Love letters take centre stage at Logan City Council libraries

In memory of his daughters Alannah and Madeline, then six and three, and his wife Nanette who were murdered in the 1996 Port Arthur Massacre, Walter Mikac created Letters of Love with the help of more than 50 Australians.

These love letters were penned to mark the 20^th anniversary of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, a national Australian charity Mr Mikac co-founded, advocating for the safety and wellbeing of children.

Inspired by letters and drawings by Alannah, the book is about sharing love whether it be love of a parent or child, partner, friend or one’s self or country.

Contributors include former High Court Justice Michael Kirby, youth outreach worker Les Twentyman, Boost Juice founder Janine Allis, sports star Layne Beachley and Ron Barassi and broadcasters Leigh Sales and Paul Kennedy.

City lifestyle and customer services committee chairman Cr Steve Swenson said Mr Mikac would be sharing how the book was created and giving an insight into some of his favourite letters on February 14.

Cr Swenson said the Alannah and Madeline Foundation had championed high-profile advocacy, care and prevention programs.

“This includes the national eSmart program, which aims to reduce the incidence of cyber-bullying and other cyber risks,” he said.

“In 2015, Logan City Council libraries was the first library service in Queensland to launch the eSmart program.”

Cr Swenson said Valentine’s Day was also Library Lovers’ Day, a national day to reflect on the important role of libraries.

“This year’s theme is love letters to libraries and Mr Mikac will be visiting Logan Central Library from 10am.”

The Library Lovers’ Day Book Club will be held from 10am to midday on February 14 t Logan West Library.

Anyone is welcome to find out more about book clubs and can take along their favourite book for the discussion.

Bookings are essential and can be made via loganlibraries.org/whats-on or by contacting a library.