This in from Tess at Ventnor Library, in her own words. Ed
Ventnor Library was delighted to be a venue for four events during the Isle of Arts Festival last weekend.
Friday night, on the centenary of his death, it was standing room only for a fascinating celebration of the publication of a “Lost Journal” by Bram Stoker, the author of the classic Dracula.
Noel Dobbs, Bram’s great grandson, shared family reminiscences and Brian J Showers, an eminent authority on the gothic novel from Dublin, gave us an entertaining lecture on the great man, his life, and position as leading light of the genre which has spawned so many imitators.
Noel brought with him some artefacts including books presented to Bram by the likes of Walt Whitman and Mark Twain as well as the original “Journal”. There was a raffle of a signed copy of the “Lost Journal”, proceeds going to the Friends of Ventnor Library fund for projects in the Library.
Puppet fun and tea party madness
On Saturday morning the Children’s Library was packed with youngsters making puppets with Teresa Grimaldi, courtesy of Isle of Arts. Everyone enjoyed themselves and went home with their creations. Special thanks to Tabitha who gave us a “Royal” puppet called William who is now in pride of place at the counter!
On Saturday afternoon Val and Evelyn from FVL organised a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in the Children’s Library, for 20 youngsters in “Alice in Wonderland” inspired fancy dress.
We all dressed up, but the competition was for the children and was won by the White Rabbit and the Dormouse! Once again there was a raffle in aid of the FVL fund to support special projects in the Library.
Celebrating World Book Night
Finally on Monday’s World Book Night, an intrepid group of people, including some of the organizers of Isle of Arts who were dead on their feet, came to accept a free WBN copy of “Rebecca” from Elizabeth and watch a short film of Hardeep Singh Kohli read from his favourite book of the moment.
Then, a surprisingly large group of people read from an eclectic mix of their favourites, some funny, some sad, all thought-provoking and beautifully written.
Such were the numbers that we didn’t even get to the Quiz!
So, many thanks to all those who attended, congratulations and thanks to Isle of Arts for including us and thanks to all those who helped along the way. If you didn’t make it to any of the events, there are photographs and a display!
