Literature

Darlington author to launch dark new young adult thriller at Waterstones

Dean Midas, an independent filmmaker, will direct a short film adaptation of Northumberland author Neale Carter’s book

Dean Midas, an independent filmmaker, will direct a short film adaptation of Northumberland author Neale Carter’s book

New horror short film announced based on North East author’s book

Guisborough Library

Guisborough Library

Planning and development

North Yorkshire library to close for more than four months for full refurbishment

Julia Taylor and her book

Julia Taylor and her book

North East nurse writes children’s book on dementia as she loses speech

The Avengers #1 comic recently sold for £3,430 at Vectis Auction

The Avengers #1 comic recently sold for £3,430 at Vectis Auction

First Avengers comic and rare Magic collection sell for thousands at auction

County Durham businesswoman and cancer survivor Nickie Gott OBE has released a new memoir, Shake Your Own Pompoms, chronicling her experiences with academic struggles, cancer, resilience, and business failure

County Durham businesswoman and cancer survivor Nickie Gott OBE has released a new memoir, Shake Your Own Pompoms, chronicling her experiences with academic struggles, cancer, resilience, and business failure

County Durham businesswoman and cancer survivor pens memoir on failure and fightback

St Peter's Church, Croft-on-Tees

St Peter's Church, Croft-on-Tees

Quiet village church a stone's throw from Darlington has link to Alice in Wonderland

Darlington author Paul Hodgson is set to launch his debut historical thriller John’s Journey through a TikTok livestream on May 16, telling the story of a man’s life across two world wars and hidden secrets

Darlington author Paul Hodgson is set to launch his debut historical thriller John’s Journey through a TikTok livestream on May 16, telling the story of a man’s life across two world wars and hidden secrets

From the trenches to Nazi Berlin - Darlington writer unveils debut novel

Author Dave Simpson showcases his new guide to York, packed with history, maps and photography

Author Dave Simpson showcases his new guide to York, packed with history, maps and photography

Historian’s vivid new city guide brings Vikings, ghosts and lost streets to life

Newcastle is set to be transformed into a Dickensian wonderland this winter as part of a new cultural celebration.

Newcastle is set to be transformed into a Dickensian wonderland this winter as part of a new cultural celebration.

North East city to become Dickensian wonderland for new winter festival

Joseph Coelho, former Waterstones Children’s Laureate, with local schoolchildren

Joseph Coelho, former Waterstones Children’s Laureate, with local schoolchildren

Nearly 600 pupils welcome internationally-acclaimed author to North East school

Artist Louise Hughes and her book Baxter Bunny & the Weight of the World

Artist Louise Hughes and her book Baxter Bunny & the Weight of the World

North East artist’s bunny tale backs YoungMinds mental health charity

Anne Fothergill holds a copy of her debut fiction novel, The Mariner’s Cottage, ahead of her upcoming book signing

Anne Fothergill holds a copy of her debut fiction novel, The Mariner’s Cottage, ahead of her upcoming book signing

Memoir writer turns to fiction with haunting debut novel set in North Yorkshire

Middlesbrough Central Library hosta literacy event for Hemlington Hall Academy pupils

Middlesbrough Central Library hosta literacy event for Hemlington Hall Academy pupils

North East library comes alive as pupils and students celebrate reading

Linda Dooks and her novels

Linda Dooks and her novels

North East hospital radio volunteer wins global prize for debut novel

County Durham author Ruth Sabrosa, right, with her friend Bethany Harrison who has illustratedMagical Menarche

County Durham author Ruth Sabrosa, right, with her friend Bethany Harrison who has illustratedMagical Menarche

County Durham author’s new book helps girls see first periods as ‘magical’

Oliver Savell as Adrian Mole

Oliver Savell as Adrian Mole

First look at Adrian Mole as BBC adaptation shoots in the North East

Waterstones opened at Durham's Arnison Centre on Saturday.

Waterstones opened at Durham's Arnison Centre on Saturday.

Well-known bookshop chain opens new store at Durham retail park

A storybook gosling is taking children on a springtime adventure

A storybook gosling is taking children on a springtime adventure

WWT Washington's gosling takes children on an adventure

Darlington Libraries are marking Shakespeare Week with a programme of creative activities for children, celebrating the Bard’s stories and characters as part of the national event.

Darlington Libraries are marking Shakespeare Week with a programme of creative activities for children, celebrating the Bard’s stories and characters as part of the national event.

