Book Buzz

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Book Buzz

BEX LE

www.bexley.gov.uk

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RY FESTIVA E RA L T I L

Book Buzz 16 FEBRUARY - 2 MARCH 2019

Welcome to Book Buzz Saturday 16 February Sunday 17 February Monday 18 February Tuesday 19 February Wednesday 20 February Thursday 21 February Friday 22 February Libraries at Night Saturday 23 February Monday 25 February Tuesday 26 February Wednesday 27 February Thursday 28 February Friday 1 March Saturday 2 March 2

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Book Buzz

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Bexley’s second Literary Festival Last year’s first ever Book Buzz was a great success. More than 3,000 people took part in a wide variety of events and activities and the feedback we had was overwhelmingly positive.

For 2019, we have put together another packed programme of events and activities - there’s something for everyone – adults, children, teens and families.

For children, highlights include “Horrible Science” shows from the world’s bestselling children’s science writer, Nick Arnold and a Football School event with author Nick Bellos. There will also be visits from authors Chloe Inkpen, Knife & Packer and Joseph Coelho as well as storytellers, animation workshops and craft activities. It’s bound to be a fun-packed half-term!

Book Buzz

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Welcome TO Book Buzz

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Grown-ups may be interested in our visits from best-selling authors Nick Barratt, Stuart Clark, Charlie Connelly, Lindsey Davis, Stella Duffy, Jean Fullerton, Mike Gayle, David Hewson and Alison Weir.

We are also very excited that renowned poet, Wendy Cope will be returning to her Bexley roots.

It’s great that this fantastic fortnight of fun is happening across our brilliant borough once again I’m sure that Book Buzz 2019 won’t disappoint.

And don’t forget to keep in touch with Bexley Libraries on Facebook and Twitter during the festival for news and additions to the programme.

Cabinet Member for Places, Cllr Peter Craske

Most events are free but will need tickets in advance.

www.bexleybookbuzz.com

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Saturday 16 February

• Character meet and greet • Free face painting • Pompom bug making • Circus skills workshop

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• An afternoon with Stuart Clark • Scratch art magnet making

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Character Meet and Greet

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Book Buzz

Come and meet some book character favourites - Peter Rabbit, Kipper and Maisy Mouse Look out for them in the Central Library, Bexleyheath throughout the day - will you be brave enough to have your photo taken with one of them?

SAT 16 Feb

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Free Face Painting Come along and join in the fun at the Central Library as we launch Book Buzz 2019 and have your face painted by our professional artists – perhaps you’ll choose to be your favourite book character for the day?

Central Library 10am – 3pm No need to book – just pop in!

Sat 16 Feb

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SAT 10 Feb

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Pompom bug making

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Book Buzz

Come along and join in with this craft activity and make a unique, colourful pompom bug to take home and keep!

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 5 and over due to small parts.

Ages 5 and above Welling Library – 11am Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

Sat 16 Feb

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Circus Skills Workshop Come and learn some circus skills, including juggling, diabolo and plate spinning.

Suitable for children aged 6 and over.

Central Library 1pm – 4pm No need to book – just pop in!

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SAT 16 Feb

Dr Stuart Clark is a widely acclaimed author and astronomy journalist, who specialises in presenting the complex world of astronomy to the general public. He has written a variety of books including “Universe in Focus: The Story of the Hubble Telescope”, “The Big Questions: The Universe”, “The Sun Kings” and “Deep Space”, to great critical acclaim.

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An afternoon with Stuart Clark

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Book Buzz

SAT 16 Feb

Until 2001, Stuart was the Director of Public Astronomy Education at the University of Hertfordshire, before deciding to become a full-time writer. He now divides his time between writing books and articles for “New Scientist”.

Central Library - 2.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com 9

Scratch art magnet making Come along and join in with this scratch art activity and make a unique, colourful dinosaur magnet to take home and keep!

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 5 and over due to small parts and use of pointed scratch tools.

Ages 5 and above Erith Library – 2.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

SAT 16 Feb

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SUNday 17 February

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Book Buzz

• Bostall’s Book Buzz Film Festival

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Bostall’s Book Buzz Film Festival Bostall Community Library will be screening two films - one for children and one for adults - both based around books.

For the children: ‘Gnomeo and Juliet’ and for the adults: ‘Stranger than Fiction’.

Bostall Community Library 4pm - Gnomeo and Juliet – Certificate U (suitable for children aged 4-12 years – under 8’s require parental supervision) 7pm - Stranger than Fiction – Certificate 12

SUN 17 Feb

Tickets are free, but places are limited.

