Northumberland Library Service has announced a packed schedule of cultural events and performances to keep residents entertained as the nights draw in.

Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for culture, heritage and libraries, said: "The libraries team has been very busy organising a fantastic programme of events which genuinely has something for everyone.

"It is part of the role libraries play to keep our residents busy, active and entertained especially as the nights get longer, and as an added bonus people can stay safe and warm without having to worry about their own thermostats.

"These community events also give the audiences a chance to meet friends and neighbours to enjoy the shows together."

Among the events is a new Reading Round group, led by crime writer David Mark, at Hexham Library every Friday.

The group will focus on the enjoyment of stories and poems, without any additional study or homework.

The Harrogate Old Peculier Crime Festival Big Read will also return to Northumberland, with author Luca Veste leading a book group discussion on Ajay Chowdhury's The Detective at Hexham Library on September 25.

Other highlights include Stumbling Over Eden, an evening of stories and songs at Blyth Library on September 30 and Hexham Library on October 1, and performances by the regional acting group The Border Readers.

The Border Readers' latest offering, Land Lines, will come to Bellingham Library on October 16, Wooler Library on October 24, Allendale Library on November 7, and Morpeth Library on November 14.

There will also be performances by acoustic duo Fool’s Gold, a play by Hexham-based theatre company Theatres Sans Frontières, and a unique concert by the award-winning group 'Bookshop Band'.

In addition to the events, Northumberland libraries have announced new digital offers, including the National Theatre Collection 3, featuring plays from Greek tragedy to Gen Z, available free on library public computers.

There is also a free video-on-demand service with thousands of digitised videos and television programmes, BFI Replay.

For further information on the times, and prices, and to book the events, visit nlandlibs.eventbrite.co.uk or call the library.