Uni invites book lovers to lounge around

Lounges and literature have long been associated by book lovers and Edith Cowan University South West is using the same idea for an event next week.

The university's Literary Lounge event will take place on campus on September 17 to celebrate the work of South West authors.

ECU students and South West writers Ali Jarvey and Leslie Thiele will read stories from the Margaret River Press anthology Lost Boy and Other Stories while ECU South West arts program coordinator Donna Mazza will talk about her story in the journal Westerly.

ECU arts lecturer Vahri McKenzie said it was the second year the event had been held and the university wanted to turn it into a tradition.

"It was set up last year to celebrate the connection between the Edith Cowan University and Margaret River Press because we have had a number of students and staff members win its annual short story competition," she said.

"We had a few students published in Margaret River Press' anthology and it's the same this year with Ali and Leslie."

Dr McKenzie said the theme of the night was Women and Research in the Regions and the event was one of a number being held as a part of the university's Research Week.

"There will be short readings by the authors and there will be some speeches from Caroline Wood from Margaret River Press and the editor of the Westerly, Kate Noske," she said.

"The idea is that it is a social event and we are inviting members of the community to come along and listen about literature and enjoy some drinks and nibbles."