Famous Aberdeen author Nan Shepherd, a foray into the amazing changes in Scotland’s recent history and the joys of creating comics and maps are just some of the highlights as Aberdeen City Libraries celebrate Book Week Scotland.
Now in its fourteenth year, Book Week Scotland encourages people of all ages and walks of life to come together and share the joy of reading. The overall theme for this year’s programme is Friendship..
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Convener and culture spokesperson, said: “This year’s books have a special focus on the wonderful theme of friendship.
“Readers will be inspired by the creative writing and the story-telling. The programme of free events and activities can be enjoyed by all ages in local libraries.
“It will be great to have the opportunity to meet and talk to authors and find out more through creative activities. Book Week encourages everyone to share the joy of reading. It will be an uplifting and fun experience.”
Working with a wide range of partners, Scottish Book Trust – the national charity changing lives through reading and writing – will deliver events and activities across the country between 17 – 23 November, funded by Creative Scotland and Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).
Among the highlights of this year’s celebrations are:
‘To See ourselves’ with Alistair Moffat Saturday 22 November, 2.30pm – 4pm Aberdeen Central Library
Join renowned historian Alistair Moffat on a journey through Scotland’s most recent history. Alistair explores the breakneck pace of change in Scotland since the Second World War, and the ways in which these changes have affected the rhythms and practicalities of daily life.
Nan Shepherd and her friends Friday 21 November, 2.30pm – 3.30pm, Aberdeen Central Library
This talk by Dr Tim Baker looks at the importance of female friendship in Nan Shepherd’s writing and life, placing her as one node of a much larger network of Aberdonian women writers and thinkers. In particular, it focuses on her correspondence with Agnes Mure Mackenzie and Lynn Irvine, as well as her later friendship with Jessie Kesson.
Can reading support empathy and social skills in older adults? Thursday 20 November, 12.30pm – 1.30pm Aberdeen Central Library
Does it matter whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction? Does reading enhance empathy or are more empathic people more drawn to fiction? Does reading relate to empathy and social functioning?
Prof Louise Philips from the University of Aberdeen’s School of Psychology and her team have been exploring these questions and more as part of their recent research into the reading habits of older adults. Join us as they share their findings to find out more about the links between reading, empathy and social skills in older adults.
Comic Making Workshop with L.D Lapinski Saturday 22 November – 11am to 12.30pm Central Library
Best-selling author and Carnegie Prize nominee L. D. Lapinski will be leading a comics-making workshop for young adults aged 15 and up. Discover how comics and graphic novels are made, from the first script to the final printed page, and have a go at making your own!
Magical Map-making with L.D Lapinski, Saturday 22 November, 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Bucksburn Library
Join LD Lapinski in a magical map-making workshop, where you will build your own fantastical world and draw the map of adventures. Will your world be a dream come true, or the stuff of nightmares? This hour-long author event, including Q&A will be followed by book sale and signing. Suitable for 8 to 11 year olds.
All Book Week Scotland events are free to attend, however spaces are limited so booking is essential. To reserve your place, book online bit.ly/ACLEventsCalendar email [email protected] or phone 01224 070707.
For full details of all Aberdeen City Libraires Book Week Scotland events and activities visit https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/book-week-scotland
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