Collect your ticket from Bostall Community Library, email BostallLibrarycg@virginmedia.com or call 01322 400422 Refreshments will be available to buy during the screenings.

Donations to Bostall Library Community Group will be welcome.

• Seaside Mosaic picture making • Pirates and Pants • Family storytelling sessions

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MoNday 18 February

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Book Buzz

• Buzzy Bee Bopper making • Robotics Workshop • Fairy Tale Fantasy Rapunzel

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Seaside Mosaic picture making Come along and join in with this fun craft session and make a colourful seaside mosaic picture to take home and keep!

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 4 and over due to small parts.

Ages 4-7 years Crayford Library – 10.30am Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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mon 18 Feb

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Pirates and Pants An interactive storytelling session with author Chloe Inkpen Come and join the best-selling author and illustrator, Chloe Inkpen in a fantastic adventure - float up to the moon on a washing line full of pants and sing an upside down song with a moony mole before pulling on imaginary flip flops and miming your way through an epic seaside treasure hunt, culminating in a very chocolaty surprise!

MoN 18 Feb

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Book Buzz

Ages 3-7 years Sidcup Library – 11am - 11.45pm Central Library – 2pm - 2.45pm Erith Library – 4pm - 4.45pm

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Family storytelling sessions With Liz Fost Take in the marvellous surroundings of the Library in Danson House while storyteller, Liz Fost weaves her magic with stories for all ages. Liz is a professional actor and children’s storyteller and makes regular appearances in libraries, schools and at Literary Festivals up and down the country.

For families with children age 4+ The Library at Danson House 11am - 11.40am - Traditional Tales 2pm - 2.40pm - Greek Myths 3.30pm - 4.10pm - Tales of Kings and Queens

Mon 18 Feb

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries. eventbrite.com

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Buzzy Bee Bopper making

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Book Buzz

Come along and join in with this fun craft session and make a colourful bee or ladybird head bopper to take home and keep!

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 3 and over due to small parts.

Ages 3 and above

Mon 18 Feb

Central Library – 10.30am

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Robotics Workshop Come along to one of our fun robotics workshops and try your hand at building a robot!

Once you’ve built your robot and programmed it to move, why not challenge your team to test its speed and strength using remote control?

Ages 8+ Erith Library – 10am - 12 noon Thamesmead Library – 2pm - 4pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

Mon 18 Feb

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Fairy Tale Fantasy – Rapunzel

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Come along and join in with this fun craft session and make some colourful finger puppets and wands to take home and keep!

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 5 and over due to small parts.

Ages 5 and above Sidcup Library – 4pm

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

Mon 18 Feb

TUEsday 19 February

• The Horrible Science Show • Luna Loves Library Day • Drama Workshops

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• Robotics Workshops • Daffodil head bopper craft

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The Horrible Science Show

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With best-selling author, Nick Arnold Tues 19 Feb

Nick Arnold is the world’s bestselling children’s science writer, with titles such as “Vicious Veg” and “Bulging Brains” to his credit. His Horrible Science Show brings his books to life with funny interactive experiments, activities and competitions based on the books.

A treat, not to be missed!

Ages 8+ Erith Library – 11am – 11.45am Central Library – 2pm – 2.45pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Luna Loves Library Day An interactive storytelling session with author Joseph Coelho

Joseph Coelho is a performance poet, children’s author and playwright.

Every week Luna looks forward to one special day - the day when she gets to discover magic among the library shelves. The day she gets to spend with her dad. Come along to hear Luna’s story brought to life through poetry and performance with some special surprises!

Welling Library 11am – 12 noon

For ages 3+

Crayford Library 2pm – 3pm Thamesmead Library 4pm – 5pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www. bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Tues 19 Feb

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Drama workshops

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With the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy Tues 19 Feb

The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy returns to Book Buzz with a new, exciting drama workshop full of fun and favourite book characters.

Following on from the success of last year’s drama workshops, this is another opportunity to take part in a drama class where the aim is to have lots and lots of fun.

For ages 8 - 11 years Central Library – 11am – 12 noon Sidcup Library – 2pm – 3pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com 23

Robotics workshop Come along to one of our fun robotics workshops and try your hand at building a robot!

Once you’ve built your robot and programmed it to move, why not challenge your team to test its speed and strength using remote control?

Ages 8+ Crayford Library – 10am - 12 noon Welling Library – 2pm - 4pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Tues 19 Feb

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DAFFodil Head Bopper Craft

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Book Buzz

Come along to Bexley Village Community Library and join in with all the fun at this craft activity and make a daffodil head bopper to take home and keep - perfect for spring.

