STORYTELLING Laureates Taffy Thomas and Katrice Horsley will be in town tomorrow launching a series of library events boosted by a £150,000 grant from Arts Council England.

The money will be used for performances, workshops, exhibitions, digital arts engagement projects and other events at St Helens libraries until April 2015.

From 12pm on Friday at the Central Library Taffy and Katrice, the current and past laureates – will present Stories For Our Times for older people and children, as well as running walkabout sessions featuring improvised stories based on objects that people bring in to the library.

Some of their key stories will be highlighted in a 75 minute showcase session.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet member Cllr Richard McCauley said: “Over the last few years, St Helens has been a pioneer in developing, programming and staging arts activities in our 13 libraries.

“This award from the Arts Council recognises the fantastic, innovative work that we’ve been doing, and during the coming year we’ll continue to stage high quality arts performances and activities that turn our spaces into real cultural hubs.”

Head of Library Services Sue Williamson explained: “Artists of all disciplines will be able to perform, facilitate and create activity in our libraries for all our customers to enjoy. We’re particularly keen to attract new users into our libraries.”

Places are free but to check availability call 01744 676989.