THE Sydney Writers’ Festival Live & Local program is coming to the Mornington Peninsula this May, livestreaming author talks and panel discussions for free into Mornington Library and Hastings Library.
From Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 May, sessions will be screened at the two libraries as part of the national program, which connects 152 venues across every state and territory.
Sydney Writers’ Festival Artistic Director Ann Mossop said the festival put four days of programming – featuring both international and Australian authors – on its main stage and made it available for libraries to screen for their audiences.
“It’s about people coming together in their local area to share that experience. It really strikes up the conversations that are sort of the lifeblood of the festival experience,” said Mossop.
Sessions screening on the peninsula include Booker Prize winner Yann Martel on his new novel Son of Nobody, Boy Swallows Universe author Trent Dalton discussing his latest book Gravity Let Me Go, and 2025 Booker Prize–shortlisted novelist Susan Choi on Flashlight.
Also on the program is a 30th anniversary celebration of Stephanie Alexander’s The Cook’s Companion, Florence Knapp on her debut novel The Names, Amitav Ghosh in conversation, and The Future of Democracy with Jon Sopel.
Panel session Bringing the Past to Life brings together Tasmanian writer Robbie Arnott (Dusk), Tasma Walton (I Am Nannertgarrook) and Yann Martel (Son of Nobody) in conversation with ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans.
Hastings Library is screening three of the sessions – Stephanie Alexander, Susan Choi and Trent Dalton – with eight events available at Mornington Library.
A Mornington Peninsula Shire spokesperson said this was the shire’s first year participating in Live & Local. The libraries had chosen sessions based on the popularity of the authors and how they fitted within library hours.
“We looked at the most popular authors and events that we would not normally have the opportunity to host at our libraries and that also fitted into our library hours,” the spokesperson said.
“We’re hoping our community will respond well and that we can expand on the events in future years.
“Florence Knapp’s powerful book The Names is proving very popular in literary circles and her conversation with Claire Nichols should be a fantastic author event. All attendees will be warmly welcomed. We aim to encourage a short discussion afterwards.
“It is a great opportunity for them to come into a local, comfortable space with likeminded people and enjoy the literary conversations.”
Live & Local sessions are free to attend but bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Visit library.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Whats-On/Events for more information.
First published in the Mornington News – 12 May 2026
