Writers' Read

The New Zealand Society of Authors in conjunction with Auckland Libraries organised a Writers' Read In at 32 libraries throughout the greater Auckland area last Friday, 25th March. Over 170 authors gave of their time to read from their works to raise funds for earthquake stricken Christchurch.


Through the generosity of donations on entry, the libraries have told us that the event raised almost $5,000 which has been donated to the New Zealand Government Christchurch Earthquake Appeal from where funds will go towards rebuilding Christchurch in terms of both Infrastructure and Community.

Maggie Tarver, CEO of The New Zealand Authors Society, who co-ordinated the writers, say’s of the event ‘Audiences were very mixed, but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. It was the perfect mix: the Society of Authors and the libraries - a relationship we would be keen to develop in the future. Our members write so that their books can be read or heard and this was a perfect opportunity to do that. And I am delighted that we managed to raise so much for Christchurch.”

Allison Dobbie, Manager Libraries and Information, Auckland Council comments “The biggest testament to the relationship between Authors and Libraries, is that even with 170 authors, and 32 Libraries we successfully executed a fundraiser of this scope. The level of donation and collaboration demonstrates the strength and generosity of the writing and reading community."

Among those Authors who participated were Emily Perkins, Tessa Duder and Kevin Ireland, with some authors from Christchurch. Authors read for between 8 and 12 minutes mostly from their own works.

Maggie added “The level of support has been amazing, with some libraries bringing in in excess of $500. Special thanks should go to Fionna Hill who went above and beyond her reading to help raise funds."

Auckland Libraries will continue its support of Christchurch with free three month memberships to earthquake evacuees and is still accepting book returns on behalf of the Christchurch City Library.