The launch of New Zealand’s first ever Book Month is imminent: three events will be held simultaneously at noon on Monday 18 September in Auckland (Aotea Square), Wellington (the steps of Parliament) and Christchurch (Cathedral Square). According to the PR,

New Zealanders are invited to come along to the launches and donate a new or previously loved NZ book to one of three colourful 2.4m high bookshelves located at Aotea Square in Auckland, the steps of Parliament in Wellington and Cathedral Square in Christchurch.

Well-known NZ authors and celebrities will join book lovers in donating their favourite book/s. All donated books will be given to the not-for-profit organisation Books in Homes.

The first 50 people at each launch event who donate a book will receive a complimentary copy of The Six Pack, an anthology of new writing by a mixture of well-known and previously unpublished New Zealand authors. The authors' identities were kept secret during the selection process and they'll be announced on the launch day.

If you can't get to one of the Monday events but would like to have your pre-loved NZ book/s feature on a bookshelf at the official launch, just post them to: NZ Book Month, PO Box 52-016, Kingsland, New Zealand. The first 50 donations received will be sent a copy of The Six Pack in return.