Be inspired by science at creative writing workshops

08 April 2016

Aberdeen City Libraries will host free creative writing workshops as part of the national reading campaign ReaDiscover.

The workshops will be led by Open University lecturer Jane Alexander, and will be held from 2.30pm to 4pm and 5.30pm to 7pm, on Monday 11 April, at Aberdeen Central Library, Rosemount Viaduct.

ReaDiscover aims to encourage adults and young people to rediscover their local library and the services and resources it has

 to offer. The initiative is linked to the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016, and a range of reading materials relating to these and other STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) topics, will be available to borrow from all libraries.

Aberdeen City Council’s Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee Councillor Angela Taylor said: “Science and technology play a huge role in our daily lives and this free initiative presents an opportunity for residents to engage with the subjects in a creative way, to learn more about our environment and to build new creative writing skills.

“I would encourage everyone to sign up to the workshops and rediscover how fantastic our library services are and how pivotal they are to encouraging learning in our city.”

Workshop leader Jane Alexander said: “Creative writing can be a great way to explore science and technology, and in turn science is a rich source of inspiration for writers of fiction and poetry. I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone from complete beginners to those with more writing experience, and seeing plenty of creative sparks when we bring science and literature together.”

The workshops are open to anyone aged 16 or over. Previous knowledge of creative writing and library membership is not required. To book a place at one or both of the workshops or for more information, contact Aberdeen City Libraries on 01224 652500 or e-mail LibraryEvents@aberdeencity.gov.uk (booking essential).

Take part by borrowing from the ReaDiscover collections in libraries and enter a prize draw for a chance to win a new iPad. To enter the national competition, describe the best thing about a book in less than 50 words on a review card or tweet your review using #ReaDiscover16.

Review cards are available from all libraries in Aberdeen. Visit the ReaDiscover page for further information including terms and conditions.

A selection of resources will be on offer at the workshops to help participants develop creative writing skills and find inspiration in science.