Benji the PlayTalkRead bus is coming to North Edinburgh next week:
You can catch Benji at
West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre on MONDAY 9 March
Muirhouse Library on TUESDAY 10 March
Pennywell Road Shops THURSDAY 12 March
Don’t miss the bus!
Benji-Edinburgh-March-2015-Poster-Small
The Scottish Children’s Book Awards 2015 are on 4 March in Edinburgh. Check out who made this year’s shortlist:
The shortlisting panel also wanted to recommend the following titles as Highly Commended. When you’ve read the shortlist why not take a look at these too?
Bookbug Readers (3-7 years)
Lollipop and Grandpa’s Dinosaur Hunt by Penelope Harper, illustrated by Cate James
Share by Sally Anne Garland
Younger Readers (8-11 years)
The Day the World Went Loki by Robert J Harris
Winter’s Tales by Lari Don
Circus of Thieves and the Raffle of Doom by William Sutcliffe
Older Readers (12-16 years)
Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein
Mind Blind by Lari Don
Writing to get your teeth into?
Edinburgh City Libraries have paired up with Apex Hotels to offer a unique literary experience. Gourmet Reads gives you the opportunity to meet some of Scotland’s best-known authors during an evening of fine dining at the Waterloo Place hotel.
Guests will be able to meet novelists in person to chat about their lives, work and inspiration, as well as being given the chance to mingle with fellow diners.
This is the second Gourmet Reads evening, following theinaugural event in October, when best-selling author Ian Rankin entertained a small crowd with conversation and stories from his past.
And this month the event will return with an appearance from writer, journalist and musician, Doug Johnstone, author of six critically acclaimed novels including, most recently, The Dead Beat, an Edinburgh-set thriller.
Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener, welcomed the addition to Edinburgh’s literary calendar. He said: “Literature is about more than just solitary reading, and can also form the basis of a vibrant, social activity like Gourmet Reads.
“This event adds to a packed literary programme in the capital, as well as a fantastic range of libraries and archives. I would urge anyone interested in spending an evening learning about new – or familiar – writers in Edinburgh, to book now and avoid missing out.”
Doug Johnstone will host on Wednesday 25 February and is the first of three writers to appear at the Apex Hotel as part of Gourmet Reads’ 2015 programme.
He will be followed by Daily Record columnist Shari Low, best-selling author of ten novels, on Thursday 13 March, and on Thursday 30 April by Alex Gray, whose latest book ,The Bird That Did Not Sing, is set against the backdrop of 2014’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Each event will cost £50 per person and will include a three course meal and half a bottle of wine, or an alternative drink. Income will be put into the Libraries revenue budget for use on resources and service.
Find out more about Gourmet Reads and how to book tickets on the Council website.
A new chapter at Craigroyston!
Craigroyston Primary School really entered into the spirit of Scottish Book Week recently. One of the activities was a quiz for parents, and there was a great response – over forty entries were received.
Six winners were selected, and earlier this week Head Teacher Lorna Stewart presented the bookworms with their prizes.
Take a bow, Mrs Kirk, Ms Malcolm, Ms Thomson, Mr Fitzharris, Ms Mackay and Ms Robertson!
Craigroyston’s Helen Cameron said: “The whole school took part in activities during Scottish Book Week and that included the parents. The week is all about encouraging both adults and children to read and it was great success. It really was good to see so many parents and carers taking an interest and we know that quite a number of them worked with their children on the quiz answers. Congratulations to all the winners.”
Among other Scottish Book Week activities Craigroyston staff started to write a story. Each participant was only supposed to write a sentence or two – but the story’s still doing the rounds and it’s growing and growing!
We’ll let you know when Craigroyston’s very own ‘War and Peace’ is complete!
Edinburgh City Libraries are supporting ITV Good Morning Britain’s ‘Just Read’ campaign, to encourage parents and carers to spend ten minutes reading with their children every day.
The campaign, which is supported by national charity The Reading Agency and children’s publisher Puffin, will see 200 libraries across the UK, including five Edinburgh libraries, give away 50 free copies of the bestselling children’s book ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ by author Jeff Kinney this Saturday (13 September).
