£1k boost for book fortnight

A £1,000 boost will bring together readers and authors at libraries across Dudley. Reading groups got the money from the Arts Council to stage this years' Black Country Book fortnight this month.

Authors will discuss their books across the borough and as part of the event, local family saga author Rosie Goodwin, will take part in a discussion at Gornal Library on May 21 from 10.30am to 12pm.

Margaret Murphy, a crime author and chair of one of the Crime Writers Awards, will meet members of the Sedgley Library reading group on the May 30 (10.30am-12pm) and then is an open discussion at Halesowen Library (2- 4pm).

Local author Jim Parkes has An afternoon with Jim Parkes at Dudley Library on May 30 (2-4pm). His novel "Seriously, are you taking the peace?" was published in 2003 with 50 per cent of royalties going to the charity Childline. Dudley has reading groups in twelve libraries that meet to discuss topical publications, as well as their favourite reads.

Groups are made up of members from all sections of the community and ages range from 18-94.

Kate Millin, libraries and archives assistant director, said: "This is a great opportunity for local people to meet and talk to the authors of the books they read. I'm sure the Black Country Big Book Fortnight will grow upon last year's success and continue to be an enjoyable event for everyone who takes part."

Details of the Black Country Big Book Fortnight are at www.Dudley.gov.uk or call Dudley library on 01384 815560.