Tues 19 Feb

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 3 and over due to small parts.

Ages 3 and above Bexley Village Community Library 2.30pm – 3.30pm

Tickets are free but must be collected in advance from Bexley Village Community Library

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Activities for adults Bexley Libraries have lots of events and activities for adults all the year round – not just during the Book Buzz Festival.

There are reading groups, games clubs, coffee mornings, knitting and sewing groups, jigsaw sessions, scrabble groups and family history sessions – a variety of activities take place at each library. There is sure to be something that interests you and it is a great way to meet people and make new friends.

Find out more at www.bexleylibrariesatnight.com

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• Jump up farm animals craft • Football School • Meet the animals • My Old Erith • Researching and Writing your Family History

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WEDNESday 20 February

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Book Buzz

• Windmill making • Simple origami butterflies craft • Panda Party • Bog-Eyed Book Festival

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Jump up farm animals craft Come along and join in with this fun craft session and make a bouncy farm animal to take home and keep!

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 3 and over due to small parts.

Ages 3 and above Crayford Library – 10.30am

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Wed 20 Feb

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Football School With Alex Bellos “Football School” is the school where every lesson is about football! Join Coach Alex Bellos to learn all about goal celebrations, Brazilian skills, animal mascots, footballers’ “poos” and more….

“Football School” is a bestselling book series that sees the world through the prism of football.

“Football School Season 1” was runner-up for the Blue Peter Book of the Year. Alex Bellos is an award-winning popular science and sports writer, whose books have sold half a million copies around

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Book Buzz

the world and whose YouTube clips have been seen by more than 20 million people.

For ages 7-13 years Central Library – 11am – 12 noon Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

Season 1 – Text copyright © 2016 Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton. Illustrations copyright © 2016 Spike Gerrell Season 2 - Text copyright © 2017 Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton. Illustrations copyright © 2017 Spike Gerrell Season 3 - Text copyright © 2018 Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton. Illustrations copyright © 2018 Spike Gerrell Reproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London SE11 5HJ – www.walker.co.uk

Wed 20 Feb

Meet the animals ZooLab UK’s animal ranger and their animal team will amaze, educate and inspire! Come along and meet amazing animals such as Giant African Land Snails, Giant Millipedes, Snakes, Scorpions, Tarantulas, Tree Frogs and more! See they how they move, how they feel and what makes the ZooLab animals so special.

Age 6 and over Welling Library – 11am – 12 noon Central Library – 2pm – 3pm Sidcup Library – 4pm – 5pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

Wed 20 Feb

Reminisce with author Elaine Everest

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My old Erith

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Book Buzz

WED 20 Feb

Join bestselling novelist (and Erith girl) Elaine Everest and staff from Bexley’s Local Studies Centre as they talk and reminisce about ‘Old Erith’ and surrounding areas…

Nostalgia guaranteed!

Elaine is the author of numerous best-selling novels (several set in Erith), including “The Woolworths Girls”, “A Gift from Woolworths” and “Wartime at Woolworths”. She also writes short stories and features for women’s magazines, as well as the blog for the Romantic Novelists Association.

Local Studies and Archive Centre (Central Library) – 2pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com 31

Researching and Writing your Family History With Dr Nick Barratt

WED 20 Feb

Author, broadcaster and historian Nick Barratt was the genealogical consultant for the first four series of the TV show “Who Do You Think You Are?” and has written several books on family history.

He has also presented or featured in several other shows, including “Hidden House Histories”, “Secrets from the Attic” and “So you think you’re Royal?”

Join Nick to talk about research techniques and publication tricks when researching and writing your own stories.

Central Library - 2.30pm

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Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com Reprinted by permission of Harper Collins Publishers Ltd. © 2008 Nick Barratt

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Windmill making

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Book Buzz

Come along and join in with this windmill craft activity and make a unique, colourful windmill to take home and keep!

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 5 and over due to small parts.

Ages 5 and above Erith Library – 2.30pm

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries. eventbrite.com

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Simple Origami butterflies craft With Gill Conyard Gill ran a really successful origami session at a Fun Palaces event in Bexleyheath in October and so she is returning to Bexley Libraries for Book Buzz 2019 to give us all another chance to try our hand at making simple origami butterflies.

This drop-in event is suitable for all ages – everyone welcome.