Children can visit Edinburgh’s Wester Hailes, Ratho, Fountainbridge, Moredun or Kirkliston Libraries to get their free copy.
As well as the giveaway, children who visit the libraries on Saturday 13 September will be able to enjoy other events on the day:
· Ratho Library will welcome well known author Jonathan Meres to the children’s library for a visit at 11am. Meres won the “Scottish Children’s Book Award 2012” and is the author of the bestselling ‘World of Norm’ teenage book series.
· Fountainbridge Library will also be having a visit from author Jonathan Meres at 2:30pm.
· Wester Hailes Library will welcome author Janis Mackay to the children’s library for a visit at 2.30pm. Mackay was awarded the “Kelpies Prize 2007” and is the author of the ‘Magnus Finn’ children’s trilogy as well as ‘The Wee Seal’ and ‘The Selkie Girl’ for younger readers.
· Kirkliston Library is hosting a Wimpy Kid Party for children aged seven to 12 years from 2-4pm. This will be a drop in event, meaning there is no need to book a place. Activities will include designing your own Wimpy Kid book cover, making a badge to take home, and playing the new Wimpy Kid board game.
· Moredun Library is hosting a Diary of a Wimpy Kid fun day from 2-3.30pm. The event will host four different activities for all ages to join in with, from creating your own character clay head and badge making, to Diary of a Wimpy kid mask making and painting, plus a special Diary of a Wimpy Kid treasure hunt around the library.
Councillor Richard Lewis, Convener of Culture & Sport, City of Edinburgh Council, comments: “We are delighted that five of our libraries have been selected to support this UK wide promotion, and we encourage parents and carers to visit participating libraries across Edinburgh to receive free books and enjoy a day out at the same time.”
This exciting campaign follows a wonderful summer of reading across Edinburgh City Libraries when thousands of children took part in the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge. This unique partnership between The Reading Agency and public libraries across the UK, saw MPs, libraries, schools and a host of well-known children’s authors including Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Morpurgo encourage children aged 4-11 to join the library and read for pleasure during the summer holidays.
The campaign comes as a group of leading charities, teachers, parents and businesses join together to form a coalition called Read On, Get On. The coalition has launched a national mission to support parents and teachers to get all 11 year olds reading well by 2025.
The giveaway will highlight how vital libraries are for the nation’s literacy and that books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid can really help children on their reading journey.
The Reading Agency has identified that millions of children are readers because of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Jeff Kinney’s work is perfect for turning reluctant readers on to books. With 50% words and 50% cartoons, the books are described as 100% hilarious and children agree – Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck was voted by children as Favourite Book in the 2014 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.
Move over Da Vinci Code, step aside Harry Potter … the world’s original best-seller is on display in the National Library!
Two hundred years ago, an anonymously published novel sold out within two days and went on to become a global bestseller …
The original manuscript of Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley, the first novel in his series of global bestsellers, is now display at the National Library of Scotland – 200 years after it was first published.
The ground-breaking book tells the story of the 1745 Jacobite Rising and is widely regarded as inventing the modern historical novel. The first edition of 1,000 copies sold out within two days of publication in 1814. Within months, a fourth edition was being printed.
The National Library of Scotland (NLS), which has one of the best collections of Scott material in the world, is celebrating this literary landmark with a display of rare books and manuscripts which explore what lay behind the novel, how it was published and what people thought of it.
When ‘Waverley’ was published 200 years ago, very few people knew who had written it. Scott had made his name as a poet and decided to publish his first attempt at fiction anonymously, perhaps uncertain of the impact it might have on his reputation. Fiction was also seen as a lesser literary form in the early 19th century with the result that almost half of all novels were published anonymously or under a pseudonym.
On display at NLS will be items which show how Scott (pictured below) was identified by many people as the likely author and his dramatic public outing over a decade later. Scott seemed to enjoy the intrigue he had created and resisted the advice of friends in the know who urged him to own up to his authorship.
At the heart of the display is the original manuscript, showing Scott editing his novel as he went along. Letters written by Scott, his friends and publishers illustrate how the book developed, with its roots in the stories of 1745 Scott heard as a boy, and reveal that not everyone was convinced that the novel would be a great success. Also on display are the volumes of the first edition from 1814, contemporary advertisements and reviews, and a rich selection of the books which Scott used in researching the period.
