People's Choice - Premier's Literary Awards 2009

The judges for the 2009 Premier's Literary Awards have shortlisted the following works for the $40,000 Christina Stead Prize for Fiction. This year, for the first time, you can have a say about which book you think is best with the introduction of the People's Choice Award. There's not long to go though so you'll have to be quick - get reading and vote!

  1. Cover: The Spare Room by Helen GarnerThe Spare Room by Helen Garner
  2. Cover: The Good Parents by Joan LondonThe Good Parents by Joan London
  3. Cover: The Lieutenant by Kate GrenvilleThe Lieutenant by Kate Grenville
  4. Cover: A Fraction of the Whole by Steve ToltzA Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz
  5. Cover: Disquiet by Julia LeighDisquiet by Julia Leigh
  6. Cover: Breath by Tim WintonBreath by Tim Winton

Manga Madness @ Sutherland Library

During Youth Week we held a Manga Character Design Workshop. During the 2 1/2 hour workshop teens learnt how to design their own Manga character. By the end of the afternoon 29 characters were created and one was chosen as the best. The lucky winner was awarded with special Manga design paper kindly donated by Althea and Fiona the workshop trainers.


Following hot on the heels of the Manga Workshop many kids joined us in the School Holidays for our Movie Madness activities. The staff dressed to the nines ready to walk the red carpet and many of the kids dressed as their favourite movie characters. They enjoyed playing the memory game, celebrity heads and making their own Hollywood Star.

Get Some HSC Advice from the Experts

HSC Exams
Looking for HSC help and tips? This year Sutherland Shire Libraries is introducing a program of evening lectures by HSC experts across a range of subjects. There's something for everyone.

On Tuesday 12 May Peter Skrzynecki will discuss his collection of poems, Immigrant Chronicle, a set text for Belonging. Peter's poems deal with experiences of migrants in Australia in the late 1940's and 1950's. more details...
Helen Sykes, a former English head teacher, editor and author will be here on Tuesday 26 May to discuss some suitable titles for related texts for Belonging. Helen has an in depth knowledge of many novels and picture books suitable for Standard and Advanced English students. more details...

Playwright and author Sue Murray will give you some tips on writing effective essays on Wednesday 17 June. Sue has written a survival guide for HSC students and their parents and is a regular speaker at schools and libraries. more details...

Our 2009 lecture program rounds off on Thursday 25 June with Neil Kusi-Appauh, head teacher, author and senior HSC marker talking about Legal Studies core topics and family law. Neil has co authored study guides and lectures extensively to students and teachers. more details...

Full details for all lectures are available on our Events Calender. Tickets for each lecture are $5. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Please phone 9710 0351 to book or ask at any Sutherland Shire library.

Heart Week 4th - 9th May 2009

Heart week 2009In recognition of Heart Week, staff from Kareena Hospital will be at Sutherland Library on Wednesday 6th May 10am - 3pm.

Health professionals will be available to check your blood pressure, blood sugar and answer questions.

Children's Book of the Year Shortlist Announced

The Shortlist for the 2009 Children's Book of the Year Awards has just been released by the Children's Book Council. You can find the shortlist on their web site.

The winners will be announced on Friday 21 August 2009.

Start reading and pick your favourites