An update on events

In March 2012 NZ Book Month will once again present a lively programme of community events that will take place across New Zealand.

Thanks to Creative New Zealand this year we’ve been able to fund 60 volunteer book activists to make a wide variety of events happen in their communities. Many others are hosting their own, un-funded events too.

For booksellers, March is going to be a great time to jump on the bandwagon and use events to increase activity around books and reading.

Here's what's happening in your local area

New events are being added to calendar all the time. If you don't see your event - or want to add one, email Emma at emma.mccleary@nzbookmonth.co.nz and she can help.
 

Remember, your event does not need to be funded by NZ Book Month to be listed on our calendar.
 

NZ Book Month is founded on a programme of grassroots events, celebrating books and story-telling at a local level.  What makes Book Month special is the focus it brings to literacy and the power of books to enhance and change our lives.

2012 is already shaping up to be another wonderful eclectic year– we’ve got a wide range of activities on offer, from author talks to vintage fashion tours, from blogging workshops to an audience with one of the Masterchef finalists (at The Women's Bookshop)!
 

We’re very pleased to announce the Janet Frame Memorial lecture at Te Papa  given by Marilyn Duckworth on March 1st, 6pm on the marae.  The Janet Frame lecture is a highlight of the NZ Book Month calendar and we eagerly anticipate this literary state of the nation address! There’s also a wealth of activity taking place in Christchurch this year.  Have a look here.
 

Many of the events in Christchurch last year had to be cancelled or postponed, that’s why we are doubly thrilled to see so many things taking place this March!
 

We hope that this NZ Book Month will be every bit as good – if not better – than 2011.
 

About our Book Activist
A Book Activist is a person or organisation who has volunteered their time and resources to make a book-related event happen in their area. Our book activists include everyone and everything from libraries to bookstores and reading groups – this year we even have an author talk organised by The New Zealand Society of Genealogists!
 

The heart of Book Month is about the real and tangible difference that books – and stories – make to our lives. Reading a book is often a private experience, yet most of us love the chance to recommend a great novel to a friend or to hear one of favourite writer’s speak.
 

In March 2012 we’re gonna be talking loud and clear about how BOOKS CHANGE LIVES!
 

Written by Megan Dunn, Project Manager for NZ Book Month.