A day of poetry celebrating Friendship, Love and

Times: Workshop: 11am , Poetry reading: 2.30pm

Anjum Malik returns to Rochdale to read a selection of her wonderful poetry in both English and Urdu. For all you Rochdale writers, there will be a creative writing workshop with Anjum on the theme of Friendship, Love and Food. The workshop starts at 11am.

For more information and to book your free place for the workshop please contact the Reader Development Librarian at the Wheatsheaf Library on 01706 924941.

Getting involved in Milnrow Library

The poetry group at Milnrow Library meets once a fortnight to share a love of poems. Each session has a different theme, giving members the opportunity to share ideas and opinions on both contemporary and traditional verses. Tutors also offer advice and tips on writing poetry.

The library also has an active reading group, giving people the opportunity to explore new authors and genres and share their views with other people. Members of the group choose a novel in advance which is then discussed in the next session. Don't worry that you can't join the group because you've not read the book — it's a friendly and inclusive group who welcome newcomers.


These sessions are free and anyone of any age is welcome to join in. To get details of the next session please ring Jean at the library on 01706 641563.

Darnhill Festival — Past, Presence and Future

Ann and the staff at Darnhill Library are working full-tilt to support the latest Darnhill Festival, which takes place on Monday 17th December.

If it's a nice day on Monday and you visit the library you'll see the Poetree — poems will be hung from its branches — and an exhibition of the work that's been done with some of the artists from Cartwheel Arts. If it's not a nice day the library will be hosting some of the other events, too.

We're definitely looking forward to the unveiling of The Father Christmas of the Future by Year 2 of St. Margaret's School!

Poetry to smile about

There were lots of smiling faces at Littleborough Library's children's poetry workshop. The workshop was organised by members of Littleborough Poetry Group who encouraged the children to write about things that made them happy.

The children produced some great work. Shabana will be putting some of them up on display for everyone to enjoy.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this a success.

What Makes You Happy

Littleborough Poetry Group is having a workshop for children called "What Makes You Happy" at Littleborough Library from 2.30pm — 3.30pm on Monday 29th October.

The workshop's suitable for children aged 7 or over.

If you're interested, please ring the library — (01706) 378219 — to reserve a place.

National Poetry Day

Today's National Poetry Day, with this year's theme being dreams.

Do you have a favourite poem on this theme? Please use the "Comment" function on this blog to let us know about it. Rather despite myself my favourite poet remains the bard and tragedian William McGonagall but I'm blessed if I can recall any of his poems on this theme.

Anthologies of English poetry in our libraries.