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Wed 20 Feb Crayford Library 2.30 - 3.30pm No need to book just come along

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Panda party

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Book Buzz

Come along to Upper Belvedere Community Library and join in with all the fun at this craft activity and decorate a panda to take home and keep - choose hats, jackets and shoes for your panda.

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 3 and over due to small parts.

Ages 3 and above Upper Belvedere Community Library 3.30pm Tickets are free but must be collected in advance from Upper Belvedere Community Library

Wed 20 Feb

BOG-EYED Book Festival Following a very successful festival during the Easter holidays last year, The Bog Eyed Book Festival returns to Lesnes.

It’s a great opportunity to meet real life authors and illustrators, create characters, write exciting stories and learn all the tricks of the trade.

For ages 5 - 12 years Lesnes Abbey Visitor Centre 11am – 3pm No need to book – just drop in.

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Wed 20 Feb

• Colour-in Rocket Glider making • Adventure under the sea • Robotics Workshop • Meet the Animals

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Thursday 21 February

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Book Buzz

• Pom Pom Bug making • Sunflower windmill making • Magnet madness • An evening with Stella Duffy OBE

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Colour-in rocket glider making Come along and join in with this fun craft activity and make a unique, colourful glider (which really flies) to take home and keep!

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 3 and over due to small parts.

Ages 3 and above Welling Library - 10am Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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An interactive storytelling session with puppets from the Jellyfish Theatre Company

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Adventure under the Sea

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THURS 21 Feb

The sound of the waves and the feel of the sand and the smell of the salty air. Pack your bags and come aboard with us. Meet a mermaid, an octopus and a very silly shark on our exciting adventure under the sparkly blue sea.

Jellyfish Theatre Company presents a storytelling show with puppets and loads of joining in and laughing.

Ages 4 - 7 years Erith Library – 11am – 11.45am Central Library – 2pm – 2.45pm Sidcup Library – 4pm – 4.45pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Robotics Workshop Come along to one of our fun robotics workshops and try your hand at building a robot!

Once you’ve built your robot and programmed it to move, why not challenge your team to test its speed and strength using remote control?

Ages 8+ Central Library 10am – 12 noon Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com 40

THURS 21 Feb

THURS 21 Feb

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Meet the animals

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Book Buzz

ZooLab UK’s animal ranger and their animal team will amaze, educate and inspire! Come along and meet amazing animals such as Giant African Land Snails, Giant Millipedes, Snakes, Scorpions, Tarantulas, Tree Frogs and more!

See they how they move, how they feel and what makes the ZooLab animals so special.

Age 6 and over Crayford Library – 11am – 12 noon Erith Library – 2pm – 3pm Thamesmead Library – 4pm – 5pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexley libraries.eventbrite.com 41

Pom Pom Bug Making Come along to Blackfen Community Library to join in with this craft activity and make a unique, colourful pompom bug to take home and keep.

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 5 and over due to small parts.

Ages 5 and above Blackfen Community Library - 1.30pm Tickets are free but must be collected in advance from Blackfen Community Library 42

THURS 21 Feb

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Sunflower windmill making

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Book Buzz

Come along to Bostall Community Library and join in with all the fun at this craft activity and make a sunflower windmill to take home and keep!

THURS 21 Feb

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 5 and over due to small parts.

Ages 5 and above Bostall Community Library 3pm – 4pm Tickets are free but must be collected in advance from Bostall Community Library

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Magnet Madness Come along to Slade Green Community Library and join in with this scratch art activity to make a unique, colourful dragon or star hero magnet to take home and keep.

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 5 and over due to small parts and use of pointed, scratch tools.

Ages 5 and above Slade Green Community Library - 4pm

THURS 21 Feb Tickets are free but must be collected in advance from Slade Green Community Library 44

Come along to the Central Library to meet Stella Duffy, the author of the Saz Martin crime series and a variety of literary novels.

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An evening with Stella Duffy OBE

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THURS 21 Feb

As well as being the author of sixteen novels, over sixty-five short stories and fourteen plays, Stella is a stage performer (and she has appeared in “The Bill”) and a member of a comedy improvisation company. She is also the co-director and co-founder of the Fun Palaces campaign for cultural democracy and in 2016 she was awarded the OBE for Services to the Arts.

Central Library – 7.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Sign up for our email newsletters You can keep up to date with what’s happening in Bexley Libraries by subscribing to our free monthly newsletters – they are packed full of the latest news about what’s happening and forthcoming events and activities.

