A large part of the value of libraries in schools is the opportunities that may arise to engage students in the written word, both reading and writing as well. The Library at Shalom has formed a literary committee with the English faculty to develop such programs that may go some way to achieving this.

We have already had our junior team of expert readers compete in the junior Readers Cup competition and later this month our senior team will have their turn. Right on the tail of that, on Friday 9 August we will celebrate Shaloms ‘First Draft Writer’s Festival’ and Children’s Bookweek. A recent publication of Bundaberg Today featured an article about local oncologist turned successful author, Craig Mulhall. Craig was our opening act at the 2023 First Draft and was a hit. He was able to launch his newly completely first novel; “The King of Rhye”, a tribute to music icon Freddy Mercury and Queen presented as an explosion of fantasy, dark comedy, and unapologetic 1970’s rock.

We are fortunate this year to have been able to secure Craig’s patronage again at our event, this time to close out the day. He has been working tirelessly on his second book, the follow up to the first, this one an ode to pop culture and design borne of the jazz era and very aptly named “Metropolis”.

Events like First Draft and Storyfest (held at Somerset College) provide an excellent opportunity for young people to encounter the people and processes involved in the publishing industry. This year we are extending our festival to include years 7 and 8 in their own mini version in Waterford.

Keep reading!