ACT Chief Minister and National Year of Reading ACT Primary Ambassador, Katy Gallagher, today announced that a number of high-profile authors will head to Canberra this September for the inaugural Canberra Readers' Festival - celebrating the National Year of Reading 2012.

"I am excited to announce that the first Canberra Readers' Festival, to be held on 22 September 2012 at The Playhouse, will include an exciting line up of authors including Bryce Courtenay, Anita Heiss and Kate Grenville," the Chief Minister said.

"The Canberra Readers' Festival coincides with Floriade 2012 and is another 'must do' for visitors to Canberra this Spring.

"With the spotlight on reading this year, event organisers, Libraries ACT, with support from the Canberra Theatre Centre, wanted to mark the National Year of Reading with a special event to inspire and entertain, and to get people excited about books and the power of reading."

As well as getting the chance to hear from notable Australian authors, there will be opportunities for avid readers to debate, discuss and share their views on books - with each other, with authors and with the community.

The Chief Minister said that it was important to ensure that the Canberra Readers' Festival was an accessible event for Canberrans, with ticket prices starting at $10 per session and discounted full day tickets. A number of free tickets will also be given away via media outlets, high schools and seniors groups.

"We hope that by making ticket prices affordable many Canberrans will be able to participate in this exciting event. The Canberra Readers' Festival provides us with the opportunity to find out what makes these famous authors tick, what their inspiration is and to put a face to the many stories we know so well."

The Chief Minister said tickets would go sale on Monday 6 August and that further information would be available on the Libraries ACT website or by calling 6205 9000.

"The Canberra Readers Festival promises to be an entertaining and energetic event for locals as well as visitors to the region. It provides a perfect day out for the many Canberrans and Australians who love to read, for aspiring authors and, especially, for the many passionate people who are members of book clubs in our community," the Chief Minister concluded.