Libraries are important community spaces in the Highlands – they’re not just for borrowing books and quiet places for study – they are a hive of activity with clubs and groups making them home and where connections are made. To reflect this, the theme for this year’s Book Week Scotland, which runs from the 17 – 23 November is ‘friendship’.
Book Week Scotland is a week-long celebration of books and reading and every year, High Life Highland Libraries partner with the Scottish Book Trust and local authors to celebrate the transformative power of books and reading with a range of activities and events for all ages.
This year is no exception, there’s an array of activities taking place across all High Life Highland libraries with some special free author events designed to inspire, entertain and bring people together.
Julie Corcoran, Head of Libraries at High Life Highland said: “We absolutely love Book Week Scotland – it presents us with a wonderful opportunity to work with the Scottish Book Trust on delivering an exciting programme of events for people of all ages. Community and connections are at the heart of what we do within High Life Highland Libraries so the theme of ‘friendship’ has never been more relevant.”
The following four events have been funded by The Scottish Book Trust specifically for Book Week Scotland:
Grantown Library – 19 November @1900: An evening with John Crosbie, the son of the renowned Scottish author Agnes Owens. He has helped in putting together her archive for inclusion in the Alasdair Gray Archive. John will do a question-and-answer session with Charlotte MacArthur.
Inverness Library – 21 November @ 1400: bilingual family event with author June Graham.
Bettyhill Library – 21 November @ 1930: author visit with Alex MacDonald who will be sharing ‘Memoirs of Colin MacDonald: And the Shepherd Sang’. There will be readings from this recently published local interest book as well as discussions around the author’s crime fiction work. There will also be music and refreshments.
Tain Library – 21 November @ 1800: author Cynthia Rogerson, a well-known local author will be visiting to talk about her latest non-fiction work ‘100,000 Birthdays: A Book About Who We Are’ which explores what makes us human, our friendships, genetic make-up and ability to empathise.
In addition, High Life Highland libraries are also hosting the following events during Book Week Scotland:
Portree Community Library – 18 November @ 1300: Open Book Creative writing session ‘Dear Friend’.
Brora Library – 18 November from 1100: ‘The Brora Highland Libraries Collection’ – drop-in session to view and discuss, with tea and coffee available.
Dingwall Community Library – 20 November @1400: ‘Stories of the Brahan Seer and Highland Second sight’ with Lizzie McDougall. Also at Dingwall Library on 21 November @1400 is an author visit with Phil Paris who will be talking about his new book ‘A Fire in their Hearts’.
Lairg Library – 20 November @ 1700: Annabelle Marx author visit to discuss her new book “The Rebel of 7th Avenue”
Portree Community Library – 20 November @ 1800. The Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre is joining forces with SkyeLIT for a special literary event with acclaimed Scottish writer Alan Bissett.
Plockton Library – 20 November @1830: author Jane Mackenzie launches her new book.
Fort William Library – 20 November @1600: Mad Hatter’s Tea Party event, including tea and cake with participants reading excerpts from their favourite childhood books, with an emphasis on friendship. Also at Fort William Library, running all week, there will be a Friendship Trail, which is designed for young people, featuring children’s books about friendship.
Muir of Ord Library – 27 November @ 1745: Lilian Ross, author of ‘Jist Sayin…’ will be giving a talk. Booking for this event is essential.
Furthermore, there will be range of other events and activities taking place in High Life Highland libraries including friendship themed Bookbug and Lego sessions, creative writing, themed book displays as well as children’s and adult craft sessions.
Please contact your local library for more information, contact details can be found here.
