Literary rebels head to Southside libraries for Book Week Scotland

Book Week Scotland returns for its sixth year to bring together people of all ages and walks of life in libraries, schools, community venues and workplaces to share and enjoy books and reading.

Working with a wide range of partners, Scottish Book Trust – the national charity changing lives through reading and writing – will deliver events and activities across the country during Book Week Scotland 2018, which runs from November 19 to 25, linked to this year’s theme of Rebel.

And across the Southside there are a host of events for all ages taking place from author readings and panel events, to storytelling and open days.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “As a life-long and avid reader, I know that there’s no greater pleasure than losing yourself in the magic of a book.

“That’s why I welcome this fantastic launch of 2018 Book Week Scotland programme, a flagship event of Scotland’s culture sector celebrating books, reading and Scotland’s rich literary history and dedicated this year to exploring the theme of ‘Rebel’.

“For the seventh consecutive year, the Scottish Government is proud to support this incredible event, which stems from our commitment to literature , ensuring more people can access and enjoy cultural activity more often.

“I congratulate Scottish Book Trust and the Scottish Library and Information Council for organising such a fantastic programme of events and activities throughout Scotland, which you can be a part of in your home, at school or college, in your local library or at work, as well as online.

“I encourage everyone in Scotland, especially during 2018 Book Week Scotland, to commit to finding some time to immerse themselves in the world of books.”

As part of Book Week Scotland, Rebel a collection of stories and poems written by the public and some of Scotland’s most talented authors, has been created and will be distributed across the country during Book Week Scotland.

Here’s everything that’s happening in the Southside:

Tuesday, November 20

• Braw Wee Book Cafe, Barrhead Foundry, 6.30-8pm: Join book-loving staff as they share with you the best of books, and in the spirit of the ‘Rebel’ theme, there will be some, well, rebellious choices!

• Giffnock Library, 1-2pm: Meet the Author – Paul Murdoch. Join the library as it explores his new book Sunny.

• Pollokshields Library, 6.30-7.30pm: Heleen Kist: In Servitude. Heleen Kist will be discussing her new thriller, In Servitude.

Wednesday, November 21

• Giffnock Library, 7.30-8.30pm: Cameron McNeish – There’s Always The Hills. Join author Cameron McNeish as he pays tribute to the wonders of Scotland’s Great Outdoors.

• The Glad Cafe, Pollokshaws Road, 7.30-10pm: Hero of Red Clydeside – An Evening with Author Henry Bell. Author Henry Bell, will be discussing his latest book, John Maclean: Hero of Red Clydeside, with Craig Smillie, followed by audience Q&A.

Thursday, November 22

• Barrhead Foundry Library, 11am-noon: Meet the Author – Karine Polwart. The multi-award-winning Scottish songwriter and musician, has written her first children’s book, A Wee Bird was Watching. Also at Mearns Library, 1.30-2.30pm.

• Langside Library, 6.30-7.30pm: Get your team together and come along to the Big Book Week Scotland community quiz. Trivia, general knowledge and all things bookish! It’s free to enter and there are prizes for the winners.

There is no need to book a ticket, just drop in.

For more information on the events, visit Book Week Scotland