For the love of reading

IN a month’s time, Clunes will be at its bookish best as the historic town’s famous literary festival returns.

The iconic Fraser Street will be closed off to become an open-air book bazaar as Clunes Booktown is held over the weekend of Saturday, 30 April and Sunday, 1 May.

CEO Sue Beal said organisers are striving to offer an accessible festival and industry meeting place with something for everyone, where readers of all ages can find a text they’ve been searching for, connect with booksellers, and be entertained.

“We want to give to the broader community something well-rounded that the whole family can appreciate and enjoy, and we’ve got everything from antiquarian books, to academic writers, to fun fiction,” she said.

“During the two days, we’ve got everybody who works in the industry sharing the space; writers, authors, storytellers, poets, publishers, and booksellers, and that’s what makes it different to a writers’ or arts festival.

“We’ve got young adult and children’s writers, and a precinct for children with entertainment and interactive activities.

“When you’re a young person, that’s when the love of reading starts, and it’s important for us to encourage that.”

Ms Beal said “lots of surprises” will be revealed in the weeks leading up to the festival, but exhibitions, author presentations, panel discussions, workshops, book-signings, stalls, and street performances are already on the program, which is linked to a particular idea in 2022.

“Our theme this year is about hope and looking to the future,” she said.