Northumberland Libraries are inviting residents to join in a fantastic range of events online to celebrate National Poetry Day and Libraries Week next month (OCT).

National Poetry Day is on Thursday, October 1, and this year Northumberland Libraries have two exciting virtual events planned.

First up at 10am Yorkshire based poet Conrad Burdekin will present a 30-minute workshop suitable for both schools, and any parents homeschooling primary age children. Register here for free .

In the afternoon at 2pm, the popular local writer Jean Laurie will be leading a poetry writing workshop on this year’s National Poetry Day theme of “Vision”.  Participants will be emailed a series of prompts to think about beforehand, and have a go at writing some poetry.  Jean will lead the informal session, and people will be able to share their thoughts and their poems with other people taking part.  There is no experience necessary, and it’s free to join here

Libraries Week is from October 5-10. During the week three talented local authors are scheduled to hold a series of free live virtual author events which can all be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.

On Monday, October 5 at 2pm the series kicks off with Lorna Windham. Lorna has written a number of local history titles, as well as a three-part series of historical novels, “The Jacobite’s Daughter”, “The Rebel and the Redcoat” and “The Jacobite Affair”.

Next up on Wednesday, October 7 also at 2pm Shirley Dickson will be talking about her stirring historical fiction novels, based during the second world war.  Shirley will share her journey to becoming the published author of “The Orphan Sisters”, “Our Last Goodbye” and “The Outcast Girls”.  The talk will cover the pain of rejections and the thrill of being given a contract by a publisher at over 70!  She will also cover the inspiration to write the books, and the research involved.

Finally, on Friday , October 9 at 2pm the incredibly popular  Northumberland based  author Caroline Roberts will be giving a talk about her romantic fiction titles.  Caroline will be talking about her writing including her brand-new book, “Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry”.  Caroline’s fun and romantic novels take inspiration from Northumberland’s stunning countryside and include “The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop” “The Cosy Tea Shop in the Castle” and “My Summer of Magic Moments”.

Participants of all three events will be able to ask the authors  questions, and hear about their writing processes.

To find out more and register for all of these events, please visit: http://www.nlandlibs.eventbrite.com

Pictured: Conrad Burdekin