Helen Vincent, Head of Rare Books and Music, at NLS said: ‘”Waverley” is an exciting book to read because in it you can see Scott inventing a new way of writing historical fiction. It is a novel full of drama and adventure, but Scott also had a serious purpose in writing it, wanting to capture the past as it was on the brink of slipping out of living memory. Scott’s skill as a storyteller and painter with words meant that his books appealed to readers around the world — and created an image of Scotland that still holds strong today.
‘We are delighted to be able to display some of the treasures from our Scott collections which tell the story of one of the most influential books in the English language.’
‘Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley: Voices from the archives’ is on at NLS on George 1V Bridge until 2 November. Entry is free.
With this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival now well underway, a new poll suggests Scottish writers are proving as popular as ever …
Almost seven out of every ten (68%) Scottish adults claim to be buyers of new books by Scottish writers – and just under a third (28%) of Scottish adults purchase at least one new book by a Scottish writer every six months. These are some of the results of a new opinion poll commissioned by independent non-political charity the Saltire Society.
The poll results also indicate that contemporary Scottish writing has a broad appeal across different age groups. 18-24 year olds and those aged over 55 are the most likely to buy new books by Scottish writers, with 72% respectively in each age bracket claiming to ever do so. Adults aged between 45 and 54 are the least likely to buy new books by Scottish writers, with only 60% saying they ever do.
73% of women claim to be buyers of new books by Scottish writers compared to 63% of men. Conversely, only 23% of Scottish adults say they never buy new books by Scottish writers.
Glasgow has the highest proportion of people who say they buy new books by Scottish writers with 78% of the adult population claiming to do so. Meanwhile, those in the regular habit of buying new books by Scottish writers are most likely to be found in the South and West of Scotland. 8% and 9% of adults living in these areas respectively claim to buy new books by Scottish writers at least five times a year.
According to trade body Publishing Scotland, Scotland’s publishers typically account for an annual sales turnover of approximately £343m at invoice value, making the industry an important contributor to the Scottish economy.
Meanwhile, figures from the UK Publishing Association show there were 380 million new physical books sold in the UK last year with a total net invoiced value of £1.612 billion.
An omnibus survey of 2000 British adults conducted as part of an industry report[1] published by Book Marketing Limited in 2005 found that one third of the population never purchases books. Based on that finding, the new poll suggests new books by Scottish writers are achieving a high level of penetration amongst Scotland’s book-buying public.
The results of the poll have been released as nominations close for the 2014 Saltire Publisher of the Year Award. Organised annually by the Saltire Society, the Award is sponsored by Creative Scotland and offers the winning publisher a £4000 cash prize to assist further development of its business. The winner of the inaugural award in 2013 was Glasgow-based small independent publisher Saraband, who impressed the judging panel with their “shrewd and strategic business thinking in a shifting context” and “fresh thinking in their use of digital technology”.
The 2014 winner will be announced as part of the Saltire Literary Awards ceremony on the 11th November.
Saltire Society Executive Director Jim Tough said: “There’s a common misconception that Scottish writing is a minority interest and one that’s only likely to appeal to an older demographic. There is a growing concern also that the younger generation is turning its back on book buying in favour of modern screen-based entertainment.
“In fact, this poll shows Scottish writing and the purchase of new books by Scottish writers appeal to Scottish adults of all ages. The fact that such a high percentage of Scots claim to buy new books by Scottish writers, even if only occasionally, should be a real source of encouragement for the Scottish publishing industry.
“I think it’s also a real testament to the breadth of writing talent there is in Scotland, spanning all genres and including factual as well as fictional writing. By being creative and constantly seeking out new ways to attract a wider audience, Scottish publishers can help to ensure Scottish writing has a bright future for many years to come. That is exactly what the Saltire Publisher Award seeks to encourage and recognise.”
Muirhouse Community Shop is collecting toys for children in the Middle East as part of Edinburgh’s Toy Drive to Gaza initiative.
