Aura Libraries to celebrate author on Roald Dahl Story Day

On Thursday, September 14, at 2.30pm, Waterstones Children's Laureate (2022-2024), Joseph Coelho, will visit Flint Library as part of his nationwide 'Library Marathon' mission.

The award-winning performance poet, playwright, and children's author is on an epic cross-country journey to join a library in every local authority in the UK - more than 200 libraries in total - with the aim of encouraging people, young and old, to join their local library. Joseph is championing local libraries and the vital role they play within the community and inspiring a love of reading in young people.

Joseph said: "I am thrilled to bring my Library Marathon tour to Wales. I look forward to visiting 22 libraries across this beautiful country, and joining fellow poet and newly announced Children's Laureate Wales, Alex Wharton.

"Libraries made me a writer and make communities thrive. They have been a vital part of my life: from living on estates where I had a library next door, to my first Saturday job, to working at the British Library whilst studying at UCL, to touring theatre shows designed to be performed in libraries.

"I'm immensely grateful to libraries and the services they provide, so I want to use my platform as the Waterstones Children's Laureate to champion these essential launchpads of learning. I want to hug every library, these miraculous institutions where new horizons line the shelves, where minds go to grow."

Joseph has now visited 179 libraries across the UK, and during his visit to Wales, he will register for a library card, borrow a book, as well as reading to and performing for children.

Roald Dahl Story Day

Wednesday, September 13 is Roald Dahl Story Day - a celebration of the work, life and multi-faceted legacy of one of the world's best-loved storytellers.

From Sophie's adventures with the BFG and James' journey on the Giant Peach, to Matilda's brilliant bravery and Charlie's first step into the world of Wonka - Roald Dahl stories celebrate the incredible potential of young people and the power of kindness.

Visit roalddahl.com/story-day-2023/ for lots of free Dahl themed activities and games

Did you know Aura Libraries have all the Roald Dahl stories available to borrow in a wide variety of formats, from illustrated to large print, audio and eBook? Many of our Roald Dahl titles are available in Welsh too.

Here are a selection of Roald Dahl titles you may not have tried yet, available to borrow from our libraries and download online.

eAudionbook Innocence by Roald Dahl.

Innocence - Roald Dahl: From the master of the sting in the tail, a collected book of his darkest stories. What makes us innocent and how do we come to lose it? Featuring the autobiographical stories telling of Dahl's boyhood and youth as well as four further tales of innocence betrayed, Dahl touches on the joys and horrors of growing up. Among other stories, you'll read about the wager that destroys a girl's faith in her father, the landlady who has plans for her unsuspecting young guest and the commuter who is horrified to discover that a fellow passenger once bullied him at school. eAudiobook read by Richard E Grant, Tamsin Greig and more.

Some of Roald Dahl's titles available in Welsh.

Yr Cmm - Roald Dahl

Y Gwrachod - Roald Dahl

Charlie a'r Ffatri Siocled - Roald Dahl

Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life: Roald Dahl describes country life in his off-beat way. All the tales about rat-catching, maggot-breeding, poaching and the eccentricities of country life are dealt with in a sophisticated and witty way

Let us know what you think about the titles, find us on social media - @LlyfrgelloeddAuraLibraries on Facebook and Instagram and @LibFlintshire on Twitter.

Aura Library members can download e-books and audiobooks free of charge from Borrowbox and Libby to a PC, laptop or Mac. Alternatively, you can download the Borrowbox and Libby apps directly to a smartphone or tablet.

To access most online library resources you will need to enter your library membership number and pin. If you do not have this then you can join up as a member online via the Aura website for instant access. All links and further details about our digital library resources can be found here: www.aura.wales/libraries

Visit us on social media to view handy information about our services, events, and lots of book and audiobook recommendations.

From everyone here at Aura Libraries, thank you for reading and we hope to hear from you or see you soon!

• Aura is a charitable, not-for-profit, organisation responsible for managing the majority of leisure, libraries and heritage services in Flintshire. Aura is owned by its employees and operates for the benefit of local communities.