Fraser Coast Libraries are situated on the southern Queensland coast which includes the pristine area of Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, the heritage streetscapes of Maryborough, the rich farmlands of Tiaro, to the sheltered waters of Hervey Bay, one of Australia’s most popular beach destinations.

Fraser Coast Libraries offers a variety of services within their five branches across the region. There are regular holiday activities for children and a number of community programs tailored to suit different age groups and interests. From author talks and Scrabble groups to digital workshops and online resources – the libraries have something for everyone.

We checked in to discover what the librarians were reading.

Kim, Bree, Trisha, Kellie & Kym
Collections and Resources Team

What are you reading now?

The Ledge by Christian White

Why did you choose this book?

It was initially read by a couple of us, who then recommended it to other team members!

What’s it about?

It’s set in regional Victoria. In the present – human remains are found! In the past – it’s 1999, and a group of four teenage boys become involved in a tragic chain of events. The consequences of those events now threaten to unearth a secret they’ve carried for 25 years. It is a story that shows the loyalty of friendship, the loss of innocence and the complexity of family life.

Are you enjoying it?

It’s not common for us all to love the same book, but with this one we did. The misdirection and plot twists that none of us saw coming made this one of our favourites. We think Christian White is a clever writer who is getting better with every new book – with all of us rating this one the ‘best one yet’.

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Dan
Emerging Technologies Champion

What are you reading now?

Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman

Why did you choose this book?

I quite enjoy reading horror and thriller books, particularly when the author is skilled at creating a creepy, yet exciting atmosphere. I had already read a couple of the author’s previous titles, so I was excited to give it a go!

What’s it about?

Written from the perspective of a young girl, Bela, who has been targeted by an entity she calls ‘Other Mommy’, who is constantly asking her, ‘Can I go inside your heart?’ As her family attempt to aid Bela, an air of despair and fear sets in, resulting in a terrifying story that I honestly have trouble reading by myself in the dark. It is bleak and a real page-turner.

Are you enjoying it?

I am not disappointed at all. This book is one of the first genuinely creepy books I have read since Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist. The descriptions of Other Mommy are enough to fuel nightmares.

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Erin
Hervey Bay Librarian

What are you reading now?

Banjawarn by Josh Kemp

Why did you choose this book?

This book has been on my ‘To Be Read’ pile since its release in 2022. As a fan of gritty outback noir genre, I felt this book was the perfect fit for me. I love the imagery depicted in titles such as this one and the poetic way Australia and its desolate locations are portrayed.

What’s it about?

Banjawarn follows Gareth Hoyle, a one-hit wonder, true crime writer and drug addict who inadvertently kidnaps a child, in the process undertaking a ‘road trip from hell’ to reunite her with her formerly lost Father. This trip eventually leads him to his ‘happy place’ and the books moniker ‘Banjawarn Station’. Here we discover the awful history of Gareth’s life and why saving the child and finding her family is so important.

Are you enjoying it?

It is a harrowing read filled with darkness and destruction. It is both thought-provoking and unsettling in the social issues presented. I loved it!

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Kathy
Library Assistant

What are you reading now?

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Why did you choose this book?

It was recommended to me by a colleague as I enjoy books that have an element of time travel and surprise in them.

What’s it about?

It is about 35-year-old, Nora, who is dissatisfied with her life. When she finds the midnight library, she is offered the opportunity to resolve issues in her past life, as recorded in ‘the book of regrets’. There is an infinite number of books on the shelf, each book offers an opportunity to try another life she could have lived. Nora explores her life from different ways and discovers what she must do and sacrifice in order to be truly happy.

Are you enjoying it?

Thoroughly. It is on my top 10 books ever read! This book kept me interested from the start to the finish. The last page is quite satisfying and evoked thoughts about the choices I have made and all the things I need to be grateful for.

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Kristin

Programs and Engagement Librarian

What are you reading now?

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

Why did you choose this book?

Three reasons: I was at Launceston airport with no book to read, I had heard so many good reviews on the Thursday Murder Club and I had recently seen reels of him speaking to Steven Bartlett. He impressed me as a person.

What’s it about?

Essentially it’s the crime-solving adventures of the retired, widowed policeman Steve Wheeler, (who loves routine), and his complete opposite, Amy Wheeler, daughter in law, (who works as a bodyguard for the rich and famous). One of Amy’s jobs gets complicated and she seeks Steve’s help. Criminal mastermind Francois Loubet must be stopped.

Are you enjoying it?

Yes. It is fun as a mystery and has so many relatable human moments and reflections. I am loving the mix of it all.

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Leanne
Senior Library Assistant

What are you reading now?

I’m currently reading Smoky the War Dog by Nigel Allsopp. It’s a non-fiction book about a tiny Yorkshire Terrier named Snowy who served in World War II.

Why did you choose this book?

This book was recommended to me by a lovely library patron and I love that I can read this book and have my very own book club the next time said library patron comes in.

What’s it about?

This book is about a little dog who is found by a US soldier in a jungle fox hole; the terrier later visited sick soldiers in a Brisbane hospital and is considered the first-ever therapy dog.

Are you enjoying it?

I’m absolutely loving this book. I especially love mixing up my fiction reading with non-fiction. I love that there is an Australian connection and there is now a memorial for him in the grounds of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

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Sue
Library Assistant

What are you reading now?

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

Why did you choose this book?

This was a recommendation from my sister.

What’s it about?

Five seemingly unconnected people are looking for meaning in their lives. They find themselves visiting the library and asking librarian Sayuri Komachi for book recommendations. She sends them away with their books and a gift. Each person finds inspiration in the library books, which leads them to make new life choices and discover the value of friendship and community.

Are you enjoying it?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a delightful read that made me feel like the problems of the world are just one good book away from being solved. I was really drawn to the character of the librarian – now I want to learn to felt!

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Join your local library and reap the benefits! You can find Good Reading Online on Fraser Coast Libraries website