WOLLASTON comedy author Geoff Tristram will be launching a borough reading challenge as part of a day of a national day to celebrate libraries.

Geoff, who has written a series of comedy novels about madcap characters David Day and Adam Eve, will be launching the Six Book Challenge at Brierley Hill Library to mark National Libraries Day on Saturday February 9.

Libraries across the borough will also be staging events and activities on the day which aims to showcase how important libraries are to communities.

The Six Book Challenge is a national scheme to encourage people out of the reading habit or less confident about reading to try reading six books between February and the end of June.

To get people geared up the challenge, Geoff will be talking about his humorous writings between 2pm and 3pm and refreshments will be available from noon for those keen to find out more about the reading initiative.

Geoff, of Eggington Road, said: “I love things like the library event. I like to enthuse people and teach people things, so the Six Book Challenge is my chance to do just that.”

Meanwhile at Stourbridge Library there will be Beano Cartoon illustration workshops, led by artist Laura Howell, taking place at 11.30am and 2pm.

Suitable for families and children aged five and upwards, the event is free to attend but booking is recommended.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, Dudley’s cabinet member for housing, libraries and adult learning, said: “There are so many learning opportunities taking place in our libraries and many activities are free so I would encourage people to make the most of what is on offer.”

Call 01384 812945 to book a place at the Stourbridge event.