Tuesday 18 June 2013

Edinburgh Libraries Tweet Up eltu1

Last week I went to the first Edinburgh Libraries Tweet Up #eltu1. It was organised by Lynn Corrigan, advertised on twitter with tickets available through eventbrite.
The event included a visit to the Scottish Poetry Library http://www.spl.org.uk/. I had been before for a quick look round but this time we had a guided tour by the librarian Julie Johnstone. She talked to us about the architecture and history of the building - outside and inside.






The library is a modern, beautiful building although it is quite small - like a treasure trove.






Upstairs the space is brighter and lighter and can be used as a flexible space for events. There is also a children's section with a variety of books.



Back downstairs we had a look at the book sculptures which have been made and left by the infamous anonymous book sculptor in Edinburgh.



Then we had a talk by Colin Waters the Communications Manager who is charge of the library's social media activities. He outlined their social media strategies and explained about their podcasts of poets readings.
The visit was very interesting and the overall impression was of the library being forward thinking and involved in making poetry accessible to a wide audience.
After visiting the library we went for food and drink at Hemma bar restaurant - where we had cider as recommended by Lynn.



There were 8 or 9 people there and I'm sure the next tweet up will be even more popular. It was good to see Anabel Marsh again - (we met through twitter) who organises the Glasgow Library Tweet Ups as well as other Glasgow Library related stuff. http://gltweeps.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/scottish-poetry-library/
Other people there included Karen, Ria and Simon from Napier Uni whom I'm hoping to arrange a visit with. And Kirsten who lives in the same area as me.
I'm looking forward to the next LibTweetUp.

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