How libraries help learners

This week is Adult Learners’ Week. What’s it all about?

Adult Learners’ Week is a national celebration of the benefits of lifelong learning. We’re getting involved with writing workshops, singing, cooking, and facebook sessions – for details see our events calendar.

But why are libraries getting involved?

Public libraries have always been a source of information, knowledge and culture for all. They are spaces where anyone can go without feeling pressure to buy anything, and without feeling judged for what items they want to read.

Library services are crucial to adults who wish learn at whatever level, be it to improve their literacy or embark on a research project, through formal schemes or simply for the pleasure of learning something new.

Any individual can borrow any item they need, at no (or very little) immediate cost – especially relevant at a time when many people have less disposable income.

Also, for many adult learners, schools are associated with negative learning experiences whereas libraries are often viewed as more neutral spaces and therefore perhaps more conducive to adults wanting to learn.

So what do libraries do to support adult learners?

Lots! Here are just a few examples:

Our fantastic  Edinburgh Reads programme of events offers opportunities for adults to interact with authors and topics in an informal and stimulating way.

Some authors have engaged specifically with adults discovering reading for the first time. For example, crime writer Lin Anderson’s short novel Blood Red Roses, published specifically with emergent readers in mind, was read by several adult literacy groups in central Edinburgh who met the author for a chat over coffee and cake. This provided a real opportunity for personal growth in confidence and enjoyment of reading.

The annual ‘Six Book Challenge’ provides another way of supporting and encouraging emergent readers to discover the joy and satisfaction of reading for pleasure.

‘Since doing the  Challenge I have seen my reading get better. I am on my fourth book and did not read much before.’ (Sue)

’I like to read to my children now, we help each other.‘(Chris)

Perhaps one of  the most popular ways Edinburgh  Libraries support adult learners is through our LearnIT Project. For complete beginners, we provide free informal and very supportive support in using computers. Adults can attend classes, pop into a drop- in LearnIT Lab, or meet with a volunteer IT Buddy for one to one tuition.

‘I was thrilled to be able to buy a washing machine online for nearly  £70 less than in the shops!’ Joan, LearnIT student.

And of course, our growing library of online learning resources provide support to adults learning at home or on the move.

Happy Adult Learners’ Week!

‘Surviving’ by Allan Massie

A group of British expatriates meet for their weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in Rome. At first the drama is low-key, little more than the nervous chatter of dry-drunks and their less disciplined colleagues. Literary spirits weigh heavily on the characters’ sodden efforts to hold together lives that have cracked like old plates. Kate, a former bestselling author, invites a young Englishman wrongly acquitted of murder to stay with her so that she can write a book about him. Her recklessness ends in a fresh killing that the AA members must collude in covering up. But the lurid plot is mostly just a balance for much softer, sadder apprehensions of common disappointment and ageing. Alcoholism, like writing, is a lonely business.

Author Allan Massie is truly a man of letters in a way few others are. Primarily noted for his historical fiction he is an equally accomplished biographer, anthologist, book reviewer and columnist, and has written on everything from rugby to health care.

So we’re delighted that he will be joining us for an Edinburgh Reads event in Central Library on Thursday 30th May, where he will be discussing “Surviving” with “Redlegs” author Chris Dolan. As ever, you can book a free ticket online but you will have to be quick!

In pictures: Louise Welsh and Regi Claire

Huge thanks to Louise Welsh and Regi Claire for entertaining another bumper Edinburgh Reads audience at Central Library last week.

Our pictures show two authors clearly enjoying themselves as they discussed their novels “The girls on the stairs” and “The waiting” as well as their other work.

Having two authors with such a good rapport, combined with chair Jackie McGlone’s thoughtful questions, made for an excellent evening.

As Louise herself said “”Great chair and fab audience”, while Regi also described the evening as “fab”. Thanks again to both!

You can view more images from this and other Edinburgh Reads events on flickr

Iain Banks event cancelled

We’re sorry to announce that, due to illness, we’ve had to cancel our forthcoming Edinburgh Reads event with Iain Banks.

