Walks, talks and the joy of being together again as Book Week Scotland returns

Date: 
Thursday, 11 November, 2021

Walk with Val McDermid, learn to love the skin you are in and hear world-leading forensic anthropologist Sue Black describe how she helped crack high profile criminal cases.  

These engaging talks represent just some of the events happening during Book Week Scotland 2021, which runs from November 15 to 21.

With the help of funding from the Scottish Book Trust, EDLC Libraries is hosting a fantastic programme of free digital events, as well as in-person events at local libraries. The theme of this year’s week-long event is “Celebration”.

EDLC Chair Jim Neill, said, “We are delighted to be involved in this year’s Book Week Scotland. The programme is designed to ensure that anyone can find a way to take part that appeals to them. It is a fantastic opportunity to share what you like to read and to try something new. We have lots of interesting events taking place locally, including our first ever walking book club. I’d encourage everyone to get along, or online, to enjoy one of the fantastic events.”

All the author events will be shared at the times listed below on the East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Facebook [opens in a new window] and registration is not required. 

Hari RoseHarri Rose: You Are Enough!

Monday 15 November, 7pm- 7.30pm,

Social media influencer and author Harri Rose is at the forefront of the growing movement of people rejecting diet culture and harmful beauty standards. Here she explains the tools needed to stop waging war on our own bodies – including tips, activities and practices which can help you on your journey to body acceptance and loving the skin you are in.

Ewan Morrison: How to survive everything         

Evan MorrisonTuesday 16 November, 7pm – 7.30pm,

Scottish author and screenwriter Ewan Morrison is described as "the most fluent and intelligent writer of his generation here in Scotland" by Booker judge Stuart Kelly. His latest novel “How to Survive Everything” is told through the eyes of a teenage girl and is set in a near-future, where a pandemic more deadly than COVID-19 takes hold. It explores survivalist methods and is at turns funny and frightening. Ewan will be reading from the novel and answering questions on books, libraries and catastrophic thinking as well as dystopias and conspiracy theories.

Sue Black: Celebrating the power of science

Wednesday 17 November, 7pm – 7.30pm,

A world leading anatomist and forensic anthropologists, Dame Sue Black has led the award-winning Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) at Dundee University for 15 years. Her work, focusing on mortal remains in her lab, at burial sites and crime scenes, has been crucial to many high-profile criminal cases. She will read from her latest book, Written in Bone, and answer questions from the public. Exploring life, death and beyond, this 30 minute event is not for the faint hearted!     

Gutter Magazine: How to submit to a literary magazine 

Thursday 18 November, 7pm – 8.30pm

Booking for this event is free via the Scottish Book Trust website [opens in a new window].

Scottish literary magazine Gutter receives hundreds of poetry and prose submissions each round. This live session aims to demystify the submissions process by offering clear and (hopefully helpful) guidance on what editors are looking for in a submission. Join some of the Gutter editorial team and special guest writer and editor, Alycia Pirmohammed, as they talk about the submissions process and provide the key do's and don'ts of submitting your work. There is an interactive audience Q&A for all your burning questions.

Philip Toner: How we celebrate the lives of those we love

Sunday 21 November, 7.30pm,

When we consider celebration rituals, there are few more important than the way we mark death. The global pandemic has forced us to adapt the way we celebrate lives with our friends and family. Philip Tonner is a Lecturer in History Education at the University of Glasgow with a background in history, archaeology, and philosophy. His talk discusses some themes surrounding death and burial in human prehistory that he explored in his recent book, “Dwelling: Heidegger, Archaeology, Mortality.”

In-person Events at EDLC libraries

For the following in-person events, register for a space using Eventbrite: East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Culture Trust - Cultural Services Events | Eventbrite [opens in a new window]

Silent Book Walk: Val McDermid               

Thursday 18 November 12.25pm – 1pm

Book Week will also see East Dunbartonshire’s first walking book group. Teaming up with silent disco pioneers YA Dancer, we will be hosting a half hour Silent Book Walk. Departing at 12.30pm from Bearsden Community Hub, the walk will see participants do a guided loop listening to the same audiobook, 1979 by Val McDermid. It’s a wonderful way to connect with other readers, get some fresh air and rack up some steps on your lunch hour. Meet for the walk at 12.25pm at the Bearsden Halls entrance, where the walk will end with complimentary refreshments. Book your space now to avoid disappointment!

Registration for this event can be done through Eventbrite

Events for children and families

Sat 13 Nov, William Patrick Library, Kirkintilloch & Bishopbriggs Library; Sat 20 Nov, Milngavie Library & Bearden Library.

We will be hosting special Saturday Bookbug sessions for babies and toddlers, full of songs, rhymes and lots of tickles. Children aged 5-9 years old are invited to join us for a reading of Sticky by author/illustrator Anna Doherty, followed by a specially recorded draw-along from Anna herself!

Registration for this event can be done through Eventbrite:

Celebrating Local History

15 November - 21 November, William Patrick Library, Kirkintilloch     

Celebrate the joy of being together again with a journey through our Local Studies photograph collection. This digital display features historic images from across our collections on sport, leisure, outings, events and family gatherings. Archival and local history materials will also be displayed on our social media channels throughout the week. This is a drop-in event and no booking is required.

Celebrating libraries, reading and local library members

15 November - 21 November, all EDLC libraries

A range of displays and promotions will be in place tapping into this year’s theme of Celebration. After a long absence because of COVID, celebrate your local library and pop in for a visit. Keep your eyes on our social media too, for a series of celebratory posts about our wonderful libraries, library staff and library members. This is a drop-in event and no booking is required.