Inverell Library will bring Australian authors and illustrators to local young readers again in 2027 after securing a place in an expanded program supporting live literature events in regional communities.
The library is one of 31 community organisations selected for the 2027 LitUp program, following its participation in the successful 2026 pilot.
At least three events are planned for Inverell during the first half of next year, with the library to partner with local schools to deliver the visits. One event will be held at the library and two in schools.
The selection comes after more than 100 applications were received from public libraries, schools and bookshops across New South Wales and Queensland for the expanded program.
Inverell Shire Mayor Cr Kate Dight said the program would give local young people a valuable opportunity to connect directly with leading Australian storytellers and artists.
“Meeting an author or illustrator can bring books to life and encourage a lasting enthusiasm for reading and creativity. Council is delighted that Inverell Library has again been selected for LitUp and that local schools and families will share in this experience.”
The visiting author or illustrator is still to be arranged. LitUp will work with library staff over the coming months to identify and organise the visitor for Inverell’s events.
Grant funding will also be provided, with the amount based on the travel and accommodation requirements involved in bringing the author or illustrator to the community.
LitUp is delivered through a partnership between Creative Australia, Create NSW and the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund, supporting communities to host live literature events.
The program helps address social, geographic and financial barriers that can prevent communities from staging those events, giving regional communities opportunities to bring in Australian authors and illustrators to inspire young readers.
For Inverell, the 2027 selection means another opportunity to take part after the library’s involvement in this year’s pilot. The next round expands the program, with participating organisations drawn from an application process spanning two states.
The local events will support the library’s work to encourage early literacy and develop a lifelong love of reading, connecting that work with opportunities for young people to meet the people who create books.
Schools will be partners in delivering the Inverell program, with two of the minimum three events to take place in school settings. The library will host at least one event as part of the same program in the first half of 2027.
The arrangements for the visiting storyteller or artist will be developed through the work between LitUp and library staff in the months ahead, alongside the travel and accommodation support provided through the grant.
Through LitUp, Australian authors and illustrators will visit regional communities as the program supports organisations that face barriers to hosting live literature events of their own.
Council’s announcement confirms Inverell Library’s place among the 31 successful community organisations, with the return of LitUp set to bring another round of literature events to local schools and the library next year.
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au