Kangapoo has left his bush camp and has been spotted in Orange City Library. Have you seen him? Local author Sandra Shepherd presents her unique books titled The Tail of Kangapoo, and Up The River with Kangapoo and Possumpoo.

These humorous and whimsical books illustrate the playful spirit and inquisitive nature of its characters. Children can meet Kangapoo (when they find him), have their face painted and get their books signed by the author. The book launch is supported by Boomers Bookstore and ABC Centre.

Join in all the fun with Kangapoo and Sandra Shepherd on Thursday 15 December 5.30pm at Orange City Library, Byng Street, Orange. Bookings essential: Ph: 6393 8132.

Come along to these events at Orange City Library to meet the authors:

Illustrator Freya Blackwood celebrates Look, A Book!

Look, A Book! You never know where it might take you. When two ragamuffins stumble across a book in the dust their world begins to change. The familiar becomes fantastical, the mundane becomes magical, and a fractured community finds a focus. Set in a dreary, underprivileged, contemporary world, Look, A Book! is an exhilarating whirl through the magic of imagination. Come along and celebrate Freya's latest book at a fun event organised and supported by Collins Bookshop. Contact them on 6369 1333 for more information and bookings. Illustrator Freya Blackwood launches Look A Book! Sunday 27 November; 2.30pm, Northcourt, Byng St, Orange.

Local Author Elisabeth Edwards launches A Gentleman of the Inky Way

Local author Elisabeth Edwards' new book A Gentleman of the Inky Way marks the 150th anniversary of newspapers in Orange. The book brings together the articles of veteran Orange journalist Joe Glasson who had an unrivalled knowledge of the people who lived and worked in Orange, the houses they lived in and the development of businesses and organisations in the town. A Gentleman of the Inky Way by Elisabeth Edwards will be launched on Tuesday 29 November at 5.30pm by Janet Hansen of the well-known local family, a descendant of those who had been particular friends of journalist Joe Glasson. The launch is supported by Boomers Bookstore and ABC Centre.

History Talking by Helen McAnulty Book Launch

Author Helen McAnulty launches her book History Talking at Orange City Library on Friday 2 December at 11am. The book is a collection of oral histories from residents in Gulgong, Mudgee and Orange. It will be launched by Professor Alexander Jenkins whose war time story is included in the book and has been made possible by the people of Gulgong, Orange and Mudgee as well as the resources of the Marsden Memorial Rural History Research Centre. There is scarcely any aspect of life in those early years that escapes Helen's gaze - ranging from pioneering life through to settlements, natural disasters, railways, communications and foreign war service. Helen has been collecting and writing about oral history for the past 30 years. The launch will be held at Orange City Library on Friday 2 December at 11am. Please call 6393 8132 to RSVP.

The Tail of Kangapoo by Sandra Shepherd, Children's Book Launch

Inspired by her grandchildren and her passion for children's stories, local author Sandra Shepherd presents her unique books titled The Tail of Kangapoo and Up the River with Kangapoo and Possumpoo. These humorous and whimsical books illustrate the playful spirit inquisitive nature of its characters. Children can meet Kangapaoo, have their face painted and get their books signed by the author. The launch will be held at Orange City Library on Thursday 15 December at 5.30pm. Please call 6393 8132 to RSVP.

Marg Carroll Book Launch

Local author Marg Carroll is launching her new book The Man who Loved Crocodiles and stories of other adventurous Australians at the Millthorpe Motel, 26 Victoria Street on Saturday 1st October at 2pm. Intrepid 81-year-old artist Ada Clark of Ada's Place in Millthorpe is Marg's local story, and the launcher is another of her story tellers. Milos Sefanek (89) survivor of 13 Nazi camps during WWII, escaped two and then communist Czechoslovakia to come as a penniless refugee to Australia and work on the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The band November Shorn will perform and a delicious afternoon tea will be served, then official launch and book signing. Ten gardens will also be open around Millthorpe during the weekend. Please call Marg Carroll on 6366 8580 to RSVP.

A Day with Caroline Jones

Caroline Jones AO, author and presenter of the ABC TV's Australian Story. Cost $20, includes morning tea and lunch. Saturday 8 October, 10.30am "Clonelly" at Murga, between Orange and Eugowra Cost $20 Please RSVP before 1st October Ph: Margaret on 6859 2256

Public Lecture on Crime and Crime Writing

Meet Nerida Campbell talking about the Femme Fatale: The Female Criminal Exhibition. Women who commit crime have always intrigued society, yet glamorous film noir seductresses and pulp fiction sirens are starkly at odds with the grim reality of female criminals. Tuesday 18 October, 1pm Orange Regional Gallery Byng Street, Orange Ph: 6393 8136

Author Talk with Alex Miller at Bathurst

Alex Miller has twice won the Miles Franklin Literary Award. His new novel is Autumn Laing based on the relationship between Sunday Reid and Sidney Nolan. Cost is $15. Thursday 20 October, 6pm for 6.30pm start Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre 105 William Street, Bathurst Cost $15 Booking Essential via Books Plus ABC Centre Ph: 6331 5994

BooksPlus are bringing former child soldier, Niromi de Soyza, to Bathurst to speak about her experiences as part of the Tamil Tigers on Wednesday 21st September at Bathurst Library.

Niromi has written of her experiences in her new book, 'Tamil Tigress', which has been chosen as one of the '50 Great Reads' in this year's National 'Get Reading' Campaign.

Leaving behind a shocked middle-class Sri Lankan family, Niromi& her lifelong friend Ajanthi, joined the Tamil Tigers as 17 year olds in 1987. Equipped only with a rifle and a cyanide capsule, they became part of the Tamil Tigers' first female contingent. They managed to survive on their wits in the jungle, facing not only the perils of war but starvation, illness and growing internal tensions among the militant Tigers.

