National Year of Reading Events 2008
National Year of Reading 2008 is a year to get excited and passionate about books and reading. In Newcastle and the surrounding areas, there will be a series of events for children and adults held in libraries, schools, bookshops and community and art venues. Do keep checking this page for updates and for further information go to the National Year of Reading website.
Return to Libraries Events page
Newcastle’s official launch programme for National Year of Reading will take place from Saturday 5th- Saturday 12th April. Check out the events below to see what exciting activities are planned in a variety of venues across the city:-
Craig Bradley: Part of National Year of Reading Launch Programme
Heaton Education Centre, Trewhitt Road
Thursday 10th April 10.30-11.30am
Come and hear Craig Bradley, a professional poet performer who loves to share his passion and infectious enthusiasm for words. For free tickets, call Heaton Education Centre on 0191 278 2824.
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Craig Bradley: Part of National Year of Reading Launch Programme
Gosforth Library
Thursday 10th April 1.30-2.30pm
Come and hear Craig Bradley, a professional poet performer who loves to share his passion and infectious enthusiasm for words. Please note that this event is suitable for children 7+ and that places are limited. For free tickets, call Gosforth Library on 0191 277 181.
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Family Storytelling, Ancient Monsters with Pascale Konyn: Part of National Year of Reading Launch Programme
Seven Stories, Lime Street
Saturday 12th April 11 – 11.45 am and 12.15 – 1.00 pm
All over the world there are stories of ancient monsters, dragons and other strange beasts. Some are clever, some not so: who are the heroes or heroines? All may not be quite as it seems in the tales of these oldest of creatures. So come along to see what magic stirs when we wake the monsters from their sleep. This is event is suitable for 6+. No booking required, but for more information call Seven Stories on 0845 2710777. Go to Top
Eva Ibbotson Children’s Author Event: Part of National Year of Reading Launch Programme
Jesmond Library
Saturday 12th April
Eva will visit the Book Bonanza Children’s Reading Group, which is made up of 7-11 year olds. Please note that this is a closed event for children in the book club. If you wish to be put on the waiting list for the group, ring Jesmond Library on 0191 278 4215.
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Alan Morgan: ‘Victorian Panorama: a visit to Newcastle upon Tyne in the Reign of Queen Victoria
The Lit and Phil, Westgate Road
Thursday 17th April 1:00pm
Come and hear Alan Morgan, author of ‘Victorian Panorama’, revisit Newcastle in the 1860s. Through his book you will discover a theatre by a brand new Central Station, windmills in the town centre, gasworks, tanning factories and a prison. The book also describes forgotten streets and shops, nursery gardens and railway lines, bowling greens and cricket grounds, schools, churches and hospitals, plus much more. This book will be sold on the day. Admission is £1, which includes a cup of tea or coffee. For tickets, call the Lit and Phil 0191 2320192 and for further information email tynebridge@newcastle.gov.uk.
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Premier League Reading Stars
Fenham Library
Saturday 19th April
Premier League Reading Stars is a national, educational project, which harnesses the motivational power of football to encourage families to enjoy reading. Each football club in the Premier League proposes a player to be their ‘Reading Champion’ and he nominates a favourite book. Newcastle United’s ‘Reading Champion’ is Stephen Taylor. A further 20 books are selected by librarians and the National Literacy Trust. As part of the scheme, library sessions take place where children and parents are involved in choosing books in order to encourage discussion at the next session. There are football based activities at each session and goodies to give away to each child. A celebration event will take place at the end of the series of sessions at St James Park. The sessions are fully booked. For more information about the scheme in Newcastle call 0845 0020336 or email information@newcastle.gov.uk
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All Books For Children Session
Jesmond Library
Tuesday 22nd April 2.15pm
There will be story time and craft activities based around growing and changing. Starbucks coffee and refreshments will be served. There is space for 15 children. Pre-registration is required. To book tickets call Jesmond Library on 0191 278 4215.
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All Books For Children Session
Gosforth Library
Wednesday 23rd April 9.30am
There will be story time and craft activities based around growing and changing. Starbucks coffee and refreshments will be served. There is space for 20 children. Pre-registration is required. To book tickets call Gosforth Library on 0191 277 1811.
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All Books For Children Session
Denton Burn Library
Friday 25th April 10:00am
There will be story time and craft activities based around growing and changing. Starbucks coffee and refreshments will be served. There is space for 15 children. Pre-registration is required. To book tickets call Denton Burn Library on 0191 277 4277.
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All Books For Children Session
Outer West Library
Monday 28th April 10:30am
There will be story time and craft activities based around growing and changing. Starbucks coffee and refreshments will be served. There is space for 15 children. Pre-registration is required. To book tickets call Outer West Library on 0191 277 7970.
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All Books For Children Session
Cruddas Park Library
Tuesday 29th April 1:30pm
There will be story time and craft activities based around growing and changing. Starbucks coffee and refreshments will be served. There is space for 15 children. Pre-registration is required. To book tickets call Cruddas Park Library on 0191 277 4280.