It’s really easy to get started – just register your email address at www.bexley.gov.uk and select which newsletters you would like to subscribe to. You might be interested in • Libraries – Book News for all the latest news about author visits, newly published books, winners of book awards and much more • Libraries – News for information about events and activities in libraries for adults and children and the latest news from Bexley Libraries • Bexley Archives for news from Bexley’s Local Studies and Archive Centre • Bexley Heritage News to find out all about events and activities at Danson House, Hall Place, The Red House, Crossness and other heritage sites across the borough • Hall Place and Gardens for news of what’s going on there

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• Knife and Packer • Old McDonald and the 3 Pigs Plus • Big Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Plus • Animation Workshops

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Friday 22 February

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Book Buzz

• Treasures from the Stack • Farmyard mosaic picture making • Bag Book story time • Robotics Workshop

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Knife and Packer Knife and Packer are authors / illustrators and cartoonists Duncan McCoshan and Jem Packer.

They have written and illustrated over 30 books for children, including Badly Drawn Beth, Fleabag Monkeyface and Freak Street – each with a mad illustration on every page.

Knife and Packer have presented their highly interactive and humorous drawing workshops to festivals, schools, libraries and bookshops all over the UK. For children aged 7 and over • Central Library – 11am • Erith Library – 2pm • Crayford Library – 4pm

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Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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old McDonald and the 3 Pigs Plus

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A performance by the Booster Cushion Theatre The Three Pigs are fed up with singing “Eee aye eee aye oh!” every day and bravely decide to move away from Old McDonald’s farm. Join the kind farmer and all of their animal friends in helping the little pigs build homes of their own, but beware, the Big Bad Wolf is on the prowl. Can you help save the day and stop the wolf blowing all the pigs’ hard work away?

A colourful and fun interactive show, full of props, pop ups and audience participation!

Ages 4 – 8 years Crayford Community Centre Hall 11am - 11.45am

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Big Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Plus A performance by the Booster Cushion Theatre Goldilocks wanders off from her parents into the forest but soon gets lost, getting hungry, grumpy and tired. Before she gets even grumpier, the forest animals decide to escape on an Animal Rescue Centre which flies high through the skies!

Goldilocks arrives at the Three Bears’ house for a big bowl of cereal but soon it’s up to the audience to help scare her away…

A colourful and fun interactive show, full of props, pop ups and audience participation!

Ages 4 – 8 years Crayford Community Centre Hall 2pm – 2.45pm

Fri 22 Feb

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries. eventbrite.com

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Animation workshops

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Book Buzz

With Chocolate Films Come and take part in our animation taster day.

Make your very own stop-motion animation film using professional filmmaking equipment to tell a story. Professional filmmakers from Chocolate Films will be on hand to give you all the tools and advice you need to learn new skills in this fun-filled workshop experience.

Central Library 9.30am – 12.30pm – ages 8 and over 1.30pm – 4.30pm – ages 10 and over

Fri 22 Feb

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com 51

Treasures from the Stack With Will Cooban Join Local Studies Librarian, Will Cooban, for a lunchtime look at Book Treasures from the Stack.

Discover some old, odd and rare book treasures from Bexley’s archive collections.

Local Studies and Archive Centre (Central Library) – 12 noon – 1pm

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Farmyard mosaic picture making

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Book Buzz

Come along and join in with this fun craft activity and make a unique, colourful farm-themed mosaic picture to take home and keep!

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 3 and over due to small parts.

Ages 3 and above Central Library – 2pm

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Bag Book story time Nina Martinez will be hosting special Bag Book story times – multi-sensory stories for people with learning disabilities.

Sidcup Library • 1pm – for children aged up to 11 • 2pm – for adults • 3pm – for children and young people aged 11 and over

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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22 Feb

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Robotics Workshop

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Book Buzz

Come along to one of our fun robotics workshops and try your hand at building a robot!

Once you’ve built your robot and programmed it to move, why not challenge your team to test its speed and strength using remote control?

Ages 8+

Fri 22 Feb

Sidcup Library 2pm – 4pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com 55

16 February - 2 MArch 2019

An exciting programme of evening entertainment hosted by Bexley Libraries Pick up a copy of the programme from your library or go to www.bexleylibrariesatnight.com

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s e i r a r b i L t At Nigh

Libraries at night

s Librarie t At Nigh

l Enjoy live rock music with Orphan Gears l Become a detective with a Murder Mystery evening presented by

Aardvark Productions Limited l Laugh your socks off with live stand-up comedy presented by

Comedy Knights l Listen to something new at our Open Mic night presented by Arts Train l Tap your feet to live Jazz with the Little Big Band from Bird College l Get ready for an adventure with board games for adults. l Try our Escape Room presented by Organise Events Limited.

