Tag: author visit

Best-selling US author brings a taste of the Fringe to local library

Edinburgh Fringe performer Kate Danley gave Blackhall Library regulars a taste of the history and mystery of her native Seattle on Wednesday 26th August, when she brought her storytelling show to the newly re-opened facility in Davidsons Mains.

Kate’s show Madam(e) Lou tells the remarkable true story of Lou Graham, a pioneering Seattle entrepreneur and bordello owner whose role in the city’s history has largely been erased. Kate who is visiting and performing in Edinburgh for the first time admits she had some reservations about bringing a history show to a city with such a formidable relationship with its own past.

And while Edinburgh and Seattle may appear to have little in common, Kate has found some unexpectedly dark connections. ‘Both cities have fascinating, murky histories, including stories of body snatching and darker chapters beneath their celebrated pasts.’

Based on more than a decade of research, Madam(e) Lou explores the life of a woman who amassed a fortune during Seattle’s rapid expansion in the 1880s and went on to become a major power player in the evolution of the city.

Kate has been inspired by Edinburgh audiences’ interest in her hometown and her storytelling show has proved a hit with reviewers.

Kate described it as an ‘absolute pleasure’ to bring the show to Blackhall Library and was delighted to connect with an enthusiastic local audience including a couple who knew her from a book tour in the US.

Blackhall Library reopened in the grounds of Davidson’s Mains Primary School in June 2026 after the building on Queensferry Road was condemned. The staff, who were dispersed around the city following the closure of the original building, are working hard to rebuild the library for the local community.

The performance was the biggest event to date and Kate – who as an author is a big supporter of libraries -was thrilled to make the journey out of town for an appreciative crowd.

Anyone who has missed Madam (e) Lou at the Fringe, need not worry, as it has been optioned for a television adaptation and should be coming to a small screen near you soon.

Who Cares? Author visit to Muirhouse Library

EMILY KENWAY: 26th February 6 – 7.30pm

We are very pleased to announce an event with author Emily Kenway, on her ground-breaking and unflinching examination of the crisis in care and the experience of caring for a sick or disabled loved one.

We will host Emily in the library on the evening of the 26th of February. Tickets are free but spaces are limited so please speak to a member of staff at the desk, or give us a call on 0131 529 5651 to book your ticket.

This event is likely to be relevant to you if you have experience of giving or receiving care, or may do in the future. Which pretty much covers everyone!

Author Visit to Muirhouse Library

SARA SHERIDAN: 2nd December from 6 – 7.30pm

We’re so excited to announce this! On the 2nd of December, we will be hosting hit author Sara Sheridan at Muirhouse Library!

Join us to hear from Sara about her novels, an opportunity to ask her some questions, and to eat a mince pie (or two…). Tickets are totally free, but booking is essential.

To book, please speak to us at the front desk, or give us a call on 0131 529 5651.

We will take your name and a contact telephone number, and your postcode, as for the first week we are giving priority booking to people who live in EH4 or EH5.

On Wednesday 20th November we will open out the booking to everyone.

A Scottish Castle, magical unicorns, and young heroes: Merchiston hosts best-selling author

FANTASTICAL BOOK LAUNCH AT MERCHISTON CASTLE SCHOOL

Merchiston Castle School, Scotland’s leading independent school for boys, hosted best-selling author AF Steadman for a private book launch and signing on 1 May. 

Author of the award-winning Skandar series, Ms Steadman held the exclusive event at the Edinburgh school to celebrate the launch of the third instalment of the collection, Skandar and The Chaos Trials. 

Merchiston was one of just three venues to host the author during a fleeting visit to Edinburgh, before she proceeded with the remainder of her UK tour.  

Extending the invitation to several local schools including St. George’s School for Girls, Cargilfield Prep School, and Longstone Primary School, Merchiston welcomed over 250 children into its impressive Memorial Hall. 

During the event, the author read an excerpt from the highly anticipated third novel, bringing to life her fantastical world of adventure, fierce friendships, rivalries, and heroic deeds for the audience of school children. A question-and-answer session ensued, followed by a book signing to conclude the event. 

Jonathan Anderson, Headmaster of Merchiston, said: “It was a privilege to host Annabel Steadman and fellow Edinburgh schools for this incredible special occasion.

“Words have the power to connect and transport us to other worlds, and with her incredible, fantastical descriptions of ferocious unicorns and heroes – Steadman’s books most certainly do that!

“This book reading and Q&A offered pupils the chance to engage with literature in an exciting and inspiring way, and to celebrate the pure joy of reading.”

Author Annabel Steadman commented on the book launch: “It was such a joy to return to Merchiston. The reading culture is truly phenomenal – encouraged by the school’s wonderful librarian Rachel.

“And as an author it was such an amazing opportunity to meet young readers from Merchiston as well as lots of pupils from schools in the nearby area who were invited along to mySkandar talk in the beautiful hall. Thank you!”