Booking a reading

What is Weeping Bank?

In many ways, the library in the small village of Weeping Bank is a perfectly normal library with a Mills & Boon section, a silver surfers Internet group and a recommended reads table near the counter. Yet it is known for a very different library - a collection of chilling tales researched and written by The Librarian himself. Locked away in a room that only The Librarian can access, these books are definitely not to be loaned out, although The Librarian does often venture away from Weeping Bank with the Library Manager, Maris Reever, to libraries, village halls, schools, colleges and universities around the country to read his tales to those brave enough to listen.

What can I expect at a reading?

Often described by audiences as being in the style of M.R.James with a modern twist, The Librarian's reading is enhanced by period props, low light, candles & subtle sound effects, creating intimate & unique experiences for both avid and reluctant readers, as well as gothic horror fans and lovers of traditional storytelling. You can see some photos from performances on the events page.

When do readings take place?

To begin with The Librarian would mainly read his tales around Halloween or just before Christmas. As his reputation and audience grew, this became a regular reading tour from September to January. Today, due to widespread recognition and acclaim, The Librarian reads his stories all year round... and even in the daytime!

Readings usually begin between 6.30pm and 7.30pm (depending what works best for the venue) and last for about 2 hours in total, preferably on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

How do I find out if The Librarian can visit my library, village hall, school, college or uni?

Just send us a message through the Contact Us page on our website and the Library Manager will get back to you.

What will it cost to have a reading?

Absolutely nothing! All costs are covered through our ticket sales, which are usually £5 a ticket, but may sometimes be increased to £6 to cover travel expenses for more distant venues, and £7 or even £8 depending on venue hire and insurance.

If you're interested in Weeping Bank bringing the genre of gothic horror or the tradition of oral storytelling to life for your English students, or to support them in their own creative writing, please do get in touch to discuss cost, availability and performance and workshop packages.

What does the venue need to provide or do?

Very little!

As we understand the financial and staffing pressures today, we want to make it as easy as possible to host a reading. This is why we offer to handle all the marketing, ticket sales and set up on the evening. We also address the audience before, during and after the performance, so usually provide directions to the toilets and fire safety announcements, as well as highlighting any upcoming venue events or services at the end if appropriate. We even bring our own furniture and lighting!

So what do we ask of you? Beforehand, if you can put up a poster or two and post an ad on your social media page (both of which we will provide). On the night, we just need access to chairs, a member of staff or two to open doors and direct people, and it is also a nice extra if teas, coffees and biscuits can be provided. That really is all you need to do for a sell out Weeping Bank reading!

How many people can you accommodate?

Numbers will be partly restricted by space at the venue itself, but we need a minimum capacity of 40 to make the evening financially viable.

We don't have a theatre, so where would the reading take place?

We prefer readings to take place in their natural environment - amongst books. There is no need to move bookcases or cover up the children's picture books. Once the lights are down low, and the room is lit purely by candles and the light from The Librarian's reading lamp, the atmosphere will be set for another chilling tale from the Weeping Bank Library collection.

Will you be selling anything?

We will also set up a table of merchandise (cards and pin badges at the moment, but soon widening to a larger range of Weeping Bank memorabilia), but this will not be forced upon attendees in any way.

If we choose to sell tickets, can we invoice you?

You certainly can. We are registered for tax purposes, so can be set up as an official supplier with a UTR and we can then invoice you after the date with the amount due and our bank transfer details.

I have another question...

Not a problem. Just send it to us through the Contact Us page and we'll do our best to answer it.