Books and Reading

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Aberfeldy Festival
Date	Location
A bigger and better version of previous years, with plans to expand the literary strand of this community affair. Saturday features a Family Fun Day and Traders Market, while the rest will be curated by a special guest, following up the work of last year's ideas man: Ian Rankin. View full details
2 Nov–3 Nov Times vary	Various Venues, Aberfeldy

Aboyne and Deeside Festival
Date	Location
A diverse programme from the wee festival, which has covered theatre, comedy – last year featuring Hardeep Singh Kholi – with exhibitions, workshops, music and film all included. Planned acts include the Bingham Quartet and an appearance from children's author Mairi 'Katie Morag' Hedderwick. View full details
13 Jul–29 Jul Times vary Deeside Theatre will act as main venue, but some events will take pace around Deeside.	Deeside CEC Theatre, Aboyne

Adult Reading Groups
Date	Location
View full details
1 Jun Jun 1, 10.30am 21 Jun Jun 21, 5.45pm–6.45pm 6 Jul Jul 6, 10.30am 19 Jul Jul 19, 5.45pm–6.45pm 3 Aug Aug 3, 10.30am 16 Aug Aug 16, 5.45pm–6.45pm	Plympton Library, Plymouth
5 Jun–26 Jun Tue 10.30am–11.30am 3 Jul–31 Jul Tue 10.30am–11.30am 7 Aug–28 Aug Tue 10.30am–11.30am	Donald Hope Library, London SW19

Alasdair Gray: Every Short Story from 1952 to 2012
Date	Location
An interview and reading with Alasdair Gray to launch his new book, Every Short Story from 1952 to 2012. View full details
2 Aug 6pm	Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow

Andrew Motion: Silver
Date	Location
The poet and author talks about his novel Silver, reads excerpts from his work and answers questions about his writing and the role of Poet Laureate. View full details
30 May May 30, 7.30pm	York Theatre Royal, York
7 Jun Jun 7, 8pm	Auditorium at Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham
18 Oct Oct 18, 7.30pm	Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham

Ash Dickinson: Slinky Espadrilles
Date	Location
Multiple slam champion and performance poet reads from his debut collection. View full details
2 Jun 8pm	The Canon's Gait, Edinburgh

Barnet Reading Bug Club (Age 7-11)
Date	Location
Children can listen to story extracts, play games, solve puzzles, write reviews and learn about the work of various authors. View full details
7 Jun Jun 7, 4.15pm–5pm 12 Jul Jul 12, 4.15pm–5pm 20 Sep Sep 20, 4.15pm–5pm	Waterstones, Barnet

Behold, I Bring you Tidings of Great Joy
Date	Location
A complete reading, by seven voices from the Anglican community, of the Gospel according to St Luke. Part of the West End Festival. View full details
19 Jun 6pm	Glasgow University Chapel, Glasgow

Ben Marcus And Tom McCarthy: Author Event
Date	Location
The authors talk about and read excerpts from their work, including Marcus's The Flame Alphabet and McCarthy's C. View full details
7 Jun Jun 7, 6.30pm, doors	The Horse Hospital, London WC1N

The Big Book Group
Date	Location
Authors Sarah Rayner and Glen Duncan talk to writer Craig Melvin about their work and their favourite books. View full details
19 Jun Jun 19, 7.30pm, doors 6.45pm	Pavilion Theatre at Brighton Dome, Brighton

Bishi, Kiku Day, Joanna MacGregor, Martynas Levickis And Genevieve Wilkins
Date	Location
The ensemble provides the contemporary musical backdrop to readings of works by Angela Carter, with presenter Marina Warner and reader Harriet Walter. View full details
9 Jun Jun 9, 9.30pm–11pm	The Guildhall, Bath

Black Isle Words
Date	Location
In the cosy setting of the Old Brewery, this festival places an emphasis on local writers and an informal environment. Events include a ceilidh without dance, where authors are encouraged to freely improvise and collaborate together, as well as a number of literary workshops. View full details
7 Sep–9 Sep Times vary	The Old Brewery, Cromarty

