Ann Cleeves

Back then, alongside her writing, Ann was a Reader in Residence at libraries across the North East. Her role was all about encouraging local communities to discover a love of reading. 

It was during her time at Gateshead Central Library that Ann was asked by then librarian Dot Cameron if she could write a murder mystery to entice the public through its doors. Of course, Ann did just that. Her fellow library colleagues got right on board, dressing up to play the suspects and really bringing the characters to life. It's become a popular format that other libraries have used since. 

Fast forward some 25 years, Ann's impact continues to be felt through spearheading Reading for Wellbeing work in the region. This life-changing initiative supports people to read for pleasure and share their experiences with others.  In Gateshead, this has seen the introduction of reading groups with local charity Edberts House, visits to assisted living accommodation, poetry walks around the borough and lots more. In the last 6 months alone, the Gateshead Libraries team have worked with over 2,000 residents as part of our Reading for Wellbeing work. 

Looking forward, Ann hopes that in the library's next 100 years it continues to be home to a big range of books so there's always something for everyone. They're so important - not just for adults, but for teenage and younger readers too.  

Summing up Gateshead Central Library, Ann says it's warm, exciting and innovative.