The National Year of Reading is about turning Australia into a nation of readers. Nearly half of all Australians (46%) don’t have the literary skills needed to cope with everyday life and work according to a national survey. During 2012, the National Year of Reading, we aim to improve this statistic. Join us as we discover and rediscover the joy of reading.
Mayor of Fremantle, Dr Brad Pettitt will officially launch Fremantle’s National Year of Reading program with special guests:

Susanna Iuliano sharing stories from Fremantle’s Italians: a glimpse into the past (uno sguardo nel passato…)

Heather Zubek interviewing Andrew Relph on his recently released book Not drowning, reading

Date: 14 February 2012
Time: 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
Venue: outdoor reading room (King’s Square)

RSVP: 7 February 2012 (08) 9432 9766 or frelib@fremantle.wa.gov.au

Stay and enjoy a delicious morning tea, meet the authors or simply relax and read in the outdoor reading room

The Thursday Bookclub book for February is That Deadman Dance by Kim Scott. The bookclub will meet to discuss on Thursday February 16 at 2.30 pm – 4.30 pm. Feel free to leave your comments in this post.

If you would like to join the Thursday Bookclub, email frelib@fremantle.wa.gov.au or phone 9432 9766.

The Tuesday Bookclub book for February is Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. The bookclub will meet to discuss on Tuesday February 21, 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. Feel free to leave your comments in this post.

If you would like to join the Tuesday Bookclub, email frelib@fremantle.wa.gov.au or phone 9432 9766.

These songs are for you to keep and can be downloaded to your iPod or any mp3 device.

How to use:

1. Log in to the Fremantle City Library Freegal page with your library barcode.

2. Search by artist or browse the collection.

3. Click the ‘download now’ link to transfer the mp3s.

If you have any problems, consult the FAQ. Enjoy the free music courtesy of the library!

Its a special library booksale, to be held outdoors under trees! Venture down to the outdoor reading room, located by the Jean Hobson playground in King’s Square on Thursday 9th February and have a look through the bargains and finds.

Thursday 9th February, 9.30am—3:00pm @ outdoor reading room

Fiction, biographies, ex Toy Library toys and lots more, there’s something for everyone. Plus $2 bargains

Help us clear the decks and raise some dollars!

Storytime and Baby Rhyme Time are both on a little holiday at the moment, but will be back on the following dates:

Storytime 2012 begins on Thursday, 2nd February at 10 am and Saturday, 4th February at 11 am

Baby Rhyme Time 2012 begins on Wednesday, 1st February at 9.30 am

Cloudstreet by Tim Winton 36%

My place by Sally Morgan 29%

Jandamarra by Howard Pedersen & Banjo Woorumurra 14%

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey 14%

True country by Kim Scott 7%

The eight winning books representing all the states will be announced at the launch of the National Year of Reading on 14 February, 2012, at the National Library of Australia, in Canberra. Stay tuned!

Jen Banyard enjoys writing for younger audiences and draws from a childhood that consisted largely of mucking around in the Canning River and Indian Ocean. After editing non-fiction and dabbling in children’s literature for several years, she began postgraduate studies at UWA in 2005 to focus her creative writing.

Her fiction adventure, Spider Lies, was published by Fremantle Press in 2009, to wide acclaim.

Jen’s latest novel Mystery at Riddle Gully is as fast-paced and funny as her first book, packed with action, adventure, mystery, humour and false leads.

When there’s a lull she likes singing, travelling and generally splashing around.

Wednesday 18th January, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Fremantle City Library
Ages 7-12
RSVP by 16th January, 9432 9766

Wear your grooviest pyhamas, bring a teddy and settle in for stories, songs and craft.

Free, no bookings required.

Ages 2 – 7

Wednesday 11th January, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm

An example of an outdoor reading room by Get Reading. Ours will look different...

Fremantle City Library’s outdoor reading room is open to all, no membership or registration required. Located in King’s Square near the Jean Hobson playground the reading room offers books, magazines and current newspapers for use in the reading room.

Drop by and browse, read a while, then leave it for someone else to enjoy. Wifi is also available at the reading room.

Open

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday to Friday

From Monday 9 January 2012 to Friday 30 March 2012