Will you escape? l Put on your dancing shoes with Swing Patrol l Become a ‘Lifepreneur’ with David Fletcher 57

Activities for children Bexley Libraries have lots of fun, free events and activities for children all the year round not just during the Book Buzz Festival.

For under 5’s, there are toddler times, stay and play sessions and story times, while older children can join in the fun at Lego clubs, Code Clubs, colouring clubs and Number Wizards. There are also clubs for Teens – Teenage Reading Groups (TRGs), “POW!” Comic Club and Digiclub.

Find out more at www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries

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Saturday 23 February

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• Up your street • Archives Alive – telling tales • How Storytelling Works • Jungle animal mask making

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Up Your Street Ever wondered about the history of the street where you live?

Come along to the Local Studies and Archive Centre on the first floor of the Central Library in Bexleyheath and find the origins of the Bexley road you live in.

Using our historical maps, see what the area looked like before your road was built, find out if there is any history connected to it and find clues to the origin of its name.

What would you call a road or street if you had the chance and why?

Local Studies and Archive Centre (Central Library) – 10.30am – 12.30pm Tickets are not required but please pre-book by calling the team on 020 3045 3369 so the maps can be prepared.

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Sat 23 Feb

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Archives Alive – telling tales

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Book Buzz

A creative writing workshop based on archival sources with author Elaine Everest Using some archives from Bexley’s Local Studies and Archive Centre, join bestselling novelist Elaine Everest in discovering some long lost stories, and creating your own tales about them…

Local Studies and Archive Centre (Central Library) – 1.30pm – 3.30pm

SAT 23 Feb Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com 61

How Storytelling Works With best-selling author David Hewson Whether you’re a reader who wants to understand the mechanics of storytelling better or a would-be writer hoping to learn the craft for yourself, David will shed light on the key techniques of narrative that have underpinned the world of fiction for centuries - and will wind up the afternoon with a brief reading showing these techniques in action.

David Hewson is the author of more than 30 novels as well as award-winning scripts. He wrote the “Nic Costa” series set in Italy and the “Pieter Vos” books set in Amsterdam and he also adapted “The Killing” TV series into prizenominated novels.

SAT 23 Feb

Central Library 2.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries. eventbrite.com

Come along and join in with this fun craft activity and make a colourful foam mask to take home and keep!

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Jungle animal mask making

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Book Buzz

SAT 23 Feb

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 3 and over due to small parts.

Ages 3 and above Thamesmead Library – 2.30pm

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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MONday 25 February 2018

• From Page to Publication • Fairy Tale Fantasy – Hansel and Gretel

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Learn about creative writing techniques with Bidisha Come and join this session for creative writers who want to take their writing to the next level and learn about what editors, agents and publishers are looking for. Top tips for inspiration, drafting, structuring, editing and presenting your work and advice on professionalising your writing and getting that dream publication deal.

This is an open, welcoming session for anyone at any stage of their writing journey, who wants to know how the industry works.

MON 25 Feb

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From Page to Publication

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Book Buzz

Writer, author and broadcaster, Bidisha began writing professionally for arts magazines, such as i-D, Dazed and Confused, and the NME, at the age of 14, and published her first novel at 18.

She writes for The Guardian and The Huffington Post and works as a TV and radio presenter for the BBC, presenting programmes such as Woman’s Hour.

Central Library – 2.30pm - 4pm

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries. eventbrite.com

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Fairy Tale Fantasy – Hansel and Gretel Come along and join in with this fun craft session and make a colourful finger puppet and wand to take home and keep!

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 5 and over due to small parts.

Ages 5 and above Sidcup Library – 4pm

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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TUESday 26 February

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Book Buzz

• Jane Seymour – Haunted Queen • Interactive Puppet Show

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Jane Seymour – Haunted Queen A talk by historian and author, Alison Weir Alison is the top-selling female historian in the UK and has sold over 2.7 million books worldwide. She has published many history books, including “Elizabeth the Queen”, “Eleanor of Aquitaine”, “The Lady in the Tower” and “Elizabeth of York”. She has also written six historical novels.

She will be talking about Henry VIII’s tragic third wife – Jane Seymour – the subject of her latest novel.

The Great Hall at Hall Place – 2.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Interactive Puppet Show

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Come and join us for a hilarious song time and puppet show!

Meet CJ, Mickey and friends for a novel twist on a classic story.

Suitable for ages 3 -11years, but everyone is welcome.

Blackfen Community Library - 4pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Collect your ticket from the front desk at Blackfen Community Library.

