Come along to hear author Anita Heiss speak about books, reading and writing at Cowra Multipurpose Room, next door to Cowra Library, Darling Street, Cowra on Tuesday 13 November at 5.30pm. This is a free event but please book your place by calling the Library on 6340 2180.

Anita Heiss, successful author and passionate campaigner for Aboriginal literacy, was born a member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales, but was raised in the suburbs of Sydney and educated at the local Catholic school.

Dr. Anita Heiss is the author of non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial women's fiction, children's fiction, social commentary and travel articles. She is a regular guest at writers' festivals and travels internationally performing her work and lecturing on Aboriginal literature. She is an Indigenous Literacy Day Ambassador and a proud member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales. Anita divides her time between writing, public speaking, MCing, and as a workshop facilitator.

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

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.

Congratulations to poets Josh Simpson, of Bathurst, and Alan Fragar, of Cowra, who just edged out Frank Daniel, of Canowindra, to win a place in the Australian Poetry Slam State Final coming up in Sydney on 13 November. The winning poets along with Kim Core, Matthew Ryan, Seamus Leyland and Dimas Bakini performed well and entertained the large crowd at Cowra Library. The Australian Poetry Slam 09 is an initiative of the State Library of NSW, and is supported by state, territory and public libraries and festivals across the country. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding & advisory body. Pictured above is Frank Daniel, 3rd place, host Miles Merrill, and Poetry Slam winners Josh Simpson and Alan Fragar.

Cowra Library is one of 8 regional centres selected to host an Australian Poetry Slam Heat. It is fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to showcase their performing talents and be part of this exciting event. It is most like theatre sports. Performers sign up on the night and have two minutes to impress the judges with their rap, rhyme, story or spoken word performance. Cowra will host the Australian Poetry Slam Regional Heat on Friday 3 July at Cowra Library from 5.30pm. People who want to perform can sign up from 5pm. Five judges are selected randomly from the audience and the middle scores averaged out for each performance. So it is a fair competition and anyone can win on the night. We need people to get up and have a go and they could go on to win the State or even National titles and of course, we need an audience. They will have a great time. Also see talented word artist Miles Merrill perform. It is brought to you by the State Library of NSW.

Meet Don Tate, author of The War Within – regarded as one of the most extraordinary memoirs ever published in Australia. You will also see colour film of his infantry experiences in Vietnam during 1969 now valued at $100,000.

Don was permanently disabled when his platoon was ambushed by a Viet Cong company entrenched in bunkers in July 1969. He subsequently spent more than two years in military and repatriation hospitals. Don recounts his remarkable life story in The War Within.

He has appeared on: RPA, A Current Affair, Today, Susie and the 7.30 Report. Meet Don at: Orange City Library, Byng Street, Orange on Wednesday 3 June 12 noon – 1.30pm, please RSVP by calling 6393 8132 or

Come to Cowra Visitor Information Centre Olympic Park, Mid Western Highway, Cowra on Wednesday 3 June 5.30pm – 7pm, please RSVP by calling 6342 4333.