2021 Prime Ministers Literary Awards Shortlist

Many Australians have turned to books now more than ever to enrich their lives and escape the challenges of restrictions, lockdowns and border closures. While many of us may not be able to physically travel far, Australia’s storytellers and historians continue to take us on journeys to the past, present and future.

The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards recognise and celebrate the cream of Australian writing and the 2021 shortlist offers a selection of thoughtful, inspiring and entertaining books to help us through challenging times. The nominated books follow quite different and engaging paths, often tackling current issues, especially environmental crisis and challenges of modern families and social lives. The styles range from mastery of traditional form towards ‘magical realist’ and experimental.

The Awards, which began in 2008, recognise and celebrate the exceptional literary talents of established and emerging Australian writers. They highlight the important role the arts have in connecting us to Australian society and culture. Why not reserve one, or more, now and see if you can pick the winner(s) before they are announced in December.

Mental Health Month 2021

October is Mental Health Month and the City of Parramatta Libraries have created a page of resources, tips, events and contacts to help support the mental health of you and your loved ones. Why not take a look at our lists of books for all ages and reserve/borrow one today, a sample of some of the titles from the list are shown below. We even have a special downloadable booklet filled with colouring pages for the beginner and the more advanced and mental health tip posters to print at home.

Our Most Borrowed Books January to March 2021

Ready, Set, Read!

2021 is certainly gearing up to be a great year for books, with so many great new titles hitting the shelves in the first three months.

Here, at City of Parramatta Libraries, we like nothing better than helping you; our readers, discover your great read. Whether that be a new author or revisiting an old favourite, we are here to help.

Below you will find a list of our, ‘Top Six’ most borrowed fiction, young adult, junior & picture book titles for January to March.

Have fun exploring! Remember placing a hold is free and you can pick it up from any one of our Libraries.

I have also snuck in my personal, ‘Top Six’ picks for books I have read over the past three months. Just to tempt you even more.

If you love reading and enjoy sharing what you are reading with other like-minded people, then follow Parra Reads on Goodreads or add us as friend.

Happy Reading,

Jody

Good Reads Choice Awards 2020

Announcing the winners of the 12th Annual Goodreads Choice Awards, a major book award decided by readers. Congratulations to the best books of the year! Did one of your favourites become a winner?  Click on the titles below to reserve your copy now.

Best FictionThe midnight library by Matt Haig
Best Mystery & ThrillerThe guest list by Lucy Foley
Best Historical FictionThe vanishing half by Brit Bennett
Best FantasyThe house of Earth and blood by Sarah J. Maas
Best RomanceFrom blood and ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Best Science FictionTo sleep in a sea of stars by Christopher Paolini
Best HorrorMexican gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia
Best HumourStrange planet by Nathan W. Pyle
Best Non FictionStamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Best Memoir & AutobiographyA promised land by Barack Obama
Best History & BiographyCaste by Isabel Wilkerson
Best Science & TechnologyA life on our planet by David Attenborough
Best Food & CookbooksModern comfort food by Ina Garten
Best Graphic Novels & ComicsHeartstopper: Volume Three by Alice Oseman
Best PoetryDearly by Margaret Atwood
Best Debut NovelSuch a fun age by Kiley Reid
Best Young Adult FictionClap when you land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Best Young Adult FantasyThe queen of nothing by Holly Black
Best Middle Grade & Children’sThe tower of Nero by Rick Riordan
Best PicturebookAntiracist baby by Ibram X. Kendi, Ashley Lukashevsky (Illustrations)

NSW PRC eBooks

Calling all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 9 and taking part in PRC!

Take part in this year’s NSW PRC from home with our collection of eBooks from the official booklists. All you need is your Library Card number and your PIN/password – hint if you have forgotten it reset it online via the Library Catalogue or contact us. Visit the website or download the app to start reading one now.