Bloody Scotland
Date	Location
Scotland's first festival dedicated to crime fiction has picked a good time to start – 2012 marks the 125th anniversary of the publication of the first Sherlock Holmes story, the 35th anniversary of William McIlvanney’s Laidlaw (generally reckoned to be the start of Tartan Noir), and the 25th anniversary of the first publication of Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels. More than 40 crime writers will be attending the festival to share their views on the genre. View full details
14 Sep–16 Sep Times vary	Stirling, Stirling

Book Group and Craft Club for Children
Date	Location
Reading and discussing books, alongside arts and crafts activities for ages 5–11. View full details
9 Jun 10.15am 23 Jun 10.15am 7 Jul 10.15am	Elder Park Library, Glasgow

The Book Stops Here
Date	Location
Listen to short readings of work by authors. View full details
11 Jun Jun 11, 7.30pm–10pm 2 Jul Mon 7.30pm–10pm	The Alley Cat, London WC2H

Book Swap
Date	Location
View full details
21 Jun Jun 21, 7.45pm–10pm	Auditorium at The Firestation, Windsor

Bookbug Session
Date	Location
Rhymes, stories and songs to stimulate and delight wee ones. Suitable for under threes. Booking is essential. View full details
22 May–28 Aug Tue 10.30–11.30am	Wester Hailes Library, Edinburgh
22 May–31 Aug Tue & Fri 10.30–11.30am	Muirhouse Library, Edinburgh
23 May–29 Aug Wed 10.15am & 11.15am	Portobello Library, Edinburgh
23 May–29 Aug Wed 10.30–11am	Drumbrae Library and Community Hub, Edinburgh
23 May–29 Aug Wed 11–11.30am & 2–2.30pm	Newington Library, Edinburgh
23 May–29 Aug Wed 2–2.30pm	Piershill Library, Edinburgh
24 May–30 Aug Thu 10.15–10.45am 9 Jun 10am	Ratho Library, Edinburgh
24 May–30 Aug Thu 10.30–11am	Morningside Library, Edinburgh
24 May–30 Aug Thu 11am–noon	Granton Library, Edinburgh
24 May–30 Aug Thu 11.30am–noon	Moredun Library, Edinburgh
25 May–31 Aug Fri 10.30–11am	Blackhall Library, Edinburgh
25 May–31 Aug Fri 10.45–11.15am	Sighthill Library, Edinburgh
1 Jun 10.30am	Gilmerton Library, Edinburgh
2 Jun 10.30am	Oxgangs Library, Edinburgh
5 Jun–19 Jun Tue 10.30–11.15am 13 Jun 10.30am 27 Jun 10.30am	Leith Library, Edinburgh
5 Jun–19 Jun Tue 10.30–11.15am	Stockbridge Library, Edinburgh
5 Jun 1.45pm 15 Jun 10.30am	Kirkliston Library, Kirkliston
7 Jun–21 Jun Thu 10.30–11am	South Queensferry Library, South Queensferry
7 Jun 10.30am	Balgreen Library, Edinburgh
8 Jun 10.30am 22 Jun 10.30am	Central Library, Edinburgh
8 Jun–9 Jun Fri 1–1.30pm; Sat 2.30–3pm 29 Jun 10.30am	McDonald Road Library, Edinburgh
28 Jun–29 Jun Thu 10.30–11am; Fri 11–11.30am	Fountainbridge Library, Edinburgh
3 Jul 10.30am 17 Jul 10.30am 11 Jul 10.30am	Leith Library, Edinburgh
3 Jul 10.30am	Stockbridge Library, Edinburgh
3 Jul 1.45pm 20 Jul 10.30am	Kirkliston Library, Kirkliston
5 Jul 10.30am	South Queensferry Library, South Queensferry
5 Jul 10.30am	Balgreen Library, Edinburgh
6 Jul 10.30am 20 Jul 10.30am	Central Library, Edinburgh
6 Jul 10.30am	Gilmerton Library, Edinburgh
7 Jul 10.30am	Oxgangs Library, Edinburgh
13 Jul–14 Jul Fri 1–1.30pm; Sat 2.30–3pm 27 Jul 10.30am	McDonald Road Library, Edinburgh
26 Jul–27 Jul Thu 10.30–11am; Fri 11.30am	Fountainbridge Library, Edinburgh
2 Aug–16 Aug Thu 10.30–11am	South Queensferry Library, South Queensferry
2 Aug 10.30am	Balgreen Library, Edinburgh
3 Aug 10.30am 17 Aug 10.30am 31 Aug 10.30am 14 Sep 10.30am 28 Sep 10.30am	Children's Library at Central Library, Edinburgh
3 Aug Fri 10.30am & 11.15am	Gilmerton Library, Edinburgh
4 Aug 10.30am	Oxgangs Library, Edinburgh
7 Aug 10.30am 21 Aug 10.30am 8 Aug 10.30am 22 Aug 10.30am	Leith Library, Edinburgh
7 Aug–21 Aug Tue 10.30–11.15am	Stockbridge Library, Edinburgh
7 Aug 1.45pm 17 Aug 10.30am	Kirkliston Library, Kirkliston
10 Aug–12 Aug Fri 1–1.30pm; Sun 2.30–3pm 31 Aug 10.30am	McDonald Road Library, Edinburgh
30 Aug–31 Aug Thu 11–11.30am; Fri 10.30–11am	Fountainbridge Library, Edinburgh

