Midsomer Norton Library will be among the venues hosting events as part of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s inaugural festival of libraries next month.

The new event will feature a diverse programme of events, including afternoon tea with authors, creative writing workshops, and drama performances.

The festival runs from February 8 to February 22 in the council’s Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and Bath libraries, the virtual library, and the community run libraries and celebrates knowledge, community and fun.

The festival offers a range of free events for all ages, both in-person and online. They include afternoon tea with local authors May Ellis, Jen Faulkner, and Rachel Ward, as well as It Had a Blue Cover, an event dedicated to reuniting readers with lost book titles.

Families can enjoy story-time sessions and craft activities, while theatre enthusiasts can attend the Minny Stynker Theatre Show.

Aspiring writers can take part in creative writing workshops, and there will be various drop-in sessions, including Libraries at Home, Livewell B&NES, employment and skills support, and partner drop-ins featuring Avon Fire & Rescue Service.

A full list of events is on the Festival of Libraries webpage

The mobile library will also be out in unusual locations throughout February for people to drop in, find out a bit more and sign up to become a member.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “This exciting festival will demonstrate that our libraries are more than just a place to find the latest books. They’re the heart of the community and bring people together. There are lots of special events on offer over the two weeks of the festival and I hope many residents will join the fun.”

Visit the Bath and North East Somerset Libraries website for details of regular and upcoming library events throughout the year.

Find out more about the council’s library and information services.