Writers celebrate Book Week Scotland at East Renfrewshire Libraries

East Renfrewshire libraries celebrated Book Week Scotland in style, welcoming children and adult writers along for a series of fun, interactive events.

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure
Last Updated: 27 November 2024 13:06

Children's writer Alan Windram, author of the One Button Benny series and Kevin the Orange picture books, led special sessions for Carlibar and St. John's Primary at Barrhead Foundry's Library, while Braidbar and Giffnock primaries attended Giffnock Library, featuring singing and dancing around being happy in your own skin.

Alan said: “Book Week Scotland is always such a wonderful time when authors can meet their audience and share a love of reading. I was thrilled to have been invited to take part in book events this year at Giffnock and Barrhead libraries, being able to meet lots of enthusiastic young readers and share the magic of stories with them. I would like to thank the library team at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure so much for their hard work organising these events, and the teachers, parents and helpers who brought the children along. We all heard stories, sang songs, and even did a bit of robot dancing, thank you to the children for taking part and making these events so special.”

Giffnock Library welcomed Poet-in-Residence at St Mirren Football Club, Julie McNeill, for a full-house celebration as part of event, A Poem, A Pie and A Pint. Kelburn Brewery in Barrhead supplied football and poetry enthusiasts with local ales and Newlands Bakery in Giffnock provided half-time pies.

Two local authors, Laura Stewart and Breea Keenan, shared their writing journeys to publication, read extracts from their novels and engaged with the audience in a Q&A session at Clarkston Library.

Children continued the Book Week Scotland celebrations as part of a SEPA funded interactive family performance as Act About performed 'Smogs Up With That' at Clarkston Library, while East Renfrewshire libraries also hosted special Bookbug gifting sessions for all primary one classes, as children receive a Family Bookbug Bag full of books and activities to have fun with reading, writing and counting at home.

Scott Simpson, Head of Libraries and Information at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: “Several writers hosted a series of interactive, fun and informative events for all ages during our Book Week Scotland celebrations. It was fantastic to welcome so many children and adults to our local libraries to join the national celebration of books and reading, which will continue at home for the pupils who received their Bookbug bags. Our library team is always on hand to help develop your love of reading all year round, so please pop into your local library to find out more on books, workshops and future events.”

Book Week Scotland 2024 took place from 18-24 November, supported by Creative Scotland and the Scottish Library and Information Council.

For more information on library events for adults and children, visit: www.ercultureandleisure.org/libraries

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