The libraries within the shire of Campaspe, in the northern part of Victoria, include those in the towns of Girgarre, Echuca, Kyabram, Rochester, Tongala and Rushworth. They provide many resources including a free tutor service to students from Years 3 to VCE level, over 3500 magazines to read online and free access to Good Reading online.

We caught up with the local librarians to find out what they are reading.

CLAIRE

Library Assistant, Communities

Echuca Library

What are you reading now?

The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym for J K Rowling)

Why did you choose this book?

I started reading Galbraith out of curiosity, to see how Rowling had transitioned to crime fiction. I enjoyed the first book for both the way it was written and the representation of the main character, Private Detective Cormorant Strike, so I’ve kept coming back for more.

What’s it about?

This time around Strike and his business partner, Robin Ellacott, investigate what’s happened to a young man who joined a religious cult based in the Norfolk countryside, called the Universal Humanitarian Church. The young man’s father has contacted the agency with his concerns about the fate of his son.

Are you enjoying it?

I’m enjoying reconnecting with the main characters and their complex relationships, as well as the development of the twists and turns I’ve come to expect. The book starts with correspondence between the young man’s parents and their son, immediately bringing the reader up to speed about the situation Cormorant and Robin are investigating. However, it’s difficult to read about someone drawn into an organisation such as the Universal Humanitarian Church and the impact this has on everyone involved. Also, it is a 945-page tome, so have your reading pillow ready to rest the book on when you just can’t stop reading!

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NATALIE

Branch Librarian

Rochester Library

What are you reading now?

Cry of the Curlew: ‘Frontier Series’ Book 1 by Peter Watt

Why did you choose this book?

A library patron recommended the series to me. We are both huge fans of Australian history and she told me it was a fantastic read. I’m on book 1 of 12, so I have lots of reading ahead of me!

What’s it about?

The story explores the conflict between settlers and Indigenous Australians in the late 19th century, set against the harsh landscape of outback Queensland. The novel follows two feuding families – the Mackintoshes, wealthy Scottish landowners, and the Duffys, poor Irish labourers. Through these families’ struggles, the story explores the impact of colonialism, the clash of cultures, and the challenges faced by those on both sides of the conflict.

Are you enjoying it?

I am enjoying the book. It reminds me of those TV mini-series from the ’80s; it was a great era for Australian stories.

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NATALIE

Branch Librarian

Kyabram Library

What are you reading now?

Small Hours by Bobby Palmer

Why did you choose this book?

It was recommended by a patron.

What’s it about?

Looking through the trees into the garden … you’d see a father, a son and a fox in between them.

Jack has been summoned back from the city by his sister, to the wilderness he couldn’t wait to escape and is faced with a missing mother and his father, Gerry, who is not quite himself.

A rather touching story about connection, belonging and father-son relationships.

Are you enjoying it?

Yes, really enjoying this book.

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RENEE

Branch Librarian

Rushworth Branch

What are you reading now?

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland

Why did you choose this book?

It was a thoughtful recommendation from a fellow Australian fiction reader.

What’s it about?

Alice Hart’s world is turned upside down after a fire devastates her family and home. She is sent to live with her grandmother on a native flower farm – a place of healing for women. This book explores the fragility and resilience of women.

Are you enjoying it?

I am enjoying Ringland’s poetic portrayal of the Australian landscape that is at times harsh yet simultaneously awe inspiring. The floral metaphor is an uplifting vessel of hope that is carrying me through an otherwise heavy narrative.

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ELCE

Library Assistant

Campaspe Libraries

What are you reading now?

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Why did you choose this book?

I like fantasy romance books and this one has been on my ‘To Be Read’ list for a few months.

What’s it about?

The adopted human daughter of a vampire king enters a legendary tournament against warrior vampires. It’s described as, The Hunger Games, meets vampires.

Are you enjoying it?

Yes, so far I am.

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