AN American in Morpeth will be giving away free books as part of an international reading event.
Philadelphia-born Frank Rescigno settled in Morpeth 22 years ago when he came to the country through work.
Since then he has become a champion for local arts and culture through his role as a board member of the Greater Morpeth Development Trust (GMDT).
And now he as been selected by Morpeth Librarian Lynne Riddell to lead the town’s celebrations for World Book Night.
Mr Rescigno will be the Morpeth ‘book giver’ for the event and has chosen to give away copies of a book by his compatriot Bill Bryson, the best-selling Notes from a Small Island.
“I thought it was an apt choice because it is written by a fellow American who shares my affection for England,” he said.
Chosen book givers in the UK, Ireland, Germany and America will each have 24 copies of their favourite read to dish out, but in Morpeth there will be an added bonus as there will be another 24 books to hand out by local author Bridget Gubbins.
The Drovers Are Coming to Morpeth Town has been published by the GMDT with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, telling the story of Scottish cattlemen who drove their animals to the Morpeth market for centuries.
The books will be presented at a literary event in Morpeth Library, which will see Mr Rescigno and Deb Court read extracts from Bill Bryson’s book, readings by Mrs Gubbins from her new book and contributions by another local author Janet Macleod-Trotter and poet Amanda Baker.
Light refreshments will be provided by La Bodega Tapas Bar.
Mr Rescigno said: “The event is all about encouraging more people to know the enjoyment of reading.
“Here in Morpeth we have a wonderful facility in our town library so it is entirely appropriate that this event should be taking place there.”
The event takes place on Monday, from 7.30pm. Anyone is welcome to go along to receive a book, but pre-registration is advised by calling Morpeth Library on 01670 500390.
Elsewhere in the town, Waterstones book shop in Sanderson Arcade will invite members of its teen book club to read excerpts from their favourite books and give reviews, from 5pm to 6.30pm.
Meanwhile, Waterstones’ staff are already taking orders for JK Rowling’s first adult novel, The Casual Vacancy, which is being released on September 27.
As part of the celebrations for World Book Night, the Herald has teamed up with Waterstones to offer readers a £25 gift voucher for the Morpeth store.
For a chance to win, answer the following question:
What is the name of JK Rowling’s much-anticipated novel?
Send your answers to Waterstones, Morpeth Herald, 17 Newgate Street, Morpeth, NE61 1AW. The closing date is Friday, April 27. The first correct answer out of the hat will win.