Donation made as part of the author’s centenary celebrations
Every public library in Scotland will receive a complete collection of Muriel Spark novels, as part of an initiative announced by the First Minister.
Funded by the Scottish Government, and the People’s Postcode Lottery – and delivered in partnership with the Scottish Book Trust – more than 11,000 books will be delivered to libraries throughout the country.
The joint investment of £90,000 is part of the Muriel Spark 100 programme of events, celebrating the centenary of the birth of one of Scotland’s most internationally respected writers.
Making the announcement on a visit to Loanhead public library in Midlothian, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Muriel Spark is one of Scotland’s greatest authors and it is fitting that we celebrate the centenary of her birth with this donation to libraries. I’ve been an avid reader of her books since I was young and I’m very pleased that many more people will now be able to enjoy her work.
“For me, reading is one of life’s greatest pleasures and I hope Book Week helps to encourage people across the country to develop a love of books too.”
Clara Govier, Managing Director of People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Muriel Spark is such a significant figure in Scotland’s literary heritage and it’s really important to remember her work. She achieved so much as a Scottish female author and she’s an inspiration to us all.
“I am really pleased that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting a hundred years of this incredible writer by making a collection of Muriel’s books available in all Scottish libraries to spark imaginations for years to come.”
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust said: “Scottish Book Trust is delighted to help cement the legacy of the Muriel Spark 100 Programme, in partnership with Creative Scotland, the Scottish Library and Information Council and Birlinn/Polygon publishing.
“With support from the Postcode Culture Trust and the Scottish Government, we have been able to supply a set of Muriel Spark Centenary Editions to every library in Scotland.
“There is no better or more fitting way to celebrate the outstanding achievement of this giant of 20th Century literature – a singular person, and an iconic, iconoclastic and brilliantly rebellious female genius.
“This gift – made most appropriately during a Book Week Scotland that is dedicated this year to celebrating rebels – will enable generations of Scots to access, enjoy and celebrate her stories and it will ensure that the very Scottish genius of Muriel Spark finds its proper place in the hearts of readers across the country.”
Mairi Kidd, Head of Literature at Creative Scotland said: “Creative Scotland is delighted to support both the Muriel Spark 100 programme, in partnership with the National Library of Scotland, and Book Week Scotland through our funding of the Scottish Book Trust.
“It’s great to see this come together in such an inspiring way, enabling people across all parts of Scotland to access the brilliant work of Muriel Spark, a critical part of Scotland’s literary landscape, and to be able to do this in local libraries which themselves are such a critical part of our society.”
The Muriel Spark 100 programme marks the centenary of the birth of the iconic Edinburgh-born writer, author and poet, who is best-known for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
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