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Maureen Brooks: Hard Working Girl Wanted
The Lit and Phil, Westgate Road
Tuesday 29th April 1:00pm
Maureen Brooks, author of ‘Herring Girls and Hiring Fairs: memories of Northumberland coast and countryside’, brings to life domestic service and working lives in the first half of the 20th century. Maureen Brook’s book will be sold on the day. Admission is £1, which includes a cup of tea or coffee. For tickets, call the Lit and Phil 0191 2320192 and for further information email tynebridge@newcastle.gov.uk
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Bob Beagrie and Joan Hewitt
Room 2.3, Daysh Building, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne
Thursday 1st May 1:15pm
Looking for something to spice up your lunch-time? This series of First Thursday readings continues to feature some of the country’s best known writers associated with the university, alongside new writers.
Bob Beagrie won the 2002 Biscuit Poetry Prize for his first full-length collection, ‘Huginn & Muninn’. In 2003 he was presented with a Time to Write Award. His latest collection is ‘Yoik’ from Cinnamo n Press.
Joan Hewitt received the 2003 Northern Promise Poetry award from New Writing North. She is a graduate with distinction from the MA in writing poetry at Newcastle University. Her first collection is ‘Missing the Eclipse’ from Cinnamon Press.
Admission is free and all are welcome.
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Schools Literature Night
Borders Gateshead, Unit 7, Team Valley Retail Park
Thursday 1st May 6:00pm
Calling all teachers (especially of English) from secondary schools in Newcastle and Gateshead to come together and to discuss and solve issues around engaging students in Literature. If you are interested, please call the store on 0191 487 7803 for more details and / or to confirm your attendance. Please note this event is yet to be confirmed.
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All Books for Children Session
Fawdon Library
Friday 2nd May 10:30am
There will be story time and craft activities based around growing and changing. Starbucks coffee and refreshments will be served. There is space for 10 children. Pre-registration is required. To book tickets call Fawdon Library on 0191 277 4255.
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Family Storytelling: Trickster Stories for Tricky People with Chris Bostock
Seven Stories, Lime Street
Saturday 3rd May 11 – 11.45 am and 12.15 – 1.00 pm
You might be slick, but are you quick - Huh? Huh?
You might be cool or like a mule - but are you wicked? Huh?
You might have fleas or want to sneeze and be good at catching bees - Huh? - are you tea se?
You might be picky
feeling dickie
and
your fingers might be s ticky -
but
are you tricky?
If you are you're cl ose to glory, so come and share a story
of Tricksters from all around the world - oh ! and don't forget to bring a riddle. Suitable for 6+. No Booking required, but for more information call Seven Stories on 0845 2710777.
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EAT! NewcastleGateshead: Seven Stories Magical Armchair
Gateshead Quayside
Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May
Seven Stories’ magical armchair will be making an appearance at EAT! NewcastleGateshead 2008: a festival of food and drink for the North East. Join us on 3rd and 4th May on Gateshead’s Quayside for fishy tale workshops and fish themed storytelling which will have you hooked! We’ll also be making flying fish in the Engine Room on the build up to the Festival which will be used in the opening ceremony for a flying fish spectacle. Make sure you don’t miss out! No booking is required, but for more information call Seven Stories on 0845 2710777.
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The Living Room Book Club
The Living Room, Grey Street
Tuesday 6th May 12.30pm and 6.30pm
The Living Room Book Group is a new kind of reading group, designed to be flexible and fit around busy lives. This session the discussion will be around ‘A Woman in Berlin’ by Anonymous. This is a war diary like no other. It’s written by a yo ung German woman at the end of the second world war just as the Russians are invading and sacking an already wretched Berlin. Given the subject matter it could have been a book almost too painful to read but its extraordinary power comes from the quality of the writing which is completely without self-pity and even, at times, darkly humorous.
For more information and to join the book club, call New Writing North on 0191 222 1332 or email on
readinggroup@newwritingnorth.com. Please note that the book group happens at two different times, but that the same book is discussed at both.
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Adventures with Chris Ryan
Seven Stories, Lime Street
Tuesday 6th May 6.30 – 8.30pm
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Join Chris Ryan, real life hero and former SAS Officer, in an action packed evening for lads, dads and all Chris Ryan fans. Chris, also known for his appearance on survival TV programmes, will talk about his life and work at the launch of his new book for young readers, Vortex, which is set in Northumberland…
Ben Tracey is having a well-deserved, restful week of birdwatching with his cousin, Annie when they witness a man in an RAF uniform shoot one of the beautiful Hen Harrier birds dead. When, later that day, they meet an old man full of conspiracy theories about the nearby RAF training base they're curious to know more and creep into the base — Spadeadam. But little do they know that they are in serious danger . . .
is essential on 0845 271 0777 ext 714.
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Live Poetry: Sujata Bhatt and Selima Hill
Live Theatre, Broad Chare
Sunday 11th May 8:00pm
Live Poetry: a new series of poetry readings at Live Theatre one Sunday every month. This session will feature Sujata Bhatt and Selima Hill.
Sujata Bhatt was born in Ahmedabad, India, in 1956 and lives in Germany. Carcanet have published six collections of her poetry and her selected poems, Point No Point (1997). Sujata has won the Alice Hunt Barlett prize, the Commonwealth Poetry Prize and a Cholmondeley Award for her work. She will be reading from her new collection, Pure Lizard.
