'CHOCOLAT' AUTHOR COMES TO YORK TO LAUNCH BIG CITY READ (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

'CHOCOLAT' AUTHOR COMES TO YORK TO LAUNCH BIG CITY READ

July 8, 2010 12:00 AM

Internationally renowned author Joanne Harris will be visiting York next week as a summer of activities for this year's Big City Read kicks off in style at York Explore.

Joanne Harris is the author of 'Chocolat' this year's chosen book for the Big City Read and she will be helping to launch a summer of reading themed events as she comes to York to talk about her most famous book on Wednesday 14th July.

Copies of 'Chocolat' will be available from the library as part of the aim of the Big City Read to get as many people as possible to read the same book and take part in events based on the theme.

Copies of Chocolat will be also be available in audio formats and in different languages to encourage everyone to join in.

Alongside a discussion with author Joanne Harris, Big City Read partners York Museums Trust and the York Festival of Food and Drink will also be on hand to explain the importance of chocolate to the history of York, as well as providing some samples for people to try.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion, Councillor Nigel Ayre said he hoped this year's events would replicate the success of last year's Big City Read.

He said, "Last year's Big City Read was a great success, more than 7000 copies of the chosen book, CJ Sansom's 'Sovereign' were given out and more than 1000 people took part in events based on the Tudor theme of the book."

"The staff that worked on the Big City Read last year put on a fantastic array of events that appealed to a wide range of people. It was great to see people from all over the city joining together and sharing the experience of reading."

"I am sure that this year will be even more successful and will encourage more people to find out about the events that take place in our libraries and museums all year round to support reading and culture in the city."

Tickets for the event at York Explore have sold out but residents keen to meet Joanne Harris will have another chance when she returns to York in September.