Book Week Scotland 2020

That this House welcomes Book Week Scotland 2020, an annual celebration of books and reading across Scotland, from 16th to 22nd November 2020; recognises that this event, which is now in its ninth year, is organised by the Scottish Book Trust with support from partners, and represents Scotland’s biggest celebration of reading and writing; understands that, due to the covid-19 pandemic, the week cannot go ahead as normal, however thanks to the tireless work of organisers, libraries and various community groups throughout Scotland, notes that the celebration will go ahead in a digital format instead, continuing to provide a diverse and engaging programme of activities to celebrate books and reading; notes that this year’s theme is the Future, and that the annual writing project has created a free book, with 50,000 copies distributed to libraries, schools and other community venues across the country, as well as being available to download online; understands that during the covid-19 pandemic, many people have turned to books as a welcome escape, and even in the digital age books remain as relevant and popular as ever; further recognises Scotland’s rich literary heritage and welcomes this event as it seeks to inspire the next generation of Scottish writers, poets and authors; and wishes the event every success in its goal to celebrate the joy of reading.