The Pleasures of Reading with Jackie Kay
Book Week Scotland
WithJackie Kay
In conversation withPhilippa Cochrane
On:20th November 2024, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
What happens when we read? What is it that we get from losing ourselves in a novel? Does reading actually improve our wellbeing?
Join Jackie Kay for this special event for Book Week Scotland, as she explores the impact that being a reader has had on her life by sharing some of her favourite books. She will be in conversation with Philippa Cochrane who is the Head of Reading Communities at Scottish Book Trust. We will also be joined by Dr Sarah McGeown from the University of Edinburgh who will share some of the insights from the ongoing Reading and Wellbeing research project.
Attendees can join this Book Week Scotland event for free, either in person at the bookshop or online via the livestream. After the event Jackie Kay will be signing her latest poetry collection, May Day.
Please note: Tickets for our events are non-refundable. Professional photography and videography may take place during this event. Thank you for your understanding.
Participants:
Jackie Kay Author
Jackie Kay was born and brought up in Scotland. She is the author of—among other books—The Adoption Papers, which won the Forward Prize, Red Dust Road, winner of the Scottish Book of the Year Award, Trumpet, and the Costa-shortlisted Fiere. She was the third Makar, or National Poet for Scotland (2016-2021). She is a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Salford. Her new collection MAY DAY was published in 2024 to great acclaim.
Philippa Cochrane Chair
The venue
The Portobello Bookshop
46 Portobello High Street
Edinburgh
EH15 1DA
Telephone: 0131 629 6756
Website: www.theportobellobookshop.com
Wheelchair Access
We have a ramp at the front of the shop which has a ratio of 1:10 and loading capacity of 300kg, and so should be able to be used by most wheelchair users or those with mobility vehicles. The front doors are fully automated. Our shop interior is designed to allow access throughout for wheelchair users and prams, though please note there is only 700mm wide clearance to access the staff toilet.
Sound
We use a PA system to enhance the audio at our live events. We also have a hearing loop system installed, if you’d like to use our loop system during an event please let us know and we’ll make sure we have it set up and connected to the live audio feed during the event. If you wish to attend an event and require BSL interpretation, please give us a few weeks notice and we’ll do our best to arrange an interpreter.