Inshes Library in Inverness hosts authors Shona Maclean and Alan Dapre during Book Week Scotland
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Book lovers were treated to two popular author visits at one Inverness library to mark Book Week Scotland, including a visit from award-winning local author Shona Maclean.
Inshes Library hosted a packed family fun day on Saturday with a visit from children's author Alan Dapre.
The Ayrshire-based writer of TV show Brum and the hilarious Porridge the Tartan Cat books entertained a full house of children and families with a lively session involving a stunt bear, paper engineering, a game of “Real Bear/Toy Bear/Cushion” and a reading of his latest picture book, Grizzly Ben.
Sara Pearson, mum to two-year-old Orrin, said: “It was fab! Orrin never normally manages to sit for that long so that is high praise for Alan!”
Alan, who had travelled to the Highland capital with his wife, daughter and dog specially for the event, stayed on afterwards to sign copies of his books and chat to families as they enjoyed the rest of the day’s events at Inshes Library which included the regular Lego Club, a bakesale, jigsaws and plenty of books.
Saturday’s author event was the finale of a week-long celebration at the library for Scottish Book Trust's Book Week Scotland.
Last Thursday, local writer Shona Maclean visited the library to talk to a packed room about her award-winning historical crime thriller, The Bookseller of Inverness.
Earlier in the week youngsters got the opportunity to be writer and illustrator and make their own books, as well as the chance to use the Osmo Masterpiece App and create their own artwork in a digital skills session.
The events were funded through the Highland Council ward discretionary fund.
Meg Davidson, network librarian for High Life Highland, said: “Our goal is to promote reading for pleasure as we know how powerful it can be for supporting education, health and wellbeing.
"Libraries are also uniquely placed to bring communities together, promote inclusion and reduce inequality, which is why we were so grateful for the funding which has enabled us to put on these fantastic events for the community for free.”
Marc Lambert, CEO of the Scottish Book Trust, said: "Developing a love of reading is a lifelong adventure which brings much pleasure and many benefits to the individual and the communities they live in. The events at Inshes Library this year are a brilliant example of what Book Week Scotland is about."
