From the Library 

Studio Ghibli in the Library

We have several new titles centred around the work of animation master Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. 

Hayao Miyazaki is one of Japan’s most beloved animation directors. In 2005 he was awarded the Venice International Film Festival’s Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement, and his Studio Ghibli received the festival’s Osella Award for overall achievement in 2004. Miyazaki’s films include Spirited Away (winner of the 2002 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Film,) as well as Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle, and Ponyo, all of which have received great acclaim around the world. 

Titles now available in the library include the highly regarded Art of Series from Studio Ghibli. These large-size, hardcover coffee-table books feature artwork, commentary, colour stills, sketches, storyboards, and illustrations used to envision the rich fantasy world of the films. They also include a complete English-language script. We have The Art of Spirited Away, The Art of Castle in the Sky, The Art of Howl’s Moving Castle and The Art of My Neighbor Totoro.

Other new titles include:

Starting Point: 1979-1996, a collection of essays, interviews, and memoirs that chronicle Miyazaki’s early career and the development of his theories of animation.

Miyazaki World – A Life in Art by Susan Napier

Japanese culture and animation scholar Susan Napier explores the life and art of this extraordinary Japanese filmmaker to provide a definitive account of his oeuvre. Napier insightfully illuminates the multiple themes crisscrossing his work, from empowered women to environmental nightmares to utopian dreams, creating an unforgettable portrait of a man whose art challenged Hollywood dominance and ushered in a new chapter of global popular culture.

Princess Mononoke Volumes 1 -5 (manga)

Set during the 14th Century, the Muromachi period of Japan, Princess Mononoke tells the story of Ashitaka, a young prince cursed by the hatred of a dying boar god, who has been corrupted by an iron ball lodged in his body. "Hear me loathsome humans," the boar says, "you shall know my agony and my hatred". To seek a cure for his curse, Ashitaka travels across the land, hoping to find the Shishigami, a deer-like forest spirit with the power to bring life and death.

Kiki’s Delivery Service – by Eiko Kadono. The classic that inspired the beloved animated film.

More Studio Ghibli titles are on order.

Still time to enter our Winter Book Bingo 

Just a reminder that our Winter Book Bingo is still running.

Complete a Bingo (one row of 5 books horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) or a Blackout (all 25 categories) for your chance to win a great prize. The Book Bingo card is attached here.If you have any questions please come to the library.

To assist with your selections, here are some resources for some of the more challenging categories.

50 Must Read Books with Unreliable Narrators - Book Riot

Neurodivergent/Disability Book Club List - SLAV

Graphic novels/Manga/Comics - SLAV

US Teens Banned Book Clubs - Washington Post

Entries are now open and close on Tuesday 6 September at 4pm.

Book Week Activity

During Book Week (22- 26th August) come to the library to decorate an A5 sized hard cover notebook. Stickers, washi tape, decorative paper and notebooks will be provided. Sign up at the library desk – limited numbers available.