Bestselling author Sophie Hannah joins the line-up at the annual Readers’ Day at County Hall on Saturday 12 November.  Best known for psychological crime fiction and poetry, she has now claimed her place as heir to Agatha Christie by publishing two new internationally-acclaimed Hercule Poirot novels.

She’s joined by Dr Jane Hawking, whose memoir of life with Stephen Hawking became the Oscar-winning Theory of Everything’ and whose novel ‘Silent Music’ was published in September, and Derbyshire author Joanna Cannon, whose debut novel ‘The Trouble with Goats and Sheep’ was an instant hit.

The day-long annual book fest attracts readers from across the city and county and is expected to be a sell-out. Booking is essential.  Tickets are available via booking forms available from local libraries or through https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/libraries/library-activities-and-events/annual-readers-day-2016/ .  Early bird tickets (booked by 23 October) are £18 full price, £15 concessions.   Standard prices after that date are £20 full, £17 concessions.

Alongside the author talks, participants can choose two from a selection of ten workshops including British and American crime fiction; unfinished works; forgotten Nottingham authors; the survival of the sonnet, and a talk by acclaimed Nottingham author Alison Moore, whose latest novel ‘Death and the Seaside’ is now in shops and libraries.

Readers’ Day is organised jointly by Nottingham City Libraries and Inspire, which delivers culture, learning and libraries on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.  It takes place during Nottingham Festival of Literature www.nottsfol.co.uk .

Councillor Dave Trimble, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: “This 13th annual Readers’ Day will be as popular as ever with its first-rate line-up of high-profile and inspirational authors.  The event has added impetus this year with Nottingham celebrating its recent designation as a UNESCO City of Literature.  Events such as this demonstrate how books can entertain, inform and motivate – and remind us that they are freely available from libraries, a valuable resource for the whole community.”

Peter Gaw, Chief Executive of Inspire, said:  “We are delighted to be part of this great event dedicated to the love of books and reading. This is our first Readers’ Day since we launched as Inspire in April and it’s a wonderful opportunity as the organisation who delivers culture, learning and libraries in Nottinghamshire to encourage a love of reading.  Readers’ Day will be of great interest to everyone who loves books, a chance to meet other book-lovers and enjoy discussions on a range of reading related topics”