Blown away by books

Ninnie Steyn (City of Cape Town Director of Library and Information Services), Janusz Skarzynski (Principal Librarian at Fish Hoek Library), Felicity Purchase (Councillor), Karin Hendricks (False Bay College: Deputy Principal Education and Training) and Mandla Matyumza (Director: The Centre for the Book).

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An exciting programme of literary and theatrical events catalysed this inaugural Annual Book Festival in the South Peninsula, spearheaded by the Friends of Fish Hoek Library and False Bay College. It also neatly established itself within South Africa's National Library week.

The motivation behind the event was to facilitate a space in which South African authors could share conversations and their stories with the public, particularly aimed at instilling a love of reading and its life-enriching value to the youth, many from previously marginalised areas.

Prior to its inception, Fish Hoek Librarian, Janusz Skarzynski explained that the event would showcase a line-up of more than twenty talented authors. Indeed by offering a platform for people from the South Peninsula to meet authors first hand, it conceived channels for one-to-one discussions and engagement with a cross-section of creativity.

"A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading - a wonderful quote from William Styron. FBC was honored to be part of the Blown Away by Books Festival. Growing a love for books and a love for reading is the best educational experience we can give to our students. The impact and power of the written word, of a story on the mind of a student, must never be underestimated," commented Karin Hendricks FBC Deputy Principal: Education and Training.