PRESS RELEASE OREWA 6th MARCH 2007

AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

Five New Zealand celebrities to support public libraries

Five high profile New Zealanders have lent their names to a nationwide advertising TV campaign promoting public libraries.

The Inspire Me TV campaign will begin on March 11 and stars in separate commercials Oscar Kightley, Trelise Cooper, Brooke Fraser, Peta Mathias and Daniel Vettori who are all avid library lovers who want to share their passion with all New Zealanders.

Oscar Kightley, a well-known writer, director and actor, flew back from the Philippines where he was promoting his film Sione's Wedding to participate in the campaign. Oscar says: "My whole trip through the world of storytelling began with a visit to my local library - one of the most inspiring places in the Universe."

Similarly, leading fashion designer Trelise Cooper reports that she finds inspiration for her collections in the huge selection of magazines on all subjects, not just fashion, at her local library. Trelise says: "In the fashion business you are always looking for inspiration and it comes from many sources. I find the library is a place that you can always find something inspiring."š

Peta Mathias, Daniel Vettori and Brooke Fraser, who travel the world extensively in their work, say that libraries have had a major influence on their love of reading and have been a source of inspiration in their chosen careers.

Metronet, the group representing the 19 largest metropolitan libraries in New Zealand, is funding the campaign. Allison Dobbie, group manager at Auckland City Libraries, says: "Our aims in funding a nationwide TV campaign are to show that public libraries are now modern, relevant places that provide inspiration and can make a difference in people's lives."

Rodney Libraries are going for the Inspire Me campaign in a big way. Library staff have devised a series of displays and events throughout the twelve week campaign.š

These include a cross-generational Teddy Bears Picnic involving more mature customers of Rodney Libraries baking cookies for the pre-schoolers and attending the picnic on the day, a Mad Hatters tea party for primary school age children, and a day spent in local colleges by the librarians responsible for teenagers.

There will also be a chocolate fish prize for customers in community libraries who can identify library staff's photographs of them committing fashion disasters and bad hair days from way back when.

Also get there is the last call for šentries in for the Rodney Writes non-fiction writing competition with prizes totaling $2900 - entry forms available in Rodney libraries with the closing date being March 17th.

Rodney Libraries will also celebrate NZ Music Month, Auckland Festival, Cricket World Cup, ANZAC day and the International Comedy Festival during the campaign.

Look out for the colourful posters in both the community libraries in Rodney and in the communities they serve AND get Inspired!!

ENDS

© Scoop Media