Bournemouth libraries are setting themselves the challenge of encouraging everyone in the town to read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
The novel, chosen because the author is buried in Bournemouth, was written by Shelley was she was just nineteen.
Having been written in 1818 – a year before the coronation of Queen Victoria - 2008 is also Frankenstein’s 190th anniversary.
“Even though it’s a small book it’s very challenging and the issues in it are still relevant today,” said Vicki Goldie, the area manager for Bournemouth libraries, “for example: the exclusion from society of those who look different.
“So - diversity, disability, even those who have plastic surgery to make themselves look different.”
The event, dubbed ‘The Big Bournemouth Read’, has included a Gothic-themed launch party, a candlelit reading on Halloween and a series of coffee mornings.
In addition, the library has run lectures by John Walker, who conducts literary walks around Bournemouth, and Diane Roberts, who designed the sign for the Mary Shelley pub in Bournemouth town centre.
The novel, chosen because the author is buried in Bournemouth, was written by Shelley was she was just nineteen.
Having been written in 1818 – a year before the coronation of Queen Victoria - 2008 is also Frankenstein’s 190th anniversary.
“Even though it’s a small book it’s very challenging and the issues in it are still relevant today,” said Vicki Goldie, the area manager for Bournemouth libraries, “for example: the exclusion from society of those who look different.
“So - diversity, disability, even those who have plastic surgery to make themselves look different.”
The event, dubbed ‘The Big Bournemouth Read’, has included a Gothic-themed launch party, a candlelit reading on Halloween and a series of coffee mornings.
In addition, the library has run lectures by John Walker, who conducts literary walks around Bournemouth, and Diane Roberts, who designed the sign for the Mary Shelley pub in Bournemouth town centre.
So far The Big Bournemouth Read appears to have been a success, with people who would not have otherwise read Frankenstein enjoying coming to the coffee mornings and talking about the novel.
“It’s very different to the films,” said Ms. Goldie, “people have been surprised because they thought they were going to be reading a horror.”
The library hopes that the events will encourage more people to read, not just because high reading skills are necessary in terms of careers, but also because it is a very good way to relax.
The scheme, which has been launched as part of the National Year of Reading will run until December.
The library hopes that the events will encourage more people to read, not just because high reading skills are necessary in terms of careers, but also because it is a very good way to relax.
The scheme, which has been launched as part of the National Year of Reading will run until December.
The Mary Shelley pub and St Peter's Church, where the author is buried.
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