A Dangerous Day at the Library, by Local Artist Tim Beswick

Oh, what’s this? The Corcoran book collection is hidden away at the end of a corridor in the Boathouse Studios. Well there is no one about so I may as well have a peep. American Dirt, now that’s an eye-catching title. But should I not be doing something useful? Isn’t reading a bit antisocial? What if someone sees me, won’t I look old fashioned, not technical enough for a podcast on ear buds. Still, I may take the risk. I will smuggle one home.

Next day, still in my dressing gown at 7pm surrounded by biscuit crumbs, positively glued to the pages, close the curtains, pretend I am not in. I am in the void, open to suggestion, corruption, sedentary sedition, enthralled, impaled, arrested. A mother and son escape from a murdering cartel, and embark on a journey through hell. They make it, just. Fear the main driver, hope all they have.Can I get another hit? Yes—there are 1,600 volumes to choose from, 2 a week that’s 10 years’ worth. What a treasure trove. I may just sneak back.

Tim Beswick - Locat artist.

So go on—be dangerously curious. Drop in, discover a new favourite, and remember: reading isn’t antisocial, it’s revolutionary.