CITYREAD LONDON: THE WHOLE OF LONDON READS “RIVERS OF LONDON” BY BEN AARONOVITCH IN APRIL 2015

ALAG (Asian Librarians and Advisers Group) have also had a major input in the celebration as we have created a translated synopsis of Rivers of London in Gujarati, Hindi, Panjabi, Urdu and Tamil. Most of the translations have been done by ALAG members to ensure that the programmes on offer are inclusive and cater for the diverse populations resident throughout London. In previous years these translations have created quite a buzz as can be seen by clicking on this link to view an article published in Asian Image news during Cityread 2012.

So far Brent, Hillingdon, Harrow, Wandsworth and Redbridge have taken up the offer to use the translated synopsis with their customers for various Reader Development events facilitated by an ALAG member. As the promotion continues throughout April 2015 it is expected that other library authorities will also be introducing Rivers of London and author Ben Aaronovitch to Londoners from all backgrounds, interests and reading abilities.

ALAG have already kick-started the month by facilitating a Cityread event at Balham Library, Wandsworth on Saturday 28th March. ALAG Chairperson Gulshan Iqbal read the Urdu synopsis and 15 ladies from the local community enjoyed a lively discussion, sharing experiences of possession and the supernatural. Needless to say magic and family feuds also proved to be interesting themes taken from Rivers of London.

Look out for the next Cityread event in Wandsworth at Tooting Library on Saturday 11th April where Dr Murugesan Muthu from the Brent Tamil Reading Group will facilitate what should be another interesting and enjoyable discussion on behalf of ALAG:cityread-alag-2015-tooting-wandsworth-tamil-event-1104151