Readers & writers

Armando Lucas Correa - The Australian Tour

International historical fiction novelist Armando Lucas Correa is an award-winning Cuban journalist and editor who has been published in sixteen languages. Known for The German Girl and The Daughter's Tale, his latest book The Night Travelers is a must read for fans of Heather Morris and Anthony Doerr. Join Armando as he discusses his process of crafting unique fiction stories, meticulously researched, all set within real-world historical settings. See you at Elanora Library, Thursday 4 May, 6:30pm - 7:30pm. Book now.

Want to meet an author?

• Fans of uplifting fiction get excited! Josephine Moon has a new book that is sure to entertain and inspire. The Wonderful Thing about Phoenix Rose is a joyful and moving tale of a woman’s commitment to fulfilling a friend’s dying wish, while finding her own inner strength and power and sharing it with others along the way. Featuring a unique cast of characters including a neuro divergent lead, this book is unlike her others, but indeed riveting and poignant. So join us at Helensvale Library on Thursday 27 April, 10am - 11:30am for a wonderful morning with Josephine. Book here.
• Discover a debut author: Amy Taylor. Rebecca meets Fleabag in a sharply funny debut about dating in the internet age. Search History is a novel about identity, obsession and desire in the age of social media and online dating apps, from a perceptive new voice in Australian fiction. Fans of authors Diana Reid, Dolly Alderton and Jessie Tu will enjoy this read. Wednesday 10 May, 6:30pm - 7:30pm at Broadbeach Library. Book now.
• Crime fans will be happy to know Candice Fox is back with another thriller Fire with Fire. Set on the streets of Los Angeles, a couple are left desperate after their daughter’s disappearance was ruled an accidental drowning. They don’t believe the police and hold the LAPD to ransom in a desperate attempt to find her. Join us on Monday 15 May, 6:30pm - 7:30pm at Robina Library. Book your seat today.
• Calling all screenwriters and book and movie fans. Award winning novelist and screenwriter, Tom Rob Smith is on the Gold Coast in May to chat about his latest book Cold People. Author of the bestselling Child 44 Trilogy then going on to win Emmys and Golden Globes for tv shows he has written, including Fathermotherson and The Assassination of Gianni Versace, om will have many great stories to tell about the book and film industry.  Book your seat now for Monday 29 May, 6:30pm - 7:30pm at Broadbeach Cultural Centre (next to Broadbeach Library).
• Sydney Writers Festival - Live & Local is back and we are hosting two full days of great content for our community to enjoy. A plethora of  Australian talent including Richard Fidler, Wil Anderson, Maggie Beer, Grace Tame, Geraldine Brooks will be discussing this years theme - Stories for the future. So come for a session or stay for the day/night and enjoy a festival feel with all sessions livestreamed into Elanora Library, the only location on the Gold Coast. Thursday 25 May and Saturday 27 May, 10am - 8:30pm.For more information click here.

We host touring authors online and in person throughout the year, from debut authors and household names to famous faces of the future. Keep an eye on our social media channels and events calendar for more information.

Find your next read

That's what our friendly librarians are for. Contact your local library or email our ask a librarian service and ask us for advice on what might suit your reading interests. We have a huge collection of digital reading material. Our librarians can help you find an ebook or eAudiobook that you can download direct to your device at home.

Our reading websites can also help you search for and discover your next read. See our eLibrary page for help finding new reads similar to those you already enjoy reading, including NoveList Plus, Who Else Writes Like...?, Storygraph and Goodreads.

For more information about our eBooks and eAudiobooks, see our eLibrary page. Never used our digital platforms before? No worries! Our staff can help get you started over the phone or you can follow our setup instructions from our connect with us at home page.

Can’t find the book you are looking for? You can request the purchase of books, large print books and audiobooks not found in our catalogue through Suggest a Purchase.

Writing Sunday

Exciting things are coming for Gold Coast writers. We are bringing you Writing Sunday at Southport. This fantastic new space is in collaboration with Queensland Writers Centre and will be on the 1st and 3rd Sunday at Southport Library. Using the Pomodoro Technique of writing in twenty-five minute blocks with five minute breaks (longer for lunch), this volunteer led space is perfect for writers to accomplish great things. Meet every second Sunday on April 2,16 and 30 during  10am - 3pm.