Darlington Libraries to mark Shakespeare Week with art and writing events

Simon Armitage reads his poetry at the special event at North Ormesby Library and Community Hub

Simon Armitage reads his poetry at the special event at North Ormesby Library and Community Hub

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage brings UK library tour to North East

Rose & Ivy from Aycliffe dressed as Paddington & his beloved marmalade.

Rose & Ivy from Aycliffe dressed as Paddington & his beloved marmalade.

61 pictures of World Book Day 2026 as children dress up around the North East

World Book Day in 2008 at Mowden Junior School. Dressed as book characters were (L-R) Alice Kavanagh (scarecrow from Wizard of Oz), Kieran Spencer (Wally from Where's Wally) and Holly Marks (Harry Potter).

World Book Day in 2008 at Mowden Junior School. Dressed as book characters were (L-R) Alice Kavanagh (scarecrow from Wizard of Oz), Kieran Spencer (Wally from Where's Wally) and Holly Marks (Harry Potter).

Share your memories of World Book Day ahead of this year's event

Darlington Libraries has been named a finalist for Library of the Year in the North England category at the 2026 British Book Awards.

Darlington Libraries has been named a finalist for Library of the Year in the North England category at the 2026 British Book Awards.

Darlington Libraries in running for top North England book award

Darlington Libraries.

Darlington Libraries.

Darlington Libraries shortlisted for national library of the year award

The new Dennis the Menace 50p celebrates 75 years of the character

The new Dennis the Menace 50p celebrates 75 years of the character

Royal Mint unveils new rare coin celebrating comic star worth 30 times face value

Rhyme Time sessions at Peterlee Library as part of National Storytelling Week

Rhyme Time sessions at Peterlee Library as part of National Storytelling Week

Year-long reading and storytelling celebrations launched in County Durham

Consett is set to feature in a TV adaptation of Graham Norton novel 'Forever Home'.

Consett is set to feature in a TV adaptation of Graham Norton novel 'Forever Home'.

Crews descend on County Durham town to film drama based on Graham Norton novel

A new Room on the Broom Trail is launching at Hamsterley Forest in County Durham on Tuesday, January 27. Inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved children’s book, the magical family adventure celebrates the story’s 25th anniversary.

A new Room on the Broom Trail is launching at Hamsterley Forest in County Durham on Tuesday, January 27. Inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved children’s book, the magical family adventure celebrates the story’s 25th anniversary.

Hamsterley Forest

Magical Room on the Broom trail opens in County Durham forest

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library began in 1995, inspired by her father’s inability to read or write

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library began in 1995, inspired by her father’s inability to read or write

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library coming to Stokesley

Watermark, the debut work by heritage leader David Ronn

Watermark, the debut work by heritage leader David Ronn

New historical novel from Northumberland writer explores revolutionary France

County Durham author Julie Wilson, writing under the pen name Bobby Cussens, has seen her debut crime novel Shotley Bridge Murders rise in the charts

County Durham author Julie Wilson, writing under the pen name Bobby Cussens, has seen her debut crime novel Shotley Bridge Murders rise in the charts

County Durham author's debut crime thriller climbs into top of global charts

Jeff Kinney, the creator of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series with pupils from Seaham Trinity

Jeff Kinney, the creator of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series with pupils from Seaham Trinity

Diary of a County Durham Kid: 'Wimpy Kid' author makes surprise visit to school

Gladys Smith fulfills a dream by meeting Jack Reacher author Lee Child

Gladys Smith fulfills a dream by meeting Jack Reacher author Lee Child

Author Lee Child's visit to North Yorkshire delights care home resident

Durham University’s Shakespeare Recovered exhibition, showcasing a rare 1623 First Folio, has been extended until April 6, 2026, due to high visitor demand

Durham University’s Shakespeare Recovered exhibition, showcasing a rare 1623 First Folio, has been extended until April 6, 2026, due to high visitor demand

Durham University

Shakespeare exhibition in Durham extended following visitor demand

Kay Wilson, right, won second place in the self-published category of the Comedy Women in Print Awards for her debut novel The Stand-Up Mam.

Kay Wilson, right, won second place in the self-published category of the Comedy Women in Print Awards for her debut novel The Stand-Up Mam.

