Sydney Writers’ Festival ‘booked in’ for a literary long weekend in Maitland
Maitland libraries is joining forces with the Sydney Writers’ Festival to bring some of the country’s most celebrated authors and thinkers to local audiences.
From Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 May, book lovers can enjoy a curated program featuring five livestreamed sessions direct from the Sydney stage, along with a special in-person event on Saturday evening. The program includes a mix of free and ticketed events held across Maitland Library, East Maitland Library and Gillieston Heights Community Hub, all celebrating the power of storytelling and the joy of shared literary experiences.
‘We’re thrilled to welcome the Sydney Writers’ Festival Live & Local program back to Maitland in 2025,’ says Maitland City Council Coordinator Community Participation Erin Pascall.
‘This year’s program expands into more library branches and finishes with a big Saturday night event for people who want to go all in with great conversations, a catered dinner and time to connect with fellow book lovers.’
The free live-streamed sessions on Thursday and Friday will showcase some of the most exciting names in literature, including Markus Zusak, Helen Garner, Gina Chick, Colm Tóibín and the Moriarty sisters. Each session runs for one hour and will be hosted at either Maitland or East Maitland library, with bookings essential due to limited seating.
The festival weekend wraps up with a special event at Gillieston Heights Community Hub on Saturday 24 May from 4pm to 8.30pm. For $35, guests will enjoy a fully catered evening of author talks and storytelling, including three live-streamed sessions and a special in-person appearance by writer and broadcaster Yumi Stynes.
Event schedule and bookings:
Thursday 22 May 2025
- Markus Zusak | 10am to 11am | Maitland City Library | Free event
- Gina Chick | 12pm to 1pm | East Maitland Library | Free event
Friday 23 May 2025
- The Moriarty sisters | 10am to 11am | Maitland City Library | Free event
- Helen Garner | 12pm to 1pm | East Maitland Library | Free event
- Colm Tóibín | 4pm to 5pm | East Maitland Library | Free event
Saturday 24 May 2025
- Ian Rankin, Lynette Noni, Yumi Stynes and Asako Yukuzi | 4pm to 8.30pm | Gillieston Heights Community Hub
- $35 including food and drinks
Book now and view full program details at mait.city/LibrariesWhatsOn.
Recent News
