This year’s theme is Rivers, Lochs and Seas and we hope that this topic, which you can interpret in any way you see fit, will inspire many of you to put pen-to-paper. The first prize for this competition is £75, and there will be a consolation prize of £25 for the runner-up. All entries will be judged by one of Scotland’s leading poets, Janet Paisley. You can deposit or post your entries to any West Dunbartonshire library. Clearly mark your entry ‘Booked! Poetry Competition’. The closing date for submission is May the 23rd and winners will be announced during June.

The overwhelming majority of events are free of charge with the exception of the crime panel event which will cost £3 and the final event. Adult events will require a ticket to gain admission, but these will be issued free of charge and may be available on the night. Tickets for all events will be held at Dumbarton and Clydebank Libraries, but arrangements can be made to have them sent to any West Dunbartonshire Library on request. Tickets for certain events will be available from Alexandria Library, Balloch Library, Dalmuir Library and the Kilted Skirlie Restaurant.

The symbol of the Booked Festival of Words, as seen on the front of the programme, is the work of the author and artist, Alasdair Gray. Our thanks to him.

There are two book quizzes available this year. One is relatively straightforward and the other will require a bit more effort and research. Quiz sheets are available from any West Dunbartonshire Library and can be handed in to any branch upon completion. The closing date is the 23rd of May. The winner of the challenging quiz will receive a £30 book token and the winner of the easier quiz will receive a £20 book token. In the event of a tie the winning entry will be drawn from a hat.

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The physical regeneration of Clydebank waterfront is rapidly gathering pace, driven forward by Clydebank re-built, West Dunbartonshire Council and other public and private sector partners.

Both the public realm installations below were funded through the wider environmental improvement works in Clydebank Town Centre led by West Dunbartonshire Council and Clydebank re-built, funded by Scottish Government, Clydebank re-built and URBAN II European funding.

Walk the "Memory Line"

This permanent 30 metre installation of blue glazed bricks is etched with words portraying some key events in the history of Clydebank and the Forth & Clyde Canal. "Memory Line" is positioned along the original northern edge of the canal as it passed through Clydebank, before it was narrowed in more recent years. This new installation can be found along the canal side pavement edge, adjacent to McMonagle's restaurant in Clydebank Town Centre.

Stop for a blether on a "Bankie Bench"

Two new benches have been installed along the north bank of the Forth & Clyde Canal in Clydebank Town Centre. These large, square black polished granite blocks, incorporate seats from which to admire text and graphics etched into the stonework. One bench is dedicated to the Singer Clock and the other to the famous Canal Goldfish of Clydebank. All the text and imagery installed in each "Bankie Bench" is the product of a series of workshops held with Primary School children from across the whole of Clydebank. Bankies will be encouraged to stop a while on a "Bankie Bench" even on colder days, as they will be heated! These installations can be found in the new public space in front of Dunnes Stores, at the Clyde Shopping Centre.

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‘Bustles, Britannia & Big Ideas’
(Clydebank, Dumbarton & Vale of Leven in the Victorian Era)

Following last years hugely popular exhibition of the same name at Clydebank Museum. This publication runs to 100 pages packed full of local photos and information on the Victorian era in Clydebank, Dumbarton & the Vale of Leven. If you have ever wondered how your ancestors lived over a hundred years ago, and how the towns they inhabited changed during this tumultuous time this is the book for you. Featuring chapters including: ‘Social History’, ‘Crime & Punishment’, ‘Trade & Empire’, ‘Family’, and ‘Entertainment & Leisure’. This book illustrates the lives of local people, and how these towns expanded during the growth of industry including Singers, shipbuilding, and fabric and dying. This is a fascinating look at how your ancestors lived, worked and played during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 - 1901).

Priced: £7.99. Available from branch libraries from Thursday 15th May.