CELEBRATORY REFLECTION: Mentone Public Library 96th Birthday Literary Gathering - 11am, Saturday, 15 May 2021
REVIEW PART ONE
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Nathaniel Reflects
as a Presenting Writer...
As one of 12 writers performing their own work
for the library’s 96th birthday celebration,
and an unpublished one at that,
I was excited to be at the event
with so many great authors.
During the opening of the event,
local councillor
of Kingston's Como Ward
provided examples of famous writers
from last century who published works
in the founding year of the
Mentone Public Library
(1925).
They were some of the biggest names
in 1925 literature.
For me this added to the excitement
of the 96th birthday gathering.
It seemed special
to think of past library users
reading first editions of these authors’
popular works during
the library’s early years.
I was also star struck
by the large number
of fantastic authors
that were congregating
to participate or listen
in the one place at the
Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce
and Virginia Woolf,
the writers sharing at our event
had published works
that were being read by
users of this library.
I was able to deliver my three poems
fairly well,
with only a few accidental
alterations
from the page in one case.
I had several encouraging comments
following the event
from authors in the audience,
including one who suggested I try
and have one of the poems published.
This was a great encouragement.
In almost one hundred years
the library has become
an important hub
for writers and friends
of
literature.
On the day,
George Ivanoff said
(I paraphrase)
that the library had been
‘so supportive’ to him over the years
and like an ‘unofficial
writers' centre’.
After being introduced fabulously
following a flamboyant
happy birthday song and speech by
a Ms “Marilyn Monorail”...
We heard library president
Graeme Johnstone
talk of ideas of how best
to take the library
towards its centenary.
The existing author talks
and writing group initiatives
are the catalyst for this vision.
We wait expectantly to hear
if other programs will be
coming along in the future.
Graeme stated
that the
library
is open
to suggestions.
Volunteers anyone?
Philippa Reflects
as a
Facilitator & Audience Member
leads the birthday congregation in song
with customised, original lyrics of her own devising.
Happy 96th birthday
Mentone Public Library!
What an achievement.
It was unfortunate
that Covid got in the way of
celebrating the library’s
95th birthday last year,
but we didn’t let that happen
for its 96th birthday this year.
While following all Covid-safe regulations
at an alternative venue
Kingston City Council
kindly offered to us for our events...
we had a delightful celebration
full of happiness with some of the
library’s favourite local authors and guests
from over the past 10 years;
some of whom we hadn’t seen for a while.
I was lucky to not only be
an audience member for this unique event,
but also a volunteer.
I had the privilege of personally meeting
each of the valued authors
as they came through the door
at the beginning.
All of them were familiar to me
as I have been to most of the author talks,
but some I had never met face-to-face.
The chairs in the room
were set up in a circle,
which made us all feel
connected to each other and
part of a cohesive group.
There were several authors and guests
who delighted us with their written pieces.
They were all different -
some had written prose, others poetry,
some pieces were brand new, others a bit older
- but regardless of the content matter,
all were equally captivating.
It made me happy to see
everybody in the group enjoying themselves,
engaging with the authors
and supporting each other.
One thing Julia said to me that day
was along the lines of
“Everybody in this group just wants
to see everybody else succeed
at their passion”,
and this was certainly on display.
We topped off the event with
an all-in singing of
‘Happy Birthday,
under the guidance of character
Marilyn Monorail.
It was truly a wonderful event
and a fitting way to celebrate
such an
impressive milestone.
Honorable Mentions...
Thank-you to Cherry Tran
for her impromptu filming
of proceedings.
Thank-you to both
Cherry
&
Justine Gorny
for putting the finishing touches
to our decorations
with your impressive
ribbon-wrapping skills
for our birthday book gifts
on offer to attendees.
And...
Thank-you to you:
the
wonderful
Local Authors & Writers
who took part & gifted
Mentone Public Library
with your original literary gems...
COLSON, Geri | JOHNSTONE, Graeme | SHINE, Denise Tobin |
| Geri Presented: Poetic License Trilogy" | Graeme Presented: "The President Presents..." | Denise Presented: "Outback Rescue" : From Sandy Beach Centre Writing Class Anthology of Short Stories and Poems - 2012" |
DAVIES, Nathaniel | McGURGAN, Lesley | STROMENGER, Michael |
| Nathaniel Presented: "The Hunt" ; "It is Difficult to See with Your Eyes Closed" ; "Ice Coffee Love" | Lesley Presented: "Forward Toward 2025" | Michael Presented: "Mentone Public Library: A Unique Rhythm" |
IVANOFF, George | MORRISON, Maggie | Dr THREADGOLD OAM, Cheryl |
George Presented:  | Maggie Presented: "The Role of Books" | Cheryl Presented: "Positive Nature of 'In the Name of Theatre' " |
JOHNSTONE, Elsie | NEIL, Mairi  |
VUJOVICH, Natalie |
| Elsie Presented: "This Bloody Virus" ; "ANZAC Day in Lockdown" ; "Time to End this Isolation" ; "Groundhog Day"... From latest poetry anthology: "CATHOLIC GIRL" - To be showcased with Mentone Public Library 11am, Saturday, 21 August 2021 |
Mairi Presented: "Poetic Ponderings" |
Natalie Presented: "My Poetic Story" |
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