To celebrate Libraries Week, local contemporary fiction writer, Jackie Watson, has gone back to the very place that inspired her love for writing – the library.
Jackie Watson was motivated to write the Greece-based trilogy after a recurring dream and explains: “As a kid, I loved our weekly library trip where I’d burst through the doors and hurry over to the shelves to get to pick three wonderful stories. I still remember the smell of the books and the sound of the metal date stamp hitting the page.
“My love of reading and writing started right there. I used to scribble down my little stories in notebooks and never thought that one day I’d be a published author and my own novel would be available in libraries.”
Helen Eddon, Libraries and Heritage Manager at Gateshead Libraries said: “We are always keen to support grass-roots authors and are delighted to stock their books, including Jackie’s novel – Apokeri Bay, for the enjoyment of our readers. And during Libraries Week we have the opportunity to celebrate the best that libraries have to offer.”
Jackie Watson added: “Libraries perform a wonderful and much-needed community service and with all my childhood memories it was important for me to enable my novel to be available in them. I’m extremely grateful to Helen and all the team at Gateshead Libraries for choosing to stock my book. Libraries everywhere are a precious resource we must cherish.”
To celebrate National Libraries Week 2023 (2-8 October), Gateshead Libraries is showcasing a diverse range of facilities, events and services. From local history to brand new digital technology and from Rhyme Time to Knit and Natter, there is something to suit all age groups and interests.
Across the year Gateshead Libraries has a programme of varied events across its network of branches. To find out what is coming up and all the services they provide go to https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/9643/Libraries or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.