Women enjoying a flick through the books at ARDARDAN GARDEN CENTRE in Cardross.

By Allan Gordon, of West Dunbartonshire Libraries 

West Dunbartonshire Libraries are delighted to present their first ever entirely digital Book Week Scotland programme, starting Monday 16 November.

We have a very varied programme this year with two events for children and younger people and six events for adults. All of our events are absolutely ‘FREE of Charge’ and available exclusively on our YouTube channel. (no booking required).

Our programme includes international bestselling author, Peter May, of Lewis Trilogy fame, crime writer extraordinaire, Denise Mina, rising Scottish stars Graeme Armstrong and Chris McQueer as well as powerful and thought provoking talks by Sarah Jane Douglas on her battle with cancer and Martin Stepek on mindfulness.

We have two fantastic events for schools and younger people which include a session by the Carnegie Medal 2021 nominated Tom Palmer.

Local writers’ books on the shelves of the libraries this Christmas will include the Knights of Pegasus by the Rev Ian Miller, of Bonhill and Alexandria notoriety.

And former Justice of the Peace Richard Dixon who is enjoying his retirement down by the river when he is not at his desk writing interesting columns and remarkable books such as Angling on Loch Lomond and its Rivers.

Paul Murdoch and Dick Dickson with his angling book about Loch Lomond and the River Leven.

Well known Vale entertainer, writer and nature photographer Paul Murdoch says of Ian’s latest book: “Ian’s new book is a wee gem. His voice is pretty evident throughout and the it’s laced with the same charm as his school talks, which many local kids will remember.

“Written as a link of sorts between him and his four grand kids during the first lockdown, the story has magical elements which place it neatly into the kid’s fantasy adventure genre.

“It reminded me of Enid Blyton, in its innocence and gentle delivery. It’s an old-fashioned, (and I mean that in a good way), fable or parable where the children involved become embroiled in a quest to save humanity with the help of a talking horse.

“Featuring well-known Vale and Loch Lomond landmarks, it will obviously connect with a local audience but it has much more reach than that and should do well everywhere. “

The world-wide launch is on the Neetah Books Facebook page now.  There will be a full interview with Ian and a trailer made by his actual grand kids, Josh, Jake, Ben and Rowan.  People can get signed copies at www.neetahbooks.com/ian-milller or pick up a copy locally at Jimmy’s Paper Shop, Main Street, Alexandria.

Paul’s own books and books by Bill Heaney are available from the library service and on sale at heaneymedia@btinternet.com

Events will be broadcast and available to view between Monday 16th and Saturday 21st of November and they will also remain available for future viewing beyond the Book Week Scotland dates so don’t worry if you can’t make the date or time an author talk is advertised.

Full information on all the events and how to access them via our YouTube Channel is available at: http://www.libraryonline.org.uk

Ian Miller and Bill Heaney, whose books are available through the library service.