Author Events in Libraries this Summer

This summer holiday I will be visiting libraries to talk about my new children’s series, Defenders. The books feature Saxons, Vikings, Romans, Iron Age people, ghosts and a touch of football.

You can meet me in sixteen libraries from York to Plymouth to talk reading, writing and football during July and August 2017 – and to help launch the fantastic library Summer Reading Challenge.

When I started as a professional author, ten years ago, two-thirds of my author appearances were in public libraries. Now library events are rare: perhaps 5% of what I do.

Libraries have suffered terribly in the age of austerity. And that means library users have lost out too. The sad truth is that public libraries can rarely afford to pay authors to come and speak in libraries.

But a happy truth is that libraries made me what I am. Without them I would be neither a writer or a reader. So, this summer I have committed to doing eight days in libraries. To give something back to the public library service that changed my life.

My publisher Barrington Stoke and Peters Books set up the tour.

These are the libraries I will be visiting and the dates and times I’ll be there. If you need more details please contact the library or see their website. You can also email info@tompalmer.co.uk if you need any clarification.

Everyone is welcome to come, except York which is a school event in the library. All the events are free of charge to the public, as far as I understand.

Friday 14th July, 10 a.m.
York Central Library
A launch for York’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Tuesday 189th July, 3.45 p.m.
Hoyland Library, Barnsley
Launching Barnsley’s Summer Reading Challenge with Barnsley FC.
www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/libraries/summer-reading-fun

Wednesday 26th July, 11.30 a.m.
Central Library, West Bromwich
www.sandwell.gov.uk/libraries

Wednesday 26th July, 2 p.m.
Bloxwich Library, Walsall
www.lovelibrarieswalsall.co.uk

Thursday 27th June, 11.30 a.m.
Wolverhampton Central Library
www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries

Thursday 27th July, 2 p.m.
Halesowen Library, Dudley

Friday 28th July, 12.30 p.m.          
Crewe Central Library
www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/libraries/nearest_library/crewe_library.aspx

Friday 28th July, 2.30 p.m.            
Alsager Library
www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/libraries/nearest_library/alsager_library/alsager_library.aspx

Saturday 29th July, 1 p.m.
Storyhouse with Chester Central Library

Wednesday 23rd August, 10 a.m.
Widnes Library                
Contact number: 0151 907 8383

Wednesday 23rd August, 1 p.m.
Haydock Library, St Helens

Wednesday 23rd August, 4 p.m.
Penketh Library, Warrington  
www.livewirewarrington.co.uk/events/month.calendar/2017/08/04

Thursday 24th August, 11 a.m.                   
Eccles Library, Salford

Thursday 24th August, 2 p.m.     
Swinton Library, Salford

Wednesday 30th August, 11 a.m.
Four Greens Hub, Plymouth
Contact number: 01752 306237

Wednesday 30th August, 2 p.m.
St Budeaux Library, Plymouth
Contact number: 01752 975916