Libraries across the Highlands will open their doors this month for a week-long celebration of books, stories and friendship as part of Book Week Scotland 2025.
Running from 17 to 23 November, the annual celebration invites readers of all ages to come together through the power of books, with High Life Highland Libraries hosting a packed programme of events across the region.
This year’s theme, friendship, reflects the role libraries play as vibrant community hubs, not just places to borrow books, but spaces where people connect, create and share experiences.
Julie Corcoran, Head of Libraries at High Life Highland, said the week captures the spirit of what libraries stand for.
“We absolutely love Book Week Scotland,” she said.
“It presents us with a wonderful opportunity to work with the Scottish Book Trust on delivering an exciting programme of events for people of all ages.
“Community and connections are at the heart of what we do within High Life Highland Libraries, so the theme of ‘friendship’ has never been more relevant.”
The celebrations will feature author visits, creative workshops, storytelling sessions and family-friendly events from Skye to Sutherland.
Among the highlights are four Scottish Book Trust-funded author sessions:
At Grantown Library on 19 November, John Crosbie, son of the acclaimed author Agnes Owens, will take part in a Q&A with Charlotte MacArthur about his mother’s literary legacy.
Inverness Library will host a bilingual family event with author June Graham on 21 November, while the same evening Bettyhill Library welcomes Alex MacDonald, who will read from Memoirs of Colin MacDonald: And the Shepherd Sangand discuss his crime fiction work, accompanied by live music and refreshments.
Also on 21 November, Tain Library will feature author Cynthia Rogerson, who will discuss her latest book 100,000 Birthdays: A Book About Who We Are, exploring friendship, empathy and what makes us human.
Beyond these headline events, libraries across the Highlands will run community sessions that celebrate stories, creativity and local culture.
Portree Library will host a creative writing workshop titled Dear Friend, while Brora Library will showcase The Brora Highland Libraries Collection with tea and conversation.
At Dingwall Library, artist Lizzie McDougall will share Stories of the Brahan Seer and Highland Second Sight, and at Lairg Library, author Annabelle Marx will discuss her new novel The Rebel of 7th Avenue.
Fort William Library will host a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party featuring readings of childhood favourites, alongside a week-long Friendship Trail for children, and an author event with Phil Paris on 21 November.
Additional sessions include a literary evening with Alan Bissett in Portree, Jane Mackenzie’s book launch in Plockton, and a talk by Lilian Ross at Muir of Ord Library on 27 November.
Throughout the week, High Life Highland Libraries will also host Bookbug and Lego sessions, creative writing workshops and friendship-themed craft activities for adults and children alike.
For full details or to book events, contact your local library or visit www.highlifehighland.com/libraries
