Goldfields Libraries is excited to once again bring the ideas, conversations and literary stars of the Sydney Writers’ Festival (SWF) to local audiences through the much-anticipated Live & Local program.
Across three big days, a curated selection of SWF sessions will be live-streamed at Bendigo, Castlemaine and Woodend libraries, giving regional audiences front-row access to one of Australia’s most celebrated literary events – free of charge.
“Live & Local is about opening the doors to big ideas,” says Tammy Higgs, Goldfields Libraries’ Programs and Events Coordinator. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our communities to come together at their local library and hear from extraordinary writers, journalists and thinkers who are shaping conversations here and around the world.”
This year’s program features a stellar lineup of international heavyweights and Australian favourites, exploring themes from democracy and history to food, fiction and films.
International highlights include festival favourite A.C. Grayling, Booker Prize winner David Szalay, acclaimed novelist Susan Choi, bestselling author Mick Herron, Canadian writer Yann Martel, and renowned thinker Amitav Ghosh, appearing across a range of in-conversation and panel sessions with leading journalists, academics and Australian writers.
Homegrown talent shines throughout the program, with food writer Stephanie Alexander celebrating 30 years of The Cook’s Companion alongside Adam Liaw, and literary sensation Trent Dalton discussing his latest book, Gravity Let Me Go, with broadcaster Cassie McCullagh.
The weekend concludes with a timely discussion on global politics, as UK journalist Jon Sopel joins Nick Bryant and Rosalind Dixon to examine the impact of President Donald Trump on democracy, and the pressures facing democratic systems worldwide.
Screenings will take place on Thursday 21, Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May. All sessions are free, but bookings are essential. Please note that not all libraries will screen every session.
For full details and to book your spot, visit ncgrl.vic.gov.au/swf.