Inaugural NZ Book Month Launches Monday

15 September 2006

Inaugural NZ Book Month Launches Monday

Spring is in the air – a time of new beginnings…

Help a new generation of readers to blossom by celebrating NZ Book Month

The launch of New Zealand’s first ever Book Month will be held simultaneously at 12 noon Monday September 18th in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

New Zealanders are invited to come along to the launches and donate a new or previously loved NZ book to one of three colourful, custom-made 2.4m high bookshelves. The bookshelves will be located at Aotea Square in Auckland, the steps of Parliament in Wellington and Cathedral Square in Christchurch.

Well-known NZ authors and celebrities will join book lovers and members of the public in donating their favourite book/s. All donated books will be given to the not-for-profit organisation Books in Homes.

The Books in Homes’ aim of ‘breaking the cycle booklessness’ is based around the idea that children from bookless homes, with no reading role models in their environment, can become more interested in reading if they own books themselves, have the opportunity to share them with other family members and can return to them many times.

Phil Twyford, Project Director of NZ Book Month, says, “With spring in the air and the urge to clean out after winter, this weekend provides the perfect opportunity to gather together some New Zealand books and bring them along to the launch.”

The first 50 people at each launch event who donate a book will receive a complimentary copy of The Six Pack. The Six Pack, published to celebrate NZ Book Month, is a compilation of six pieces of new writing by a mixture of well-known and previously unpublished New Zealand authors. The author’s identities were kept secret during a selection process conducted by a panel of celebrity judges and a public online poll. The result is a fantastically diverse range of authors from a variety of backgrounds. These six authors will be announced on September 18th and will be present at the launches to receive their $5,000 prize each.

Those based out of the main centres can still be involved. To have your pre-loved NZ book/s feature on a bookshelf at the official launch post them to: NZ Book Month, PO Box 52-016, Kingsland, New Zealand. The first 50 donations received will be sent a copy of The Six Pack in return. The Six Pack will be given free to all New Zealand secondary schools and public libraries and will also be available throughout the month from good bookstores nationwide for only $6.

The Project Director of NZ Book Month, Phil Twyford says, “The launch of NZ Book Month is only the beginning of the festivities planned to celebrate NZ writers and NZ books. We’re hoping to introduce or reintroduce the world of NZ literature to every New Zealander. Kiwis don’t need to search far and wide for a good read - from sport to travel, history to romance – there is a New Zealand book for everyone.”

NZ Book Month, from September 18th to October 15th 2006, is a national celebration of NZ books and NZ writers. It is supported by booksellers, publishers, writers, librarians and book lovers of all descriptions and is inspired by the exceptional literary talent found in Aotearoa. Check out www.nzbookmonth.co.nz to explore how NZ Book Month has something for everyone.

ENDS

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