The Reconnect Festival is about bringing our community back together. Through engaging talks, practical workshops, and exciting new initiatives, we will explore the themes of community, literacy and sustainability, to reconnect our members with our services, with their Councils, and with each other.
The festival boasts a stellar cast of presenters! Writer, actor, radio host, television producer and comedian, Brian Nankervis, in the role of official ambassador, is set to launch the festival at Realm Library on Tuesday 27 April, 6:30pm Author, activist and presenter Craig Reucassel, star of War on Waste, Fight for Planet A, and most recently Big Weather (and how to survive it), will present a virtual talk on sustainable communities on Thursday 27 May, 7pm. During the month of May, all libraries will be offering a feast of FREE activities for all ages.
The Writing the Rainbow Festival — celebrating LGBTQIA+ writers and readers — is back in 2021!
This year's festival within a festival features an exciting line-up of presenters:
- Sandra Pankhurst, subject of Sarah Krasnostein's best-seller The Trauma Cleaner
- Author Michael Earp on the importance of queer representation in young adult literature
- Author Narrelle M Harris will present the 'Find Your Voice, Tell Your Story' writing workshop
- Activist Jax Jacki Brown will present a rainbow families storytime
- The fabulous Dolly Diamond will present a rainbow families storytime
We will also be celebrating Library and Information Week, under the theme 'Adventures in Space and Time' from 17-23 May. Children can engage with a live-streamed reading of this year's National Simultaneous Storytime book Give me some space! by Philip Bunting, as well as space-themed activities at the library. Astronomy lovers of all ages can take part in a family stargazing session at Monbulk Recreation Reserve on Saturday 22 May, facilitated by expert volunteers from Mount Burnett Observatory.
"We would like our campaign to re-engage with our existing library members and engage with potential members. At the same time, raising the profile of public libraries and what they can offer for all ages."
– Joseph Cullen
Chief Executive, Eastern Regional Libraries
The Reconnect Festival will run from 1-31 May 2021. View the program and book your spot for a variety of exciting events at the Eastern Regional Libraries website.
Visit the Reconnect Festival page