Books, Borders and Bikes
Date	Location
A festival of literature and thought, with a healthy twist. As well as intelligent events which look at important political and cultural themes through literature and other art forms, visitors can also join woodland walks and storytelling cycle rides around the grounds. Past guests include Mark Thomas, Sir Menzies Campbell and David Starkey. View full details
18 Aug–19 Aug Times vary	Traquair House, Innerleithen

Borders Book Festival
Date	Location
Taking place in the National Trust's Georgian Harmony Garden, the Borders Book Festival attracts world-class literary figures, this year featuring Iain Banks, Hilary Mantel, Ian Rankin, Liz Lochhead, Andy McNab and Kathy Lette, as well as stars including Sir David Frost, Rory Bremner and Jeremy Vine. The Walter Scott Prize for historical fiction is also announced, and family events include sessions based on popular books, as well as book printing, writing competitions, and storytime and… View full details
14 Jun–17 Jun Times vary	Harmony Garden, Melrose

Breathin' Air with Howard Marks & John Sinclair
Date	Location
Howard Marks, aka best-selling author and former international drug smuggler Mr Nice, in conversation with US political activist, poet and manager of MC5, John Sinclair. View full details
6 Jun 7pm	Electric Circus, Edinburgh

Breathin' Air with Howard Marks & John Sinclair
Date	Location
Howard Marks, aka best selling author and international drug smuggler Mr Nice, in conversation with US political activist, poet and manager of MC5, John Sinclair. Part of the West End Festival. View full details
5 Jun 7.30pm	Òran Mór, Glasgow

Bright Young Book Stars Children's Bookgroup (Ages 5-12)
Date	Location
Children can read and discuss a variety of books. View full details
16 May–30 May Wed 4pm–5pm 6 Jun–27 Jun Wed 4pm–5pm 4 Jul–25 Jul Wed 4pm–5pm	Idea Store Whitechapel, London E1

Burns an' a' That! Festival
Date	Location
One of Scotland's prized festivals, celebrating the life and times of our Robert Burns. Literary events, music, talks and films are joined by more unusual events, all linked to Burns. View full details
30 May–3 Jun Times vary	Various Venues, Ayrshire

Catstrand Open Stage
Date	Location
Poets, singers, songwriters and anyone else who has a party turn up their sleeves are welcome to this open stage night. Price includes a glass of wine. View full details
20 Jun 7pm	The CatStrand, Castle Douglas

Chatterbooks (Ages 7-11)
Date	Location
View full details
7 Jun Jun 7, 4.15pm–5.15pm 5 Jul Jul 5, 4.15pm–5.15pm 2 Aug Aug 2, 4.15pm–5.15pm	Beverley Library, Beverley

Chatterbooks (Ages 7-11)
Date	Location
Children can talk about books, play games and complete quizzes. View full details
5 Jun Jun 5, 4pm–5pm 3 Jul Jul 3, 4pm–5pm	Bath Central Library, Bath

Chatterbooks Reading Group (Ages 8-12)
Date	Location
Children's book reading group. View full details
6 Jun Jun 6, 4pm–5pm 4 Jul Jul 4, 4pm–5pm 1 Aug Aug 1, 4pm–5pm	Firth Park Library, Sheffield
21 Jun Jun 21, 4pm–5pm 19 Jul Jul 19, 4pm–5pm 16 Aug Aug 16, 4pm–5pm	Stoke Newington Library, London N16

