Haringey's first ever literary festival, featuring talks from authors, literary walks and writing classes, has launched a year of monthly reading-related activities in the borough.

Authors hailing from Haringey, including Booker prize nominee Romesh Gunesekera, Orange prize nominee Charlotte Mendelson, romantic novelist Freya North and long-time Highgate resident John Betjeman took part in the festival last week.

Following the success of the event, Haringey's libraries will be running monthly themed activities as part of the 2008 National Year of Reading.

The aim of the year is to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to read more, providing help and support through schools and libraries.

Activities in the borough will include holiday and summer readings and family reading events.

Councillor Dhiren Basu, cabinet member for leisure, culture and lifelong learning said: "Literacy is important for work and personal development, but reading is also about pleasure and general learning. Sharing our reading is also a great way to bring people and cultures together."

For more information visit www.haringey.gov.uk/libraries_whatson