Meet our new Grants Officer for the Readings Foundation
We’ve just appointed a new Grants Officer for The Readings Foundation, and we’re pleased to report that she is a delight. Meet Leanne Hall…
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m an author/bookseller, and now also The Readings Foundation Grants Officer. That’s a three-part slashie! I worked for many years as a Children’s and YA specialist at Readings Carlton (hello to all the kids I recommended books to – you’re probably all grown up and driving cars now), and have recently returned to the shop floor at Readings Hawthorn.
I write for young adults and anyone who likes things strange and surreal, so naturally these are the kinds of stories I try to press into customer’s hands. Books have always taken me into other people’s lives and minds, nudging me in the direction of empathy and compassion, so I’m really thrilled to be part of The Readings Foundation grants process.
Why do you think The Readings Foundation is important?
The Readings Foundation is unique in its focus – it funds projects for the most genuinely disadvantaged people in our local communities, and also recognises the role of creativity and words in helping people communicate, participate, learn, stay connected, be supported and develop strength and autonomy. If you look at past recipients of the Foundation grants, you’ll see some amazing projects that have set up lasting change for people.
As a writer myself, I have to believe that the arts can make a difference on an individual and community level. I actually completed a law degree straight out of high school, with the modest aim of changing the world, but I realised early on that my skills lay elsewhere. I would have made a very poor lawyer, but when I talk to high school students about my books, I realise that I have made a difference to someone.
What are some simple steps people can take to aid the work of The Readings Foundation?
You’ll be helping the Foundation by keeping on doing what you’re doing – buying books and giving gift-wrapped books. 10% of Readings overall profits is donated to The Readings Foundation every year, and your gold coin donations from our gift wrapping service also make a big contribution. If you feel moved to donate further, you can always donate to the Foundation via our website.
What are some of your favourite picture books that explore the value of community?
I’ve always loved the books of Australian author/illustrator Bob Graham. Each of his books shows a diverse and vibrant slice of Australian life, with emphasis on small stories and interactions. In Rose Meets Mr Wintergarten, an isolated elderly man is drawn into the games of the neighbouring kids, and in How To Heal a Broken Wing, a small boy nurses a forgotten and injured bird slowly back to health.
And finally, what book are you reading right now?
I’ve just finished reading The Collector by John Fowles, recommended to me by a colleague after we talked about our shared love of Stolen by Lucy Christopher. The Collector is an all-out psychological tussle between kidnapper and kidnapped, with a particular focus on gender, class and art. I developed such a strong visual sense of this novel while reading it that I’m now terrified to disturb it by watching the movie adaptation starring Terence Stamp (but I will probably cave and watch it).
I’ve been wanting to read more classic novels from the 60s and 70s, so next up is Fear of Flying by Erica Jong.
