News from library authorities:
LANCASHIRE
Jennifer Donnelly held a session at County Hall, discussing her new book 'Revolution', this was a cross-over event with young people and adults invited. Jennifer provided an excellent and inspiring overview of her writing process, detailing the germ of the idea from which 'Revolution' grew, the research and writing process. It was a captivating evening by a very exciting voice.
(Photo: Mei Matsuoka)
Acclaimed illustrator Mei Matsuoka visited Lancashire to launch the new children's reading challenge which ties explicitly to the landscape, culture and heritage of an enchanted Lancashire! Over 1,500 children have already registered for this and have started on their journey to read 50 books.
Halloween was celebrated at Hoghton Tower in a special 'Bats about Books' event which brought together a number of authors for family audiences. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the historic house which has its own literary connections with visits by Shakespeare and Dickens.
(Photo: 25th anniversary booklet)
Following the announcement of the winner of the Lancashire Book of the Year in its 25th anniversary Year, we have produced a celebratory booklet that documents each winner. The booklet is a family reading development tool that outlines other works by the winning authors and includes pictures books for the youngest readers, right up to adult novels.
As part of the 'Sea Change' project which has seen the regeneration of the sea defences along the Wyre coastline, a book was commissioned by Lancaster Litfest. Having provided recommendations for authors and illustrators to be involved with the project, we were delighted to see the finished book published. The story encompassed a variety of memories and recollections from people living along the coast and we were delighted to host a mini-tour including, author, illustrator and storyteller, which school groups and adult reading and writing groups were invited.
(Photo: A session at the Harris library)
A series of bibliotheraphy, shared reading sessions were held around World Mental Health Day. The sessions were focussed around poetry to create a tie with National Poetry Day. A session at the Harris library has led to the development of a regular group there. A de-stress pamper session was also held at the Harris library with local Lush store demonstrated hand massage techniques alongside a display of stress-busting books!
To celebrate Lancashire Day, the date when Lancashire sent its first representatives to parliament, local author Jenn Ashworth spoke about the influences of the geography and communities of the county on her writing. This was a lively and thought-provoking session with readings from 'A Kind of Intimacy', based in Fleetwood and 'Cold Light', based in Preston. Jenn also gave an exclusive preview of her forthcoming novel, currently under the working title, 'The Friday Gospels'.
Celebrating Lancashire Day over in Ormskirk, explorer Simon Chapman gave a talk about his travels to Bolivia. He enthralled the audience with tales of his escapades, viewings of his explorer diaries and vivid descriptions of some of the encounters he has had with all manner of creatures.
Lancashire has been involved in a pilot project as part of 'Arts Nation'. Arts Council England research evidenced a 'Dinner and a Show' audience who are likely to have minimal and low-level engagement with the arts. The demographics closely matched the membership of many reading groups and we devised a programme of activity that would encourage reading groups to become more actively involved in the arts. We developed four strands working with four partner arts organisation.
We collaborated with The Dukes Playhouse in Lancaster which hosts an annual promenade performance in Williamson Park. This year was the 25th anniversary of the promenades and 'Merlin' was being produced. Groups from North Lancashire had the opportunity to attend the performance, to have a behind the scenes tour of the Playhouse itself and to have a writing workshop with playwright Kevin Dyer. Attendees went on to produce poetry, short stories and even to write and produce a play which they have performed!
Joining with Litfest in Lancaster, we offered groups the opportunity to co-programme events as part of the annual literary festival in Lancaster. A reader's party was held at the Storey Institute where the festival is held to encourage groups to access the setting in readiness for the festival events. Groups had the opportunity to meet with Carol Birch, who was shortlisted for this year's Booker prize with 'Jamrach's Menagerie'.
Working with The Harris Gallery in Preston, we offered groups the opportunity to attend the 'Piercing Brightness' exhibition by Shezad Dawood. We held a shared reading event in the gallery itself based around science-fiction writing, by J. G. Ballard and Vonnegut, which had influenced Dawood's style. Readers were able to view the preview of a film that Dawood has been producing based in Preston which will be released next year.
Working together with Mid Pennine Arts, we held sessions around 'Oppression and Expression', looking at a contemporary sound installation at Clitheroe Castle, 'Taken', which was based around the persecution of the Pendle Witches. Group members were given the opportunity to view a film documenting the creation of the installation and to read a variety of texts tied to oppression.
Lancaster Library is currently hosting an exhibition of art work by illustrator Geoff Taylor. Geoff has illustrated books by David Eddings, Katharine Kerr, Raymond E. Feist and Michelle Paver amongst others.
For further information contact : Jake Hope Tel: 01772 534 751
e-mail:Jacob.hope@lancashire.gov.uk
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.