Writers urged to apply for Story Shop places
Story Shop began in 2007 and offers authors the opportunity to perform in live storytelling events at the Edinburgh International Festival Bookshop. In 2009 it moved to the Spiegeltent and it has been a launch pad for several writers.
It is now coming back in a new format with Story Sessions which will take place during August and emerging writers are urged to apply for a slot. This will link selected authors to the National Library of Scotland's (NLS) Dear Library exhibition sharing their stories about becoming a writer. These will be performed in the National Library's exhibition space where NLS is celebrating the power of books and libraries.
The exhibition is named 'Dear Library', after the poem by former Makar Jackie Kay, whose literary archive was acquired by the Library last year.
The National Library of Scotland continues its centenary celebrations with a major exhibition celebrating all kinds of libraries, and the books that shaped us. Pic caption: Wester Hailes Librarians & exhibition contributors Jessi Dimmock & Susannah Leake on the library steps Pic Neil Hanna
Dr Harriet MacMillan, Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature said:'Story Shop holds a very special place in the heart of many of the city's writers. We thought that our 20th anniversary as the world's first City of Literature was the perfect opportunity to engage with a new cohort of literary talent. Our city has an unparalleled literary heritage, held by the National Library of Scotland; we are so excited to find diverse new voices who will become part of this tradition.'
Martha Burns Findlay, Head of Public Programmes at the National Library of Scotland said:'The National Library of Scotland is a home of writers' archives and a treasure trove of stories, so we're delighted to be collaborating with Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature on the upcoming Story Sessions. Our exhibition 'Dear Library' will provide a unique backdrop for this event series. Guest writers will be nestled amongst the books in our pop-up reading room – it's sure to be a memorable experience for all.'
Dear Library Story Sessions is a development opportunity and showcase for writers based in Edinburgh that are comfortable performing and sharing the books that have inspired their writing. Produced by Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature, it takes place 12 – 14, and 19 – 21 August, Tues – Thursday, at midday – free and ticketed – in the National Library's exhibition space. Dear Library Story Sessions is ticketed on the Fringe programme online.
Submissions for writers to apply close on Sunday 20 July 2025. You can find out more information about the Story Sessions callout and how to submit via the website: https://cityofliterature.com/nls-story-sessions-callout/
The National Library of Scotland continues its centenary celebrations with a major exhibition celebrating all kinds of libraries, and the books that shaped us.
Pic caption: Wester Hailes Librarians and exhibition contributors Susannah Leake & Jessi Dimmock read to Jo Stevenson with her son Sonny (aged5)
Pic Neil Hanna
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