Manly Library book group

Have you had trouble finding a book club?

Manly Library runs a monthly book discussion group on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6pm, which are quite unique in the world of book groups.

Our emphasis is on the joy of reading, where we provide monthly lists of suggested reading to challenge and broaden the horizons of our members. We also offer access to the latest acquisitions at the Library. We do not restrict ourselves to one book to critique and avoid a classroom style experience.

We work on the premise that life is too short to read something you don’t enjoy – so don’t read it – go and find something you do like – but tell us about it so we won’t make the same mistake as well. We have lots of suggestions about books to read, and if variety is the spice of life, we can be very spicy.

If you would like further information about Library Book Discussion Groups, please contact Fran Inkster at Manly Library on 9976 1732 or email fran.inkster [at] manly.nsw.gov.au

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Do you have a passion for reading – looking to expand your reading horizons, but want to stay close to home?

Would you like meet in your own home, with people you know to share your passion and discuss the books you have read? Perhaps you would like to start your own book group, but don’t know where to begin. Fran Inkster, Customer Services Librarian at Manly Library, would be happy to help you start up your own group, and demonstrate how Manly Library can support your group.
For further information, please contact Fran on 9976 1732 or email fran.inkster [at] manly.nsw.gov.au

Man Booker International Award winner

This prize is awarded once every two years, and is based on an author's overall body of work and contribution to literature. This year's winner is Chinua Achebe: an African author best known for his first novel Things Fall Apart, 1958 and Anthills of the Savannah, 1987. From the Man Booker International site Chinua Achebe comments:

"It was 50 years ago this year that I began writing my first novel, Things Fall Apart. It is wonderful to hear that my peers have looked at the body of work I have put together in the last 50 years and judged it deserving of this important recognition. I am grateful."

Looking for a long read?

Then this list of the longest novels might help you! The longest Australian novel is Xavier Herbert's Poor Fellow My Country at over 850 000 words. It can be found at F /HERB.

Orange Prize for Fiction 2007 winner announced

This year's winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for her novel Half of a Yellow Sun. From the Orange Prize website:

'Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born in Nigeria in 1977. She is from Abba in Anambra State, but grew up in the university town of Nsukka.
Her first novel Purple Hibiscus was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction and the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, longlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for debut fiction. She lives in Nigeria.'

Also on the site is steaming video interview with the author, and a review of Half of a Yellow Sun written by Moby.

Library knit in

From now until the end of July the library will be holding a regular knit in! From 12-2pm on Thursdays you can drop in and help us knit squares which will be used to create wraps for the charity Wrap With Love.

Squares need to be 25cm x 25cm (10" x 10") and knitted in 8ply wool with size 8 (imperial) knitting needles (4mm needles) in any stitch except stocking stitch. Come and get all the instructions and patterns you need and join the group to knit & ‘bitch’!