Bookworms burrow in for festival

THE Maribyrnong Literary Festival is in full swing with booked out events drawing hundreds of bookworms from throughout the west.

Opening in fine style with local author Kerry Greenwood last Friday night, the  festival of literary luminaries continues until Sunday.

Remaining events include discussions on imagination, story and art in children’s literature by Jessica Dean, the Bookalicious Fancy Dress Party with Mary Long, and Michael Leunig reflecting upon his early life in Maribyrnong and Footscray. 

The Sun Bookshop Saturday Soiree will feature debut novelists Zane Lovett and Nicki Reed talking about writing your first novel.

The festival concludes on Sunday with Myths Woven by Us, a free literary family fun day at the Footscray Community Arts Centre from 3pm.

There will be a free barbecue, storytime, celebrity readings, facepainting, balloon artist and a special appearance by David Greagg, the wizard of Footscray.

Maribyrnong mayor John Cumming said the Sunday event  included the unveiling of the Reading Chair, a sculptural piece created by local artist Jos van Hulsen.

“I would encourage all members of the community to come along and help us celebrate the success of council’s first literary festival,” he said.

 “The literary festival has been a fantastic addition to our Festival City calendar and we have had a very positive response from the community, with many events selling out. I hope the success of the festival will see its return for many years to come.”

All events are free, but bookings are essential. For details, call 96880290 or visit maribyrnong

.vic.gov.au/library.