Selima Hill has established both a loyal fan base and critical acclaim for her wildly inventive poetry. She has won the Whitbread Poetry Award and has been short listed for the Forward Prize and the T.S. Eliot Prize. Tonight she will be launching Gloria: Selected Poems (Bloodaxe, 2008), and a brand new collection, The Hat.
For more information and to book tickets call 0191 232 1232.
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The Poetry Room: ‘The Soho Leopard’ by Ruth Padel
Stage 3, Northern Stage, Barras Bridge
Tuesday 13th May 6.30pm
Can you tell the difference between a sonnet and a stanza? Do you read poetry and want to know more about how poems work? Or would you like to begin reading more contemporary poetry but wonder where to start? If so, consider joining poets Linda France and Anna Woodford in the Poetry Room reading group. At the meetings, poetry will be discussed from the reader’s perspective and we will explore in more depth how poems work on the page and what makes a good collection of poetry.This meeting the group will discuss Ruth Padel’s book ‘The Soho Leopard’. The event will precede a reading by Ruth Padel who will also be giving this year’s Bloodaxe Lectures which take place from the 27th-30th May. See below for details. For more information email poetryroom@newwritingnorth.com
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Ken Smith: ‘The Great Northern Miners’
The Lit and Phil, Westgate Road
Tuesday 13th May 1:00pm
Come and hear Ken Smith, one of the authors of ‘The Great Northern Miners’, talking about his book and the comradeship and struggles of the miners of Northumberland and Durham. Beginning with the early pits of the 13th Century and ending with the closure of the North-East's last deep mine, Ellington, in 2005, the book is a story of courage and unequalled comradeship, highlighting the grassroots of the region's people. The book will be sold on the day. Admission is £1, which includes a cup of tea or coffee. For tickets call the Lit and Phil 0191 2320192 and for further information email tynebridge@newcastle.gov.uk.
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Charles Fernyhough: The Baby in the Mirror Book Launch
Blackwells Book Shop, Percy Street
Thursday 15th May 6:30pm
For Bishop Auckland-based novelist Charles Fernyhough, the birth of his daughter Athena was an opportunity to re-evaluate much of what he had learned as a lecturer and researcher in developmental psychology. Drawing on the detailed notes he kept on her development, Fernyhough uses Athena’s story as an entry point into an account of how the young child’s mind develops before the age of three. This unique book taps into a parent's wonder at the processes of psychological development in an engaging, child-centred way. It is written with a father’s tenderness and a novelist’s empathy and style. Funny, touching and fascinating, it will allow parents to understand the extraordinary journey their child makes during the momentous first three years of life. Fernyhough’s previous work includes the novel ‘The Auctioneer’. This is a free event, but please book in advance by emailing booking@newwritingnorth.com.
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Diane Janes “Edwardian Murder” Local History Month Celebration Event
Laing Art Gallery, New Bridge Street
Friday 16th May 2:30 – 4:00pm
If you missed Diane’s talk the first time around this is a fantastic opportunity to hear her speak again about this intriguing incident in northern history. Diane Janes is a full time writer of crime novels and investigative non-fiction. She is also an amazing speaker and this promises to be a most fascinating afternoon. The Edwardian Murder deals with the two related murders, one taking place in Kent and the other on the Newcastle to Morpeth train. Was John Dickman the murderer? Discuss your views with Diane and buy the book on the day. For free tickets and for more information call 0845 0020336 or email information@newcastle.gov.uk . Or alternatively go to the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade.
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Ten by Ten
The Cumberland Arms, Ouseburn, Byker
Thursday 22nd May 8:00pm
Ten by Ten is back for a regular run in 2008. The venue is the Cumberland Arms in Byker on the third Thursday of each month. If you are a poet/writer/singer-songwriter and if you have new work you want to try out in front of a friendly and supportive audience, then this is the night for you. The premise of Ten by Ten is simple: ten people have ten minutes do their thing. If you are interested and want to add your name to the list, then email jeff@zebrapublishing.co.uk with brief details of who you are and what you do. No booking required if you simply want to listen. Admission is £2 on the door.
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Kipper’s 18th Birthday Party
Seven Stories, Lime Street
Saturday 24th May 11:00am – 12:00pm
It's Kipper's birthday! The loveable little dog with the big imagination would like you to come and join the fun. There will be games, songs and your favourite Kipper stories - and party goodies for everyone. For families and children 3+. Booking is essential. Call Seven Stories on 0845 271 0777.
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School Holiday Activities
Newcastle Libraries
Saturday 24th May – Saturday 31st May
Themed craft and book activities will be taking place throughout Newcastle Libraries during May half term week. For more information contact your local library or call 0845 002 0336.
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Ruth Padel Bloodaxe Poetry Lecture: On Metaphor and Saying Otherwise
Curtis Auditorium, The Herschel Building, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Tuesday 27th May 5:30pm
Why do poems like metaphor so much? Why go away from what you are talking about, to ‘say it otherwise’? This year the Bloodaxe Poetry Lectures will be given by acclaimed poet Ruth Padel. Padel is the author of ‘52 Ways of Looking at a Poem’ and ‘The Poem and the Journey’, two books that have done much to engage and enlighten readers of contemporary poetry. To book your free tickets call 0191 222 7619 or email melanie.birch@ncl.ac.uk . Please note that this is a Northern Writers' Centre event.
