that provide stress release and relaxation – and that’s a story that really matters.”

“We are delighted to be able to offer this space for some of our favourite Victorians to share their love of reading in a positive and encouraging way. I’m particularly looking forward to finding out what books find their way into outer space.”

Tuesday, September 14 is Australian Reading Hour, presented by Australia Reads. Australia Reads is a unique Australian book industry collaboration (of authors, booksellers, libraries and publishers) born of a common passion for, and mutual interest in, championing reading, promoting the many mental health and lifestyle benefits of reading books, and encouraging the next generation of avid book readers to significantly increase book reading by all Australians, no matter the format they read.

Register at https://www.trybooking.com/BTJGM