Book industry alliance formed to promote and celebrate books

A protocol was signed today to mark the formation of a book industry alliance between the National Library of New Zealand and the Publishers Association of New Zealand, Booksellers New Zealand, New Zealand Book Council, New Zealand Book Month and the New Zealand Society of Authors.

“We formed the alliance to establish closer working relationships and to work together to promote and celebrate books“ Penny Carnaby National Librarian and Chief Executive, National Library of New Zealand.

In support of the protocol Wellington head librarians have pledged to read a book every month and challenge all kiwis to do the same. The group includes Moira Fraser from the Parliamentary Library, Jane Hill from Wellington City Library, Sue Roberts from Victoria University Library and Penny Carnaby National Library.
Photo - Wellington head librarians challenge all kiwis to read a book a month- Moira Fraser, Parliamentary Library Penny Carnaby, National Library Sue Roberts, Victoria University Library Jane Hill, Wellington City Library

“Imagine if all kiwis aged 15 and over read a book a month, that’s over 40 million books a year” Penny Carnaby.

The book industry alliance aims to maximise the economic, cultural and social benefits for all organisations involved in New Zealand’s book and publishing industry.
A strategy to promote readership and celebrate books in New Zealand will be developed. The strategy will also explore ways to boost digital sales in New Zealand and internationally.

“As an organisation that believes the future of our written word is in the hands of all Kiwi’s, New Zealand Book Month is delighted to be part of the alliance,” says Mary Robbins of New Zealand Book Month.
“It is essential that our industry work together to highlight common initiatives and speak with one voice when needed.”

Tony Simpson from the New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA) "New Zealand's identity is bound up with its literature. We all have a responsibility to nurture and promote it. That responsibility lies first and foremost with the libraries, writers, booksellers and publishers of this country and we in the NZSA are delighted to see this coming together to achieve that objective."

The group will meet regularly to discuss issues such as copyright and intellectual property and identify improvements or flag issues about the Public Lending Right for the New Zealand Authors Act 2008.

Photo - Book industry Alliance members hanging out in the library (clockwise from the top) Adrian Keane, Publishers Association of New Zealand Lincoln Gould, Booksellers New Zealand Noel Murphy, New Zealand Book Month Council, Michele Powles, New Zealand Book Month, Penny Carnaby, National Library, Tony Simpson, New Zealand Society of Authors