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Ruth Padel Bloodaxe Poetry Lecture: On Tone
Curtis Auditorium, The Herschel Building, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Wednesday 28th May 5:30pm
What Is Tone? How Does It Affect Everything? and What Is Its Relation to Sound? Tone is a musical image. Or is it? How does tone ‘sound’? One word can change the tone, and therefore the poem, completely. To book your free tickets call 0191 222 7619 or email melanie.birch@ncl.ac.uk. Please note that this is a Northern Writers' Centre event.
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Ruth Padel Bloodaxe Poetry Lecture: The Dative Case
Curtis Auditorium, The Herschel Building, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Thursday 29th May 5:30pm
Grammatically, the dative 'giving' case denotes 'to' or 'for'. Who are you writing a poem to, who is it for, and why? To book your free tickets call 0191 222 7619 or email melanie.birch@ncl.ac.uk. Please note that this is a Northern Writers' Centre event.
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Ruth Padel: author session
Culture Lab, Grand Assembly Rooms, King's Walk
Friday 30th May 7:00pm
At this final event of the Bloodaxe Poetry Lecture series, Ruth Padel will read from her work which has been described as "approachable, contemporary, cool poems, magnificently varied, daring and imaginative, never short of glittering humour, and fabulously rich". Her recent collections of poetry include ‘Voodoo Shop’ and ‘The Soho Leopard’. To book your free tickets call 0191 222 7619 or email melanie.birch@ncl.ac.uk. Please note that this is a Northern Writers' Centre event.
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Enormous Changes at the Last Minute: a Grace Paley celebration
Culture Lab, Grand Assembly Rooms, Kings Walk
Monday 2nd June
Grace Paley, who died in 2007, was born in New York in 1922 and grew up amidst the vivid immigrant communities of the city. She began to write fiction in the fifties and her stories “explored in precise, pungent and tragi-comic style, the struggles of ordinary women muddling through everyday lives”. Though modest, her output of short stories attracted a devoted following, and her work was widely praised by critics and fellow writers. Her 'Collected Stories’ won the Pulitzer Prize when it was first published in 1994. Novelists and short-story writers Ali Smith and Jackie Kay will program this celebration. The event will take place throughout the day and will include talks and readings of work by a variety of speakers. More detailed information on the event will be announced soon.
To book tickets, please ring Northern Stage on 0191 230 5151 as they are providing box office services for the events programme. Tickets that are already paid for can be picked up from Culture Lab on the night of the event. Booking in advance is advised to avoid disappointment.
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The Living Room Book Club
The Living Room, Grey Street
Tuesday 3rd June 12.30pm and 6.30pm
The Living Room Book Group is a new kind of reading group, designed to be flexible and fit around busy lives. This session the discussion will be around ‘The Collected Stories’ by Grace Paley. Grace Paley died last year at the age of 84 and left behind a short series of luminous and highly acclaime d books. She grew up in 1920s New York in a Jewish immigrant family immersed in the languages of Russian, Yiddish and English and this gives her prose style great energy and w
it. These short stories were published in 1994 and won the Pulitzer Prize.
For more information and to join the book club, call New Writing North on 0191 222 1332 or email on readinggroup@n ewwritingnorth.com . Please note that the book group happens at two different times, but that the same book is discussed at both.
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A Room of One’s Own: introduced by Ellen Phethean
Room G5, Percy Building, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Thursday 5th June 1.15pm
Members of this new women's writing group, ba sedat the Centre for LifelongLearning, will be reading work d eveloped with their tutor, E llen Phethe an. Ecle ctic, fresh and surprising, it ranges from poetry to extracts from novels, from short stories to memoir. Admission is free and all are welcome. Booking is not required.
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The Poetry Room: ‘Hand in Hand: an anthology of love poems’ edited by Carol Ann Duffy
Stage 3, Northern Stage, Barras Bridge
Thursday 5th June 6:30pm
Can you tell the difference between a sonnet and a stanza? Do you read poetry and want to know more about how poems work? Or would you like to begin reading more contemporary poetry but wonder where to start? If so, consider joining poets Linda France and Anna Woodford in the Poetry Room reading group. At the meetings, poetry will be discussed from the reader’s perspective and we will e xplore in more depth how poems work on the page and what makes a good collection of poetry. In this me eting the group will discuss ‘Hand in Hand: an anthology of love poems’ edited by Carol Ann Duffy. For more information email poetryroom@newwritingnorth.com
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Andrew Martin: Death on a Branch Line
Gosforth Library
Friday 6th June 2:00-4:00 pm
Andrew Martin will launch the new title in his hugely acclaimed Jim Stringer railway detective series ‘Death on Branch Line.’ In this novel, our hero Jim, tries to stop an impending murder in a sleepy country town.
Andrew trained as a barrister and is now a free lance journalist in which capacity he has tended to write about such themes as the North, class issues, trains, seaside towns and eccentric individuals. His previous books include, The Necropolis Railway,’ The Blackpool Flyer’ and ‘The Lost Luggage Porter.’
Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade or by phoning 0845 0020336 or emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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Live Poetry: Les Murray and Michael Symmons
Live Theatre, Broad Chare
Sunday 8th June 8:00pm
Live Poetry: a new series of poetry readings at Live Theatre one Sunday every month. This session will feature Les Murray and Michael Symmons.
