Bradford's Central Library is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a special event featuring author Will Self.

The commentator, journalist and author will be at the library tomorrow discussing his new book, The Book of Dave.

His visit launches a series of events, organised by Bradford Council's libraries, archives and information service, to celebrate the library's anniversary.

Special events include an exhibition looking at 40 years of the Central Library and there will be things happening in each of the district's 31 libraries, including internet taster sessions, holiday snap competitions and digital photography workshops.

During Bradford Book Festival and Adult Learners' Week in May there will be a short story competition with the joint themes of 40 and journey, tying in with the Join our Journey theme of Adult Learners' Week.

On the day of the library's anniversary, on Friday, April 13, there will be a lunch for past and present members of staff.

Paula Truman, Bradford Council's development officer for reading, said: "This is a very special time for the Central Library. We want to make the events a huge celebration of the anniversary and of what libraries have to offer.

"Will Self is unable to make the book festival this year so he agreed to come and launch our anniversary season instead. His readings are always very popular here in Bradford."

Also running tomorrow is a free prize draw for library members and new members joining that day, and there will be quizzes and games. There will also be an Easter bunny hunt, live music performed by students from Challenge College and free refreshments.

Visitors will have chance to find out about life when the library first opened at the Memory Zone on the fifth floor of the Central Library, part of the BBC People's War project.

And later this month there is a celebration of the wealth and diversity of resources available in libraries at the launch of the binspired partnership, a network of around 20 different libraries including Bradford University and College libraries.

Writer and broadcaster Ian Clayton will be a guest at the event, at the National Media Museum on Monday, April 23, from 2.30pm and 4pm.

Will Self's book reading tomorrow follows a drinks and music gathering in the Central Library from 7pm. Visitors will be asked to make their way to the Pictureville Cinema for his presentation after which he will sign copies of his book. Tickets are available on 0870 701 0200.

e-mail: emma.clayton@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here