ADVENTURE is the theme as Aberdeen City Libraries help celebrate Book Week Scotland next week (Monday 13 to Sunday 19 November).  

The annual celebration of books sees people of all ages and from all walks of life come together to share the joy of reading. 

Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman, said: “Our local library service is very happy to join in the national celebrations of Book Week. There will be a programme of free events and activities with some great opportunities to meet the authors.

“During the week, special reading events are planned for everyone to enjoy, especially younger readers. It will be a time to hear wonderful stories of adventure and exploration. The books will take us on exciting journeys meeting new characters and finding out about different people and the natural world.

“This year there is an emphasis on local adventurers. There is so much to explore. I encourage everyone who loves books to get involved.”

This year’s events include: 

Scottish journalist and author Alasdair Soussi presenting an evening of swashbuckling adventure as he talks about his “magical and mesmerising” biography, ‘Shadows and Light: The Extraordinary Life of James McBey’ at Aberdeen Central Library, Monday 13 November, 6-7.30pm.  

Alasdair, whose co-curated exhibition on Aberdeenshire-born painter McBey ran for three months at Aberdeen Art Gallery earlier this year, will focus on the artist’s exploits across Europe, the United States and the Arabic-speaking world where he lived and died in Tangier, Morocco.  

The event will include a Q & A with books sale and signing.  

Beth McClure, author of An American Corgi goes to Balmoral, will give a story telling session followed by a Q&A at Old Aberdeen Library on Saturday 18 November 10-11am. The event is suitable for ages 4-8 and children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Beth from Missouri in the United States, is an early childhood and primary education lecturer at the University of Aberdeen who spent several happy summers working at Balmoral Castle and Estate. Beth is mum to Isla, in real life a pug (not a corgi!) who has been trekking around Balmoral estate since she was five months old.  

Rounding off Aberdeen’s Book Week Scotland celebrations, is acclaimed Scottish Crime writer Douglas Skelton who will be chatting about the latest book in the Jonas Flynt Company of Rouges series – ‘A Thief’s Justice’ – a action-packed historical thriller with intrigue in the air and threats around every corner. 

The conversation with Douglas takes place at Aberdeen Central Library on Saturday18 November between 2.30 and 4pm.

In addition to our author events, there will also be events and activities for children and young people include our In Person Bookbug sessions and social media activities for all ages. 

To reserve your place at one of the free events book online athttp://bit.ly/ACLEventsCalendar  email [email protected] or phone 01224 652500. 
 
For full details of all Aberdeen City Libraries Book Week Scotland events and activities visit https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/book-week-scotland