The clocks have turned back, and darkness is creeping in, but Shetland Library is spreading light and warmth, with a spotlight on reading, poetry and wellbeing, as part of the National Year of Reading
‘Words to Warm the Winter’ is a month-long programme of winter events with a focus on talented local writers, set at time of year of seasonal changes when words may offer some warmth.
On Friday 13th November at 6.30pm, James Sinclair will be launching his latest poetry book Layin' Aff, Poems in Shaetlan. James will be joined by guests, Mary Blance, Siun Carden and Donald Anderson. Copies of Laying Aff will be available to purchase at the event. (cost £12)
On Wednesday 18th November - National Mobile Libraries Day - the library is holding a “Guess the location of the van” competition. From next week folk can pick up a competition sheet can be picked up on the Mobile Library, some country shops and from the library in Lerwick.
On Friday 20th November at 6.30pm, Rachael Boxall will be launching the last book in her Immutavi trilogy - a dystopian, young adult series. Rachael will be bringing a limited number of the new book, which Shetland Library audience members can purchase before the wider release.
There are two events planned for Saturday 21st November. From 11am - 12pm in the library, Roy Cumming will be selling copies of his poetry pamphlet Thomas the Cat, a series of poems inspired by our favourite town cat, Tommy. Pamphlets cost £4.50 (cash only).
At 2pm on Saturday 21st, there is an event being hosted at Shetland Museum & Archives at Hays Dock to celebrate the long-anticipated return of The New Shetlander, and No 302 will be on sale at the event for a special introductory price of £5 (cash only), with back issues also available to purchase.
The events will culminate on Wednesday 25th November with an evening of spoken word. Bring a poem, or reading which says something of warmth, winter, and wellbeing; this can be published work or your own - a lightsome end to a month of words to warm the winter.
Louise Scollay, Adult Services Librarian for Reader Development said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring a programme of events in the coming month, with a focus on our talented local writers.
"The New Shetlander is Scotland's longest running literary magazine and the publication of No 302 has been eagerly awaited. There's never been a more crucial time for local writers to have an outlet to publish work in their own dialect, or language.
"We're grateful to our colleagues at Shetland Museum for helping us host this event on 21st - it is sure to be an enjoyable afternoon of poetry & prose from The New Shetlander past and present."