Oral historian Helen McAnulty is pictured (above)at the Orange launch for her book History Talking with Alex Jenkins who wrote the foreword and has his war story included in the book.

A love of collecting and writing oral history has led to a unique book titled History Talking by Central West writer and oral historian Helen McAnulty covering reminiscences of people from Gulgong, Mudgee and Orange. At the recent launches in both Gulgong and Orange, Helen said how much she enjoyed collecting people's memories. She also shared wonderful anecdotes from the book including an amazing coincidence about a nurse involved in a leg amputation operation and then a chance meeting with that patient. Helen has been collecting and writing oral history for the past 30 years. The book is supported by the Oral History Group, Marsden Memorial Rural History Research Centre, Gulgong Research Centre, Mudgee Historical Society and the many people who generously shared their memories and photographs. The book can be purchased from the Marsden group and local bookshops.

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.

Local illustrator Freya Blackwood was the special guest with family, friends and supporters at the weekend celebrations for her latest collaboration with author Libby Gleeson titled Look, a Book! The event was hosted by Collins Booksellers. About the book: Amongst the jumble of modern living two children find a book. It is a bright red beacon in the muted and desolate environment in which they live as they open the pages their world awakens and so does their imaginations! It is a beautiful book with the exquisite design carried through onto the cover making it look loved - like a book should.

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.

Youth suicide is a growing concern in Australia. In an effort to help raise awareness, Australian authors have donated stories to the Hope anthology. All profits from sales of the book will be donated to charities offering help to those in need of it and to foundations who are conducting research into why our youth are affected in the first place.

The anthology called Hope includes thirteen short stories by some of Australia's best speculative fiction writers: High Tide at Hot Water Beach (Paul Haines), Burned in the Black (Janette Dalgliesh), The Haunted Earth (Sean Williams), Eliot (Benjamin Solah), Boundaries (Karen Lee Field), The Encounter (Sasha Beattie), The God on the Mountain (Graham Storrs), Deployment (Craig Hull), Flowers in the Shadow of the Garden (Joanne Anderton), Blinded (Jodi Cleghorn), The Choosing (Rowena Cory Daniells), Duty and Sacrifice (Alan Baxter) and A Moment, A Day, A Year... (Pamela Freeman). The stories are accompanied by essays written by Beyondblue and Dr Myfanwy Maple and Mr Warren Bartik, from the University of New England. The book will be released worldwide in paperback and digital formats on 7 October 2011.

Six people take their own lives each and every day in Australia. Each one of those deaths affect dozens or even hundreds of people as family and friends attempt to deal with the grief, the guilt and the nagging questions as to why it happened. Often suicide sets off a chain reaction, which causes family members and close friends to suffer depression and suicidal thoughts.

The anthology will be available through brick and mortar bookshops as well as online bookstores. The paperback will be available in Australia for $17.99 and various digital formats will be available for only $3.99. All profits from the sale of the book will be donated to Beyondblue and the Anika Foundation.

Kayelle Press is based in the Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia, Kayelle Press is a new independent publisher of speculative fiction, which includes fantasy, science fiction and horror. They will publish books for young readers, young adults and adults that will tempt your imagination and allow you to escape into unknown worlds. Find out more from their website: www.kayellepress.com

For more information about Hope visit www.kayellepress.com or contact Karen Henderson at 02 6353 1554.

If you or your friends need to talk call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.

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

Get along to downtown Millthorpe (a beautiful heritage village near Orange) - 2pm at Millthorpe Motel, 26 Victoria St on Saturday 1 October to Marg Carroll's launch of The Man who Loved Crocodiles and stories of other adventurous Australians. 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 Stefanek (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 November Shorn band will kick off the event over a yummy afternoon tea for the launch and book signing. Make a day of it as 10 gardens are open around Millthorpe too. A great day to be had - Please RSVP to Marg Carroll 6366 8580 please.

BooksPlus is bringing Marion Halligan, one of Australia's best loved authors to Bathurst for a launch of her new collection of short stories, 'Shooting The Fox'. Marion will be "in conversation" at Bathurst Library on Tuesday 28th June. Marion is an acclaimed writer, having published a host of novels, short story collections, memoirs & crime fiction. Ramona Koval, of ABC Radio National's Book Show, has described Marion as '...one of Australia's most beloved and prodigious writers'. She has been awarded an AM for services to literature andfor her efforts in promoting Australian writing. Her latest collection of short stories, 'Shooting The Fox',encompasses all of the themes Marion Halligan is known for -love, loss, sex, death & the great pleasures of food, wine gardening & reading. Marion will be speaking about her latest book as well as her distinguished writing career, in conversation with Dr. Barbara Hill from Charles Sturt University at Bathurst Library on Tuesday 28th June at 6.15pm. Tickets are $12 & available from BooksPlus or by phoning 6331 5994. Come along & enjoy hearing this wonderful writer speak & help to launch her new book.

Kandos poet Terry Yates will launch the Kandos Writers' Group inaugural Anthology titled Kandos Moments on Friday 1 July at 4pm at the Kandos Returned Services Community Club, 20 Dangar Street, Kandos.

The Kandos Writers' first collection features short stories, a letter, memoir and poetry. Local artist Judi Martinelli Rasmusssen's delightful work complements this diverse pallette of styles. The group meet at the Kandos Library and are part of the Fellowship of Australian Writers.

You are invited to attend the launch and immerse yourself in the words and talent of this Kandos region. The group acknowledges the assistance of the Mid-Western Regional Council and Kandos Returned Services Community Club for this project.

A medical history of Orange three years in the making was launched last night at Orange Civic Theatre Forum. Pictured is project leader Jan Richards with Orange Mayor Cr John Davis, author Lis Edwards and special guest Paul Brunton. The book titled In Sickness and In Health - How medicine helped shaped Orange's history is the culmination of efforts by the Medical History Book Project team supported by Orange City Council, Pinnacle Healthcare, Orange Regional Arts Foundation and gold, silver and bronze sponsors of ths important project. Senior Curator, Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, Paul Brunton, officially launched the book and commended author Elisabeth Edwards on her research and writing skills as well as the editing, proof reading and indexing of the book. The book is for sale from Orange City Library and the author is available for talks to community groups and can be arranged by contacting her directly on 6362 8647. She will also be signing books at Orange City Library on Saturday 2 April from 11.30am - 1pm. Congratulations to all involved.