A literary festival that began as a thank you to residents who fought to save Wiveliscombe library from closure is celebrating its third event with an eclectic mix of activities.

The Wiveliscombe Literary Festival will run from 10am – 6pm at venues including the library, bookshop Chocolate Books and Wiveliscombe Town Hall on Saturday (Sept 19) with a programme for all ages.

The festival, started and directed by library officer Karen Collings, is held every two years to alternate with the 10 Parishes Festival, and will showcase a wide range of writers and a nationally known puppetry director.

“We want to demonstrate there is more to libraries than books on shelves, and encourage people to come and use the library and get involved,” said Karen.

Keynote speaker is Taunton writer Chris Ewan, who writes as C M Ewan, bestselling author of mystery and thriller novels including the Good Thief’s Guide series. This genre is the most popular in Wiveliscombe Library, Karen finds.

She has included activities for children as well as adults, and there are sessions for both age groups with Oliver Hyams, award-winning puppetry artist and Associate Director at Little Angel Theatre, the UK’s leading puppet theatre.

“Puppetry is storytelling in a different way, accessible for people who are not necessarily big readers,” said Karen.

Speakers range widely and include Judy Leigh, who lives in Somerset and has written over 30 books in her career, with characters that are hugely entertaining; Michelle Werrett, a farm conservation advisor and rural writer whose book Song of the Streams looks at Exmoor rivers, their history and more; Emma Bettridge, a local published children’s author who will also be joined by members of Wivey Story Club, which encourages young writers; Lionel Ward, bookshop owner, organiser of Taunton Literary Festival and author.