China Mieville: Author Event
Date	Location
The fantasy author talks about and answers questions about his work and reads excerpts from his novel Railsea. View full details
30 May May 30, 6pm–7.30pm	Waterstones Liverpool One, Liverpool

Chris Beckett & Southern Tenant Folk Union
Date	Location
Award-winning sci-fi author Chris Beckett celebrates the recent release of his novel Dark Eden with a reading from the book, a Q&A session and an acoustic set from Edinburgh-based folk/bluegrass band Southern Tenant Folk Union (who released a song last year inspired by his novel The Holy Machine). View full details
21 Jun 7pm	Pulp Fiction, Edinburgh

Coffee House Poetry: End Of Season Party
Date	Location
A poetry reading on the theme of cars and car journeys plus music and a prize quiz. View full details
2 Jul Jul 2, 8pm, doors	The Troubadour, London SW5

Coffee House Poetry: Magma 53
Date	Location
Poets Ian Duhig and Maura Dooley talk about the magazine and read excerpts from their work. View full details
4 Jun Jun 4, 8pm, doors	The Troubadour, London SW5

Cracking On: Picnic Poetry
Date	Location
A picnic and some poetry, taking in the positive sides of ageing with verse from AC Clarke, Margaret Christie, Joy Howard, Eleanor Livingstone, Helena Nelson, Sheila Templeton and Margaret Wood. Bring or buy a sandwich and meet on the back green of An Clachan café in Kelvingrove Park. Booking is essential. View full details
11 Jul Noon	An Clachan, Glasgow

Crime Reading Group
Date	Location
View full details
4 Jun Jun 4, 6pm–7pm 2 Jul Jul 2, 6pm–7pm 6 Aug Aug 6, 6pm–7pm 3 Sep Sep 3, 6pm–7pm 1 Oct Oct 1, 6pm–7pm	Cosby Library, Leicester
28 Jun Jun 28, 3pm–4pm 26 Jul Jul 26, 3pm–4pm 23 Aug Aug 23, 3pm–4pm	South Lambeth Library, London SW8

The Dead Poets Slam
Date	Location
Local performance poets morph into their literary heroes as they honour and remix classic poetry for a slam audience. The competition's open to everyone, with prizes to be won and props, costumes and theatrics encouraged. Email inkyfingersedinburgh@gmail.com to take part and claim your poetry alter ego in advance. View full details
20 Jun 8pm	City Café, Edinburgh

The Deil’s Awa Wi’ Th’ Exciseman
Date	Location
Gerard Carruthers, Professor of Scottish Literature at Glasgow University, leads an evening celebrating Robert Burns, with performances of poems and songs as well as a look at the publication of the Kilmarnock Edition and Burns’ career as an exciseman. Part of Booked! Festival of Words. View full details
31 May 7.30pm	Dumbarton Library, Dumbarton

Digital Storytelling Festival
Date	Location
One day of talks by speakers including storyteller Annie Correal and Joe Lambert from the Center For Digital Storytelling, California and break out sessions, followed by live stories and music. View full details
7 Jun Jun 7, 9.30pm	Chapter, Cardiff

Edinburgh Book Fringe
Date	Location
Hosted by Word Power Books, this festival gives a platform to local publishers and writers, whether polemicists or comedians, during the capital's festival month. The Word Power bookshop is an intimate venue where authors can engage with their audience. View full details (Edinburgh Festival Guide)
10 Aug–24 Aug Times vary	Word Power Bookshop, Edinburgh

The Egyptian Revolution: Where From And Where To?: Author Event
Date	Location
Writer Ahdaf Soueif talks about direction of the country and reads excerpts from her work. View full details
31 May May 31, 6.30pm–8pm	Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building at London School Of Economics, London WC2A

An Evening with Norman Magowan
Date	Location
Magowan tells tales from his latest book Adventures in Yellow; No 1: Leprechauns in Latin America, which is the tale of Magowan and his wife as they traverse America by motorbike. View full details
13 Jul 7pm	Waterstone's, Aberdeen

