Event aims to get people reading | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

New Zealander and New York Times best-selling author Nalini Singh will be in Hawke's Bay to help celebrate New Zealand Book Month, which starts on March 1.

She will present an evening called "An Intimate Interlude with Nalini Singh" at Flaxmere Library which will be one in a number of events during the month aimed to show how books can change lives.

There would also be visits by authors Sir Bob Jones and Allyson Gofton throughout the Hastings district in March.

The events are run by Hastings District Libraries, Hastings District Friends of the Libraries and Matariki Wines, as well as the Live Poets' Society, Keirunga creative hub and book groups.

Hastings District Libraries promotions co-ordinator Carla Crosbie believed the book month played a vital role in teaching children and parents that books can be fun and engaging for all ages.

"We want to show the community just how much is on offer for them in the Hastings district," Ms Crosbie said.

There were events for every age group, from preschool story time with local author Joy Watson, who wrote Grandpa's Slippers, fun with food author Allyson Gofton, to discussions on childrens author and suspected spy, Arthur Ransome and his influence on our reading

Mr Ransome wrote numerous children's novels and was surrounded by rumours that he acted as a British spy during the Russian Revolution.

"Keirunga creative hub will host a range of writing workshops as well as book art classes, there really is something for everyone this New Zealand Book Month in our district," Ms Crosbie said.

New Zealand Book Month is a nationwide campaign to establish and build a country of dedicated readers as well as bringing readers and writers together.

In support of New Zealand Book Month, Booksellers NZ will be sending every household a $5 book voucher to help encourage communities to become readers.

The organiser of the nationwide event, Megan Dunn, said she hoped Hastings would join in celebrating Zealand Book Month and "take this special time to bond with their families".

"We believe everyone should be able to experience the magic of the written word," Ms Dunn said.

Over 200 community groups, libraries and book groups are signed up to take part in the nationwide initiative.

For more detailed information on events can be found online: www.hastingslibrary.co.nz