We hosted some delightful events in May 2006.  At a drop-in music night we promoted our music books and DVDs and even had live music from some brave perfomers!  In partnership with Shetland Arts, we hosted the launch of a new book of poetry postcards, and the audience was treated to a thrilling perfomance from Jen Hadfield, who read new poems, sang and played mandolin. We ended the month with an Art Night, when Mike Finnie (pictured) displayed some of his wonderful watercolours, painted and chatted to customers.  Thanks to all the people who made these evenings so enjoyable, please get in touch if you have ideas for events in the library.

In April 2006, the Library was delighted to host a Stitch and Chat Day with members of the Embroiders' Guild. They were in the library all day to talk to people about fabric crafts and demonstrate their skills: folk could also have a go at a starter embroidery pack.  And it was a good chance to browse all the library's craft books.  There was also a music evening, poetry evening and art evening during Adult Learners week.

If you would like to demonstrate your craft or hobby in the library, please get in touch.

Authors Hamish Macdonald and Matthew Fitt delighted the audience at the library on Wednesday 22 March 2006 with readings from their work and other humorous Scottish poetry and prose.  They also introduced many of the Scots language books for kids that are produced by the Itchy Coo collective.  Mary Blance read Shetland poetry and Donald Anderson provided the music, in what was another successful collaboration between Shetland Arts Trust and the library.  Thanks to all who took part.  www.itchy-coo.com

Thanks for all who contributed to our World Book Day 2006 events, including the story-writing exercise and the 'Write a Blurb' competition.  You can read some of the best blurbs here.  The Library at the Edge of the World evolved into two lively tales with some unexpected twists and turns.  Click on the links below to read the stories.

The Library at the Edge of the World - Children's version

The Library at the Edge of the World - Adult's version

Valentine 2006: thanks to all who wrote about their favourite love stories for us - all ages entered their suggestions for books, songs, films and poems.  Read the full list here.

In January 2006, Jen Hadfield's poetry project Love's Dog proved a popular and entertaining event in the library.  Based on the poem 'A View of Things' by Edwin Morag, many people contributed individual lines which were formed into a new group poem called 'Love's Dog'.  You can read it here.

Right: Jen and the Chatterbooks book group add to the poem.

Shetland Library hosted the national launch of Raven Black, the latest novel by well known crime writer Ann Cleeves, on 3 February 2006.  The book is a murder mystery set in Shetland, and Ann revealed that she is to write three follow-up novels, each set in Shetland in a different season.  The launch was a big success, with about sixty people attending.

Read a review of Raven Black.