 

Edinburgh Reads: J. David Simons

Our latest Edinburgh Reads event features author J. David Simons:

“J David Simons’ latest novel, set in Scotland, London and Japan, is that rare thing, a genuine tour-de-force, a beautifully written love story that combines political impetus, questions about art and truth, and an exotic setting once almost blown to extinction in an act of war. It is the kind of sophisticated, grown-up writing that properly intrigues, and calls to mind the best of William Boyd and Sebastian Faulks.” Lesley McDowell (author and reviewer for the Independent on Sunday, Herald and Scottish Review of Books)

“An exquisite sense of what is beautiful” tells the story of an eminent British writer’s return to the hotel in the Japanese mountains where he once spent a beautiful snowed-in winter. It was there he fell in love and wrote his best-selling novel, The Waterwheel, accusing America of being in denial about the horrific aftermath of the Tokyo firebombings and the nuclear destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As we learn more about his earlier life, however – as a student in Bloomsbury, involved with a famous American painter – we realise that he too is in denial, trying to escape past events that are now rapidly catching up with him.

J David Simons will at Edinburgh Central Library on Tuesday 26th February at 6.30pm to discuss the novel. Book your free ticket online or phone 0131 242 8100

Edinburgh Reads spring programme: with Iain Banks, Kate Atkinson and many more

Iain Banks, Kate Atkinson and Louise Welsh are among the highlights of our spring 2013 programme of free “Edinburgh Reads” author events.

We are really looking forward to welcoming Case Histories author (and Edinburgh book group favourite) Kate Atkinson who will discuss her new novel, Life after Life, in March.

Iain Banks

The amazing Iain Banks will be here in April to tell us about his latest book Hydrogen Sonata. We greatly enjoyed Iain’s last visit back in 2009  – and judging by our picture so did he!

A lively evening is in store on 28th February as Professors David Purdie and Alan Riach discuss the writing and legacy of Walter Scott, and address the thorny issue of whether his writings should be abridged for the modern reader. In the chair will be “Scott-land” author Stuart Kelly.

A lesser known but equally fascinating character from Scotland’s past will be under the microscope in March when award-winning journalist and TV presenter Julie Davidson tells the story of Mary Livingstone.

Panda and penguin fans are in for a treat as we’ll be hosting two talks to celebrate 100 years of Edinburgh Zoo and animals will also be the topic of discussion as our popular series of “Edinburgh’s War” talks continues with a look at their involvement in World War One.

And there’s more, lots more, including Richard Holloway, Jane Harris, Louise Welsh, Regi Claire and Mary Contini.

Impressive huh? And did we mention – all these events are free.

This is why you need to reserve your place sharpish. Head over to the Edinburgh Reads events page to see the full programme and book your tickets.

Book now: Andrea Gillies

When her mother-in-law, Nancy, was diagnosed with Alzheimers, Andrea Gillies made the decision to care for her full time. She also decided to write about the experience.

The result was “Keeper“, a frank, moving and utterly gripping account of Alzheimers and its effect on one family. The impact of the book was remarkable. It was awarded the inaugural Wellcome Book Prize and followed this up with the Orwell Prize in 2010.

Since then Andrea has turned to fiction, and produced “The white lie“, a tense, beautifully crafted novel about the poisonous ripple effect of unaddressed guilt.

This Saturday (24th November, 11am) Andrea is coming to Central Library to discuss both books, as part of the West Port Book Festival. If you would like to reserve a place at this event book online now.

 

Book now: Liz Lochhead at Edinburgh Central Library

Here’s some great news for National Poetry Day: on 15th November Edinburgh Central Library will be hosting a free event with Scotland’s Makar Liz Lochhead.

The Motherwell born writer’s contribution to the development of Scottish literature since the 1970s has been immeasurable.

She was a major figure in the Scottish literary renaissance centred in Glasgow in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Her body of work, from her earliest poems to more recent translations and adaptations of classic European dramas, demonstrates a singular talent for melding past with present.

Liz’s ability to explore themes of feminism, language and self through so many genres and forms have made her an internationally important voice.

