Vikki Petraitis, Glenice Whitting, Judith Rodriguez and Gaytana Adorna are just a few of the writers you can expect to meet, listen and talk to at the inaugural Bayside Literary Festival, which takes place from Friday 16 May to Sunday 25 May 2008.

More than 30 events will be taking place across Bayside at library branches in Brighton, Hampton, Sandringham and Beaumaris; at the Historical Societies in Brighton and Sandringham; at Black Rock House in Beaumaris; at Sandybeach Centre, Sandringham; at local bookshops; and at Mordialloc Neighbourhood House.

Bayside Mayor Councillor Andrew McLorinan said the Literary Festival was a good opportunity to bring the community together and tap into inner creative talents.

“The Festival is an excellent opportunity for people to have a go at writing, listen to authors and presenters speak about their work and experiences, and to just be creative.

“You can join in with morning teas, poetry readings, writing workshops and much more. There is even an event for fathers/guardians and sons called Boys, Blokes and Books where you can join author Paul Collins for a discussion about his books.

“There are plenty of events to participate in and I encourage people to take a look at what’s happening over the week and be involved,” McLorinan said.

A full list of events is detailed in the Festival program. People can pick up a copy from any Bayside Library or download a copy from www.bayside.vic.gov.au/library (follow the links)

For more information or to book into Bayside Literary Festival events, contact Bayside Library Service on (03) 9591 5900 or visit www.bayside.vic.gov.au/library

The Bayside Literary Festival is a joint initiative by Bayside City Council’s Library Service and Bayside Literary Groups.