7 - Big Book Fortnight 2008

 

Allan’s visit will take place during the Black Country Libraries’ annual Big Book Fortnight, which runs from Saturday May 10 to Friday May 23.

 

The Big Book Fortnight is organised by Black Country Libraries in Partnership (BCLiP) and hopes to encourage more residents to take up reading and make the most of their nearest library.

 

Former Birmingham poet laureate, Roz Goddard will officially launch the start of the Big Book Fortnight here in Dudley when she reads from her new collection of short stories at Dudley Library on Saturday May 10 from 2.30pm.  Refreshments will be served from 2pm and everyone is welcome to attend. 

 

Earlier in the day (from 11am) children’s author and illustrator Steve Smallman will tell stories and share drawings with families at Dudley Library.

 

There will be thrills and spills at two libraries when thriller writer Roger Ellory pays a visit.  On Monday May 12 Roger will give a talk to Cradley reading group at Cradley Library from 10am to 11am.  Later in the week (Wednesday May 14) Roger will talk about his latest novel ‘A Quiet Belief in Angels’, which is on this year’s Richard and Judy list at Stourbridge Library from 1pm.  Tickets cost £1.

 

Renowned author and poet of childhood classics ‘Funnybones’ and ‘Each Peach Pear Plum’ to name but a few will visit Halesowen Library on Tuesday May 13 from 6pm to 7pm.  Allan Ahlberg will talk to adults about his work and give readings from his novels and poetry, including his latest novel set in Oldbury in Coronation year 1953.  Tickets cost £1.

 

Critically acclaimed author Catherine O’Flynn, winner of the prestigious Costa First Novel award will visit Dudley Library on Thursday May 15 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm to talk about her writing and first novel.  Tickets cost £1.

 

In the second week artist, cartoonist and novelist, Geoff Tristram will visit Gornal Library reading group on Monday May 19 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm while poet Brenda Read-Brown will do instant poetry at Dudley Library to coincide with Adult Learners’ Day (Wednesday May 21) from 10.30am to 2.30pm. 

 

The fortnight’s activities will draw to a close when professional storyteller Peter Chand will share exciting tales when he presents ‘Punjab meets the Midlands’ at Brierley Hill Library on Thursday May 22 from 2.30 to 3.30pm.  Tickets are available from Brierley Hill Library. 

 

Finally, historian Ned Williams will give an illustrated talk entitled ‘A century of the cinema’ at Halesowen Library from 10.30am to 11.30am.  Tickets cost £1 and are available from Halesowen Library.

 

Tickets for all other ticketed events are available from Stourbridge, Brierley Hill, Halesowen and Dudley libraries unless otherwise stated.

 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for local people to meet some of this country’s best loved authors.  In the next two weeks we hope to inspire more people to develop a love of reading and writing and realise the pleasures it can bring “.

 

All events are organised as part of National Year of Reading 2008.  To find out more go to www.dudley.gov.uk/reading