World Book Day at the JMH

What a thrill it was to see children dress up in their favourite characters on World Book Day!

The excitement of choosing what to wear and becoming one’s favourite character was evident as many of the schools joined

in the events at the John Mackintosh Hall. This was the fourth year running that the hall celebrated the day with a whole series of events and yesterday was the largest yet.

Their Storytelling afternoon session had to be moved to the theatre because it has become so big over the years.

And  the staff at the hall also dressed up as the characters of this year’s chosen book ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ which many of the schools are also reading.

It was wonderful to see the staff all joined in the fun of the day and get into their characters.

And as the pupils and teachers arrived at the hall to meet some of the local authors, find a book in the ‘book crossing’

room, view the Young Artists Competition currently on display in the hall, learn about

the Wizard of Oz - the team led by Kimberly Pecino dressed as the Wicked Witch of the North (reminiscent also of the witch in the popular musical Wicked) - one could not help noticing this was a very special day for them. One which is not just about participating in such a fun event but also learning about the importance of

reading and being absorbed in the story and become one of the characters.

The local authors in the hall yesterday had their books on show and enjoyed talking to

all especially the young pupils. There were many questions.

Across the hall adults and children alike looked at the books available in the large tables which they could

browse through and take home.

Others also brought in books to exchange.

And in another room Jackie Anderson, winner of our poetry competition last year,

and a regular contributor, held a series of sessions on ‘writing short stories’.

This was a busy day at the hall and it keeps on growing year on year and one which should be wholly supported.

With the library’s catalogue now on-line perhaps you too could visit the hall.