A nationwide celebration of crime writing comes to libraries in South Ayrshire from Monday 14 June 2010 offering forensic fun, mysterious murders, wicked walks and dastardly drama as part of the entertainment.
Organised by South Ayrshire Libraries staff, with the National Crime Writers Association, the week long event kicks off at Carnegie Library at 7.30pm, when avid readers can take part in a social evening, read any book in the series by Jo Nesbo and join in an evening discussion. Tickets, including refreshments, cost £2 from Carnegie library.
On Tuesday 15 June from 2pm, local history librarian Tom Barclay leads a walking tour of Ayr, investigating town centre sites associated with rebels, smugglers, body snatchers, common criminals and thief takers all of whom have played their part in the colourful criminal history of the town.
Afternoon tea will be provided and the walk will also take place on Thursday 17 June from 7pm, meeting at Carnegie library for both walks. Tickets cost £2, available from the library, refreshments provided.
Author and Kilmarnock based lawyer Gary Moffat will talk about his new book, "Fallout", from 7.30pm at Carnegie library on 15 June, as he continues the scintillating story of Logan Finch. Tickets cost £2 from Carnegie library and refreshments will be provided.
There's high drama planned for Troon Library on Wednesday 16 June at 7pm, when Ayr Writers' Club present a murder mystery night with 'A Body in the Library' written by club members, repeated from 7pm at Carnegie library on Friday 18 June. Tickets cost £3 from Carnegie library and refreshments are provided.
Finally, on Saturday 19 June, youngsters get to play a modern day Sherlock Holmes with a fantastic forensic workshop called 'Help Ma Boab! There's been a Murder!'
Between 2.30pm and 4pm kids can qualify as a South Ayrshire Crime Scene Investigator and earn a badge to prove it, by taking part in a workshop and learning how real CSI officers interpret paper chromatographs, dust for fingerprints, analyse handwriting and examine blood splatter evidence.
Suitable for 8 to 11 year olds, entry is free but numbers are very limited. Sign up at Carnegie library or online at: http://library.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/screens/helpmaboab.html
Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure said: "You don't need to be a top detective to deduce that South Ayrshire libraries are the place to be during crime week.
"Offering something for everyone and every age, Carnegie and Troon libraries have worked hard to find a unique edge to this event.
"I'm particularly keen to learn more about Gary Moffat, and the crime walks through Ayr sound fascinating. I'd encourage everyone to support their local library and get along to at least one of the activities during the week.
"At these prices they're a steal and it really would be criminal to miss out!"