FRIDAY 4 JULY 2014
Amazing Minotaurs and Other Mythical Creatures: for ages 5-11. 2-3pm, Blackhall Library, Hillhouse Road. Free, part of the Mythical Monsters Summer Reading Challenge.
Lady Agnew of Lochnaw by John Singer Sargent. Lady Agnew, painted in 1892, seems in hindsight to belong to a lost era which must, by contrast with the tragedy of the First World War that concluded it, have seemed frivolous. Dr James Lawson of the University of Edinburgh will attempt to recover the eye of the 1890s in approaching the picture. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Make a Dragon: craft event for ages 7-11. 2-3pm, Central Children’s Library, George IV Bridge. Free, part of the Mythical Monsters Summer Reading Challenge.
Rainbow Loombands and Hana Bead Bracelets: craft event for under 15s. 2.30-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street
Monster Crafts: for ages 5+. 2.30-3.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North. Part of the Mythical Monster Summer Reading Challenge. Free.
American Treasures for 4th July: in the United States Independence Day celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. To mark the 238th anniversary NLS curators Chris Taylor and Dora Petherbridge will show fascinating rare books and manuscripts from NLS collections. 10am, 11.15am and 2pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Limited places so book early, either online or by calling 0131 623 3734.
Lunchtime concert: Canadian Celtic Choir from London, Ontario. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.
Literary Salon: Burn This Book – Freedom to Write/Freedom to Read. A monthly gathering for anyone keen on new experiences and bookish chat. Burn This Book will focus on the transformative power of writing and the importance of freedom in producing and accessing literature. Three speakers – Moira Forsyth, Christine de Luca and Sarah Irving – will discuss the vital role of PEN Scotland, the issue of diversity in literature, writing in a minority tongue, the recent prisoner book ban, and more. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow. Free: donations will be taken for PEN. Book via eventbrite or call into the shop.
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