An Evening with the Nethergate Writers
Date	Location
The writing group read from their latest anthology A Private View. View full details
7 Jun 7pm	Steps Theatre at Central Library, Dundee

Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival
Date	Location
This book fest on Britain's Western cusp is lucky enough to call An Lanntair (Gaelic for 'the lantern') arts centre in Stornoway home. Now in its eighth year, it has moved to the cusp of winter, and this year dwells on ideas of belief, exploring the stories, legends, premonitions, beliefs shared and traded round the hearths of generations of Gaels. View full details
1 Nov–3 Nov Times vary	Western Isles, Western Isles

Féile na Gaeilge Glaschú: Oíche na Scriobhneoirí – Writers Night
Date	Location
Writers from the writers’ group Ciorcal Scríbhneoireachta Gaoth Dobhair, from the Donegal Gaeltacht, visit Scotland together for the first time and read from their collection of poems and short stories go dtí an lá ban, joined by local Gaelic writers. There's also music from musicians native to the Donegal Gaeltacht. View full details
9 Jun 7.30pm	CCA, Glasgow

From Rations To Rock And Roll
Date	Location
An exploration through performances and activities of the first decade of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, with events taking place in the auditorium, the garden and Ickenham Hall. View full details
2 Jun Jun 2, 3.30pm	Compass Theatre, Uxbridge

Hilary Mantel
Date	Location
Possibly Britain's greatest living novelist, Hilary Mantel discusses her new novel, Bring up the Bodies, the haunting sequel to Man Booker Prizewinner Wolf Hall. View full details and ticket info
16 Jun 6pm	Harmony Garden, Melrose

Hipshot Big Burns Comp
Date	Location
Youngsters compete in a 'battle of the Bards', showing there's a wealth of junior love for Burns out there too. Part of Burns an' a' That. View full details
1 Jun 10am	Council Chambers, Ayr

Horrid Henry with Francesca Simon
Date	Location
Francesca Simon talks about what inspired her to create the world inhabited by Horrid Henry, Moody Margaret and Perfect Peter, and introduces Horrid Henry's Monster Movie, the 21st Horrid Henry book and a brand new story. View full details and ticket info
17 Jun (Over-6s only) 1.30pm	Harmony Garden, Melrose

Iain Banks: Stonemouth
Date	Location
Iain Banks discusses his new novel Stonemouth, a homecoming tale set in a small estuary town north of Aberdeen. View full details and ticket info
21 Jun 7pm	Lochgelly Centre, Lochgelly

Ian Rankin
Date	Location
Creator of Inspector Rebus and award winning author Rankin reads from his latest book The Impossible Dead and discusses his life in literature. View full details and ticket info
30 May 7pm	Lochgelly Centre, Lochgelly

In Your Own Time
Date	Location
Poets from Newcastle's Northern Poetry workshop, including Dundee's own WN Herbert, read from their new anthology. There's a free glass of wine on offer too. View full details
9 Jun 1.30pm	Scottish Poetry Library, Edinburgh

Inky Fingers Minifest
Date	Location
A grassroots minifest, born from the Edinburgh lit scene, which celebrates the best of spoken word and experimental practices. With word slams, storytelling, workshops and competitions, this is a quirky wordy addition to the Edinburgh Festivals programme. View full details
7 Aug–12 Aug Times vary	Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Inky Fingers Open Mic
Date	Location
A fresh platform for people who love words. Email ahead (inkyfingersedinburgh@gmail.com) for a chance to perform, or just watch and admire. View full details
26 Jun 8pm 24 Jul 8pm	The Third Door, Edinburgh

Jacquelyn Fugelle, Neil Jenkins, Adam Barker And Terence Allbright
Date	Location
The soprano, tenor, violinist and pianist perform works by Peter Thorogood, as well as pieces that have influenced him. Plus readings by Gwyneth Powell. View full details
2 Jun Jun 2, 3pm	St Mary's House And Gardens, Steyning

James Fearnley
Date	Location
The writer and musician reads from his book about The Pogues. View full details
7 Jun Jun 7, 7pm	Leaf On Bold Street, Liverpool

James Robertson
Date	Location
James Robertson reads from And The Land Lay Still. Booking is essential. View full details
20 Jun 10.30am	Oxgangs Library, Edinburgh

