Great Reads for Dad

With Father's Day this weekend, we've put together a list of great reads for Dad to chill out with. From an exploration into the past power and glory of Constantinople to an old-school surfing memoir, we think we've found something to appeal to every Dad this Father's Day.

Ghost Empire by Richard Fidler
also available as an e-audiobook

Richard Fidler is well known to Australian audiences for his stints as radio interviewer (Conversations with Richard Fidler, ABC Radio), TV presenter (Race Around The World, ABC TV) and as the much abused guitarist in provocative comedy trio the Doug Anthony All Stars. Now, he tries his hand at blending travel memoir with an historical reconstruction of Constantinople in 'Ghost Empire'.

Flagship: The Cruiser HMAS Australia II and the Pacific War on Japan by Mike Carlton

'Flagship' is the third book in Mike Carlton's series, delving into the history of the Royal Australian Navy. Following on from 'Cruiser' (2011) and 'First Victory' (2014), this new instalment examines the battlecruisers HMAS Australia II, HMAS Canberra I and HMAS Shropshire and their encounters against the Japanese during World War II.





Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan

'Barbarian Days' is the 2016 Pulitzer Prize winning memoir by journalist William Finnegan. Whilst an accomplished author of a number of books examining international politics, this is Finnegan's first attempt at telling his own story. The narrative is set against a backdrop of surfing culture and takes the reader beyond a routine account of his travels into an exploration of the social history of remote Polynesian islands and the discovery of what may well be the world's greatest wave.



Other titles now available at Newcastle Region Library

The Dry by Jane Harper
44 Days: 75 Squadron and the Fight for Australia by Michael Veitch
Men and Their Sheds by Craig Wetjen
Holden: Our Car 1856-2017 by Will Hagon
The Age of Bowie: How David Bowie Made a World of Difference by Paul Morley *
Bullseye by James Patterson
The Good Luck of Right Now by Matthew Quick *
The Sea Detective by Mark Douglas-Home
How Far Can You Go?: My 25-year Quest to Walk Again by John Maclean


Bedtime Stories for Dad and the Littlies

Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey
A Beginner's Guide to Bear Spotting by Michelle Robinson
Daddy Cuddle by Kate Mayes
Where's Dad Hiding? by Ed Allen
Dave's Cave by Frann Preston-Gannon
Wild Pa by Claire Saxby
Grandpa is Great by Laine Mitchell

* Also available as an e-book
Visit our eLibrary for access

Find these titles now at: Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.

Australia! Story Country

Book Week 2016 is upon us, and the theme for this year is Australia! Story Country. With lots of fabulous books to explore in the Short List, Newcastle Region Library has also found time to bring you some exciting activities!

Some book lovers with Wallsend District Library's Book Week display

Digital Story Making 
Create your own picture book using the Storybird app. Local author Katrina McKelvey will be there to help create amazing stories.
Suitable for children 8-12 years.
Free event, bookings required.
To book, click on the appropriate link:
Monday 22 August 4:00-5:30pm @ Wallsend District Library
Tuesday 23 August 4:00-5:30pm @ City Library
Wednesday 24 August 4:00-5:30pm @ New Lambton Library

Children's Book Week: Special Storytime
Join us for special storytimes featuring short listed Book Week books. Enjoy stories, songs and craft.
Perfect for children aged 3 - 5 years.
Free event. Bookings not required, just drop in!
Tuesday 23 August 10:30-11:15am @ Hamilton Library
Wednesday 24 August 10:30-11:15am @ City Library
Wednesday 24 August 10:30-11:15am @ Mayfield Library
Wednesday 24 August 10:30-11:15am @ Wallsend District Library
Thursday 25 August 10:30-11:15am @ Stockton Library

Australia! Story Country The Play - Family Session
Our talented library team present a selection of Book Week picture books using drama, humour, stories and song. Enjoy our Book Week play, and come dressed in your favourite costume.
Perfect for K - 2 students.
Free entry. Bookings essential.
Wednesday 24 August 4:00-5:00pm @ Wallsend District Library.
Book tickets to family session.

School Sessions also available, at various branches.
Book tickets to school sessions.

To find out what else is on, where our branches are located, and to place a hold on some of those short listed books, visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.