Tues 26 Feb

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WEDNESday 27 February

• An afternoon with Jean Fullerton

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An afternoon with Jean Fullerton

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Jean is the multiple award-winning author of eleven novels all set in East London where she was born. She is a retired district nurse who has spent most of her working life in the East End of London and is also a qualified teacher who spent twelve years lecturing on community nursing studies at a London university.

Jean now writes full-time - she has published one East London series set in the mid-1800s and one featuring pre-NHS district nurses in the post-war years. She is currently writing a new East London series featuring the Brogan family during the dark days of the Second World War. Her latest book, “A Ration Book Christmas”, is the second featuring sisters Mattie, Jo and Cathy Brogan and their family.

Central Library – 2.30pm

WED 27 Feb

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com 71

THURsday 28 February

• An afternoon with Wendy Cope OBE • The Big Picture • An evening with Charlie Connelly

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Wendy is a contemporary English poet who has published many books of poetry for adults and children. Her witty lyrics and parodies have won her wide acclaim. She was born in Erith and lived in Barnehurst until she was 18. After reading history at Oxford, she worked as a primary school teacher in London until the publication of her first book, “Making Cocoa for Kingsley Amis”, in 1986. Her fifth collection of poems, “Anecdotal Evidence”, was published in 2018. She has also written for children and edited several anthologies. She was awarded an OBE for Services to Literature in 2010.

THURS 28 Feb

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An afternoon with Wendy Cope OBE

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Book Buzz

Join Wendy at Hall Place for an afternoon of anecdotes and reminiscences about her early years in Bexley, along with a selection of readings of her favourite poems.

The Great Hall at Hall Place – 2.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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The Big Picture An introduction to film-making with Darren Rapier Writer and filmmaker Darren Rapier will take you through the steps needed to make your own low budget film. Whether you just have an interest, an idea or are planning to make your own short film or feature, this is a step by step guide on what you need; what to think about and how to go about it. All the basics of scripting, planning, shooting, editing and finishing your film will be covered – including tips on how to save time and money.

Darren teaches TV and Film at the British Film Institute, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Rose Bruford College and The Pauline Quirke Academy.

Central Library – 2pm – 5.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com 74

THURS 28 Feb

Charlie is a bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster. He has written a variety of popular non-fiction books, on subjects as diverse as the shipping forecasts, the Liechtenstein national football team and weather forecasting. Three of his books have featured as Radio 4’s Book of the Week. Charlie has also written for most of the UK and Irish national newspapers and a range of magazines from “The Oldie” to “Outdoor Fitness” and is the literary correspondent for “The New European”.

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An evening with Charlie Connelly

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Book Buzz

THURS 28 Feb

Charlie has also appeared as a presenter on radio and television shows, including the BBC1 “Holiday” programme and co-presented the first three series of BBC Radio 4’s “Traveller’s Tree” with Fi Glover. He has written comedy scripts for BBC radio and RTÉ radio in Ireland and made documentaries for BBC Radio 4 on the poetry of Noel Coward and the legendary cricket coach Alf Gover. He is also a popular public speaker and lifelong Charlton Athletic supporter.

Central Library – 7.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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FRIday 1 MARCH

• The Great Big Bexley Book Quiz • An afternoon with Lindsey Davis

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• Headline Poetry

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The Great Big Bexley Book Quiz

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Book Buzz

Calling all bookworms and quizzers…

Back by popular demand, it’s the Great Big Bexley Book Buzz Book Quiz!

We’re looking for teams of 4 people (maximum) to compete for the coveted title of Book Brains of Bexley 2019.

It’s sure to be a fun afternoon so come along with your friends and family to test your book knowledge.

Central Library – 2pm - 4pm

Book your ticket for a team of up to 4 people at the Central Library, Bexleyheath – places are limited, so get in quick!

Fri 1 March

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An afternoon with Lindsey Davis Historical novelist Lindsey Davis is best known for her novels set in Ancient Rome, including the muchloved Marcus Didius Falco series. After publishing 20 novels about Falco, Lindsey has now started writing about his daughter, Flavia Albia. Her new book about Flavia, “Pandora’s Boy” has just been published in paperback to great acclaim.

Fri 1 March

Her books have been dramatized on BBC Radio 4 and her many awards include the Premio Colosseo (from the city of Rome) and the Crime Writers’ Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement.

Most recently she was the inaugural winner of the Barcino (Barcelona) International Historical Novel Prize.

