Author marks Reading Group Day with return to where it all began

19 Sep 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Northumberland Library Service has marked National Reading Group Day with a visit from local contemporary fiction writer, Jackie Watson, who returned to her writing roots at Cramlington library.

Reading groups meet regularly in many libraries across the county for lovers of the written word to get together, talk about what they are reading and socialise with like-minded people.

Jackie said: “Cramlington library will forever be part of who I am as a writer. Although the original library I visited as a kid is no longer there, I vividly recall scouring the shelves each week for my next three books.

“When I was in middle school, the Super Gran author Forrest Wilson visited Cramlington library, and I loved his talk. So, to be invited by Northumberland Libraries to chat about my own writing in my hometown is amazing.

“I never thought that one day I’d be a published author, and it would be my novel sitting on library shelves across the region.”

Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Libraries said: “We were delighted to welcome back Jackie, a true Northumberland success story.

“The library Jackie visited as a child may no longer exist, but it has been replaced by a modern, accessible library with all ‘mod cons’ suitable for use in the 21st century.

“The Council believes the value of its 30 libraries to the Northumberland community cannot be overstated and has given a commitment to improve, protect and support this fantastic free-of-charge service.

“Our Library Service puts the needs of residents at its core – from lifelong learning to addressing isolation and loneliness, to providing a safe warm space for people to go to - and, of course, access to thousands of books and other publications both in hard copy, digitally or via our mobile service.

“Group reading has enormous benefits therefore celebrating National Reading Group Day is a must – whether people attend for the shared experience, to discover the views of other readers, or for the company.”

Jackie, who began writing her Greece-based trilogy after a recurring dream, said “As an author it was important to me that my novels were available in libraries which perform a wonderful and much-needed community service and are a treasured resource to cherish.

“I am extremely grateful to Northumberland Libraries for choosing to stock ‘Apokeri Bay’ and I hope people enjoy reading it.”

*Throughout the year Northumberland Libraries has a programme of varied events across its 30 branches. To find out more visit what is coming up and all the services they provide go HERE