Experience the Edinburgh International Book Festival at a library near you. Join us for free screenings of selected author talks, streamed live from the festival. Discover inspiring conversations with bestselling writers, all from the comfort of your local library. See individual listings for dates, times and participating libraries. Mairi Kidd, Marion Gibson & Steven Veerapen: Thursday 20th August, 12:45, The Mitchell Library and Partick Library At a time when women’s rights are once again at threat across the world, it’s perhaps no wonder that our fascination with the witch-hunts of the 1600s still burns bright. Today, we’re joined by Mairi Kidd (Newes of Witches), Marion Gibson (Witchland), and Steven Veerapen (Witches: A King’s Obsession) – the authors of brilliant new books that touch on themes of paranoia, moral panic, and obsession. What can our witch-hunting past warn us about the world of today? Chaired by David Greig. The Front List: Colson Whitehead: Friday 21st August, 1pm, The Mitchell Library Colson Whitehead is one of America’s most skilled and essential storytellers, holding the horrors of history in one hand and big-hearted humanity in the other. After consecutive Pulitzer Prize-wins for The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, he concludes his acclaimed Harlem trilogy with Cool Machine: a portrait of hustle in 1980s New York. Join Whitehead for an energising conversation on why we can’t move forward without looking back. Chaired by Samira Ahmed. Supertato Silliness with Paul Linnet | Saturday 22 August, 10am, The Mitchell Library Stories, songs, and silly times await in this event with the author of everybody’s favourite spud: Supertato! Join Paul Linnet to celebrate the release of the latest adventure, Supertato: Despicable Bean. The brand new book sees Supertato and squad go on a hilarious holiday where the heat is on. Find out if the gang make their getaway as a mean, green baddie returns to rile everyone up and cause some serious trouble. Lorraine Kelly: The Island Secret | Saturday 22nd August, 12:45pm, The Mitchell Library A true Scottish national treasure, broadcaster, and bestselling author Lorraine Kelly needs little introduction. Hot on the heels of her debut novel, The Island Swimmer, she returns to Orkney with The Island Secret, which sees an unexpected visitor turn life upside down for Evie - who'd hoped to finally find some peace. As warm and engaging as her stories, Val McDermid chats to Kelly about drawing inspiration from the island she’s been visiting annually since 1985. Who Am I? with Jacqueline Wilson | Sunday 23rd August, 1:30pm, Hillhead Library The creator of Tracy Beaker hardly needs any introduction – Jacqueline Wilson is literally a legend. Back at the Festival after a sold out show last year, she brings us her latest book, Esme Pepper – if Tracy was loudly ‘this is my life!’, Esme is more ‘Who am I, and where do I fit?’ The Jacqueline Wilson story stardust is as sparkly as ever, and today she’ll take us into the heart of how she weaves her unique magic. Jacqueline megafans assemble! Ann Patchett: The Front List | Saturday 29th August, 1pm, The Mitchell Library and Dennistoun Library Ann Patchett is one of the most masterful and beloved writers of our time. Her new novel, Whistler, is a radiant story about the power of human connection to defy time, as a woman unexpectedly encounters her former stepfather years after a brief but life-shaping bond. In this unmissable conversation, the incomparable cartographer of human emotion, and author of Bel Canto and The Dutch House, reflects on memory, belonging, and a literary life devoted to exploring what makes us who we are. Chaired by Roxani Krystalli. The Front List: Douglas Stuart | Sunday 30th August, 1pm, Elder Park Library With his debut novel, Shuggie Bain, Douglas Stuart created a Scottish publishing sensation and seized the 2020 Booker Prize. His hotly anticipated new work, John of John (described by Lauren Groff as ‘a fierce, glorious sting of a novel'), follows art school graduate Cal as he returns home to the Isle of Harris, tripping straight back into the old life he thought he’d burst beyond.

Description supplied by the event organiser.