International crime writer Ann Cleeves to visit Boort

Acclaimed British crime writer Ann Cleeves will visit Boort Library Agency on Thursday 9 August to celebrate the launch of the newly renovated space and to share stories about her own illustrious writing career.

Ann is the award-winning author of the iconic Vera and Shetland mystery series which have both been adapted into immensely popular TV series. Four series of Shetland and eight series of Vera have been screened with a ninth series being recently confirmed.

Ann’s writing career came about after her husband, Tim, was appointed as warden of a tiny tidal island off the coast of England and Wales. With little to keep her occupied, and no other residents on the small isle, Ann began to write. Her first book A Bird in the Hand was heavily inspired by this isolated location.

A long list of achievements for Ann include a Duncan Lawrie Dagger in 2006, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Sunderland in 2014, and a Diamond Dagger Award from the Crime Writers’ Association in 2017, the highest honour in British crime writing.

Coinciding with Ann’s visit will be the launch of the newly refurbished library agency at Boort. Building works are well underway at the Boort Resource and Information Centre (BRIC) which houses the library space, and with thanks to BRIC and the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, the library is seeing a significant extension.

“We are honoured to have this remarkably talented writer visit our library agency in Boort. Renovations will soon be complete, and we’re excited to be able to show off our new space with such a special guest,” says Gemma Rayner, Goldfields Libraries Community Based Services Coordinator.

Celebrations will run from 2pm-3pm, beginning with Goldfields Libraries CEO Mark Hands officially opening the new space, followed by Ann’s talk, afternoon tea, and book signing.

Ann Cleeves is a guest at this year’s Bendigo Writer’s Festival, and Goldfields Libraries would like to thank the festival for making this opportunity available.

The session is free, but bookings are required via www.goldfieldslibraries.com