Nearly 30 people, including some from interstate, tuned into a Zoom presentation with author Heather Morris on Tuesday 9 February.
The event was presented by Latrobe City Libraries.
Ms Morris is the author of the international best-selling novels, ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ and ‘Cilka’s Journey’. She spoke about the books and the process she used to record the memories and stories of the characters.
Her latest release, a non-fiction book ‘Stories of Hope’, is about how to listen to people to capture their stories.
“If you just shut up and listen, that is the only time and the only way you will ever learn anything, and I don’t mean academically. I mean learn about the people in your life,” Ms Morris told the audience.
In 'Stories of Hope', Ms Morris reveals background into the inspirational real-life characters from her books.
She also shares her tips and insights into how to be a better listener and find inspiration in everyday life, to ensure the amazing stories that happen around all of us are not lost and forgotten.
Ms Morris told the audience that “hope makes the world go round” and noted that her new novel, ‘Three Sisters’, comes out later this year.
She was in conversation with Claire Halliday, a freelance journalist and author of ‘Things My Mother Taught Me’ and ‘Things My Father Taught Me’.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said such events as author talks show that Latrobe City Libraries are about far more than books.
“While our libraries have an extensive selection of books and magazines, our libraries are also places where people can take part in events and activities, in libraries and via the internet, and meet other people over a common interest,” she said.
“Feel free to pop in and ask the friendly library staff about how they can help you as our libraries have plenty to offer.”
Upcoming events include The Good Old Days Club, a social group for older men, meeting on the first Tuesday of the month at Moe Library, Movie Club discussions via Zoom, plus more.
Online, library users can stream movies, access eBooks, eMagazines, eNewspapers and research and learning software, Kids Zone with activities such as coding, stories, art and learning fun.
To learn more, go to www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/library