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NEEDY youth will be given the chance to immerse themselves in literature following the Write Around the Murray Festival.
A book sale was held at the Albury Library Museum on Saturday as part of the five-day event.
YES Youth and Family Services worker Elizabeth Gett took the opportunity to buy books to stock the youth refuge.
“We definitely have lots of young people come through the refuge who like to read but don’t usually have access to books,” she said.
“We saw this as an opportunity to fill up our bookshelves and thought it was a chance to increase our range.
“Some young people come through who aren’t keen on books and by the end of their stay they’re more interested and want to take books with them.”
The service supports about 200 homeless youth aged between 15 and 18 each year.
They stay at the five- bed shelter for short periods or up to three months.
“I’m expecting these books to be well read,” Ms Gett said.
“They definitely seem to prefer fiction.”
Write Around the Murray co-ordinator Ann-Maree Ellis said the festival, which finished yesterday, had been well attended.
“It kicked off really well on opening with comedians Damian Callinan, Fiona O’Loughlin, Rusty Berther and Amanda Powell improvising a live performance,” she said.
“It was great comedy with a real literary bent.
“Everyone has been really enthusiastic and given us great feedback which is lovely.”
Ms Ellis said ABC Radio National’s recording had also been a highlight.
Participants were asked to tell a true story about “the first time”, and they will be played on the station.
“The buzz around the library has been fantastic,” she said.