Goldfields Libraries Top 40 Reads Announced!

Forget Valentine's Day, 14 February is now known as Library Lovers Day! Library Lovers Day is all about celebrating our local libraries and the important role they play in our community.

Leading up to Library Lovers Day, Goldfields Libraries invited the community to vote for their favourite book of all time during the month of January in its Dearly Beloved Reads program.

After an overwhelming response, the top 40 shortlist has been announced in celebration of Library Lovers Day!

Topping the shortlist is the classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, closely followed by The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.

“We’re pleased to have such a wide range of books included in the shortlist, in particular the top three represent great diversity amongst our members,” says Tammy Higgs, Goldfields Libraries Programs and Events Coordinator.

“Creating the Top 40 Reads has been an engaging way to connect book lovers on a different level by encouraging them to share recommendations – I’m sure we can all find something new and exciting to read on the shortlist!”

The Goldfields Libraries Top 40 Reads shortlist is available as a special keepsake bookmark and flyer to pick up from any Goldfields Library. The shortlist and full list are both also available on the library’s website: www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au/dearlybeloved  

“Blind Date with a Book” is also running this week in celebration of Library Lovers Day. A selection of recent adult fiction and non-fiction titles are wrapped and available for readers to pick up at all branches until Saturday 13 February.

Library Lovers Day will also be celebrated by highly acclaimed author Carmel Bird at Castlemaine Library on Thursday 11 February. Carmel will read from her recently published short story collection, My Hearts Are Your Hearts and local cellist Libby Anderson will present a short program of romantic music.

Popular historical romance writer Beverley Eikli will run a romance writing workshop as part of Library Lovers Day celebrations at Gisborne Library on Thursday 11 February.

For further information and bookings visit www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au/librarylovers