Les Murray has made poet ry his full-time career since 1971. His books have won many awards, including the T.S. Eliot Prize, and in 1999 he received the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry.
Michael Symmons Roberts latest book Corpus (Cape) won the 2004 Whitbread Poetry Award and was shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize, the Forward Prize, and the Griffin International Prize. He has collaborated with composer James MacMillan on two BBC Proms choral commissions, a song cycle and an opera.
For more information and to book tickets call 0191 232 1232.
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Zizou Corder: Book Signing
Seven Stories, Lime Street
Wednesday 11th June 3:00-4:00pm
Look out for mother and daughter team, Zizou Corder, aka Louisa Young and Isabel Adomakoh Young, whose names are too long to fit on the front of a book. Louisa is a grown-up and has written five grown-up books. Isabel is a kid and has written mostly schoolwork. They will be signing copies of their gripping new adventure, 'Lee Raven, Boy Thief', in the Seven Stories Bookshop.
Lee Raven, boy thief, has stolen something he really didn't mean to. Now he faces a perilous flight through London (and the murky sewers below) as he tries to escape capture – because Lee has stolen the Book of Nebo, a book that has existed for thousands of years and tells every story and legend known to man. It's priceless. Some will even kill to possess it. The pressure mounts and the future of Nebo is in Lee's hands – can he prevent the most dangerous ending of them all?
No Booking required, but for more information call Seven Stories on 0845 2710777.
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Ten by Ten
The Cumberland Arms, Ouseburn, Byker
Thursday 19th June 8:00pm
Ten by Ten is back for a regular run in 2008. The venue is the Cumberland Arms in Byker on the third Thursday of each month. If you are a poet/writer/singer-songwriter and if you have new work you want to try out in front of a friendly and supportive audience, then this is the night for you. The premise of Ten by Ten is simple: ten people have ten minutes do their thing. If you are interested and want to add your name to the list, then email jeff@zebrapu blishing.co .uk with brief details of who you are and what you do. No booking required if you simply want to listen. Admission is £2 on the door.
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Francesca Simon: Book Signing
Seven Stories, Lime Street
Saturday 21st June 1:00pm
An exciting opportunity to meet Francesca Simon, one of Britain’s best selling authors and creator of the tremendously popular Horrid Henry titles.
Francesca joins Seven Stories to celebrate Up to Mischief with Horrid Henry! the mischievous new exhibition which showcases some of literature’s best loved rascals from Horrid Henry himself to Dennis the Menace, My Naughty Little Sister and Queen of trouble; Clarice Bean.
Francesca will be appearing in the Seven Stories bookshop at 1pm to meet fans and sign copies of her new book Horrid Henry Robs the Bank. No booking required, but for more information call Seven Stories on 0845 2710777.
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Drop in Activities: Write Your Own Part of the Never-Ending Story
Seven Stories, Lime Street
Saturday 21st June - Friday 27th June
Become an author and help create a story by adding a sentence or paragraph to our never-ending story. Inspired by Click, a novel co-written by ten bestselling, award-winning authors: Eoin Colfer, Linda Sue Park, Ruth Ozeki, Nick Hornby, Tim Wynne-Jones, David Almond, Gregory Maguire, Deborah Ellis, Margo Lanagan and Roddy Doyle.
This is your opportunity to drop in and get creative. No booking required, but for more information call Seven Stories on 0845 2710777.
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Keith Armstrong’s birthday bash
The Bridge Hotel, Castle Square
Wednesday 25th June 7:30pm
Keith Armstrong’s birthday bash will feature poets from Limerick and the North East (including Katrina Porteous, Catherine Graham, Michael Standen and Paul Summers) who will be launching a Tyneside/Limerick anthology. Plus there will be performances from a variety of other poets and musicians. Admission is free. No booking is required.
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As Bright as the Toc H Lamp: Biscuit Awards 2007/2008
The Lit and Phil, Westgate Road
Thursday 26th June 6:00-9:00pm
This will be a tri-part programme:
1. Powerpoint slideshow: "A Haven in Hell" Talbot House (Toc H) and it's role in the Great War, presented by Brian Lister. Poems by the war poets, Sassoon, Owen, Brooke, etc, will be read by Jeff Wilson.
Break for refreshments - Rum, bully beef and hard biscuits if the rations get through!
2. Presentation of the 2007 Poetry and Short Story awards, with readings
3. Presentation of the 2008 Flash Fiction awards, with readings
Admission is free, but you must reserve a ticket through either library@litandphil.org.uk or brian@biscuitpublishing.com
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Team Read: Summer Reading Challenge 2008
Newcastle Libraries
July-August
If you’re 16 and under, why not join this year's 'Team Read' - the Summer Reading Challenge 2008 - and win a certificate and your very own Olympic medal? If you complete the challenge you’ll also be entered into our exciting prize draw, with laptops, ipod shuffles, Anthony Horowitz tee-shirts and much more up for grabs. We also have lots of free events at all our libraries. For more information ring the library contact centre on 0845 0020336 or pop into your local library.
