That was once upon a time - nowadays, every self-respecting and enterprising author has their own website which gives you information, photographs, flattering reviews of their work and lists of awards they've won.

I went looking for information on Libby Gleeson, an Australian children's author, and found her website (www.libbygleeson.com.au), which proved to be an interesting and thoughtful exercise on topics as diverse as literacy, adolescence and creativity.

Libby is on her way to Bundaberg in a few weeks, and will be working with both the Bundaberg Library, and the School Library Association of Queensland while here.

The Bundaberg Library will be hosting an evening with Libby Gleeson on Tuesday, March 25 at 5.30pm, and she will be discussing writing in general, with reference to writing for children, literacy and education, and how to encourage reading and creativity in children. Her discussion will have relevance for teachers, parents, budding writers and fans of her books.

Libby has been writing for 20 years, and in that time has won awards as diverse as the International Bologna Ragazzi in 2000 for her picture book The Great Bear, the Children's Book of the Year in 1997 for Hannah Plus One, and last year's Picture Book of the Year for An Ordinary Day.

With a background in History and Education, Libby Gleeson moved overseas to work and write at the start of her career, and spent five years based in Italy, which may explain the European feel to many of her picture books.

She has not concentrated on one particular age group in her writing, but has moved between picture book and fiction, and even dabbled in television writing at one state, scripting for the TV shows Bananas in Pyjamas and Magic Mountain.

Libby has strong views on the necessity for reading as a creative exercise, rather than a mastery of words, and believes reading is an invitation to experiences, and that stories should be places to play.

It is not often we have the opportunity to meet an author who is not only popular with readers, but is critically acclaimed as well - make sure you don't miss the chance to hear Libby Gleeson.

Bundaberg Library will be taking bookings from interested people who would like to attend the lecture, and spaces are limited. You can book by telephoning the library on 4153 9253, and speaking to either Jill or Sue.

One of the more popular activities the library runs is the Children's Storytelling on Tuesday mornings at 11am.

Over the years, many familiar faces have gathered weekly to listen to a range of stories and rhymes told in various formats. We have now introduced a second storytelling session, on Friday mornings at 11am, and invite you to bring your children to enjoy the fun and entertainment of felt stories and puppets.

The sessions are open to all, and we promise to bribe all good boys and girls with stickers/stamps/sweets at the close of each session!

Storytelling is a vital part of a childs introduction to language and literacy, and it's loads of fun as well - I hope you can make time to join us.