We’re thrilled, therefore, that she’ll be joining us for a special ‘Edinburgh Reads’ event on Thursday 15th November where she’ll be discussing  her latest collection ‘A choosing‘ and discussing some of her favourite poems with Robyn Marsack, Director of the Scottish Poetry Library.

Book online to reserve your place at what is sure to be a memorable evening.

But before that Lochhead aficionados can join our Reader in Residence Ryan Van Winkle and Chatter and Verse – our regular poetry book group – for a session discussing Liz Lochhead’s work. This will take place on Wednesday 17th October, 6.30 – 7.45pm, at Central Library. Call 0131 242 8046 or email annie.bell@edinburgh.gov.uk if you’d like to come along.

The summer so far, in words and pictures

Time for a wee pictorial round-up of what’s been happening in libraries over the past few weeks.

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Looking forward to the Olympics, Sighthill’s scarily talented Knit and Knatter Group have been busy knitting some famous Olympians. We’re loving this Cathy Freeman.

Olympic fever took hold over at Granton as well, which hosted its very own torch relay for some Olympians of the future.

Staying on the sporty theme, the advent of Wimbledon fortnight, coupled with the The Queen’s visit to Edinburgh, was all the excuse Moredun’s Library Linkers needed for a special high tea celebration, a wee variation on their usual fortnightly brew and blether.

The ‘summer’ weather has left lots of kids looking for indoor activities during the holiday and younger visitors to Fountainbridge Library have been writing stories based on a strange ‘thing’ housed in a secret room in the library. There will be prizes…

Finally, ‘The Secret Mandarin’ author Sara Sheridan joined us to celebrate National Reading Group Day in a special ‘Edinburgh Reads’ event at Central Library. Sara told us how her love of history was inspired by her father, an antique collector, who shared stories of London and Brighton which helped her to form her leading character Mirabelle Bevan, the protagonist of her new novel Brighton Belle.

Marvellously entertaining, funny, warm, humane…

Just some of the audience feedback from Thursday’s jam-packed Edinburgh Reads event with Janice Galloway.

And the feeling was mutual, as a delighted Janice told us she hugely appreciated such a lovely audience.

If you weren’t lucky enough to attend, fear not, as we’ll be posting some video from on our You Tube channel very soon, adding to previous events featuring the likes of Ian Rankin, Maggie O’Farrell and Alistair Darling.

Finally, while we’re on the subject of Janice Galloway we should mention that ‘All made up‘ is one of the books nominated for the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust Book Awards. The other finalists are:

There but for the by Ali Smith

Aibisidh by Angus Peter Campbell

Let not the waves of the sea by Simon Stephenson

The great thing about these awards is that YOU pick the winner – and seeing as voting doesn’t close till 6th August there’s plenty of time to borrow the shortlisted books and pick your favourite.

Authors at your library this summer

It’s almost like a mini book festival over the next few weeks with some great writers visiting our libraries. Forget the European Championships, how’s this for a line-up?

James Robertson

The author of book group favourite ‘The Testament of Gideon Mack‘, ‘And the Land Lay Still‘ and ‘The Fanatic‘ is at Oxgangs Library on Wednesday 20th June at 10.30am. Email oxgangs.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5549 to book a place.

Jonathan Falla and Leila Aboulela

Join Jonathan Falla (Blue Poppies, Glenfarron, Poor Mercy) and Leila Aboulela (Lyrics Alley, Minaret, The Translator) in conversation with the BBC Book Cafe’s Serena Field. Both writers will talk about refugees, their journeys and how they experience different cultures. Part of Scottish Refugee Week.
Edinburgh Central Library, Thursday 21st June at 6.30pm. Book online

Sara Sheridan

Sara will be talking about her new book ‘Brighton Belle‘. Set in the 1950s, this is the the first Mirabelle Bevan Mystery. With book sales, signings and refreshments.
Edinburgh Central Library, Saturday 30th June at 11am. Book online

Janice Galloway

Join the award winning Scottish writer in conversation with Scotsman Literary Editor and writer, David Robinson. Janice will be talking about her second autobiography ‘All Made Up‘ and her writing life. Book sales, book signings and refreshments.
Edinburgh Central Library, Thursday 5th July at 6.30pm. Book online.

