Mitchell Library Visit

Published on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

Hello, Josie here again – one of Dick’s great-grandchildren and also the co-author of Ambrose Follows His Nose.

Part of the reason I was asked to work on Ambrose by our family was my background in English literature and creative writing, which I studied at Glasgow University. While I was studying, I used to spend a lot of time in the beautiful, ornate Mitchell Library, which sits on the edge of the West end. (I also did my interview with Newsround at the Mitchell library back in 2022, which you can watch here!)

I love libraries. They feel safe and familiar, and I like to people watch – there are always interesting people at the library. Of course, I also like being surrounded by books. And the Mitchell library has some of the best carpets I’ve ever seen. It’s worth a visit to see those alone!

So I’m sure you can see why I was so excited when I was asked to participate in Wee Write at the Mitchell library in June, the children’s literature offshoot of Glasgow’s Aye, Write! festival.

Wee Write has events for all ages, from family days to illustration workshops. It’s a big part of Glasgow’s summer and, like Dick, I’m always keen to get involved in any events that aim to get children interested in books. Especially when they’re just down the road from my flat!

I spoke to my lovely local crowd about Dick’s life and work, from farming to teaching to writing. We read from one of Dick’s best comedic works (in my humble opinion), Friends and Brothers.

I also spoke about the process of finding and finishing off the manuscript of Ambrose. I wrote almost all of my half of the book during lockdown, but I’m sure if I’d been allowed out of my flat I would have been writing it in the Mitchell library!

Big thanks to Fiona for organising the event, and also to all the budding young writers and readers who came to listen to me and ask lots of great questions.

Mitchell Library exterior picture via Wikipedia.

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