The programme for Book Week Scotland 2025 has now been announced, with a whole week of exciting and inclusive events with some of Scotland’s top authors.
Graeme Macrae Burnet, makar Peter Mackay, and New York Times’ best-selling author Amal El-Mohtar will be taking part in a week of events, which all celebrate the theme of friendship, from Monday, November 17 to Sunday, November 23.
Book Week Scotland, now in its 14th year, is run by Scottish Book Trust, and is supported by Creative Scotland.
The annual celebration of books and reading has an extensive programme of events across Scotland which encourages community involvement, and which covers Scots and Gaelic, arts, poetry, and music.
Scottish Book Trust will also be delivering 70,000 copies of a free book, Scotland’s Stories: Friendship across Scotland. As part of an annual writing opportunity, members of the public have contributed their stories, including commissioned pieces from authors Catherine Simpson and Chitra Ramaswamy.
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Book Week Scotland 2025 programme highlights include a new and exclusive serialisation by Amal El-Mohtar, the Canadian poet and co-author of the New York Times best-selling This is How You Lose the Time War; and a special showcase event on Monday, November 17 at Dundee’s Steps Theatre to launch the Scriever and Freens tour with the current Scots Scriever, Taylor Dyson.
Graeme Macrae Burnet will be at National Library Scotland for a special event on Thursday, November 20, where he explores the impact that being a reader has had on his life, while Makar Peter Mackay will be taking part in a Pleasures and Power of Reading event at Summerhall on Sunday, November 23 as part of the Push the Boat Out festival.
Alan Bett, Head of Literature & Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: "Book Week Scotland will once again reach out to engage the people of Scotland in sharing the love and value of books and reading, with an inspiring and inclusive range of literary events taking place across the country.
"There will be opportunities for people of all ages and interests to enjoy the work of leading writers like best-selling author Amal El-Mohtar and Scots Scriver, Taylor Dyson. In 2025, Book Week Scotland will also shine a special light on the importance of friendship, when reading and books are celebrated online, in libraries, theatres, homes, and hearts."
Marc Lambert, CEO Scottish Book Trust, said: "Book Week Scotland 2025 is set to be a bumper programme, and we are excited to announce the range of authors, artists and events we have lined up. This year’s theme of friendship is also apt for a week in which authors come together with the community to share ideas. It also ties in with our connection to our partners, who we are incredibly grateful to for allowing us to make this week happen. This includes Creative Scotland and Scottish Library and Information Council, and the independent bookshops, schools and libraries that are hosting our events. We find friendship in all these places, and we hope new bonds are formed during Book Week Scotland."
Alison Nolan, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council, said: "Book Week Scotland is a wonderful celebration of the power of stories to bring people together and a highlight in Scotland's Literary Calendar. Our libraries are at the heart of their communities, and this year’s theme of friendship shines a light on the connections that grow when people share books and ideas.
"We’re proud to support Scottish Book Trust in making this special week happen and look forward to welcoming everyone to join in the celebrations in libraries across the country."
For more information on events, listings and how to get involved, visit bookweekscotland.com.
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