Libraries initiative to attract more authors and speakers to Redlands Coast

Redland City Council is set to launch an exciting new initiative at the city’s libraries that will bring more of Australia’s leading speakers and writers to Redlands Coast.

Authors in conversation – to be introduced at Cleveland, Capalaba and Victoria Point Libraries in March – is a unique concept in which an author interviews a highlight author about their latest work.

Eight writers have already been locked in for the series, starting with best-selling romance novelists Penelope Janu and Stella Quinn at Victoria Point Library on Monday 4 March.

The new program complements the popular Author talk sessions, which have helped attract some of Australia’s leading fiction and non-fiction writers to Redlands Coast.

Recent attendees have included Chris Hammer, who spoke about his latest novel The Seven in October 2023, as well Peter FitzSimons, Rachael Johns and Judy Nunn.

Seven crime writers will present at Author talk and Authors in conversation sessions throughout March and April, in what has been dubbed a literary ‘crime-a-thon’.

Novelist Kerryn Mayne will join Elizabeth Coleman in conversation at Capalaba Library on Saturday 9 March to discuss her latest book Joy Moody is Out of Time, while Dinuka McKenzie will speak with Poppy Gee about Tipping Point at Cleveland Library on Monday 11 March.

There is also plenty on offer for lovers of non-fiction, with intrepid adventurer Bonnie Hancock – the first Australian woman to circumnavigate the continent by paddle – presenting her new biography The Girl Who Touched the Stars at Victoria Point Library on Saturday 13 April.

Former Olympic swimmer Lisa Curry and naturopath Jeff Butterworth will also visit Redlands Coast to talk about Happy Healthy You, the pair’s soon-to-be-released book about healthy living. They will present at Cleveland Library on Wednesday 1 May at 10am.

Attendance at Author talk and Authors in conversation sessions is free but bookings are essential.

Further information about the author events, including how to book, is available on the Library events page on Council’s website.