North East author wins national comedy writing award for self-published novel

Alan Graham, an author from Guisborough, has marked a milestone birthday by publishing his first novel, a science fiction thriller titled Heather Burning, released through The Conrad Press

Alan Graham, an author from Guisborough, has marked a milestone birthday by publishing his first novel, a science fiction thriller titled Heather Burning, released through The Conrad Press

Cultural attractions

North East author celebrates milestone birthday by writing first novel

Broadcaster Steph McGovern will discuss her debut novel Deadline in discussion with Ann Cleeves at Durham Book Festival, on Sunday

Broadcaster Steph McGovern will discuss her debut novel Deadline in discussion with Ann Cleeves at Durham Book Festival, on Sunday

Durham Book Festival

Durham Book Festival

Broadcaster and author Steph McGovern to swap notes with veteran Ann Cleeves

Resident at HC-One’s Hambleton Grange Care Home with The Thursday Murder Club nove

Resident at HC-One’s Hambleton Grange Care Home with The Thursday Murder Club nove

North Yorkshire care home to turn into murder mystery scene

Rising book borrowing numbers at libraries throughout County Durham have been praised by leaders in charge of the local authority.

Rising book borrowing numbers at libraries throughout County Durham have been praised by leaders in charge of the local authority.

Council vows to continue physical library services in County Durham

The Great Yorkshire Showground features in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, which arrives in cinemas on September 12.

The Great Yorkshire Showground features in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, which arrives in cinemas on September 12.

Famous Yorkshire venue takes centre stage in major movie release

Karen Powell and Harry Mann

Karen Powell and Harry Mann

Leading authors coming to North East for series of literary talks

Former Darlington and Chelsea star David Speedie has released a book about his life with the help of lifelong fan Paul Hodgson.

Former Darlington and Chelsea star David Speedie has released a book about his life with the help of lifelong fan Paul Hodgson.

Former Darlington star striker tells of his 'fruit machine friendship' at book launch

Jaci Stroud with her new book 'The Elephant and The Bee'

Jaci Stroud with her new book 'The Elephant and The Bee'

Darlington artist and grandmother writes children's book to save elephants

County Durham author Nick McLean’s new book, A King’s Gamble: The Neville’s Cross Campaign, 1346, delves into the historic battle near Durham where Scottish King David II was captured during the invasion of northern England

County Durham author Nick McLean’s new book, A King’s Gamble: The Neville’s Cross Campaign, 1346, delves into the historic battle near Durham where Scottish King David II was captured during the invasion of northern England

County Durham author sheds light on 'long-overlooked' medieval battle

Rare 17th-century book on women's legal rights,

Rare 17th-century book on women's legal rights,

Rare 17th-century book on women's rights to be sold in North East auction

The inaugural Whitby Lit Fest will take place in the North Yorkshire coastal town from November 6 to 9, featuring over 50 prominent authors, playwrights, poets, and public figures in a weekend of literary events and performances.

The inaugural Whitby Lit Fest will take place in the North Yorkshire coastal town from November 6 to 9, featuring over 50 prominent authors, playwrights, poets, and public figures in a weekend of literary events and performances.

Star-studded line-up for new literary festival in North Yorkshire

Darlington Libraries is hosting a family-friendly Library Takeover event in Darlington town centre

Darlington Libraries is hosting a family-friendly Library Takeover event in Darlington town centre

Darlington town centre to host free library takeover event

Lisette Auton, right, at Downing Street with fellow authors Nadia Shireen, Tom Percival, and Cressida Cowell MBE

Lisette Auton, right, at Downing Street with fellow authors Nadia Shireen, Tom Percival, and Cressida Cowell MBE

Darlington author is 'gobsmacked' by invite to Downing Street for event

Steadman (right), engaged with more than 400 pupils from eight Teesside schools

Steadman (right), engaged with more than 400 pupils from eight Teesside schools

Bestselling author inspires young readers during visit to Teesside schools

Found managing director Louise Stephenson is celebrating three years of transforming influencer content into books.

Found managing director Louise Stephenson is celebrating three years of transforming influencer content into books.

North East publishing company celebrates three years on the market

An exhibition titled The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists is opening at Ushaw Historic House near Durham, County Durham

An exhibition titled The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists is opening at Ushaw Historic House near Durham, County Durham

Exhibition celebrating children's Ladybird books coming to County Durham

The Yorkshire Shepherdess, Amanda Owen, will make her debut in children’s literature this autumn with a heartwarming festive release

The Yorkshire Shepherdess, Amanda Owen, will make her debut in children’s literature this autumn with a heartwarming festive release

The Yorkshire Shepherdess to make children's book debut as release date set

Jessie Elland has just released her first novel The Ladie Upstairs

Jessie Elland has just released her first novel The Ladie Upstairs

Darlington born Emmerdale star talks twisted new novel and North East nods