Jennie Erdal
Date	Location
The ghostwriter discusses her new book, a debut novel under her own name. View full details and ticket info
16 Jun 4.30pm	Harmony Garden, Melrose

John Irving
Date	Location
An evening with the bestselling author of The Cider House Rules and A Prayer for Owen Meany, in conversation with John Boyne. In one of only two UK events he discusses his new novel, In One Person. Tickets available from Waterstones Edinburgh West End, 128 Princes Street. View full details
30 May 7pm	Reid Concert Hall, Edinburgh

Josephine Hart Poetry Hour: The Poet In The Garden: Reading
Date	Location
Actors read poems inspired by the garden, including Yeats's Down By The Salley Gardens and Ode To A Nightingale and Eliot's A Dedication To My Wife. View full details
18 Jun Jun 18, 6.30pm–7.45pm	The British Library, London NW1

Jubilee Extravaganza
Date	Location
Activities based on Roger Hargreaves' Little Miss Princess and the Very Special Party. View full details
2 Jun 10am	Waterstone's, Renfrew

Just So Story Day: A Celebration Of Stories
Date	Location
Themed activities, including a trail, listening to or reading Kipling's stories, make a flicker book and writing your own stories. View full details
8 Aug Aug 8, 11am–4.30pm, gates 10am	National Trust: Bateman's, Etchingham

Kipling Weekend: Talk
Date	Location
A series of readings and talks about the author's life and work. View full details
23 Jun–24 Jun Jun 23 & 24, 10am–4.30pm	National Trust: Bateman's, Etchingham

Laughing at the Clock: Aonghas MacNeacail
Date	Location
Reading to celebrate Aonghas MacNeacail's 70th birthday and the launch of his new poetry collection. View full details
6 Jun 6.30pm	Scottish Poetry Library, Edinburgh

Liam McCann: Author Event
Date	Location
The author signs his recent book on cricket, The Sledger's Handbook, as well as his children's book, The Battle of Boxhill. View full details
14 Jul–21 Jul Jul 14, 21, 11am–2pm	Waterstones, Croydon

A Literary Parade
Date	Location
Writers Pat Byrne, Jim Carson, Josianne Azzopardi Mamo and Mo Blake, all participants in Glasgow Uni's prestigious MLitt programme, perform poetry and prose to entertain and intrigue. Part of the West End Festival. View full details
13 Jun 7pm	University of Glasgow, Glasgow

Live Canon's Big Olympic Warm Up
Date	Location
A performance of sport-themed poems that have been nominated to be engraved on the Olympic village's wall. View full details
12 Jun–13 Jun Jun 12 & 13, 7.30pm, mat Jun 13, 1.30pm	Greenwich Theatre, London SE10
23 Jun Jun 23, 2.30pm & 7.30pm	The Burton Taylor Studio, Oxford

Magical Moray
Date	Location
Forres writing group forWORDS present a sparkling evening of poetry, music, sketches and, after the event, dancing. View full details
16 Jun 8pm	Royal British Legion, Forres

Meet the Makar: Liz Lochhead
Date	Location
Our national poet, purveyor of the Gothic tradition paired with dry Scots wit, reads from some of her work and answers audience questions. View full details
16 Nov 7.30pm	Tower Mill, Hawick

Michael Malone: Blood Tears
Date	Location
Michael Malone reads from his latest, about a detective investigating a body discovered with evidence of stigmata wounds. View full details
6 Jun 7.30pm	Waterstone's, Ayr

Milngavie Book and Arts Festival
Date	Location
This charming wee book and arts festival is home to the Fish, Chips and Champagne Crime night, which last year featured Christopher Brookmyre and Mark Billingham. Aside from the literary events – featuring many a Scottish author – the programme includes music, workshops and art exhibitions View full details
4 Sep–8 Sep Times vary	Various Venues, Milngavie

Mother Courage: Stories of Women and War
Date	Location
Writers Zoe Lambert and Michelle Green discuss the impact of war and the principles behind their short story collections, The War Tour and Jebel Marra. Booking is essential. View full details
21 Jun 5.30pm	Glasgow Women's Library, Glasgow

Myrrha Stanford-Smith And Alison Mercer: Book Launch
Date	Location
View full details
23 Jun Jun 23, 7.30pm, doors 7pm	Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead

