Book Week Scotland is a week long celebration of books and reading that takes place every November. During this week, people of all ages and walks of life come together to share the joy of reading. This year Book Week Scotland runs from Monday 13 November 2023 to Sunday 19 November 2023.
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 linked to this years theme of Adventure. Now in its twelfth year, Book Week Scotland was initiated by the Scottish Government.
Hundreds of free events happen during Book Week Scotland across many different local authorities, funded by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).
Every year, the Scottish Book Trust also produces a free book made up of true stories from people all over Scotland. This year's book is called 'Adventure' and these will be distributed to our libraries during Book Week Scotland for you to pick up and enjoy!
Find out about events being run by the Scottish Book Trust, including their digital events, by visiting the Scottish Book Trust page or following Book Week Scotland on Twitter or Facebook pages. We will also be sharing their digital events on our East Lothian Libraries Facebook and Twitter pages. Read on to find out about East Lothian Libraries' fantastic programme of events!
Programme of Events
- All our Book Week Scotland events are free
- Booking is required for all events, please see the appropriate event for booking information
Johnson and Boswell's Scottish Adventure with Joseph Waterfield, Monday 13 November, 6:00pm at Haddington Library
Author event with Martin MacInnes and Heather Parry, Tuesday 14 November, 7:00pm at Haddington Library
Booker longlisted author Martin MacInnes and the award winning Heather Parry will talk to us about how places they’ve travelled to or have lived influenced their work as well as speaking about their most recent novels - 'In Ascension' by Martin MacInnes and 'Orpheus builds a girl' by Heather Parry. There will also be questions from the audience. Tickets are free but booking is required. Please contact Haddington Library by telephoning 01620 827827 or emailing haddington.library@eastlothian.gov.uk to book your space. Night Owl Books will have a stall at this event if anyone would like to purchase copies of their books to get them signed.
A Morning of Storytelling with Ailsa Dixon, Wednesday 15 November, 11:00am at Tranent Library
Join us, and the Carers of East Lothian, for a morning of storytelling with Ailsa Dixon. This storytelling session will involve adventure, Scottish Mythology and music. The event is designed exclusively for unpaid carers. Ailsa is a traditional storyteller and musician deeply rooted in place and passionate about sharing traditional tales and unheard histories. Refreshments will be available. To sign up please contact the Carers of East Lothian by telephoning 0131 665 0135 or email centre@coel.org.uk
Author talk by Abi Elphinstone, Thursday 16 November, 3.45pm at Dunbar Library
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Join us in welcoming best selling children's author Abi Elphinstone to Dunbar Library. Abi will be sharing her real life adventures that have inspired her books, from dog sledding in the Arctic to living with Kazakh eagle hunters in Mongolia. She will also be talking about her latest novel ‘Saving Neverland’ - a modern re-imagining of the classic tale which takes readers back to the magic and adventure of Neverland. Free event, but booking required. Please telephone Dunbar Library on 01620 827827 or email dunbar.library@eastlothian.gov.uk to book your space. Night Owl Books will have a stall at this event if anyone would like to purchase copies of Abi's new book and to get it signed.
'Birds and Books Nature Walk, Friday 17 November, 2:00pm at Musselburgh Library
Join the Countryside Rangers as they take you on a nature walk around Musselburgh and learn about all the birds and wildlife you encounter on the way! This event is for all ages. Free event, but booking is required. Please contact Musselburgh Library by telephoning 01620 827827 or emailing musselburgh.library@eastlothian.gov.uk.
Big Wild Life are running a forest school where families can explore and connect with nature by learning about the creatures that live in the forest, den building, woodland crafts and storytelling. Sessions are aimed at Primary 4 to Primary 7 aged children and their families. Free event, but booking required. Please telephone North Berwick Library on 01620 827827 or email northberwick.library@eastlothian.gov.uk to book your space.
