Four staff members, one male (left), and the rest female, stand close together posed for a front-facing photo. They are all smiling and looking at the camera. They are in a theatre venue, resembling the CSU Riverina Playhouse.

STRAIGHT TO BUSINESS: Library staff are excited to welcome you to this year’s One Book One Wagga, where you will have the chance to meet award-winning author Shankari Chandran and hear about her latest novel 'Unfinished Business’. Image: One Book One Wagga 2024, courtesy of Campbell Cole Photography.

Arts & Culture

Get in the spirit of reading with One Book One Wagga 2025

Published: 04 Jul 2025 12:41pm

There are few better places to be during these cold winter months than cosied up with a good book. On Friday 11 July, Wagga Wagga City Library invites you to take your storytime to the next level by participating in its premier reading event One Book One Wagga (OBOW).

Over the past twelve years, OBOW has risen to be Wagga’s biggest book club, with members getting opportunities to enjoy live in-depth interviews with many acclaimed authors, including Liane Moriarty, Robbie Arnott and Charlotte Wood.

This year will see Miles Franklin award-winning author Shankari Chandran as the 2025 featured author with her latest novel Unfinished Business. Shankari – one of Australia’s most exciting contemporary fiction authors – will share insights into the novel and the creative process behind this explosive thriller.

This year's featured author is Shankari Chandran.

Shankari Chandran will be talking about her latest release: 'Unfinished Business'. Participants are encouraged to read the novel before the event.

Library Services Manager Christine Bolton said the event brings the community together in a city-wide book club that celebrates the power of storytelling and a shared love of reading.

“One Book One Wagga encourages readers across our community to read the same book simultaneously,” Ms Bolton said.

“Multiple copies are currently available for loan from the library. Readers are then invited to attend an in-conversation with the featured author which will be held on the Civic Theatre stage. Freelance journalist and self-confessed bibliophile Tahlia Sinclair will moderate the session.

“Year after year, this annual event provides our community with a chance to meet contemporary writers, who hold a mirror up to our culture and society and provide us with unique perspectives that enrich our understanding of who we are as Australians.”

OBOW will wrap up with canapés and a chance to mingle with fellow book lovers, along with an opportunity to meet Shankari in person and get your copy of Unfinished Business signed.

You can reserve your copy of Unfinished Business via the Library website or talk to our friendly library staff team.