Getting Edgy at Hemel Hempstead Library for Herts Lit Fest

Edge Authors Sara Grant and Dave Cousins

On Tuesday 25th March, two-eighths (or one quarter!) of the Edge were at Hemel Hempstead Library for a morning of book-inspired edginess as part of the Hertfordshire Literary Festival. Sixty year seven students and staff from The Hemel Hempstead School made it through a Spring downpour to spend the morning at the library.

Dave and Sara with Hemel Hempstead School students.
(Thanks to Tom for the photo.)

The session began with an entertaining tour of the vast range of library services on offer from Young Persons Librarian Karen Stephens—who managed to find an something available at the library for every letter in THE EDGE!

Next, Edge authors Sara Grant and Dave Cousins gave the students an introduction to themselves and their books.

Sara reveals the inspiration for her latest Young Adult thriller HALF LIVES

Dave wonders if this is the HEAD that's been missing for 15 DAYS!

In the week leading up to the event, Edge ‘Graffiti Walls’ had been installed in Hemel Hempstead Library and at the school.

Graffiti Wall bookshelves ready for student comments
at The Hemel Hempstead School Library

Students and library visitors were invited to write book-related questions and opinions on the walls for discussion by a panel at the event.

The Graffiti Wall at Hemel Hempstead Library.

Joining Sara and Dave on the panel were librarians Emma and Naomi, plus year seven students Gus and Dan. The aim of the Graffiti Wall is to spark a discussion about books and reading with as many different perspectives on books and reading as we can, so it was brilliant to have young readers and librarians sharing their opinions, not just the authors!

The Hemel Hempstead School students provided a steady stream of thought-provoking questions, and the morning passed far too quickly.

All that remained was time for some book borrowing, buying and signing.

Sara and Dave would like to thank everyone involved for their time and effort in making the event possible, especially Emma Scott, Shirley Everall, Karen Stephens, Naomi and Mobeena at the library, Mrs Krajewski and her fellow staff at The Hemel Hempstead School, and Hemel Hempstead Waterstones for supplying the books.

Finally, our thanks to the year sevens—their company, questions and opinions made sure the event was a lot of fun for everyone involved. The final words we will leave to them. Thanks for your kind comments guys … 

"Our trip to the Library was great. We loved the authors because they were really funny. We both went on the panel which was super fun. All in all it was a great trip and I would love to do another. Thanks Dave Cousins and Sara Grant."

Gus & Dan

"We thoroughly enjoyed the event. Dave Cousins was very entertaining and Sara Grant was interesting to listen to. It was a wonderful experience and we learnt a lot. We wish we’d bought all their books!"

Maya & Eve

"I really enjoyed meeting Sara Grant and Dave Cousins, it was an amazing opportunity. We got to ask them both some very interesting questions and heard what other people said as well. We were lucky enough to have them read us parts from their books too. Afterwards their books were on sale and we all got a signed bookmark. I’m so glad that I could go."

Talia

"Meeting Dave Cousins and Sara Grant at the Library was a fantastic experience. I loved asking them questions and learning about them. It was a very inspiring trip."
Harriet

The event was covered by the Hemel Hempstead Gazette.
(Thanks to Becca Choules and David Satchel (photo))