A WEEK of free author talks, workshops, activities and taster sessions will take place across Leicester for Green Libraries Week.
Green Libraries Week is an annual celebration of what libraries have to offer, with a focus on the climate and sustainability. Activities are all free, but they fill up fast - so it’s advisable to book now for events taking place during the week, which runs from 21-28 October.
Among the events are an evening with Guy Jenkin, the award-winning writer, director and producer, who has co-written TV shows including Outnumbered and Drop the Dead Donkey. Guy is the author of popular comedy-mystery fiction novels featuring William Shakespeare, and he’ll be talking about his work and signing books at Leicester Central Library on 22 October from 7-8pm.
Bestselling author Louise Jensen will discuss her chart-topping psychological thrillers – as well as the romantic fiction she writes under a pen name – at the Central Library on 21 October; while on 23 October, British-Nigerian humanitarian Louisa Bello will talk about her debut novel, Where The Shadows End, at St Barnabas Library.
On 28 October, author Gerard Alfonzo Daley will be at Leicester’s Central Library to discuss his award-winning novel, The Book of Erin. And on the same day, award-winning author and columnist Arathi Menon will be at Highfields Library, discussing her debut literary fiction novel, Da.
Alongside the author talks are a series of workshops, including a local writers’ fair on 24 October; a workshop on how to build worlds in fiction on 24 October; and WORD! Fest, a celebration of poetry and spoken word, on 27 October.
There are plenty of other chances to get creative, too, with workshops to make bookmarks, suncatchers or planters from recycled materials, plus sessions on Lego coding for adults, modelling with salt dough, learning to use a sewing machine and starting a kitchen garden. Further talks and workshops will cover topics including sustainable travel, community growing, the Victorian roots of football and the history of allotments.
Assistant city mayor for libraries, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “Our libraries are at the heart of local communities, providing welcoming spaces where people can learn new skills, share ideas and take part in activities that support healthier, greener lifestyles.
“Green Libraries Week offers a fantastic range of free events across the city, and I’m delighted that residents will have the chance to meet authors and discover new opportunities for learning, sustainability and creativity.”
To find out more and to book onto the free events, visit https://libraries.leicester.gov.uk/whats-on and select the tag for Green Libraries Week.
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