Olympic fever is running high in Haddington library. We may not be there, but we can feel the atmosphere by reading about those Olympians who have struggled to overcome injuries, personal difficulties and won through to achieve their dreams! We can admire their determination by reading and absorbing the amazing time challenges, training shedules and dedication they set themselves.
Books we’ve found inspiring:
The Greatest British Olympians; a celebration of Team GB’s outstanding athletes past and present, by Neil Wilson
Running with the Kenyans: discovering the fastest people on earth, by Adharanand Finn
Heat of the moment: 25 extraordinary stories from Olympic and Paralympic History
The Secret Olympian, the Inside Story of the Olympic Experience
Eric Liddell: pure gold, by Dave McCasland
We also have biographies of Sir Chris Hoy, Roger Black and who knows who will come along next to be added to this list!
Our East Lothian competitors, Josh Taylor (boxing), Rose Anderson (basketball), Euan Burton (judo) and Joanne Morgan (volleyball) will be supported from afar by very proud East Lothian residents. We know how hard they have worked to get there.
Children can be inspired by Usain Bolt’s story and find lots of other books about Olympic sport and sportsmen and women. To get in the spirit of it all, we are having an Olympic Fun and Crafts afternoon on Thursday the 9th August: “What team are you in?” will be on at 2pm in the library. Contact us to join in: 01620 820680.
On another note, September the 6th sees the launch of a new book by local author Marie MacPherson, called First Blast of the Trumpet. This is set in and around Hailes Castle, St Mary’s Church and throughout East Lothian. It’s a guid Scots read, full of lively characters, romance, intrigue, Scots phrases and local connections. Marie, who was Tyne and Esk Writers ‘Writer of the Year 2011′, is holding the book launch in the Star Room, John Gray Centre on September 11th in conjunction with the Tyne and Esk Writers group. Copies will be available to buy on the night and will also be available to borrow from the library.
Talking of Tyne and Esk Writers, our new session begins meeting in the library at 7pm on the 7th August. The Haddington Group has been meeting for over 10 years. and is supported by East Lothian Library Service. Over that time writers have published poetry pamphlets, books and had encouragement from our Writers in Residence and other members of the group. It may seem daunting at the start, but why not give it a try? You never know where it might take you!
Looking forward to seeing you in the library soon!
Mention of the current crop of Olympians makes me wonder about East Lothian competitors in Olympics past. Hugh Roddin of Musselburgh (http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/Content/Help/index.aspx?2171#roddin) is one such; are there others? Please tell us if you know.