South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 19/09/2014

Discover what your local library has to offer as a range of author talks and library events take place across the district over the coming week as part of South Gloucestershire’s Discover Festival.

Local author Leonard Kail presents a talk entitled ‘New Dimensions – a journey into sci-fi’ at Emersons Green Library on Saturday 20 September. Bristol-born writer Leonard will be talking about the sci-fi worlds that feature in his books and his personal journey to becoming a published author in later life. Although he has always been interested in science, Leonard spent much of his life working as an engineer and only started writing 10 years ago. He has now self-published six titles. The talk will take place from 1pm to 2.30pm and entrance is free.

An evening of murder and mystery with crime writer Pauline Rowson takes place at Yate Library on Monday 22 September. Born and raised in Portsmouth, Pauline draws her inspiration from her local area and is responsible for a series of novels featuring DI Andy Horton, which are set around the Solent. As well as being a crime author, Pauline is an entertaining public speaker and gives many talks about her crime novels and writing career. The event takes place from 7.30pm to 9pm and entry is £2, payable on the door.

Other events taking place over the next week of Discover include a Great Western Air Ambulance Charity talk at Yate Library on Tuesday 23 September (7.30pm to 9pm) where you can find out more about this vital service and their life saving work, and an evening with best-selling crime author M.R. Hall at Thornbury Library on Wednesday 24 September (7.30pm to 9pm), who will be talking about his writing and influences.

These are just a small selection of hundreds of opportunities to discover something new in South Gloucestershire during the festival which runs from 11 September to 31 October.

Throughout the festival residents will get the chance to explore the great outdoors through wild walks, owl prowls, bat walks and conservation days; get active with country dancing, Tai Chi and walks; discover great local produce at taster events, open days and seasonal Apple Day events. You can also discover your creative side and have a go at stained glass design, jewellery making or portrait drawing.

Now in its third year, the Discover Festival offers a unique opportunity for residents to find out what makes South Gloucestershire a great place to live and work. South Gloucestershire Council organises the festival with events run by the council, local residents, community groups and businesses. Over 150 events are free, for others there is a small fee. Booking is essential for some of our most popular events such as bat walks and owl prowls.

For last minute events, up to date news and views on the festival visit www.southglos.gov.uk/discover or like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/discoversouthglos