Knowsley’s libraries are set to celebrate the power of reading, writing and storytelling during the National Year of Reading with the launch of their first ever Knowsley Literature Festival, which takes place this summer.
Following a successful bid for National Lottery Project Grants funding via Arts Council England, the libraries team are developing an ambitious and inclusive programme of literary events across all of Knowsley libraries.
The main literature festival programme will run from 15 – 26 June with events taking place in Huyton, Kirkby, Halewood, Prescot and Stockbridge libraries. The festival will feature a series of author talks, readings and discussions led by well‑known and much‑loved writers, offering residents the opportunity to meet acclaimed authors close to home. The funding will also enable a programme of author visits to schools, helping to spark a love of reading and writing among young people.
Alongside the festival, Knowsley Libraries will also deliver a major community creative writing project entitled ‘Write in the Heart of Knowsley’, designed to nurture local talent and inspire the next generation of writers. The free programme begins on 28 April and will run for six months, with a series of accessible drop‑in workshops hosted by established authors Zoe Richards and JP Maxwell, as well as renowned Liverpool poet Joseph Roberts.
The literature festival officially launches with a high‑profile event led by award‑winning screenwriter Jimmy McGovern, who will appear at Huyton Library on 18 May. The main festival programme then continues throughout June and July, featuring an impressive line‑up of authors and poets.
Festival highlights include:
- 15 June – Andrea Christodoulou, Kirkby Library, 2–3pm
- 16 June – Ramsey Campbell, Halewood Library, 2–3pm
- 17 June – Zoe Richards, Huyton Library, 2–3pm
- 24 June – Sean Watkin, T M Payne and Sarah Moorehead, Huyton Library, 7–8.30pm
- 25 June – Eliza Morton, Stockbridge Library, 11am–12pm and Prescot Library, 2–3pm
- 26 June – Sean Watkin, Kirkby Library, 2–3pm
The festival forms part of a broader, year‑long commitment by Knowsley Libraries to promote a lifelong love of reading and creativity. While the main festival takes place over the summer, author events and writing activities will continue throughout the year, including Margaret Murphy and Helen Pepper at Huyton Library on 16 July.
Further details about individual events, workshops and how to take part in ‘Write in the Heart of Knowsley’ will be shared through Knowsley Council and library channels in the coming weeks.
