Book council of Lutruwita/Tasmania
The Book Council of Lutruwita/Tasmania hosts monthly talks with authors at the Launceston Library and are passionate about fostering a vibrant literary community in Tasmania
March Meeting 26 March with Guest Speaker Francesca Cairns
Author Talks
Discover inspiration and engage with storytelling at the Book Council of Lutruwita/Tasmania's monthly author talks, where local and visiting writers share their journeys, insights, and creativity.
ABOUT US
The Book Council of Lutruwita/Tasmania celebrates diverse voices and stories from across Tasmania, inspiring a love of books, supporting local writers, and bringing people together to share the joy of reading.
Membership
Join the Book Council of Lutruwita/Tasmania and connect with like-minded people who celebrate stories, spark creativity, and share a love for books across Tasmania.
Monthly Author Talks
Join us for the Book Council of Lutruwita/Tasmania's monthly author talks, usually held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, in March, May, July, September and November.These events feature Tasmanian authors and illustrators who share their latest works and insights into their creative processes.Enjoy afternoon tea while engaging with the author, purchasing a signed copy of their book, and supporting their craft. We highlight a diverse range of genres, with a strong focus on Tasmanian voices and stories. As the only remaining Book Council of its kind in Australia, members can attend for free, while visitors are welcome for a $5 entry fee.Keep up to date with our schedule by following us on Facebook and Instagram and joining our email list by emailing us at [email protected].
Click here to see our upcoming authors
Did You Know: Tasmania, home to just over 550,000 people, shines as a UNESCO City of Literature, boasting a rich literary culture, thriving local talent, and a vibrant community that celebrates storytelling through festivals, authors, and the much-loved Tasmania Reads Week.
About Us
The Book Council of Lutruwita/Tasmania, formerly known as the National Book Council Tasmania (NBCT), has a rich history dating back to 1982, when it was formed to support and promote books, reading, and Australian authors. Initially part of the larger National Book Council (NBC), the Tasmanian branch aimed to foster a love of books and writing, with a particular focus on Tasmanian stories. The NBCT hosted numerous events, including lunches with renowned authors, monthly meetings, and workshops on publishing and writing, all while struggling with financial challenges. Over the years, the NBCT became a vital resource for local authors and book enthusiasts, even helping to establish the Tasmanian Book Prize and promoting literary works throughout the state.Though the National Book Council was disbanded in the late 1990s, the Tasmanian branch continued its mission, focusing more on local writers and historians, dedicated to its core values of celebrating literature and fostering connections within the Tasmanian literary community. In 2023, the organisation officially changed its name to the Book Council of Lutruwita/Tasmania to better reflect its focus on Tasmanian stories and the island’s cultural identity.In recent years, the organisation has seen a renewed sense of enthusiasm and commitment, thanks to the efforts of passionate committee members. With a focus on sharing Tasmanian storytelling, providing local authors with opportunities to connect with their audience, and inspiring the next generation of readers and writers, the future of the Book Council is bright.
Membership
Become a member of the Book Council of Lutruwita/Tasmania and enjoy a range of benefits! For just $15 annually, you'll receive free entry to our meetings, held from every second month (March, May, July, September, November), where you can engage with guest speakers and connect with fellow book lovers. As a member, you'll also receive a $5 voucher from Petrarch’s Bookshop to use towards your next literary purchase.In addition, our members can participate in our popular community book swap, a great opportunity to exchange books and discover new reads. Our meetings take place at the Launceston Library, in the 2nd floor meeting room at 1:15pm usually on the third Wednesday of the month, offering a welcoming space for all attendees.To join, simply download a membership form here or email us at [email protected] for more information on membership and payment options. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!
Contact
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about membership, upcoming events, or want to get involved, feel free to reach out. Please use the contact form below to send us a message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can email us directly at [email protected]. We look forward to connecting with you!
upcoming authors
Falling for Water Francesca Cairns
Wednesday 25 March 2026 - 1:15pm
Join the Book Council of Lutruwita/Tasmania for Tasmania Reads Week!On Wednesday, 25 March, author Francesca Cairns will discuss her novel Falling for Water, a mystical meditation on our connection to nature and finding hope in a damaged world.
The event is free for members ($5 visitors), with afternoon tea and a book swap. Gold coin donations support the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation.📍 2nd Floor, Launceston Library | 🕐 1:15 PM