Niromi's book explores how a well-educated, mixed-race, middle-class girl came to fight with the Tamil Tigers. Today she lives in Sydney with her husband and children. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to hear this extraordinary woman talk about her compelling story.

BooksPlus & Bathurst Library have organised for Niromi to speak at Bathurst Library on Wednesday 21st September at 6.15pm. Tickets are free & bookings can be made by contacting BooksPlus on 6331 5994 or orders@booksplus.com.au, or by contacting Bathurst Library in Keppel Street on 6333 6281. Its part of the Get Reading campaign!

Author Brennan Keats gives a special presentation on his book Quiet Waters at Orange and Cowra Libraries during March. His book follows the life of Russell Keats, a sensitive 20 year old supply assistant on board HMAS Canberra as related from his personal letters to his parents before the Battle of Savo Sound. The book provides graphic written accounts of day to day shipboard life in prominent naval units in WWII and the experiences of a young man with a strong sense of duty. It also gives a detailed account of the Japanese attack on Sydney Harbour during May and June of 1942. It includes many photos from the Australian War Memorial and others in private collections.

Come along to meet author Brennan Keats at:

Orange City Library Monday 28 March, 5.30pm for 6pm start RSVP to 6393 8132 Free

Cowra Library Tuesday 29 March, 12.30pm RSVP to 6340 2180 Free

You are invited to hear author Christine M. Knight talk about her chick lit book In and Out of Step at Orange City Library on Wednesday 16 February. The book is now into its second print run. Christine is a member of the Country Women's Association and is also an English and Drama teacher, crediting her theatrical experience to her understanding of character, dialogue, imagery, tension, and storytelling. "In theatre and storytelling, the momentum comes from interest in what-happens-next," Christine said. She is also fascinated by the art of teaching.

Her book In and Out Of Step follows Cassie Sleight: The past denied and her dance championship dreams discarded, Cassie Sleight leaves home. In the seemingly idyllic coastal town of Keimera, she starts a career on the English staff of the local high school. Contact with Mark Talbut, a man struggling to be modern yet threatened by power shifts in the workplace and in society, causes Cassie to assess her reactions as a woman and a teacher. As she does so, the secrets of her past surface. This novel is a story about friendship and family, types of love, gender politics and power, the transmission of values and attitudes, sexual encounters and sexual harassment, choice, and changing societal views about male and female relationships. The novel's darker messages are lightened by regular injections of wry, tender, funny and illuminating humour, dialogue, and experiences.

Meet Christine M. Knight on Wednesday 16 February, 5.30pm for 6pm start at Orange City Library, Byng Street, Orange. RSVP by calling 6393 8132. See you there!

Rosamund Bartlett draws extensively on the many fascinating new sources which have been published about Tolstoy since the collapse of Communism to write about one of the most compelling, maddening, brilliant and contrary people who has ever lived. Rosamund Bartlett's books include her acclaimed Chekhov: Scenes From a Life (2004) and her forthcoming new translation of Anna Karenina for Oxford World's Classics. Meet Rosamund on Wednesday 2 February at 5.30pm for a 6pm start at Orange City Library Please RSVP to 6393 8132.

The Central West Writers' Centre Words Out West Newsletter is now available on the Words Out West website. It has all the latest news on upcoming events including our Drop-in Day this Friday with special Guest John Darin from Community Radio who will be talking about a special opportunity for writers as well as Rosamund Bartlett, author of Tolstoy: A Russian Life and Christine M Knight author of In and Out of Step. There is also lots of opportunities and writing competitions, writing group details and an inspirational quote to keep you going. To subscribe, head to the Words Out West Home page.

The discovery of gold in Australia in 1851 was a turning point in Australia's history, changing forever the way Australians saw themselves and how others perceived the colony. Author David Hill will launch his latest book, 'Gold, the Fever that Forever Changed Australia' in Orange on Saturday, November 13.

Hill uses the diaries, journals, books, letters, official reports, parliamentary inquiries and newspaper reports of the time, along with his own master storyteller's skill of bringing the past to life.

Of particular interest to Orange district residents, the first chapter is devoted to the finding of gold at Ophir and whether Hargraves was the real discoverer or Lister and Tom. There is also a detailed telling of the huge gold robbery at Escort Rock on the road to Forbes.

David Hill's talk will take place at the Orange Regional Conservatorium in Hill Street at 7pm. After the talk Can Assist will provide light refreshments and David will be available to discuss and sign his book.

The cost for the evening is $25, with profits to go to Can Assist. Tickets are available from Collins Booksellers, 230 Summer Street, Orange, phone 6369-1333.

David Hill's book launch is taking place on the same weekend as the gold events at Millthorpe Museum.

Sharyn Killens is better known as Sharyn Crystal, a successful Australian singer and entertainer. But her life wasn't always glamorous and her childhood was at times a living hell. The Inconvenient Child is the true account of her extraordinary journey to success and her quest to discover her African-American heritage. Sharyn and Lindsay have been friends for twenty years and met during their time as entertainers. Their close relationship and music background makes for a lively yet emotional author talk, keeping their audience enthralled as they recount Sharyn's extraordinary story and her often difficult journey through life. This story is not all heartbreak - it's a story of triumph, faith, success and joy.

Come along and hear the story of The Inconvenient Child at one of these locations:

Orange City Library, Monday 7 June at 1pm

Forbes Library Wednesday 9 June at 2pm

Cowra Library Thursday 10 June at 10.30am

Please RSVP by calling the Library you wish to attend.