Library Warming Up for Hearth Festival

LITERATURE-LOVERS are invited to log on to Hearth festival, which is making its return after a two-year absence.

Four authors, Amy Sackville (Painter to the King), Alice Jolly (Mary Ann Sate, Imbecile), Carys Bray (When the Lights Go Out) and Rosalind Hudis (Restorations), will appear at Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden on February 5.

In person tickets to the event have sold out, but online tickets are available until the day of the event.

Participants can view the talks and submit questions to the authors through the Zoom Q&A.

Held in the Gladstone Room, Hearth takes its name from the way the visiting authors speak from beside the fireplace. The name also reflects its status as a cosy and intimate literary festival.

Rhian Waller, a spokesperson for the library, said: “There’s nothing quite like sitting down by a warm, crackling fire to listen to a good story or two.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer access to those who will not be able to make it on the day. This means anyone can join us by the hearth, regardless of where they are.

“The great thing about Hearth is that you get to hear the story behind the story. The visiting writers are all acclaimed authors who have something to say about history, about the art of writing, about poetry and more.”

Hearth is one of the most popular events on the Gladstone’s Library calendar and frequently sells out.

It started in 2013, and is now in its eighth year, having been suspended during the 2021 winter lockdown.

Peter Francis, Director of the Library, said: “Hearth offers fireside talks with four diverse authors. It is a very relaxed and enjoyable day – always one of my favourite events of the Library’s year. It finishes with a wide-ranging question and answer to the authors.

“Questions cover anything from the themes of their books, responding to the contemporary world or how to be a successful novelist or poet.”

Online tickets are £8 per talk. They are available here https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org/events/events-courses-list/hearth-2022  or through Reception on 01244 532 350.

—

Further information:

Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden is a registered charity and a unique institution. It is Britain’s finest residential library and its only Prime Ministerial library. It was founded by the Victorian statesman, William Ewart Gladstone and houses thousands of book, including his personal collection and contemporary literature. The current building, built in 1902, was funded by public subscription. In addition to the Reading Rooms, which are accessible to registered Readers, it offers overnight stays and in-house catering to guests and visitors.