Readers in North Yorkshire will be able to meet four of the best contemporary writers in the North when they visit libraries in the county this spring as part of the Read Regional campaign.
The annual campaign, which runs from March to June, introduces readers to writers from the North through libraries. Ten authors will tour the North of England, from Whitley Bay to Whitehaven and Malton to Manchester. The visits will include workshops, discussions and readings, as well as events in schools.
North Yorkshire libraries will stock the Regional Read titles by the ten authors, as will 21 other local authorities, giving readers a wealth of new northern literature to borrow. This year’s selection includes a broad range of fiction, including crime, romance and young adult; memoir; short stories; and poetry.
The Read Regional titles are:
Helen Cadbury, Bones in the Nest
Ian Clayton, Song for My Father
Carys Davies, The Redemption of Galen Pike
Crista Ermiya, The Weather in Kansas
Andrew Forster, Homecoming
Chris Killen, In Real Life
Rachel McIntyre, Me and Mr J
Kim Moore, The Art of Falling
Hazel Osmond, The Mysterious Miss Mayhew
Caroline Roberts, The Torn Up Marriage
Helen Cadbury, Carys Davies, Crista Ermiya and Chris Killen will all visit North Yorkshire libraries:
Chris Killen Knaresborough library Wednesday 13 April, 7pm 01609 533610
Carys Davies Selby library Thursday 12 May, 2.30pm 01609 534521
Crista Ermiya Richmond library Saturday 21 May, 7pm 01609 534580
Helen Cadbury Malton library Tuesday 28 June, 7pm 01609 534565
For more information and to buy tickets, contact the library.
Read Regional was launched by New Writing North in 2008 to connect writers and readers in the North of England through their library services. Previously promoted authors include Melvin Burgess, Ann Cleeves, Mari Hannah and Gavin Extence.
County Councillor Chris Metcalfe, Executive Member for Library and Information Services, said: “I’m delighted that North Yorkshire libraries are once again involved in the Read Regional project. Author visits are always popular with readers, and the opportunity to meet northern authors gives these events added appeal.”
Claire Malcolm, Chief Executive, New Writing North, said: “Read Regional encourages readers across the North to celebrate our home-grown talent through reading books and attending events by northern authors. We know that being selected for the campaign can make a real difference to authors, and that readers very much enjoy the opportunity to meet authors in their local libraries. We’re delighted to take Read Regional on the road again, visiting 22 local authorities with more than 80 events.”
Author Helen Cadbury said: “I love libraries and I love meeting readers. I’m looking forward to visiting different parts of the region and getting to know new places. I’ve featured a library in Bones in the Nest and one of my short stories was about a librarian winning the lottery, so maybe I’ll be able to pick up some new ideas for my next library-themed story.”