A HOST of events will take place across East Renfrewshire next month in a bid to encourage people to discover the joy of reading.

Everything from play sessions for kids to visits by leading writers will be staged as part of Book Week Scotland.

Among the highlights is a ‘Meet the Author’ event with Karine Polwart in the library at the Barrhead Foundry.

This free event will see Karine – a multi award-winning Scottish songwriter and musician – discuss her first children’s book, A Wee Bird was Watching.

It takes place on Thursday, November 22, from 11am until noon.
Karine will then stage a similar event at Mearns Library, in Newton Mearns, later that day, from 1.30pm until 2.30pm, which is also free.

Meanwhile, those who enjoy the great outdoors are invited to join award-winning writer and television presenter Cameron McNeish for a special event at Giffnock Library.

For 20 years, Cameron was editor of The Great Outdoors magazine and, before that, edited Climber Magazine.

As a passionate mountaineer and hillwalker, he has climbed Scotland’s 282 Munros three times and has also led treks in countries such as Nepal, India, Pakistan, Jordan and Guatemala.

Cameron will recall some of those experiences and pay tribute to the wonders of Scotland’s great outdoors at Giffnock Library, in Station Road, on Wednesday, November 21, from 7.30pm until 8.30pm.

His most recent book, There’s Always the Hills, is an autobiography and will be available to buy on the night.

Tickets for this event cost £6 and can be booked by calling the box office on 0141 577 4956.

Other events lined up include the Big Book Bash, which will take place at both Giffnock Library and the library at the Barrhead Foundry on Saturday, November 24, from 2pm until 4pm.

This is a chance to celebrate books by dressing up as your favourite character for a fun-filled afternoon of party games and arts and crafts.

Those who go along can help to create a giant beanstalk, filled with book leaves of recommendations from the library’s extensive stock.

And there will be more fun to enjoy when the Braw Wee Book Cafe opens at the Barrhead Foundry library on Tuesday, November 20, from 6.30pm until 8pm.

Join library staff as they share with you the best of books and provide inspiration for those who are looking for something new to read.

The programme of events has been organised by the Scottish Book Trust – a national charity which aims to change lives through reading and writing.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop is encouraging people across East Renfrewshire to get involved.

She said: “As a life-long and avid reader, I know there’s no greater pleasure than losing yourself in the magic of a book.

“That’s why I welcome the launch of the 2018 Book Week Scotland programme – a flagship event of Scotland’s culture sector that celebrates books, reading and our rich literary history.”

For more information, visit https://bookweekscotlandevents.com.