State Library kick-starts the National Year of Reading with the Love2Read Café

The State Library of Western Australia’s flagship initiative to kick-start the National Year of Reading in 2012 is the Love2Read Café - an outdoor reading room and book café. The Love2Read Café is a new venue in the Perth Cultural Centre where people can relax with their favourite reading material this summer.

Filled with brightly coloured chairs, tables, beanbags and book trolleys featuring a range of reading materials for all ages and interests, the Love2Read café also has a range of programs and events for diverse audiences. Some of the featured events to look out for include author talks, children’s activities, word game days, screenings of classic films based on books, and live music.

Hear author Andrew Relph on Saturday 21 January at 3.30pm, when he will be speaking about his new book Not Drowning, Reading and signing copies. For budding writers, a ‘Top Tips for Short Stories’ workshop will be held on Monday 23 January from 5.00-6.00pm, hosted by local author and writing tutor Amanda Curtin.

On the afternoon of Sunday 29 January from 1.00-5.00pm, Fringe World presents Crafternoon at the Love2Read Café. Get a little crafty and make your own flag to add to the Wonderland bunting for all to see. Bring your kids, bring your nanna! Stick, craft, cut and make to your heart's content! Ages 3+.

As well as one-off workshops and author talks there are regular events which take place every week. On Monday lunchtimes and evening, get a glimpse into WA’s history with “Stories on Screen”, digital stories from the State Library’s archives. For families with children there are weekly Baby Rhymetime sessions on Tuesdays at 10.30am, and Family Storytime on Wednesdays at 11am. On Sunday evenings at 5.00pm, catch the classic films on the big screen - bring a cushion and make yourself comfortable in the Perth Cultural Centre amphitheatre.

The State Library of Western Australia gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance provided to the Love2Read Café by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority and the McCusker Charitable Foundation, and the support received by the State Library of Western Australia Foundation.

The Love2Read Café at the State Library of WA, James Street Mall, Perth Cultural Centre. All events in the Love2Read Café are free and no booking is required. For more information or to download a pdf of the events calendar see: http://www.slwa.wa.gov.au/whats_on/national_year_of_reading

Open from Saturday 21 January – Sunday 26 February.
Closed 26 January for the Australia Day holiday, and 9-13 February for a music festival event.
Opening hours: Monday - Thursday 10am - 7.30pm, Friday 10am - 5pm, Weekends 10.30am - 5pm

For further details, please contact Doug George, Manager Public Programs.
Tel. (08) 9427 3150    email: doug.george@slwa.wa.gov.au

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day has released: Media Statement - New space underlies importance of reading .