The events of the last few weeks have shocked the world, and it seems world leaders can do nothing to halt the killing and suffering. Now ordinary people are being urged to do what they can to support the population of Gaza in practical ways – and the Toys to Gaza initiative is one way in which the lives of Palestinian children can be made at least wee bit brighter.
Muirhouse Community Shop is looking for donations of toys which will be placed in a container and sent to Gaza at the end of August. In particular, they need:
Soft Toys
Balls of all kinds and sizes.
Skipping ropes, hula hoops.
Dolls clothes
Board Games
Building Blocks (Lego etc)
Toy animals
Drawing books
All art materials
Craft Material
Please don’t hand in other types of toy – the above items are easily packed, take up limited space, require no batteries and can be used for years.
Can you help? Please bring your donations to:
Muirhouse Community Shop
57 Pennywell Road
Open: Monday to Friday 9am till 3pm
www.worldbulletin.net
Still have an image of libraries as dark, sombre, serious and – above all – silent places? Well, think again – there will be lots of noisy fun activities at Central Library today …
The City of Edinburgh Council will turn up the volume at the Central Library as it opens its doors to live music and book readings for an Open Day celebration.
The Open Day will mark the recent refurbishment of the Library, which has brand new spaces to house the children’s and music collections. For the first time in 40 years, all of the Central Library facilities will be housed in the same building.
Highlights of the Open Day include live music throughout the day from choir Octavoce, Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin’ and the Scottish Fiddle Festival Group, plus a visit from award winning author Catherine Rayner (external link) whose animal illustrations decorate the new ‘under 5s’ area of the children’s collection, and Janis Mackay, author of the ‘Magnus Fin’ trilogy.
Visitors to the Open Day will have the chance to view some of the library’s most precious treasures, which include a copy of the first bible ever printed in Scotland. Experts will also on hand to help guide people through their own WW1 family history or to help explain the background behind any family memorabilia from WW1 they may have.
Central Library staff will also be on hand to offer visitors an overview of library e-resources including the new Naxos service. The streaming service provides access to a back catalogue of over one million classical and jazz tracks, with latest releases added every week. A soundproof acoustic pod for musicians to practice in is also available to book, and visitors will for the first time be able to try a CD before borrowing.
Councillor Richard Lewis, the city’s Culture and Sport Convener, said: “The new children’s and music collections have transformed the Central Library and will offer visitors a unique space for relaxing, reading, and so much more.
“The new areas have been designed as welcoming spaces for people to visit and feel inspired to discover music and reading in their own way. I am especially excited to welcome live music and collaboration between performers to the library Open Day, which will include a set from the fantastic Octavoce vocal group, young local musicians, and the fantastic Scottish Fiddle Festival Group.
“The refurbishment allows the Council to house all of the Central Library facilities under one roof for the first time in 40 years and I am sure the City will enjoy all that the building has to offer.”
The Open Day kicks off at 10.30 – SOUNDS LIKE FUN!
Former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson, creator of the much-loved Gruffalo and other brilliant children’s books, was a welcome visitor at Forthview Primary School yesterday. Julia worked with P3 classes during her visit to promote Reading Culture, a new initiative to encourage families to enjoy reading together.
Forthview is holding a series of reading events this month in a bid to encourage both pupils and their parents to read. The school has been working on the development of a Reading Culture, involving school pupils, parents, the local public library and the wider community.
The project aims to encourage children to read for pleasure and to involve parents in the hope that they will also be encouraged to read to their children and read for their own enjoyment. This work is funded by The Scottish Government as part of The City of Edinburgh’s involvement in the South-East Scotland Inter-authority Literacy Hub.
Edinburgh author Lari Don has agreed to be the school’s Patron of Reading. There was a day of events to launch this last week followed by author visits and library visits for every stage, as well as the setting up of a parents’ book group.
Other authors confirmed so far to take part in the Scottish Book Trust Live Literature funded sessions are Simon Puttock, John Fardell (who will also work with the school’s fathers’ group), Joan Lennon, Barry Hutchison and Roy Gill.
Mind you, Forthview parents have a proud record of writing stories themselves – remember the Pathway to Pilton project in 2012 (pictured below)?
