25 March 2014: The 10^th Annual Cork World Book Fest today launches its programme featuring a range of well-known and emerging writers who will travel from around the world. Running from the 22-26 April 2014, highlights include readings from prizewinning Irish-Canadian author Anakana Schofield, US writer Nicole Kelby, and the very prolific English novelist Jane Gardam. Presentations by and discussions with distinguished literary figures such as Robert McCrum (UK) and Lara Marlowe (US and France), are also included in the Festival’s exciting line-up as well as a welcome return to Cork of the Belfast writer Glenn Patterson with his new novel.

Year on year the Festival attracts over 15,000 people with this year’s five-day long celebration of ‘the book in all its aspects’ also featuring a variety of culturally-stimulating events, combining interactive performances with lively street fair.

Commenting on the launch, Liam Ronayne, Fest Chairman said, “We are very excited to be celebrating our 10^th year of the Fest. What started as a one day Festival during Cork’s year as European Capital of Culture, is now an established fixture in Cork’s festival calendar.  This year we have attracted world renowned authors, unique street performances and food and music for all ages. It is very important that the Festival engages people of all ages to highlight the wonderful world of books and reading. Therefore, once again this year we are hosting a Teen Day, with events dedicated to teenagers, and a Family and Kids day with events for the youngest children.”

The Cork World Book Festival 2014 will be officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Catherine Clancy, on Tuesday, 22^nd April at 19:00 at Cork City Library. On the same evening, the audience will have the pleasure of listening to readings by Anakana Schofield and Nicole Kelby.

On Wednesday, April 23^rd, at 19:00 in the City Library, the Festival welcomes two writers featured in Dalkey Archive Press’ anthology of short stories, Best European Fiction 2014: Tõnu Õnnepalu (Estonia) and Susana Medina (Spain). Later that evening, the library will host a ‘Kickback City’ evening, an audio-visual presentation of Ian Rankin’s The Lie Factory—a crime novella inspired by the words and music of Rory Gallagher.

Thursday’s events are highlighted by Truth-And Nonfiction, a discussion and readings by Lara Marlowe and Cork’s own Peadar King, led by journalist and former RTÉ news reporter Flor MacCarthy. Truth- And Nonfiction commences at 20:30 in Triskel Christchurch and promises to be an engaging evening.

Friday, April 25, brings the presentation by Robert McCrum of The Observer on the 10 greatest novels of his literary life(19:00, City Library), and Jane Gardam in conversation with Ann Lutrell, Programmer at the Triskel Arts Centre and one of the Festival’s Directors (20:30, Triskel Christchurch).

The Festival’s final day, Saturday 26^th April, boasts an array of activities from a free, 6-hour long instructional session on getting published (10:30.m., City Library, booking required)  through to Mary Kenny and Tony Flannery’s topical discussion with journalist Colette Sheridan (16:00, Triskel Christchurch). Additionally, book stalls, food stalls, music and entertainment will enrich Grand Parade throughout the day.

The four-day long celebration concludes with the launch of Madeleine D’Arcy’s first short story collection, Waiting for the Bullet, at 20:00 in Triskel Christchurch. This final event is free and will be hosted by much loved fellow Corkonian, writer Conal Creedon.  All are encouraged to come enjoy and commemorate the 10^th birthday of the Cork World Book Fest.

 As always, the Festival offers something for everyone and on Thursday the 24^th of April a Teen Day will be held at Cork City Library with a range of events for creative teenagers. These include the announcement of the winner of the 7^th Annual Short Story Competition and the winner of Webisodes Film Competition (short films made on phones), along with a graphic novel master class led by seasoned graphic novelist Alan Nolan.  Following the morning’s festivities will be a writing showcase of Bishoptown Library’s teenage creative writing group and a photography workshop by YMCA’S Ground Floor team.

Saturday, April 26 offers a range of family-oriented activity, beginning with Cork Community Art Link’s latest installation, centring on Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s classic book Le Petit Prince / The Little Prince, a huge installation on Grand Parade and in the foyer of the City Library.  An interactive story session in the Children’s Library and a Music Club performance in the City Library foyer will also take place on the day.

All of this year’s main events are to be held at Cork City Central Library and Triskel Christchurch, with an outdoor market on the Grand Parade on Saturday, 26^th April.

Events at Cork City Library are free.  Triskel events can be booked online at www.triskelartscentre.ie or by calling 021 4272022.

For the full programme see www.constantreader.ie/corkworldbookfest