Booker Prize winners stream free to Sutherland libraries this May

David Szalay and Yann Martel will appear live on screens at Kirrawee Library and across the Sutherland Shire from 21 to 24 May, as Sydney Writers’ Festival expands its regional streaming program to 152 venues nationwide.

The Live & Local program eliminates the need for book lovers to travel to Carriageworks or pay Sydney accommodation costs. Instead, they can hear acclaimed authors discuss their latest work from library chairs, with tea and coffee provided by local coordinators.

Ann Mossop, Sydney Writers’ Festival Artistic Director, described the program as central to reaching audiences beyond Sydney. “Live & Local opens up our headline conversations to communities across the country,” she said.

The 2026 expansion adds 21 new partner venues to the program that has connected regional Australia with literary events for 28 years. Sessions include Trent Dalton, Mick Herron, and children’s author Dav Pilkey, streamed simultaneously to libraries from Gosford to Western Australia’s Kimberley region.

Kerryn Jones, Parkes Shire Council Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services, said the livestream events eliminate travel barriers for regional audiences. “These livestream events give our community the chance to hear directly from acclaimed authors and thinkers from Australia and around the world, without needing to travel to Sydney,” she said.

The program pairs with Libby, the library reading app that provides instant access to featured authors’ works with a library card. Readers can borrow digital copies immediately after hearing authors speak, creating a direct pathway from live session to reading the book without cost.

Bookings are essential for most venues, with Central Coast Library system recommending early registration to secure spots. High-demand sessions featuring Trent Dalton and Mick Herron may fill quickly across participating libraries.

One-third of all Sydney Writers’ Festival events are free, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to audience accessibility. The festival has also operated the Russ the Story Bus Program since 2014, serving schools in Western Sydney and regional New South Wales.

The 152 venues participating in 2026 represent the program’s largest expansion in its 28-year history, reaching every Australian state and territory for the first time.