Announcement re. 2022

Like organisations around the world, Geelong Regional Libraries has been significantly impacted by COVID-19, both operationally and financially. The pandemic has also provided us with a unique opportunity to reflect on our activities; to improve what we do to ensure we are best meeting the needs of our communities and stakeholders.

Following the launch of Connecting & Thriving, our Library Plan 2021-25, we have undertaken a thorough review of the Word for Word Festival. After consulting with our Festival Working Group and other key stakeholders, the Festival has been reimagined to reflect our new ‘Covid-normal’, with a smaller and more locally-focussed two day event, designed to celebrate and showcase our region’s amazing creative and literary talent.

Introducing The Local Word: Regional Showcase for Writers and Readers

After the long hiatus from in-person events that we’ve all experienced over the past two years, The Local Word will focus on bringing our diverse local writing communities together. Involving those living across the G21 region, this regional writers and readers showcase will feature writers’ workshops, panel discussions on popular aspects of the writing process, and author events showcasing locally based emerging and experienced authors. There will also be plenty of social and networking time, and chances to explore collaborative opportunities.

Showcase Dates: Friday 26 and Saturday 27 August 2022

Program announcement and tickets on sale: beginning of July

Calling for Submissions

To ensure the Showcase will cover the emerging trends and diversity of voices in the field, the Geelong Regional Library Corporation is calling for expressions of interest from people involved in our regional writing community.

If you are a local writer, illustrator, publisher, agent or other interested individual or group wanting to participate in the program delivery of The Local Word, please get in touch!

Our Expression of Interest form is available here and we’d love to hear from you.

We continue to run a wonderful program of author talks at our libraries and online. To explore these events please visit www.grlc.vic.gov.au/whats-on.

Thank you for your ongoing support.