Writing Friday

Gold Coast Libraries and Queensland Writers Centre have teamed up to offer Gold Coast writers a space to cultivate their habit of writing and connect with other writers in the community. Following the Pomodoro Technique, Writing Friday is a free, volunteer-led program for local writers at all levels. Come along for a great writing space, network with the local writing community, and find a new tool for guaranteed productivity. Join us at Helensvale Library or Elanora Library from 10am. Check What's On for December and January session times.

Writers' Block 

Introduction to crime writing with Helen Goltz

Love writing crime fiction, or don't know where to start? Helen leads you through the different elements that go into writing a page-turning crime story. Learn techniques to flesh out your story ideas, create multi-dimensional characters readers will engage with, craft stimulating dialogue, build suspense that keeps readers turning pages and compose a satisfying ending. All the tools you will need to create an incredible crime story. Helen is postgraduate qualified with majors in Literature, Communications and Media and is a published author herself. This workshop will be held on Saturday 6 May, 10am - 12:15pm at Helensvale Library. Book here.

• Self-Editing for Writers. Saturday 1 July at Nerang Library. Bookings open 1 June.
• Introduction to Publishing. Saturday 2 September at Southport Library. Bookings open 1 August.
• Elements of Writing: Conflict and Suspense. Saturday 4 November at Broadbeach Library. Bookings open 1 October.

Gold Coast Libraries present professional free workshops for local writers. Each month there is a new theme and presenter either in person or livestream. Covering a wide range of topics, including world building, self-publishing, developing characters, poetry, memoirs and more, you are guaranteed to learn something new to improve or start your writing process. Stay updated by subscribing to our eNewsletter.

If you are looking for short or long courses to do on writing, creative writing and more? Head to LinkedIn Learning via our library website, enter your library card and pin and enjoy access to thousands of courses delivered by professionals, all at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home.

Are you a Gold Coast author?

Gold Coast Libraries supports local writers by providing expert workshops, spaces to work and the opportunity to share your work with our library customers.

If you’re a local author who’s been self or independently published, we encourage you to submit your publication to be assessed for adding to our collection.

To be considered, your book must have been published within the last 3 years, and you must be a Gold Coast Libraries member.

Submit local author request

If you’re a Gold Coast resident, but not a member, you can join free – sign up online or at your local library.

If your publication is about or set on the Gold Coast, but you’re not a Gold Coast resident, please contact us via Ask a Librarian.

Join your local Book Club

Our Local Library Book Clubs provide an opportunity to meet like-minded readers and participate in an engaging conversation about monthly book themes.

As there is no set book, you can attend regular sessions or enjoy the flexibility of ‘dropping in and out’ as your schedule allows. Each monthly theme will help you discover new genres and find your next great read or favourite author. Find the right Book Club for you!

Our book clubs are held at the following libraries:

• Broadbeach Library, second Monday of the month
• Burleigh Waters Library, second Tuesday of the month
• Elanora Library, fourth Thursday of the month
• Helensvale Library, first Friday of the month
• Nerang Library, third Monday of the month
• Robina Library, first Thursday of the month
• Runaway Bay Library, third Friday of the month
• Southport Library, first Friday of the month
• Upper Coomera Library, second Friday of the month.

Session days may vary due to public holidays. For more details on dates and themes check our yearly Book Club schedule(PDF, 46KB).

Ben's Book Club

Ben Hobson hosts our monthly virtual book club where you read the book of the month and then meet the author to chat about the book and learn more about them. All online!

Meet Ben Hobson the author as Chris Hammer steps into host seat and discusses Ben's latest book The Death of John Lacey. Download your copy today via The Libby App and come along to a great night in with two amazing authors. Tuesday 28th March, 6:30pm via zoom. Book your seat.

You can check out Ben's past sessions with great authors by visiting his YouTube playlist.

Set up your own book club

Want to connect with other local readers and form your own book club? We have lots of tips on creating your own book club.

When you've started your book club, you can access our range of book club kits available for loan. Each kit contains 10 copies of a title for the exclusive use of your book club.

If interested in registering to use our book club kits, please complete the Book Club Registration form available at your local library. Once registered, you can book your kits online using your book club's library membership card.

Follow our Facebook page for great reading recommendations, new releases and author content.