Christchurch City Libraries will play host to a variety of events next month to celebrate New Zealand Book Month.

The nationwide campaign takes place throughout October, encouraging New Zealanders to read more books by Kiwi authors. The annual event brings together writers, publishers, bookshops and libraries to proudly showcase the work of the countries well-known and up-and-coming authors. To celebrate, Christchurch City Libraries have organised all sorts of events to entertain the city based upon Christchurch's favourite books, as voted for by the public through the Christchurch City Libraries website.

Events include readings from professional storyteller Liz Weir, a book launch of the new children's novel Copper Top, writing workshops by Coral Atkinson and Helen Lowe and discussions of their writing by Canterbury authors Jenny Howarth and Fiona Farrell.

There will also be a follow-up to the recent launch of the Harbour Kitchens cookbook, produced by Lyttelton Main and Lyttelton West Schools, with food demonstrations and tastings of some of the included recipes.

Councillor Chrissie Williams will be attending 'Edmonds by the Sea' to award prizes for the oldest and most decorated Edmonds Cookbooks, while Crowne Plaza chef Madison Snyder will demonstrate how to cook one of the favourite kiwiana recipes.

Enjoy readings from five New Zealand poets at Our City O-Tautahi, or head along to The Great New Zealand Quiz Night at Elevate Bar & Restaurant hosted by Martin Crump, son of author Barry Crump. As well as prizes from sponsors Barrington Paper Plus, Martin will also be signing copies of A Good Keen Man to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his father's book. The Hairy Maclary Online Competition and The Great ASB Wordbank Competition will also take place throughout the month, with some great prizes up for grabs.

Libraries and Information Manager, Carolyn Robertson says New Zealand Book Month is a great way of acknowledging the talented writers here in New Zealand.

"While visiting the libraries to enjoy these great events next month, we welcome our members to take a little extra time to browse through the wide selection of New Zealand authors on our shelves. We really hope these events encourage the public to choose a New Zealand author when they pick up their next book."

To view a full list of all the events taking place, visit http://www.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Events/NZBookMonth/ . Most events are free to attend but some will require bookings.