Library turns up heat with $1000 prize

New Zealand Book Month is here and the Rotorua Library is ready to celebrate.

Library marketing and promotions officer Sue Heke said the library would be offering a range of free events, workshops, film viewings and the opportunity to win $1000 in the Rotorua Biography Competition.

She said library staff always looked forward to New Zealand Book Month because it gave them an excuse to "shout out" about great Kiwi books, authors and all the benefits of reading and writing.

"We have several New Zealand Book Month sessions during our regular LibraryLive sessions, including editor of the latest issue of the New Zealand Writers' Handbook Tina Shaw who will launch this invaluable volume today, as well as a write-in where budding writers can get their thoughts down on paper.

"Talented local woman Robyn Sparrow creates beautiful specialty books and professional book binding and she'll be in to show off her talents at a LibraryLive session on Thursday March 14. Literacy Rotorua will hold LibraryLive sessions too," she said.

Entrants in the Rotorua Biography Competition could take home $1000 for their efforts.

Participants can enter a biography of a Rotorua resident, alive or dead, to be eligible for the prize.

Next Wednesday at 4.30pm, aspiring authors can find out how they can get an idea from manuscript to published book at the How to Get Published event hosted by Business Media Services publisher Mike Smith.

A group of local authors will also be there to offer advice.

On Thursday, March 21 at 4pm, one of Rotorua's favourite authors, Aunty Bea, will host a Ka Pai Afternoon for children and parents. Dress up as a character from one of her books, sing a song from Waiata Mai, or act out a segment from any of her stories to win prizes.

People are asked to donate a gold coin for Aunty Bea's cancer charity.

The Hindsight Series by local filmmaker Kerry Fowler will focus on Rotorua authors and identities and screens on Wednesday, March 13, at 10.30am, Friday, March 15, at 2pm, Wednesday, March 20, at 10.30am and Friday, March 22, at 2pm. Mr Fowler will return on Wednesday, March 27, at 5.30pm to present a special screening of uncut footage of local identities being interviewed by the late Don Stafford.

Entry forms for the Rotorua Biography Competition will be available from March 20 at the library.