Scottish Book Trust has launched Book Week Scotland’s 2019 programme with comic book artist Frank Quitely of DC Comics All Star Superman and Batman and Robin fame.
Book Week Scotland, the country’s biggest celebration of reading and writing, returns for its eight year with hundreds of events taking place all over Scotland from intimate community gatherings to flagship events with well-loved authors.
A special book, Blether, created from real-life stories submitted by members of the public was also unveiled.
Working with a wide range of partners, Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, will deliver a diverse range of events and activities, many tying in with the Year of Conversation, including the Digital Festival with free events that can be accessed online by all.
100,000 free copies of the Blether book, celebrating the theme of conversation, will be available from libraries and other community venues during Book Week Scotland. The free book can also be ordered via Scottish Book Trust’s website, which features each and every personal story submitted by the people of Scotland.
A selection of 30 stories are featured in the book, which also includes work from Still Game actor Jane McCarry; Hings author Chris McQueer, The Boxer author Nikesh Shukla and Bird Summons author Leila Aboulela.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Book Week Scotland brings people of all ages and walks of life together to share and enjoy books; it is a week of books and reading for everyone.
“We have an exciting range of inspiring, unusual and accessible events with a diverse mix of authors, writers and illustrators. This year we are celebrating the theme of conversation in all its forms, from a wee blether to the life changing heart-to-heart. We hope you can join us at a local Book Week Scotland event, or online through our Digital Festival.”
During Book Week Scotland there are hundreds of free events taking place across many different local authorities, funded by Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC). In Edinburgh, there is a selection of interesting events for Book Week Scotland, including:
Museum Mystery Stories
Monday 18 November, 10.30am – 11.30am
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street
Paid – Ticketed
Fun, mysteries and creativity! You might think you know the museum pretty well, but did you know there is a room underneath where a team of expert investigators solve mysteries?
Author Mike Nicholson will introduce your pupils to the Museum Mystery Squad. Could your class help them crack their cases? Pupils will discover how Mike uses museum artefacts to create mystery stories, and will produce ideas for their own puzzling tales.
Plus, have fun with wordplay, creating crazy new gadgets and mystery story ideas in seconds! Books will be available for sale and signing (£5.99 each). The event will last 60 minutes. You will then have the chance to explore the museum, using our resources, to choose objects to inspire your own mystery stories. For Primary 3-5 pupils. Please arrive at the museum at least 15 minutes before the start time.
Writing Violence Against Women
Wednesday 20 November, 7pm – 9pm
Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close
Paid – Ticketed
How can journalism improve its reporting of violence against women (VAW)? Do depictions of VAW in storytelling and poetry contribute to the problem, or can creative writing be a useful tool of healing for survivors?
The Scottish Poetry Library and Zero Tolerance have joined together to create Writing Violence Against Woman; a panel discussion between three experts – one journalist, a storyteller and a poet – who have worked on and around the writing of VAW. In this event the panel will be examining questions around the challenges of writing about VAW, the common issues with its language, and how we can improve the written depiction of VAW in journalism, poetry and prose.
In addition, Zero Tolerance will display its photography exhibition, Violence Unseen, by award-winning photographer Alicia Bruce, during the event. Bruce has worked with various groups and individuals who have been affected by men’s violence to create a series of photographs that explore the types of violence against women that remain unseen and unacknowledged by mainstream society.
My Little Star: A Conversation About the Power of Reading &Memory Making with Babies After Loss
Wednesday 20 November, 6pm – 8.30pm
Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street
Free – Registration required.
Since SiMBA’s inception in 2005, they have sent more than 23,000 Memory Boxes to more than 300 Hospital Units across the UK and Ireland. To celebrate their new partnership with Scottish Book Trust and Book Trust, the charity will launch My Little Star going into their Memory Boxes.
The theme of this year’s Book Week Scotland is ‘conversation’ so by doing this event, SiMBA want to start a very important conversation on baby loss and how reading can help.
The Human Library
Thursday 21 November, 4pm – 7pm
Edinburgh Central Library
Free – Ticketed
The Human Library hosts events where visitors can take out human ‘Books’. We provide a platform for thoughtful conversation between stigmatised individuals (our ‘Books’) and those who want to learn more about them (our ‘Readers’).
‘Book’ titles reflect the stigmas and stereotypes they face, and ‘Readers’ are encouraged to engage in conversation, asking questions they might not otherwise have the chance or courage to ask. Learn about your Book’s experiences and #UnjudgeSomeone on the 21st of November with Book Week Scotland!
BAME Writers Networking Event
Saturday 23 November, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge
Paid – Ticketed
Organised by one of Scottish Book Trust’s Emerging Programmers, this event aims to bring together the literary community and work towards inclusive programming.
The first 45-minute (6:30-7:15 PM) session is for BAME-identifying persons only. From 7:15 PM onwards, the event is open to representatives from literary organisations as well as BAME writers. Join us for a presentation where you can learn more about The Scottish BAME Writers Network, and hear some readings from our talented members!
Afterwards, join BAME writers for our networking reception (7:30-9:30 PM). There is also a free ticket option for anyone who finds the cost of a ticket a barrier – no questions asked!
Drag Brunch
Sunday 24 November, 2pm – 5pm
Lighthouse Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street
Join Edinburgh’s convent of drag nuns from the Order of Perpetual Indulgence for a brunch with a difference! Inspired by similar events in the US, we’re bringing the glitter and glamour to Book Week Scotland. Expect more than your average natter over a cuppa!
We’ll explore the colourful history of the Order through the stories of Brother Bimbo del Doppio Senso, there’ll be storytelling from Sister Carmen Eileen from a selection of LGBTQ+ books for all ages and we’ll provide tea and cake (and something a little stronger for the adults!).
Sisters will be available to answer any questions you have about the organisation, and our guests are encouraged to share stories about their own LGBTQ+ life experiences if they feel comfortable doing so. Bring your fabulous selves, and let’s have a bona blether! Guests can drop in anytime, as this is a very informal event.
Mairi Kidd, Head of Literature, Languages & Publishing, Creative Scotland said: “From the Gruffalo to gardening and crime to cookery, there’s something for everyone in Book Week Scotland.
“There are so many ways to get involved – online or in venues across the country, from telephone boxes to local libraries, where you’ll find books in English, Gaelic, Scots and other languages as well as audio books, e-books, braille books and more.
“With a huge range of partners across the length and breadth of Scotland hosting an incredible programme of events, we hope the whole country has a blast blethering about books and stories.”
Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of The Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC) said: “Libraries across Scotland will be joining in the Book Week Scotland celebrations, meaning everyone has the opportunity to get involved.
“Libraries offer the perfect place to celebrate the joy of reading and, with a range of digital resources available, people can use their local library to get involved in the Digital Festival. In keeping with the Year of Conversation, libraries are trusted spaces where people can connect with others and engage in new experiences. Get along to your local library and get involved.”
Book Week Scotland also features a fundraising initiative, Big Book Swap, to support Scottish Book Trust.
Join hundreds of schools, workplaces and community groups on Friday 22 November to swap books and raise money to help Scottish Book Trust to continue to support people in Scotland to reach their potential through reading and writing.
To sign up and receive your free fundraising guide, visit Big Book Swap.
The Book Week Scotland 2019 programme is available to view in full here.
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