Book of the Year 2010

The short list for Halton Libraries' book of the year has been announced and here it is:

Matthew Lampin - Devil’s Acre
Plampin’s historical research is impressive, as is his command of detail. He has a true gift of descriptive power.

Maggie O’Farrell - Hand That First Held Mine
O'Farrell has a remarkable ability to convey the texture of human emotion with precision. She demonstrates a masterful gift for storytelling'

Kathryn Stockett - The Help
A wondrous novel about three unforgettable women. A glorious read, daring, vitally important and deftly handled.

Justin Cronin - The passage
This is a 'fantasy epic' for people who either don't like them or have never read one. Imagine Danielle Steel had written The Stand and you'll get some idea

Anthony Quinn - Rescue Man
In a novel of cinematic denouements, Quinn has reclaimed an intriguing chapter of Liverpool's past'. The narrative is elegantly constructed.

Lee Child - Worth Dying For

In Child's exciting 15th thriller featuring one-man army Jack Reacher (after 61 Hours), Reacher becomes embrolied in a situation tailor-made for his blend of morality and against-the-odds heroics.

You can vote at one or our libraries or online here. The winner will be announced at our special book of the year event at Halton Lea library on Thursday 2 December at 7pm.

Poetry reading group - Widnes library

Do you enjoy poetry? Come along to our friendly and informal poetry reading group which is held at Widnes library on the last Thursday of every month between 7pm and 8pm.

Author to sign FREE books at Widnes - 23 October

Local author Sarah Oliver will be signing FREE copies of her first biography ‘Robert Pattinson A-Z’ in Widnes library on Saturday 23rd October at 2pm. "I'm really looking forward to being back at the library because I worked there for two years whilst I was at university. I would never have imagined back then that I'd be doing a book signing.”

Sarah wrote Robert Pattinson in September and secured a deal after only two weeks. Sarah says: “I was shocked how quickly I heard back. I was expecting to have to wait months for a reply. A few weeks after getting the deal I travelled down to London to meet Robert Pattinson in the Dorchester hotel for a press conference. I was really, really nervous but I enjoyed having the opportunity to meet him and ask him anything I wanted. I also met New Moon director Chris Weitz and Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner. I also met lots of top journalists whilst I was there, the reporter from OK magazine was really nice.

“It was a dream come true.”

“I’m really thankful to my husband Jon and my parents who have supported me every step of the way. My mum in particular has always encouraged me to read a lot and to write and she gave me the desire to try and get my book published.”

Sarah’s other books are Glee A-Z, Taylor Lautner A-Z and The Wanted A-Z.

Get online week 18 - 24 October

Are you terrified of computers but have always wanted to get online? Next week is 'Get online week'.

As part of this national initiative, Halton Libraries are offering two-hour taster sessions for Internet novices. There will be one at Widnes library on Wednesday 20 October at 10.00am and one at Halon Lea library on Thursday at 2.00pm.

To book a place, call in and see us or phone Widnes on 907 8383 or Halton Lea on 01928 704455.

Railway collection open day

The railway history day at Widnes library, drew plenty of interest from railway enthusiasts and an interested public. There was particular interest in the model railway exhibition and exhibition of photographs of local railway history. This was accompanied by a talk from Paul Wright, author of Lost Termini of North West England.

Paranormal week - 18 to 22 October

Are you interested in ghosts, tarot, dowsing, Angel cards, astrology and things that go bump in the night? If you are, or if you're not sure but want to learn more, then come along to our Paranormal week.

There will be talks, demonstrations, workshops and much more. For a full programme of events, click here.

Members of Paranormal Investigation Groups: Eximius & Para-Projects will be available every afternoon and evening to answer any questions you have about paranormal investigation, or to listen to your stories about anything paranormal you may have experienced and wish to share.

Are you brave enough? See you there.

Viking Day - 9 October

Meet the warriors, traders and storytellers from the Vikings of Wirhalh Skip -Felag as they demonstrate life 1000 years ago.

There will be hands on activities including spinning, grinding corn, making Viking coins or test your combat skills against a Viking warrior.

If you're looking for excitement, realism, atmosphere, action and a family great day out - Viking Day has it all!

9th October
Halton Lea Library from 11 o’clock