The University of Aberdeen’s striking new library will provide the setting for literary inspiration as school children from across the city visit for the first Scottish Book Week.
Book Week Scotland is Scotland's first national celebration of books and reading, taking place from November 26 to December 2, 2012.
At the Sir Duncan Rice Library, pupils from Kittybrewster, Skene Square, Cornhill, Sunnybank and Westpark primary schools will attend workshops where they will learn about the University’s Special Collections, how ancient books and documents are cared for and create their own bookplate inspired by those in the collections.
On Monday (November 26) Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart will also visit the library where he will announce the winners of the University’s first Flash Fiction competition.
The competition invited budding writers of all ages to submit a short story of no more than 500 words inspired by one of four images from the University’s Special Collections Centre.
The entries have been judged by prize winning author and lecturer in the Department of Language and Literature, Dr Wayne Price, and the winner will receive £50 worth of book vouchers to spend at Waterstones.
A host of other events will take place throughout the week including a Book Exchange where visitors can swap books and share their views of the book they bring along, and on Tuesday (November 27) a book binding talk and workshop will be staged.
On Saturday (December 1) there will be a series of events for younger visitors to the library including a celebration of the Paper Zoo, a new ‘version’ of the famous Aberdeen Bestiary created by young people during a summer school, and a session where families can create their own book covers and book plates.
For full details of events running throughout the week visit http://www.abdn.ac.uk/library/about/special/book-week-scotland/?tab=3
Chris Banks, University Librarian and Director of Library, Special Collections and Museums, said: “Book Week Scotland is a celebration of books and reading and the University of Aberdeen is delighted to be involved in this inaugural event.
“We are particularly delighted at the response to the Flash Fiction competition and will look forward to announcing the winner on Monday
“The Sir Duncan Rice Library is a truly inspiring setting and we hope that visitors can join us in beginning or continuing their reading journey.
“With events running throughout the week there will be opportunities for people to share old favourites and to discover new must-reads and to learn more about the work of the Library and Special Collections.”