Brighton and Hove Libraries to Host Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell on National Libraries Day

Brighton and Hove Libraries in partnership with the Society of Chief Librarians and BookTrust is thrilled to announce that Waterstones Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell will be live in Jubilee Library on 6 February, National Libraries Day.

Chris Riddell will be in conversation with The Guardian Children’s Book Editor Julia Eccleshare beginning at 11 am at Jubilee Library. The event will feature live drawing from Chris and Q&A with the audience, followed by a book signing.

Chris Riddell is a prolific writer and illustrator whose work is familiar to both children and adults. He is known especially for his distinctive line drawings with their clever caricature, fascinating detail and often enchanting fantasy elements. In addition to his children's books, Chris is a renowned political cartoonist whose work appears in The Observer, The Literary Review and The New Statesman. He lives in Brighton with his wife and has three grown-up children.

Julia Eccleshare is a writer, broadcaster and lecturer, and the Guardian's children's books editor. She is a judge of the Branford Boase first novel prize and was a judge for the Whitbread Children's Book prize in 2001.

Ciara Eastell, SCL President, said: “Chris Riddell is a staunch support of libraries and of the Summer Reading Challenge. We are thrilled that he is able to do this event in Brighton. Libraries are full of unique events like this one, providing something for every age group to enjoy and learn from.”

The Jubilee Library will also be hosting the Poetry By Heart County Contest on 6 February from 1pm to 5pm.

Poetry By Heart is a national competition which encourages pupils aged 14-18 to learn and recite poems by heart. Young people from across the region will go head to head to win a coveted place in the finals.

There will also be performances from poets Tommy Sissons, Michael Parker and Kay Walton.

Councillor Alan Robins, Deputy of Economic Development and Culture Committee, said: “The fact we will have two exciting events taking place for National Libraries Day is excellent! Libraries are an important part of our society and it is wonderful that Chris Riddell will be able to help us celebrate their significance on National Libraries Day.

“The Poetry By Heart competition will be a great opportunity for young people to engage with and discover the pleasures of poetry whilst also bringing it alive for the audience.”