Night of Burns
Date	Location
Songs and poems celebrating Burns, with a special rendition of Tam O'Shanter at the very pub to inspire the poem. Part of Burns an' a' That. View full details
1 Jun 8pm	Tam O'Shanter Inn, Ayr

Nina Bell: Author Event
Date	Location
The author reads from and discusses her book The Empty Nesters as well as answering questions. View full details
4 Sep Sep 4, 5.45pm–7pm	Waterstones Thanet, Broadstairs

Off the Page
Date	Location
The libraries of Stirling are riddled with events and gushing adoration as the seventh Off the Page festival presents a Love Your Library Day, along with workshops and talks for younger readers. A full programme of author visits, including events at the Tolbooth and macrobert arts centre, build on its growing place in the Scottish literary scene. Confirmed appearances for this year so far include Sally Magnusson, Peter May and Jane Harris. View full details
8 Sep–15 Sep Times vary	Stirling, Stirling

Open Mike Evenings
Date	Location
An opportunity to showcase your own material, whether it is music, poetry, readings. View full details
1 Jun Jun 1, 8.30pm–10.30pm 6 Jul Jul 6, 8.30pm–10.30pm 3 Aug Aug 3, 8.30pm–10.30pm 7 Sep Sep 7, 8.30pm–10.30pm 5 Oct Oct 5, 8.30pm–10.30pm	Dimbola Museum & Galleries, Freshwater Bay

Persecution, Suffering, Asylum And Hope: Readings
Date	Location
Readings of work covering all aspects of the subject. View full details
20 Jun Jun 20, 1pm	St John At Hampstead, London NW3

The Picts
Date	Location
Stuart McHardy, author of A New History of the Picts, presents his vision of the ancient past, interpreting early Pictish symbols and shedding light on how our colourful ancestors merged together to form the Scotland we know and love. View full details
9 Jun 10am	Salisbury Centre, Edinburgh

Ping! with Chae Strathie
Date	Location
A whirlwind ride across the universe involving aliens, monsters and things that go bump in the night. Help create your own scary monster from The Fabulous Flapdoodles and meet the star of Chae Strathie's new picture book. Ages 3–7. View full details and ticket info
17 Jun 12.15pm	Harmony Garden, Melrose

Play Reading
Date	Location
View full details
19 Jun Jun 19, 10.30am–12.30pm	Thornton Little Theatre, Thornton-Cleveleys

Play Reading Group
Date	Location
A reading session featuring excerpts of plays. View full details
4 Jun–25 Jun Mon 7pm–10pm 2 Jul–30 Jul Mon 7pm–10pm 6 Aug–27 Aug Mon 7pm–10pm	Leytonstone Library, London E11

Poetry & Playreading
Date	Location
View full details
4 Jun–25 Jun Mon 2pm–4pm	Town Hall, Burton-on-Trent

Poetry On A Plate: Mothers And Daughters
Date	Location
Members of the Octagon Theatre Company read prose and poetry by famous writers. View full details
19 Jun Jun 19, 1pm–2pm, doors 1.15pm	The Octagon Theatre, Bolton

Poetry Reading Group
Date	Location
A reading of poems written by the group or by other writers. View full details
18 Jun Jun 18, 2pm–3.30pm 16 Jul Jul 16, 2pm–3.30pm 20 Aug Aug 20, 2pm–3.30pm	Gateshead Central Library, Gateshead

Poets and Pans: A Tapestry of Poets
Date	Location
Collaborative poetry performance event bringing together the skills of three different writers' groups. An array of local poets are presided over by host Colin Will. Part of 3 Harbours Arts Festival. View full details
3 Jun 1pm	Prestoungrange Gothenburg, Prestonpans

Polish Bookbug Session
Date	Location
A Polish language version of the monthly story and rhyme time for under fours. View full details
1 May–28 Aug Tue 10.30–11am	McDonald Road Library, Edinburgh
12 Jun 10.30am	Gilmerton Library, Edinburgh
10 Jul 10.30am 14 Aug 10.30am	Gilmerton Library, Edinburgh

Poltroon: A Literary Saloon
Date	Location
Talks and readings from authors, writers and performers. View full details
19 Jun Jun 19, 7.30pm 17 Jul Jul 17, 7.30pm	Upstairs at The Betsey Trotwood, London EC1R

