Variety Back for Book Barge with Monster Drive

The Book Barge was introduced at AWBF 2025 through new Community Partner Variety Tasmania – The Children’s Charity as a quiet reading space for children and families within the Old Woolstore Little Sailors Village. Offering a place to pause among cushions, sea-themed stories and soft corners away from the bustle of the waterfront, it quickly became a much-loved space during the festival weekend.

Returning for AWBF 2027, The Book Barge will once again celebrate storytelling, imagination and maritime adventure through children’s literature, while also supporting Hobart’s UNESCO City of Literature designation by encouraging literacy and shared reading experiences within the festival environment.

This year, the community can help grow The Book Barge library through Variety Tasmania’s Monster May book drive.

Throughout May, Tasmanians are encouraged to donate quality pre-loved children’s books, puzzles and DVDs at Shiploads stores statewide. Donations will be collected by Variety volunteers, with sea-themed children’s books helping expand The Book Barge collection ahead of the 2027 Festival.

After the Monster May drive concludes, sea-themed children’s book donations for The Book Barge can continue to be made through AWBF collection points around Hobart.

The campaign also leads into the Variety Monster Book Fair, taking place on 4–5 July 2026 at Princes Wharf 1 in Hobart.

The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel also returns as Program Partner of the Little Sailors Village for AWBF 2027, supporting free hands-on activities and experiences for children and families across the festival weekend.

The Little Sailors Village will return from 6–8 February 2027 on Parliament Lawns as part of the Australian Wooden Boat Festival.

Find out more about donating to The Book Barge and collection points here.

For more information about Variety Tasmania’s Monster May drive or the Monster Book Fair, visit: Variety Tasmania Monster Book Fair