Chorlton not only boasts one of Manchester’s best libraries but it also
hosts an increasingly popular annual book festival, which returns on 
November 12 to 24.

There will be a whole range of talks, sessions and readings with something
for all tastes and many of the events are free.

Author of The Curry Mile, Zahid Hussain will be leading creative writing
workshops on Saturday November 17 and 24 from 2.30pm until 4.30pm at the
library. Zahid is a former North West Poetry Slam winner and has performed
in a range of venues.

If you want to get published, then children’s author Liz Kessler, who is
published in more than 20 countries, will be offering her tips on how to
improve your chances and your writing. Liz will be on hand on Tuesday
November 13 at 7.30pm in the Lounge on Wilbraham Road.

Co-founder of City Life, Ed Glinert will be talking about his forthcoming
book ?" The Manchester Compendium, A Street by Street Guide to England’s
Greatest Industrial City. The event will be held at Chorlton Library on
Tuesday November 20 from 6pm. Ed has contributed to the Radio Times,
Private Eye and Mojo and is also the co-author of Fodor’s Rock and Roll
Traveller USA.

There will be a free session dedicated to Romantic poetry and music. So to
make the most of the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness; bring a
favourite poem along to read or just come along and be entertained at the
library. Keats and Friends will take place on Monday November 19 from 1pm
until 2pm.

Mike Garry, described by Shaun Ryder as ‘the best street poet ever’ will be
encouraging Manchester bards to stand up and recite at an Open Mic Poetry
Evening. Start the weekend with a sonnet on Friday November at 7.30pm in
Chorlton Library.

Rosie Lugosi, otherwise known as the vampire queen, will be telling
blood-curdling ghost stories at The Spread Eagle on Wilbraham Road on
Monday November 19 from 7pm.

Councillor Mike Kane, Executive Member for Arts and Leisure, said:
“Chorlton Book Festival has developed a real following and there really is
something for everyone this year. With most of the events free of charge
you really have no excuse not to come along. Chorlton Library also offers a
whole range of books, films, music and audiobooks and joining is free.”

David Green of Chorlton Library said: "This year's book festival has a
varied programme for all tastes. We'll be celebrating the birthdate of
Frances Hodgson Burnett with a 'Secret Garden' party for all the family.
You can hear from local authors direct about their latest books or show off
your own talents. Most of all I hope that Chorlton residents will get
involved and share with us our love of reading and books."

Chorlton Library on Manchester Road is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
form 9am until 8pm and on Wednesday Friday and Saturday from 9am until 5pm.

To find out more visit www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries or call 0161 881
3179.