Words 2009 book festival adopts crime fiction theme

Sep 23 2009 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A PACKED programme will be on offer at Monklands’ libraries when Words 2009, North Lanarkshire’s fourth annual book festival, begins on Tuesday.

Coatbridge and Airdrie libraries will host a series of visits by renowned authors, while the programme even incorporates poetry sessions on the Summerlee trams and the re-opening of Airdrie Observatory.

There will be a crime theme running through the events at Coatbridge library during the four-week event.

Established writer Lin Anderson, whose books feature popular character Dr Rhona MacLeod, and emerging talent Karen Campbell will both be visiting the Academy Street building on October 1.

Graeme Pearson, one of Britain’s top police officers, will discuss his career, law enforcement, why people commit crime and his recent memoir.

His visit to Coatbridge will take place on October 5, while library experts will also be on hand throughout the festival with suggested reading at their CSI – crime surgery information – event.

Glaswegian writer Maggie Craig, whose most recent novel is entitled One Sweet Moment, is to come to Coatbridge on October 20.

Meanwhile, the town will host a unique celebration of National Poetry Day on October 8, when poet Mark Thomson gives memorable recitals on the trams at Summerlee Heritage Park.

Airdrie library will welcome a stellar cast of authors during Words 2009 as well as hosting a unique lunar celebration.

The Cutting Room author Louise Welsh will be among the visitors to the Wellwynd Library, discussing her new book, Naming The Bones, on October 6.

Leading Scottish musician Horse McDonald will discuss and demonstrate her songwriting for an Airdrie audience on October 8, and crime writer Tony Black, who penned Gutted and Paying For It, is on the bill on October 12.

Award-winning writer Zoe Strachan, who tutors creative writing students at Glasgow University, will then give advice to aspiring authors on October 22, and Dr Catherine Smith will lead a session dedicated to Robert Burns as part of the Homecoming year a week later.

Family fun days will be held as part of the festival – Grubtown author Philip Ardagh will be at Coatbridge library on October 3, and Witch’s Dog and Pirate Penguins series writer Frank Rodgers will visit Airdrie library on Halloween.

Meanwhile, further family days will be held at Old Monkland library on Cuparhead Avenue on October 5, and at Chapelhall library on the village’s Main Street on October 19.

The festival coincides with the reopening of Airdrie Observatory, based at the town’s library, after months of refurbishment work including replacing its distinctive dome.

In celebration, the library and Airdrie Astronomical Association will host a Moonwatch week from October 26-30, with viewings and information on the moon and its mysteries.

There is also a family history workshop at Wellwynd on October 23, fair trade information sessions and a book quiz with a £50 voucher prize.

Words 2009 is supported by the Scottish Arts Council and all events are free.

For a full programme, visit website www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk or drop in to any library.