Press release: Book Week Scotland 2024 to bring hope as line-up revealed

The line-up for Book Week Scotland 2024 has been revealed, themed around ‘hope’. From 18–24 November, the annual celebration of books and reading, will see events spanning arts, poetry and photography to music, food, nature and languages, as well as a new free book, Scotland’s Stories: Hope. A whole host of authors and artists will feature including illustrator Johanna Basford, Jackie Kay, Jenny Colgan, Rachelle Atalla, Axel Scheffler, artist Julie Brook, Linda Cracknell, musician Duncan Chisholm and a cartoonist drawalong with Mollie Ray.

The Book Week Scotland 2024 programme has been launched during Libraries Week, underlining the important role libraries play in our communities and during Book Week Scotland itself. Run by Scottish Book Trust, and now in its 13th year, Book Week Scotland is supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

Launching Book Week Scotland, Johanna Basford commented: “I am so excited to be part of Book Week Scotland this year! Books are magical and I love that with the turn of a page, you can be whisked away on an adventure or find yourself in a whole new world. I’m so looking forward to being part of this huge, nationwide celebration of books and helping to spread a few smiles!”

Book Week Scotland 2024 programme highlights:

• 65,000 free copies of Scotland’s Stories: Hope will be distributed all over Scotland
• New and exclusive Jenny Colgan story serialisation: Readers can subscribe to a brand new piece of writing by best-selling author Jenny Colgan. Sign up for free daily instalments to be delivered directly to your inbox throughout Book Week.
• Landscapes of Hope and Inspiration, featuring three of Scotland’s best artists – visual artist Julie Brook, writer Linda Cracknell and composer and musician Duncan Chisholm: In conversation, chaired by Scottish Book Trust’s CEO Marc Lambert, the trio will explore their relationships to the landscapes that nurture, inform and animate their work and discuss how making art in Scotland’s rich and varied landscapes enables them find hope for the future. Edinburgh’s Fruitmarket Gallery, 7-8.30pm Monday 18 November
• Pleasures of Reading with Jackie Kay: the former Makar will share books that have played an important role in her life and Dr Sarah McGeown, University of Edinburgh, will share fascinating research on the benefits of reading for pleasure. Portobello Bookshop, Wednesday 20 November, plus a further event at Bishopbriggs Library, Tuesday 19 November.
• Society of Authors Drawalong with Mollie Ray: Friday 22 November
• Johanna Basford: known for her intricate hand-drawn art and international colouring book success, the ‘queen of colouring’ will host an event at The Duncan Rice Library, Sunday 24 November.
• Interactive Reading Map: make sure you add what you’re reading during Book Week, and discover what others are reading. We’ll share our findings on what Scotland is reading right now, later in the year. 

In schools:

• Authors Live with Axel Scheffler: This event will be broadcast live to schools across the UK, offering an unforgettable experience with the illustrator behind The Gruffalo. Tuesday 19 November.
• Universal book gifting for young school children: Every P1, P2, and P3 child in Scotland will receive a specially curated book bag filled with books and activities, thanks to Bookbug (P1) and Read, Write, Count (P2 & P3). 

Alison Nolan, chief executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council said: “Scotland has a rich cultural heritage; we are recognised across the globe as the home of some of the world's finest writers. SLIC is delighted to partner with Book Week Scotland allowing us to celebrate the power of reading, connecting people to writers and resources and with a brilliant programme of events lined up in libraries across the country, there’s something for everyone. Visiting your local library opens countless opportunities to rediscover all that local libraries have to offer.”

Alan Bett, Head of Literature & Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: “Once again Book Week Scotland announces a fantastic list of literary events taking place across the country, for all ages and interests. The programme includes some of Scotland’s most recognised and respected writers such as Jackie Kay and the hugely popular novelist Jenny Colgan, alongside exciting new voices like Rachelle Atalla. Book Week Scotland is a true celebration of reading, which makes this year’s positive theme of hope entirely relevant.”

Marc Lambert, CEO Scottish Book Trust, commented: “We are excited to share the programme for Book Week Scotland 2024, featuring a wonderful range of authors and artists. This year’s theme for Book Week Scotland also shines a light on libraries who are themselves beacons of hope. Book Week Scotland continues to operate on a limited budget due to funding cuts, and we are, as ever, incredibly grateful to our partners including the Scottish Library and Information Council, library services, independent bookshops, schools and the many other community partners we collaborate with to make Book Week Scotland happen. A love of reading brings much pleasure, many benefits, and indeed hope, to individuals and the communities they live in.”

Julie Brook, visual artist, commented: “Book Week Scotland and their work all through the year is a passionate advocate for making books and the world of books accessible to everyone of all ages. My hope is by bringing artists of other disciplines into the conversations we can open up new ways in which to approach reading.”

For more information on events, listings and how to get involved, visit bookweekscotland.com. Follow the conversation with #BookWeekScotland on social media.

Notes to Editors

About Scottish Book Trust

Scottish Book Trust is a national charity that believes everyone living in Scotland should have equal access to books. Our work provides opportunities to improve life chances through books and the fundamental skills of reading and writing. Access to books and a love of books bring many important benefits from family bonding and advancing children’s learning, to unlocking creativity, helping employability and improving mental health and wellbeing. Scottish Book Trust aims to support all communities across Scotland, with particular focus on those who are vulnerable and under-represented.  

Our programmes and outreach work include: 

• Gifting books to every child in Scotland to ensure families of all backgrounds can share the joy of books at home, through Bookbug and Read, Write, Count 
• Working with teachers to inspire children to develop a love of reading, creating innovative classroom activities, book awards and author events such as Authors Live with the BBC and our Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour 
• Supporting and nurturing Scotland's wide-ranging literary talent, both emerging and established through our training, awards and writing opportunities including New Writers Awards 
• Creating events to share books and connect writers with communities, including Book Week Scotland 
• Providing support to people living with dementia and their carers through Reading is Caring 

In addition to the funding we receive from the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland, we need the constant support of trusts and foundations, corporate sponsors and individual donors. 

Follow @scottishbktrust on Twitter(this link will open in a new window), @scottishbooktrust on Instagram(this link will open in a new window) or like Scottish Book Trust's Facebook page(this link will open in a new window).

About Creative Scotland

Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com(this link will open in a new window). Follow us on Facebook(this link will open in a new window), LinkedIn(this link will open in a new window), and Instagram.(this link will open in a new window) Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot(this link will open in a new window)

Please credit the photographer Callum McGregor Chapman.