The page is set to open on a popular book festival as it returns to the Tees Valley next month (10-25 June).
Crossing the Tees is a joint festival organised by the library services for Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.
The festival boasts a packed programme of events, including author events, historical talks and children’s activities offering something for everyone.
See below for details of events at Darlington’s Crown Street Library.
Monday, 13 June, 2-3pm and Friday, 17 June, at 10.30am and 2.00pm.
Celebrating Bookstart Week with “Imagine Me”. Join Jo Ebberley as she takes you on an “Under the Sea” themed story adventure. All children will receive a free book. Recommended for 2-4-year-olds, price £2.50 per child.
Tuesday, 14 June, 10.30-11.30am.
Take a trip down memory lane as the ‘Charleston Charlies’ entertain with their hand clapping, toe tapping, sing-along extravaganza! The event is for the older members of our community and for those living with dementia. Free, but places must be booked in advance.
Wednesday, 15 June, 2-3.30pm.
Our sensory play and story session is based on the Hungry Caterpillar book and is suitable for 0-2-year-olds. Price £1 per child.
Wednesday, 15 June, 6-7pm.
Colin Pinney, as Patrick, Father of the Brontës reveals the story of his son Branwell and his famous sisters: Charlotte who wrote Jane Eyre and three other novels; Emily, author of Wuthering Heights; and Anne, who wrote Agnes Grey and the tenant of Wildfell Hall. Colin Pinney has played in Shakespeare, Shaw and Aldwych farce, has directed plays here and in America and was a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company. Tickets £3.
Thursday, 16 June, 2-3pm.
Changing Landscapes: The global impact of Cleveland Bridge (Darlington) & Dorman Long (Middlesbrough) A Talk from Joan Heggie.
Until the 1920s, Cleveland Bridge of Darlington was the predominant bridge builder on Teesside, with the Victoria Falls Bridge among its most famous constructions. Shortly after WW1, however, Dorman Long & Co. Ltd., of Middlesbrough, expanded its business into the bridge-building and steel construction market. Over the next forty years, bridges built by these two great companies transformed the landscapes of many countries in the world. They were often in competition for the same tenders, yet sometimes worked together in a formal consortium. This illustrated talk from Dr Joan Heggie, author of “Middlesbrough’s Iron and Steel Industry”, uses progress photographs taken in the bridge-building yards in Darlington and Middlesbrough, as well as images of the completed structure in situ, to trace the intertwined history of these companies and the impact they had across the world. Tickets £2.
Friday, 17 June, 2-3pm.
Members of the Northern Archaeology Group talk about “Crossing the Tees”.
Sea divers, Bob Middlemass and Rolfe Mitchinson who have featured on Time Team and Secret Treasures will talk about the River Tees crossings and will bring artefacts along to view. Tickets £2.
Tuesday, 21 June, 12.30-1.30pm.
Voicing the Unvoiceable: Poetry Workshop with Natalie Scott (to link with the Titanic History Wardrobe event later in the day).
Poet and creative writing tutor Natalie Scott will introduce the poetic form of dramatic monologue and show how it can be used to create convincing voices for unusual subject matter. Natalie will use examples from her poetry collection “Berth Voices of the Titanic”, which explores Titanic in a distinctive way. Participants will be encouraged to create their own convincing voices, guided by some stimulating prompts and subject-matter. Tickets £3.
Tuesday, 21 June, 2-3pm.
History Wardrobes presents Titanic
To commemorate the Titanic’s first and only voyage, we invite you back to April 1912 for an evocative journey into Edwardian society. We follow the events of the fatal night through the story of famous dress designer Lady Lucy Duff-Gordon – known in society as “Lucile”.
The unique presentation of historical costumes, documents and survivor testimonies offers a fascinating glimpse into life on board Titanic and the aftermath of the tragedy. Tickets £7.
During the festival, local schools have also been invited to the library to take part in some spectacular author and illustrator events with Chris White, Liz Million, Jim Smith and Andy Seed.
Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, said:
“This is the second year our library staff have joined forces with colleagues in neighbouring councils to host Crossing the Tees book festival which aims to bring books to life through our many events.
“It proved so popular last year that we were keen to repeat it and hope to welcome people of all ages to join us as we celebrate.”
The full programme for The Crossing the Tees book festival can be obtained from all of Darlington libraries, the Dolphin Centre, the Civic Theatre and the Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum.
All tickets must be booked through the Arc in Stockton. To book online log onto www.crossingthetees.org; by phone call the Box Office at the Arc on 01642525199 or to book in person please visit the Arc in Stockton
For more information about Darlington Libraries and its event programme log onto the website at: www2.darlington.gov.uk or call 01325 462034.
The Feethams multi storey car park on Beaumont Street is now open 24 hours. All Darlington Borough Council car parks are free after 6pm. Visit www.darlington.gov.uk/parking for more info.
Travelling to Darlington town centre by bus is easy and convenient with the new Arriva Frequenta service. Visit:www.dothelocalmotion.co.uk.