Wrexham Carnival of Words

Wrexham's Carnival of Words, one of Wales' leading literary festivals, has put together a wonderful programme to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024. This year's festival will take place between April 20-27, with a diverse range of well-known authors. Simon McCleeve, Katy Watson, Catherine Isaac (aka Jane Costello), Vaseem Khan, Evie Meg, Suzan Holder, Mike Parker, Alis Hawkins, Philippa Holloway and Joanne Harris with her #Storytime Band are just some of the great authors attending this year's festival. Plus we have our famous Murder Mystery night! Ticket prices for events are now on sale and vary in price, but you can buy an 'Earlybird' Festival Ticket for just £35 if you buy it before the end of March. For more details and to buy your tickets, visit www.wrexhamcarnivalofwords.com

Meet the Author

Join author Martine Bailey in conversation with writer and musician, Dr Elaine Walker, as we celebrate the launch of Martine's new book, Sharp Scratch. A thriller packed with suspense set at the heart of a sprawling NHS hospital where a killer roams unchecked. This free event will take place at Wrexham Library on Tuesday, February 27, at 6pm. Please reserve your place by contacting library@wrexham.gov.uk or calling 01978 292090.

Half term fun

With half term upon us why not take the opportunity to visit your local library and find some great books to read with your children? We have books to tempt all ages and all pallets, in Welsh and English. You can also join in with some of our activities. Cefn Mawr Library will have a special craft session on Friday February 16 starting at 3.15pm. Wrexham Library will have craft activity tables throughout the week. And don't forget we will be getting a special visit from popular children's figure, Magi Ann who will be visiting three of our libraries over half term. She will be at Wrexham Library on Thursday, February 15, 2pm, Rhos Library on Friday, February 16, 10am and Chirk Library later that day at 1pm. Come and join in the fun - it's free!

Scam awareness at Ruabon Library

North Wales Police and partner agencies are holding a scam awareness/prevention event at Ruabon Library on Friday, February 23, from 12.30-2.30pm. This will be a great opportunity to meet your local community organisations and find out how they can help you. This free drop in session will also provide free cake and a cuppa, so come along and see what they can do for you!

PressReader

PressReader is an app which will give you free access to newspapers and magazines, from 120 countries around the world, 24/7. The publications are available in full text, on the day of publication and look just like the printed edition. They can be viewed online through a web browser, or via the Libby app on a smart phone or tablet. All you need is a valid library card and access to a digital device. Visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries and follow the online services link to Libby our e-magazine app, then search for PressReader. You will have access to all of the major UK daily and weekend newspapers, plus new titles have just been added.

Book Review

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll

A Kind of Spark is a children's book aimed at nine to 11-year-olds following the story of Addie as she discovers the witch trials that once took place in her Scottish hometown. As an autistic girl in primary school, Addie is beginning to experience what it is like to be outcast by her peers, and she is horrified to learn that innocent people were once persecuted for being different in her small town and then forgotten by society.

Feeling an affinity with these women and girls, Addie tries to bring them justice in the present day whilst navigating changing friendships and family relationships, as well as children and adults alike misunderstanding what it means for her to be autistic. With three autistic characters featured in the book, Ellie McNicoll brilliantly highlights the different ways that autism can present across the spectrum.

This book provides fantastic representation of autistic children and girls in particular, and I think it's really important that all children have an opportunity to read about someone like themselves. It would be a great book to recommend to both autistic children and their non-autistic peers to learn about what it could be like for autistic people to experience the world - and I'd recommend it to adults too! Lucy