Book now: Alistair Darling at Central Library

Our latest Edinburgh Reads author event will feature the Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP, who will be talking to historian and journalist David Torrance about his recent book, ‘Back from the Brink‘, and the recessionary events surrounding its publication.

As well as the talk there will be book signings, book sales and refreshments.

Edinburgh Central Library, Thursday 24th May 2012, 6.30 – 7.45pm, free

Demand is sure to be high for this one – so book now.

Maggie O’Farrell on writing, reading, and World Book Night

We got her! Edinburgh Libraries’ book groups’ favourite writer joined us on Monday for a very special World Book Night Event.

The popular author told Jenny Brown and a packed Reference Library about why she chose Edinburgh as the setting for The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, the books she’d give as gifts (I Capture the Castle, Jane Eyre, William Boyd and Our spoons came from Woolworths) and why she doesn’t own a Kindle.

We also got some exciting news about her new novel and an interesting story about how the first draft of ‘The hand that first held mine‘ contained a supernatural element – which was quickly jettisoned after some fairly forthright feedback from the author’s husband!

For anyone who missed out on what was a really excellent evening, fret not, as the video will appear on our youtube channel very very soon..

Book now: Maggie O’Farrell, Lin Anderson and Alex Gray

Details of some fantastic looking events happening in Edinburgh Libraries next month:

Maggie O’Farrell

At every author event we hand out questionnaries asking our audience which other authors they would like us to book. “Get us Maggie O’Farrell!” they say. So we have.

The writer of ‘The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox’ and ‘The hand that first held mine’ will join us, along with founder and former Director of the Edinburgh International Book festival Jenny Brown, for a very special event to mark World Book Night. This is sure sure to be massively popular so book early!

Central Library, Monday 23rd April, 6.30 – 9.15pm.

To book a place call 0131 242 8100, email readerdevelopment@edinburgh.gov.uk or book online

Alex Gray in conversation with Jackie McGlone

“I have come to the conclusion that there really are people out there who are simply evil”.

Alex Gray is a crime writer who takes her research seriously. Having completed the University of Glasgow’s Course in Forensic Medical Sciences Alex’s award-winning writing has an authenticity that’s hard to match.

Edit: Unfortunately the Alex Gray event has been cancelled

Lin Anderson

We enjoyed Lin’s last visit to Morningside Library so much we couldn’t wait to get her back! This time she’ll be at Drumbrae to talk about writing, reading and whatever you ask her!

Drumbrae Library Hub, Wednesday 18th April, 6.30 – 7.45pm

To book a place email drumbrae.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5244.

Nothing but the poem

It’s just what it sounds like!  Poet-in-residence Ryan Van Winkle will read a poem for discussion afterwards. No fear, no jargon, no experience needed: nothing but the poem.

Central Library, Wednesday 18th April, 6.30 – 7.45pm

Email readerdevelopment@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 242 8100 to book your place

Come and hear the story of Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Pandas

Pandamania hits  Central Library next month as Iain Valentine, Edinburgh Zoo’s Director of Animal Conservation and Research, will give a talk entitled:

Not just black and white: the story of Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Pandas

This free event will take place in Central Library on Thursday 23rd February from 6.30 – 7.45pm.

EDIT: This event is now fully booked.

Lin Anderson’s Recommended Reads

Crime writer Lin Anderson popped in to the new look Morningside Library  to chat about some of her favourite reads.  So if you are still looking for Christmas present ideas or inspiration for some holiday reading then check out what Lin had to recommend.

If you are interested in any of these books why not borrow them the catalog?

The Gowk Storm – Nancy Brysson Morrison – http://goo.gl/77zFM

And The Land Lay Still – James Robertson – http://goo.gl/0hXKq

Casino Royale – Ian Fleming – http://goo.gl/OIDhH

“A Colossus in the world of art appeciation”

Last week author, lecturer and curator Frances Fowle visited us to talk about the remarkable life of Alexander Reid.