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Rebecca Jenkins: The First London Olympics – 1908
Blackwell's Book Shop, Percy Street
Thursday 3rd July 6.30pm - 7:30pm
Summer evenings call for a cool glass of wine and a good book so why not come to hear local North East author, Rebecca Jenkins, talk about 'The First London Olympics - 1908'? Wine and nibbles are included in the evening and it's all for free! For more information contact New Writing North on 0191 222 1332 or go to http://www.newwritingnorth.com
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Ink on Paper: poems meet artworks
The Lit and Phil, Westgate Road
Thursday 3rd July 7:00pm
Writers from the region have responded to works in MIMA's (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art) collection to produce poems that are fresh, touching, quirky conversations with a range of artists' work from Gaudier-Brzeska to Tracy Emin. A selection of the poets will read their work. In collaboration with Mudfog Press. Admission is free, but please reserve your seat by calling 0191 232 0192, emailing library@litandphil.org.uk or by calling in.
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Family Storytelling with Malcolm Green
Artists Attic, Seven Stories, Lime Street
Saturday 5th July 11:00 - 11:45am and 12:15 - 1:00pm
What do you do when you find yourself being drawn to a strange place? Should you go? Do you even want to? Can you resist going? And will you be able to come back? Enter the world of story in this family storytelling session with Malcolm Green and find out. Will you come out the same…? Suitable for families and children aged 6+. No book required, but for more information contact Seven Stories on 0845 271 0777.
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Talking Translation, chaired by Ann Cleeves
The Lit and Phil, Westgate Road
Tuesday 8th July 7.30pm
Five crime novels have been shortlisted for the Duncan Laurie International Dagger and the winner will be announced at the awards dinner on 10th July. We meet some of the translators who have made these books accessible to many more people, and try to find out a little more about the process. Who fits author with translator? How much ownership can you feel? Which works have posed the most challenges? Tickets are £3. Please reserve your seat by calling 0191 232 0192, emailing library@litandphil.org.uk or by calling in.
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Sarah Hall: author event
Gosforth Library
Thursday 10th July 2:00 – 4:00pm
Come and hear Sarah Hall talk about her new book 'The Carhullan Army'. Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade, by ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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Judith O’Reilly: Wife in the North
Blackwell's Book Shop, Percy Street
Thursday 10th July 6.30pm - 7:30pm
Summer evenings call for a cool glass of wine and a good book so why not come to hear local North East author, Judith O’Reilly, talk about her novel 'Wife in the North'? When Judith started to blog about her experiences of moving to Northumberland from London she had no idea that the online diary http://www.wifeinthenorth.com would eventually become an internationally-published novel. Wine and nibbles are included in the evening and it's all for free! For more information contact New Writing North on 0191 222 1332 or go to http://www.newwritingnorth.com
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Smokestack Reading
The Lit and Phil, Westgate Road
Thursday 10th July 7:00pm
Two radical US poets tour the UK reading from new work. 'Crucifixion in the Plaza de Armas' brings together Martín Espada’s Puerto Rico poems in one volume for the first time. Martin Espada has published fourteen books as a poet, editorand translator. His last book of poems, The Republic of Poetry, was a finalist for the PulitzerPrize.'Seeds of Fire', edited by Jon Andersen brings together the work of over fifty poets fromthe other USA that bear witness against the forces o f imperial slaughter, environmental catastrophe and social disintegration. Please reserve your seat by calling 0191 232 0192, emailing library@litandphil.or g .uk or by calling in.
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Laura Fish: Strange Music
Blackwell's Book Shop, Percy Street
Thursday 15th July 6.30pm - 7:30pm
Summer evenings call for a cool glass of wine and a good book so why not come to hear local North East author, Laura Fish, talk about her richly complex novel 'Strange Music'? This book recreates the lives of three women: the poet Elizabeth Barrett in England; Kaydia, a maidservant, on the Barrett estate in Jamaica, and Sheba, an indentured labourer. All three struggle to escape a tragic but ever-present past as their lives become entwined. Wine and nibbles are included in the evening and it's all for free! For more information contact New Writing North on 0191 222 1332 or go to http://www.newwritingnorth.com
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Jeffrey Deaver: author event
The Mining Institute, Westgate Road
Monday 28th July 12:30 – 2:30pm
Jeffrey Deaver will launch his new novel, 'The Broken Window'. Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade, by ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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The Poetry Room: Woods etc by Alice Oswald
Blackwell's Book Shop, Percy Street
Tuesday 29th July 6.30pm
Can you tell the difference between a sonnet and a stanza? Do you read poetry and want to know more about how poems work? Or would you like to begin reading more contemporary poetry but wonder where to start? If so, then join poets Linda France and Anna Woodford in the Poetry Room reading group. At the meetings, poetry is discussed from the reader’s perspective as we explore in more depth how poems work on the page and what makes a good collection of poetry. It's free to join and you can come along every month or whenever suits you. All we ask is that you sign up in advance. To join the group, please contact the New Writing North office by phone on 0191 222 1332 or email poetryroom@newwritingnorth.com.
