Double Author Event at Bolton Library and Museum
SJ Watson and Tess Gerritson
Bolton's refurbished lecture theatre welcomed promising new author SJ Watson and international best seller Tess Gerritson. SJ Watson spoke about his background in the NHS and acceptance into the Faber Academy 'writing a novel course,' which led him to write his highly successful first novel, 'Before I go to sleep.' This book is a psychological thriller about a woman who loses her memory each time she goes to sleep.
SJ was on a double bill with Tess Gerritson, who had the audience totally gripped with how she researched material for her books and promoted her exciting new novel 'The silent girl,' from the Rizzoli and Isles series.
Tess and SJ received a standing ovation from an audience of 94 people. Local booksellers Sweetens sold multiple copies of both books. The event also resulted in successful book issues. The Central Library created a wonderful display devoted to her works. Bolton FM Radio interviewed both authors.
Family Fun at Bolton Central Library and Museum
In April 2011, Bolton's Libraries and Museums officially merged to become Bolton Library and Museum Services. This has created a fantastic opportunity for the central library and museum which are in the same building to join forces and put on some themed family events during the school holidays. These have included, a 'Big Book Bonanza': Dig into Books' event in the Children's Library during May half term to coincide with the nature themed events taking place in the museum throughout the week. Over 100 children attended the event, taking part in activities such as decorating plant pots, and designing book marks. We've also organised book displays to coincide with museum exhibitions and special events, for example the British Festival of Archaeology, when the museum hosted an 'Archaeology Day' in July. Central Library had set up a book display to promote the event. Library staff have also delivered storytelling sessions in other areas of the building, such as the art gallery, learning studios and the newly refurbished Bolton Lives Gallery. The children's stories told promote the museum's exhibitions and collections and in the past have included stories on Egyptian pharaohs and queens and Victorian mill workers, promoting the museum collections through books and reading. We are continuing to plan and deliver interested themed activities in the future, providing a more substantive and high quality service to our visitors.
Librarians in the North West have pioneered partnership working to encourage new readers into libraries. Time To Read is a partnership of librarians engaged in reader development activity in public library authorities in the North West Region. All 23 public library authorities in the region currently support Time To Read.