Not only was Reid a friend of Vincent and Theo Van Gogh – bizarrely, he looked so like the former that until recently a portait of Reid by Vincent Van Gogh was thought to be a self-portrait!

Frances explained how Reid influenced Scottish taste to encompass the French impressionists and set the scene for the Glasgow Boys and the Scottish Colourists to be popular artists in their own country.

His career almost exactly spanned the years of the Victorian industrial revolution to the depression of the thirties, offering a peak buying time for the mercantile classes of Scotland.

If you missed the talk you can find out more about this colossus in the world of art appreciation by reading Van Gogh’s Twin for yourself.

Two great authors – one free event

We are pleased to announce yet another free Edinburgh Reads author event (we know, we are good to you…) on the 1st of December, at 6:30pm, in the Central Reference Library.  This time we’ve got some brilliant local talent discussing their debut novels.

Former Herald editor Mark Douglas-Home has written a gripping crime novel entitled The Sea Detective in which a haunted young woman appears on the doorstep of the protagonist, Cal McGill.  Cal is a PhD oceanography student with more than a passing interest in floating corpses…

‘Elegantly written and compelling, it introduces a new, thoroughly modern hero into the crime-fighting canon.’ – The Scotsman

‘Douglas-Home expertly balances the introduction of a new kind of eco-sleuth, the awful realities of the sex-slave trade and an intriguing case of yesterday’s crimes rising to the surface like doom-laden driftwood.’ – The Spectator

David Porteous’ novel Singular was inspired by the author’s misdiagnosis of cancer, and has been honoured with an award in the San Francisco Science Fiction competition.  The novel is set 35-40 years into the future, where dying humans can opt to transfer their consciousness into an online world, where they can exist without sickness.

“Porteous manages to blend science ficiton with a dose of sharp humor and pokes at some of the other areas of the science fiction world. The book is a nice blend of both the real and the surreal” – Rhodes Reviews

These books (both of which feature on our map of books set in Edinburgh) are sure to prompt some very interesting conversation, so register online or call 0131 242 8100 to book a place.

Refreshments will be provided, as will the opportunity to purchase the books.

Van Gogh’s Twin: Frances Fowle on Alexander Reid

Edinburgh Reads is delighted to present Frances Fowle, author of Van Gogh’s Twin: the Scottish Art Dealer Alexander Reid, in conversation with Hil Williamson on Thursday 10 November at 6.30pm in the Reference Library.

Alexander Reid, often a stubborn and difficult individual but a ‘prince among dealers’ brought impressionism to Scotland as well as championing the Glasgow Boys and the Scottish Colourists. Frances tells the fascinating story of his life, including his friendship with artists such as Whistler and Van Gogh.

Frances Fowle is Senior Lecturer in History of Art at the University of Edinburgh and Senior Curator of French art at the National Gallery of Scotland and she curated the ‘Impressionism and Scotland’ exhibition in 2008 and ‘Van Gogh and Britain’ in 2006.

Booking is essential. Please contact readerdevelopment@edinburgh.gov.uk or phone 0131 242 8100 to reserve your place.

Recommended reading: Anna Funder and Marianne Wheelaghan

Anna Funder shot to fame when Stasiland, her astonishing study of East Germany and its secret police, won the Samuel Johnson Prize for non-fiction. Her new novel, All That I Am, tells the story of the German Left as the Reich took over the country in the 1930s. There’s been considerable media interest in the book, and it’s this week’s Book at Bedtime on Radio 4.

There’s already a waiting list building up for our copy, so while you’re waiting your turn we’d recommend getting your hands on Marianne Wheelaghan’s The Blue Suitcase, another remarkable account of a family being ripped apart by the policies of the National Socialist Goverment. The book is based on the experiences of Mariane’s family, as she explained when she visited us to talk about the book and how it came about.

You can see more footage from this event on our YouTube channel, which also features readings and interviews with authors including AL Kennedy, Jackie Kay and Ian Rankin.