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Mischief, Muddles and Meanies with Julia Donaldson
Artists Attic, Seven Stories, Lime Street
Wednesday 30th July 2:30 - 3:30pm
Join Julia Donaldson, award winning author of The Gruffalo and Princess Mirror-Belle, in an exciting one-off event at Seven Stories. Delve into and learn more about Julia’s characters from arange of her books in a stimulating drama session for children. Explore mischievous, confused and down-right nasty characters, make lots of new friends and have a brilliant time! Be mean like Zab the Boy-Giant from The Giants and the Joneses, get muddled like forgetful Finlay from The Wrong Kind of Bark and play mischievous games like Princess Mirror-Belle herself!
This event is suitable for girls and boys aged 7-10 and it will be followed by a book signing in the Seven Stories Bookshop. Booking is essential for the drama workshop, call 0845 271 0777 ext 715. Entry to the booksigning is free and open to visitors of all ages.
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Team Read: Summer Reading Challenge 2008
Newcastle Libraries
July-August
If you’re 16 and under, why not join this year's 'Team Read' - the Summer Reading Challenge 2008 - and win a certificate and your very own Olympic medal? If you complete the challenge you’ll also be entered into our exciting prize draw, with laptops, ipod shuffles, Anthony Horowitz tee-shirts and much more up for grabs. We also have lots of free events at all our libraries. For more information ring the library contact centre on 0845 0020336 or pop into your local library.
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Voices in the Valley: Open Floor Storytelling
Seven Stories, Lime Street
Saturday 2nd August 2:00pm
Come and enjoy an afternoon of stories told by... YOU! A great opportunity for beginners and amateurs to bring along a story and captivate the crowd. Whether you choose to take to the floor, or simply come along to listen, everyone can join in this event where the audience is the event. 10 and 5 minute storytelling slots are available for adults and children aged 10+ to participate. Pre-booking advised for potential storytellers on 0845 271 0777. Suitable for families and children aged 6+.
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Annabel Dore: author event
Gosforth Library
Tuesday 5th August 2:00 – 4:00pm
Come and hear author, Annabel Dore, discuss her book, 'The Great North Road'. Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade, by ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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Karen Joy Fowler - The Jane Austen Book Club
Gosforth Library
Saturday 9th August 10:30am -12:00 noon
Loved the recent ‘The Jane Austen Book Club’ film? Then you’ll love this! Come and hear the author, Karen Joy Fowler, talk about the novel which inspired the film. Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade, by ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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Henry Charlton: 'Travels in a Bygone Age'
Gosforth Library
Monday 19th August 2:00 – 4:00pm
Henry Charlton will be talking about his book 'Travels in a Bygone Age' - a book which provides a new window into the time when the British Empire was dissolving and the former colonies were gaining independence. Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade or by ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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Buzzing! Performance and Storytelling
Seven Stories, Lime Street
Monday 25th August
Be Amazed. Be Amused. Be Afraid... It's Buzzing!
12.45 - 1.30pm for families and children aged 3 - 7
2.30 - 3.15pm forfamilies and children aged 7 - 11
Join prize winning poet and photographer Anneliese Emmans Dean as she takes you on a fun, multimedia journey into the world of garden minibeasts. A celebration of garden creepy crawlies in poetry, projected photos and live music from acclaimed musician John Rayson. Booking is essential on 0845 271 0777 ext 715.
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Christopher Brookmyre: author event
Laing Art Gallery
Tuesday 26th August 2:00 – 4:00pm
Newcastle Library Service presents an afternoon with author Christopher Brookmyre. Christopher is the author of eleven published novels to date, the latest being 'Attack of the Unsinkable Rubber Ducks'. For more information about the author, go to http://www.brookmyre.co.uk/. Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade or by ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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Regional Read - Skellig by David Almond
Newcastle Library Reading Groups
September
During September, Newcastle Library Service will be participating in a regional read of the book Skellig, by local writer David Almond. All reading group members will be given a complimentary copy of the book which they will be asked to read and then discuss at their October reading group meeting. Members will then be asked to pass the book on to a friend to read, who will be invited to pass the book on to another friend ’ad infinitum’. This will form a big book chain. Readers will be encouraged to email comments about the book to skellig@newcastle.gov.uk. Skellig is suitable for both adults and children. To find out more about our reading groups and how to join, go to the 'Reading Groups' section on our website or ring Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336.
And once you've read the book, why not go and see 'Skellig the opera' at The Sage Gateshead from Monday 24th-Saturday 29th November and see the book come to life?!
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Roger Stutter: 'John Kennedy - The Boy whose Skin Fell Off'
Gosforth Library
Friday 5th September 2:00 – 4:00pm
Jonny Kennedy was the star of the unforgettable Emmy award-winning documentary "The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off". He was an extraordinary character determined to live an ordinary life despite being born with the agonising condition Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), which meant that his skin could literally fall off at the slightest touch. It was a daily struggle he faced with courage, determination and wit, offering inspiration to millions around the world. Tragically, Jonny was just 36 when he lost a final battle to skin cancer. Come and hear Roger Stutter talk about this moving, honest and uplifting story. Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade or by ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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Telling Tales
Kenton Library
Friday 26th September 2.30-5:00pm
Newcastle’s budding storytellers are invited to celebrate the National Year of Reading by coming down to Kenton Library with their favourite bedtime reads on 26th September 2008. Amateur storytelling enthusiasts can take a seat in the storytelling chair and enter the Telling Tales competition by reading their favourite story to the camera. All entries will be uploaded onto http://www.yearofreading.org.uk with ten lucky regional winners bagging a library of story books, and one overall winner receiving a family ticket to the Première of Bedtime Reads starring Adam Sandler and Russell Brand. Local children’s author, Tommy Donbavand, will start the storytelling and will be on hand to share his tips. So why not bring your favourite story along to the event and enter the competition? It's sure to be lots of fun! For book a place please ring Kenton Library on 0191 277 4310 or email kenton.library@newcastle.gov.uk
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Angela Carter: The Bloody Chamber – From Page to Stage
Northern Stage
Wednesday 1st October 6.30pm
Northern Stage brings to life Angela Carter’s thrilling tale of seduction, perversion, blood and love in a shockingly beautiful portrait of the corruption of adolescence. Northern Stage have collaborated to produce a tense and visually stunning production that incorporates film, music and live action.
