The Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival returns to the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre from 15-17 November, with big name authors, speakers and personalities including Uncle Archie Roach AM, the Reverend Tim Costello, Jane Caro, Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM, Benjamin Law, Clare Bowditch, John Marsden, Neal Drinnan, Mary Moody and many others.
The 2019 festival theme is Nyaal, a word meaning ‘Open Your Eyes’ in the language of the Wadawurrung people, Traditional Owners of Djilang (Geelong). In this, the International Year of Indigenous Languages, Nyaal pays tribute to First Nations language and culture and is an invitation to open our eyes to scrutinise the issues of the moment.
“Now, more than ever is the time for exploring notions of truth – truth about the history we were taught in school, truth about the stories we hear in the media and the truth about some of the most urgent topical issues of today,” says Festival Advisory Committee Chair, Counsellor Margot Smith.
“We’re so excited to present audiences with 80 presenters over 50 sessions across the weekend. There really is something for everyone – from workshops, panel discussions, in conversation and keynote addresses, special events and even a mobile ‘Walk and Talk’ session,” Word for Word Festival Director, Rochelle Smith says.
Wondering what’s new for the Festival in 2019?
• Children’s stream including three special author events • Walk & Talk mobile in-conversation sessions • Word for Word Festival Pass - more Word for Word sessions for less • Expanded workshop program at eight community library locations
In total, there are 50 sessions to choose from – find out more and explore the full program here.
Tickets are on sale now at wordforwordfestival.com.au.
Be quick – early bird prices are available until Friday 4 October.
Back to news
At its Board meeting held on Thursday 30 April 2026, the Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC) resolved to place the Draft Budget 2026-27 and Strategic Resource Plan 2027-30 on public exhibition in preparation for adoption on Thursday 25 June 2026.
We are currently experiencing a network-wide issue affecting our public computers across our library branches. As a result, public computer access is currently unavailable.
We are reviewing our mobile library service across Golden Plains and the Bellarine, and we’re inviting community feedback to help guide its future.
Just a friendly reminder that all libraries in the our network are closed over Easter and for the ANZAC Day public holiday.
The Birregurra library kiosk at the Community Health Centre is now available for members to borrow, collect, and return library items at a time that suits them.
Calling all creatives, community groups and organisations - we're seeking applications for engaging children and youth events.
