Read Regional is the annual campaign that introduces readers to writers from the North, through their local libraries. On National Libraries Day, 6 February, Read Regional is pleased to announce the ten titles which are selected for its 2016 promotion, and the authors which will be visiting Middlesbrough.
The campaign runs from March to June, when the ten writers will tour libraries across the North of England from Whitley Bay to Whitehaven and Manchester to Malton. Authors will take part in an inspiring series of events, including workshops, discussions and readings, as well as special events in schools.
Read Regional titles will be stocked in libraries in 22 local authorities, including Middlesbrough, giving readers access to a wealth of new northern literature to borrow from their local libraries.
This year’s list includes an exciting selection of new books by some of the best contemporary writers in the North. Readers will discover a broad range of fiction, including crime, romantic fiction and YA; memoir; short stories; and poetry.
Today, the Read Regional titles are named as:
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, Chris Killen, Hazel Osmond and Crista Ermiya will all be visiting Middlesbrough between March and June 2016.
Helen will be talking about her book Bones in the Nest at a special World Book Night event at Teesside University library on Monday 25th April at 7pm. Chris and Hazel will appear together at Acklam Library on Tuesday 10th May at 7pm. Crista will talk about her short stories at Marton Library on Thursday 23rd June at 7pm as part of the upcoming Crossing the Tees Book Festival.
Read Regional was launched by New Writing North in 2008 with the aim of connecting writers and readers in the North of England through their local library services. The successful campaign has previously promoted authors including Melvin Burgess, Ann Cleeves, Mari Hannah and Gavin Extence.
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.’
Ruth Cull, Library Development Officer for Middlesbrough Council said: ‘We’re pleased to offer readers in Middlesbrough the chance to discover and meet northern authors. This year’s selection of books are really diverse – there’s something for everyone.’
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.’