The Great Hall at Hall Place – 2.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Headline Poetry

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Book Buzz

With Laila Sumpton How do you write back to the news and turn headlines into thought provoking poems?

Join poet Laila Sumpton to explore different writing techniques that will help you write new vibrant poems responding to what is happening today. We’ll be exploring satire, found poetry, concise language, line breaks and writing in different voices and registers.

Writers of all abilities welcome Sidcup Library – 2.30pm – 4.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

Fri 1 March

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SATURday 2 March

• Family History drop-in session • Rainbow windmill making • Treasure Island shows

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• Wind in the Willows shows • An afternoon with Mike Gayle • Colourful kaleidoscopes craft

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Family History drop-in session

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Book Buzz

With the North West Kent Family History Society Who do you think you are?

If you are interested in getting started with researching your family tree, why not pop along and join members of the North West Kent Family History Society who will help you to track down your ancestors.

It’s an informal drop-in morning - all welcome!

Local Studies and Archive Centre (Central Library) – 10am – 1pm No need to book – just drop in!

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Treasure Island Presented by Aardvark Productions Join Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver as they search for Captain Flint’s buried treasure - a fun, interactive mini-pantomime, based on the famous book by Robert Louis Stevenson and performed by the Aardvark productions team.

“Pieces of eight! Pieces of eight!”

For families with children aged 4 and over Central Library 11am – 11.20am

SAT 2 March

12 noon – 12.20pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Wind in the Willows

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Book Buzz

Presented by Aardvark Productions Join Mole, Rat, Badger and Mr Toad for some fun on the river bank – will Mr Toad’s obsession with motor cars get him into even more trouble? This fun, interactive minipantomime, based on the famous book by Kenneth Grahame will be performed by the Aardvark productions team.

For families with children aged 4 and over Central Library 2pm – 2.20pm 3pm – 3.20pm

SAT 2 March

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com 83

An afternoon with Mike Gayle Following his hugely successful visit to Bexley for Book Buzz 2018, Mike has agreed to return to Bexley again for 2019.

Mike was born and raised in Birmingham and after graduation, he moved to London with ambitions of becoming a music journalist. Instead, in a slight career detour, he became the agony aunt for “Bliss” magazine and features editor for “Just Seventeen”. Since those days, Mike has written for a variety of publications, including “The Sunday Times”, “The Guardian” and “Cosmopolitan”.

SAT 2 March

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His first novel, “My Legendary Girlfriend” was published in 1997 and he has now published fifteen novels. His latest book, “The man I think I know”, was included in the Zoe Ball Book Club TV programme recently.

Central Library – 2.30pm

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com

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Rainbow Windmill Making

RARY FESTIVAL ITE YL

Book Buzz

Come along and join in with this fun craft activity and make a unique, colourful windmill to take home and keep!

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 5 and over due to small parts.

Ages 5 and above Thamesmead Library – 2.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries. eventbrite.com

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Colourful kaleidoscopes craft Come along to North Heath Community Library and join in with all the fun at this craft activity and design your own kaleidoscope to take home and keep!

Please note that this activity is only suitable for children aged 3 and over due to small parts.

Ages 3 and above North Heath Community Library - 11am

SAT 2 March Tickets are free but must be collected in advance from North Heath Community Library 86

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True Fictions: Into the mind of the author

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Book Buzz

The Exchange will be hosting a Pop-Up Cinema season between 16 February and 2 March, showing a series of films with a book theme.

The new Pop-Up Cinema season throws the limelight on the stories of the world’s best authors and poets, and explores the complex relationship between how we like to imagine our writers, and how they really are. Expect a range of films suitable for families and adults, plus themed drinks and snacks to get you in the mood.

Various dates between 16 February and 02 March The Exchange, Walnut Tree Road, Erith DA8 1RS Adults: £4; Under-16s: £2 To find out more, and to book tickets: www.theexchangeerith.com

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Free Digital magazines and comics Did you know that you can download FREE magazines, comics and graphic novels from Bexley Libraries?

You can read them online on your tablet, smartphone or PC or else download the RBDigital app to read them offline.

Magazines available include favourites like “Hello!”, “New Scientist”, “The Economist”, “Gardener’s World”, “Good Food”, “Popular Science”, “Total Film” and “Radio Times”.

There are lots of Marvel comics available too, including Ant Man, the Avengers, Black Panther, Captain America, Dr Strange, Fantastic Four, Guardians of the Galaxy, Incredible Hulk, Spiderman, Thor and X Men. Find out more at www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries

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www.bexleybookbuzz.com

Bostall Library Community Group

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Book Buzz