Best-selling authors serve up a sizzling summer of reading in Newcastle

City of Newcastle is set to transport readers beyond the page and into the minds of their favourite writers with a packed summer program of free author talks. 

The events are part of Newcastle Libraries' annual Your Summer Stories and Summer Reading Challenge, which aims to foster the joy of reading among Novocastrians of all ages. 

Now in its fifth year, the program includes an essential summer reading list with 10 carefully curated titles, alongside a swathe of lively literary activities to keep bookworms entertained. 

Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said City of Newcastle was committed to ensuring its libraries were vibrant hubs for borrowers, visitors and event attendees.  

"Our libraries play a pivotal role in the local community, with more than 130,000 library members across Newcastle," Ms Baird said. 

"Aside from holding the largest collection in the state, we also deliver thousands of events and programs each year that help foster rich cultural, social and educational opportunities for almost 30,000 incredibly engaged visitors. 

"This summer, we're bringing some of Australia's biggest names in literature to Newcastle with a lively lineup of author events as part of our Your Summer Stories campaign, where they will share insights on their latest releases, discuss their craft, and answer audience questions.  

"We'll also celebrate the joy of reading with special events for book lovers, including festive gatherings for book clubs to connect and celebrate, and a summer reading challenge for our younger readers to keep them entertained during the holidays." 

Best-selling Australian author Pip Drysdale will officially launch the Your Summer Stories events at Newcastle Library tonight as she shares insights into her latest thriller, The Close-Up. 

Hot on her heels will be former Home and Away favourite and author Judy Nunn, who will visit Wallsend Library this Friday, 15 November to share her secrets of being one of Australia's most successful storytellers.  

Hayley Scrivenor, Darcy Tindale, Mitch Jennings, Emma Grey, Samantha Wills and Jim Haynes will complete the line-up of high-profile writers on their way to Newcastle. 

Newcastle's youngest readers will also be encouraged to join in the fun, with a Summer Reading Challenge running from 1 December to 31 January with great prizes on offer including a $200 book voucher for the most engaged school. 

Open to children aged 5 to13 years, participants can read anything from picture books to comics and digital magazines, tracking their progress with a reading tracker bookmark. The challenge is designed to inspire a love of reading while maintaining literacy skills. 

For more information about all the events, visit https://newcastlelibraries.com.au/experience/what-s-on/your-summer-stories-2024-25