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East Renfrewshire Libraries announce thrilling events for Dead Good October

East Renfrewshire libraries have lined up a series of thrilling events for Dead Good October, featuring author events, crime cafes, Harry Potter Day, family fun and more!

East Renfrewshire Libraries announce thrilling events for Dead Good October

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure
Last Updated: 29 September 2025 12:16

Scottish authors Alan Parks and Sarah Smith are set to speak to audiences at East Renfrewshire libraries as part of the thrilling line-up.

Alan Parks, author of the Harry McCoy thrillers and his latest novel Gunner, will talk about his writing, career to date and what makes his books the bestsellers they are, at the event which will be chaired by fellow author R.D. McLean at Clarkston library on 7 October.

Glasgow author Sarah Smith will share the inspirations behind her debut novel 'Hear No Evil', set in Glasgow, following the plight of a deaf woman accused of murder, at Barrhead Foundry Library on 8 October.

Mearns Library's Crime Cafe will put criminally good reads under the forensic microscope on 30 September. Readers are encouraged to take titles away and rejoin at the end of the month for a post-mortem discussion on 28 October.

The libraries have also lined up a series of events for children, with Harry Potter Day at Barrhead, Mearns, Giffnock and Clarkston Libraries on 9 October. Each event will be full of creative and exciting activities that celebrate the deep friendships and explore the dark feuds in the books. October Family Fun events will also take place during the school break, featuring creepy crafts, spooky stories and frightful fun, while Spooky Stories sessions will run in the lead up to Halloween.

A Halloween costume swap will also run across East Renfrewshire libraries throughout the month of October.

Scott Simpson, Head of Libraries at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: “We have lined up a series of thrilling events for adults and children to celebrate the spookiest month of the year.

“We look forward to hosting author events with Sarah Smith, Alan Parks and R.D. McLean and our ever-popular crime cafe for adults.

“There's plenty on offer for children at our libraries this month too, with Harry Potter Day, spooky stories and crafts to keep the kids engaged and entertained. Our library team can't wait to welcome everyone along!”


Witchcraft in the Shire of Renfrew, led by local historian Lorraine Murray, also takes place at Barrhead Foundry on 28 October. The heritage event will separate fact from fiction to find out more about some of the witchcraft cases of the old 'Shire of Renfrew, which includes present day East Renfrewshire.

Bat out of Hell roars onto the big screen at Eastwood Park Theatre on 3 November, rounding off the Halloween activities with the ultimate rock experience.

Library events can be booked directly with libraries, while Witchcraft in the Shire of Renfrew and cinema screenings are available to book: www.ercultureandleisure.org

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