For those who like a good laugh, the place to be on Monday 18th May was Balloch Library. It was the start of the second week of Booked!, the West Dunbartonshire Libraries Literature Festival, and a huge crowd turned out to hear author Robert Douglas talk about his very popular autobiographical books covering his upbringing in Maryhill, his career as a prison officer, and so on.

Robert’s first book was Night Song of the Last Tram, and the laughter that could be heard when he read extracts from it may well have been heard in Maryhill! Robert’s next two books, Somewhere to Lay my Head and At Her Majesty’s Pleasure, have consolidated Robert’s reputation as a most entertaining writer who combines the pithy and humorous with compassion and sentiment.

What was clear to everyone present was that here was an author who was enthusiastic not only about his work, but also about reading from it, with spot-on comic timing. When he had finished, there was quite a rush to buy copies that been laid out for sale.

This was one of the most succesful events ever, and it was therefore appropriate that Festival supremo, Ian Baillie, who is recovering from an operation, was able to attend for the first time this year. A special, well-deserved cheer was reserved for him.