Portobello Book Festival
Date	Location
A chirpy wee seaside lit fest, which has in the past comprised author appearances and talks on relevant topics, such as how to get children reading, and paths into e-publishing. Past guests include Janice Galloway, Ed Hollis and Doug Johnstone. View full details
5 Oct–7 Oct Times vary	Various venues

A Pound of Flesh
Date	Location
Three renowned Scottish novelists, Alex Gray, Tony Black and Doug Johnstone, band together to talk about life as a crime writer. View full details
12 Jul 7pm	Steps Theatre at Central Library, Dundee

Prue Leith
Date	Location
The founder of Leith's restaurant presents her turbulent memoir of life at the forefront of gastronomy. View full details and ticket info
14 Jun 7.30pm	Harmony Garden, Melrose

Reading Allowed
Date	Location
A monthly evening of storytelling and poetry reading. View full details
8 Jun 8pm	Tchai-Ovna House of Tea, Glasgow

Reading the Leaves
Date	Location
Join guest writers for an evening of poetry and creative writing. View full details
26 Jun 8pm	Tchai-Ovna House of Tea, Glasgow

Regular Music II And Kaffe Matthews
Date	Location
The band and composer performs experimental music accompanied by readings from the ends of Modernist literature including James Joyce's Ulysses and Jack Kerouac's On the Road. View full details
31 May May 31, 7.30pm	Arnolfini, Bristol

Richard Holloway: A Personal Pilgrimage
Date	Location
Author, atheist and former bishop Richard Holloway reads from and talks about his memoir Leaving Alexandria. Part of East Neuk Festival. View full details
29 Jun 2.30pm	Kilrenny Church, Anstruther

Richard Mabey: Writing the Natural World
Date	Location
Richard Mabey is one of the most influential nature writers of his generation, with a list of titles as long as a wild strawberry creeper. His latest book Weeds: A Cultural History explores the insulted and injured of the plant world. He discusses his passion for nature and for writing with Richard Holloway. Part of East Neuk Festival. View full details
30 Jun 2.30pm	Crail Parish Church, Crail

Riverhouse Readers
Date	Location
The reading group discuss the chosen book. View full details
7 Jun Jun 7, 7.45pm–9.15pm	Riverhouse, Walton-on-Thames

Robert Burns Live
Date	Location
Christopher Tait, leading Burns performer, gives his take on some of the poets best known works, including To A Mouse and Tam O'Shanter. Part of Burns an' a' That. View full details and ticket info
2 Jun Noon	Loudoun Hall, Ayr

Ron Ferguson
Date	Location
Ron Ferguson talks about his recent biography, George Mackay Brown: The Wound and the Gift, exploring Mackay Brown's spiritual life as well as the darker, more tormented side of Orkney's bard. View full details
25 Jun 5.30pm Refreshments are provided.	Peedie Kirk Hall, Kirkwall
4 Jul 7pm	Waterstone's, Aberdeen

Sara Maitland: Fairy Tales in Enchanted Woods
Date	Location
Author Sara Maitland explores the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm and gives a guided outdoor walk in the grounds of Kellie Castle. Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear are suggested; in the event of serious weather, the talk will take place indoors. Part of East Neuk Festival. View full details
27 Jun 2pm	Kellie Castle & Garden, Pittenweem

Sarah Fraser: The Last Highlander
Date	Location
Sarah Fraser reads from her latest offering, The Last Highlander, which is about one of Scotland's most notorious romantic figures, Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat. View full details
30 May To be confirmed	The Main Street Trading Company, St Boswells

Scotsman Literary Dinner
Date	Location
Prestigious summer dinner event with special guest AS Byatt in conversation with Scotland on Sunday literary editor Stuart Kelly, plus a three-course meal and wine for all. Booking is essential. View full details and ticket info
20 Jun 6.30pm	The Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor Hotel, Edinburgh

Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Date	Location
The 2012 edition of the festival that began as a celebration of oral folk tale traditions continues to spread its influence across the country, with many events taking place far from the festival's spiritual home at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Inspiration this year comes from European folklore, in particular the tales of the Brothers Grimm. View full details
19 Oct–28 Oct Times vary	Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh

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