Queenstown Lakes Libraries has launched LitFest, a literacy festival featuring dozens of free events across the district.

The festival, which runs from March to May, will celebrate literacy in the district and aims to open the library doors to a wide audience. 

Events range from financial literacy to hands-on bookbinding workshops, author talks, spoken word, and self-publishing.

Upper Clutha Libraries branch manager Julie Stretch said literacy is more than just reading. 

“It’s about expression, creativity, and connection. Libraries are evolving, and this festival showcases just how much they have to offer,” she said.

“Libraries, and this festival, is all about making learning, creativity, and storytelling accessible to our whole community. Come join us, get inspired, and be part of the magic.”

LitFest starts with an open mic night at Wānaka Library tonight (Thursday March 20).

The open mic night is an opportunity for enthusiastic amateurs to come along and perform original music in front of a friendly and supportive audience alongside local group Wānaka Project. 

At Frankton Library, a festival highlight is the panel discussion on adult neurodiversity featuring experts in ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism, which will take place next Thursday (March 27). 

The festival also features hands-on workshops, such as the chance to learn the ancient art of Coptic bookbinding, a technique dating back to 4th-century Ethiopian monasteries, at Arrowtown Library. 

Meanwhile at Queenstown Library, documentary filmmaker and writer Peta Carey will share her insights about what makes for a good story.

These are just a snapshot of the many events held across the district during LitFest, Julie said.

See the full event programme here.

All LitFest events are free and open to all – library membership is not required.

PHOTO: Wānaka App