Newcastle readers are invited to join designer and director, Neil Murray and assistant producer, Leyla Asardi, for an exclusive pre-show discussion about the original Angela Carter short story, the starting points of adapting for the stage, and the theatrical process involved to direct and produce a new adaptation.
Tickets for the pre show talk are free with a ticket for the show on Wednesday 1st October. Tickets cost £10:50 or £8:50 for concessions and are available from the Northern Stage box office on 0191 2305151. The show commences at 8:00pm.
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Sheila Quigley: Walker Library Centenary Event
Walker Library
Wednesday 8th October 2:00 – 4:00pm
Best Selling local author, Sheila Quigley, will be helping Walker Library celebrate their centenary year by
discussing her gritty and realistic crime novelsset on the fictitous Seahills housing estate inSunderland. Titles include 'Run for Home' and 'Bad Moon'. Everyone is welcome. Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade, by ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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Keith Armstrong
The Lit and Phil, Westgate Road
Tuesday 14th October 6:30 - 7:45pm
Keith Armstrong, poet, and Northumbria piper Ann Sessoms, join with members of the Newcastle Libraries Poetry Reading Group for an evening of Northumbrian poetry and song. Please join us for this special event. Poetry by Keith will be displayed at East End, Outer West and Gosforth Libraries prior to the event. Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade, by ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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Kate Adie : Into Danger
The Mining Institute, Westgate Road
Wednesday 15th October 7:00-9:00pm
Journalist, BBC News correspondent and writer Kate Adie returns to her North East roots to launch her new book 'Into Danger'; a book which investigates why people are attracted to risky and dangerous situations. Kate’s previous books are 'The Kindness of Strangers', 'Corsettes to Camaflage' and 'Nobody's Child'. An evening not to be missed! Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade or by ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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Lynn Huggins Cooper: 'Walking with Witches' Book Launch
The Lit and Phil, Westgate Road
Wednesday 22nd October 6:00pm
Tyne Bridge publising and local, children's author Lynn Huggins Cooper invite you to the launch of 'Walking with withes'. This exciting new book, aimed at 7-11 year olds, is a light hearted adventure set in Newcastle / Gateshead, featuring lots of local sights and landmarks. Everyone is welcome to attend the event, including families and children. For more information, please
keep checking this web page for future updatesand go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Walking_with_Witches/
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Ann Cleeves: author event
High Heaton Library
Thursday 30th October 2:00 – 4:00pm
Come and hear Ann Cleaves, author of 'Raven Black', discuss her Shetland Quartet in the new High Heaton Library. For more information about the author, go to http://www.anncleeves.com/. Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade or by ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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Jill Swallow: 'Days before Dibley'
Laing Art Gallery
Friday 14th November 2:00 – 4:00pm
Author, speaker and priest, Jill Swallow, talks about her book 'Days before Dibbley': an account of some of the frustrations and difficulties during the time before women were allowed to be priests. Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade orby ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
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Northern Children's Book Festival Gala Day
Newcastle Civic Centre, Seven Stories and The Lit and Phil
Saturday 22nd Nov ember 10:00am - 4:00pm
This free event is the largest annual reading celebration for young people in Europe and will give children the opportunity to meet10 of their favourite authors and illustrators, bringing the world of books to life via interactive sessions held throughout the day. The fabulous line up includes: Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore, Steve Weatherill, Korky Paul, Debi Gliori, Julia Donaldson, Steve Cole, Julia Golding, Liz Million, Jeremy Strong, David Almond and Nick Butterworth.
Details and times of this event are still to be confirmed. Please keep checking this page and http://www.ncbf.co.uk/ for updates.
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December
Christine Fieldhouse: 'Why do Monsters Come Out at Night?'
Gosforth Library
Tuesday 2nd December 2:00 – 4:00pm
Come and hear author and journalist, Christine Fieldhouse, dicuss her book 'Why do Monsters Come Out at Night?'. This autobiographical account tells the story of Christine's early years with her father, a heavy drinker, whose unpredictable mood swings turned him from a caring family man into a foul-mouthed monster. Christine's often harrowing past contrasts well with her role as a happy mum, wife and journalist today and provides an inspirational read.
For more information about the author, go to http://www.christinefieldhouse.co.uk. Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Central Arcade or by ringing Newcastle Libraries Contact Centre on 0845 0020336, or by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk
Other events will be listed here as soon as we know about them
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