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.
Creative Writing and Community Projects
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.
Programme Highlights and Summer Events
Festival highlights include Andrea Christodoulou at Kirkby Library on 15 June, Ramsey Campbell at Halewood Library on 16 June, and Zoe Richards at Huyton Library on 17 June.
Later in the month, Sean Watkin, T M Payne and Sarah Moorehead will appear at Huyton Library on 24 June, followed by Eliza Morton at both Stockbridge and Prescot libraries on 25 June.
Sean Watkin will also return for an event at Kirkby Library on 26 June.
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.
