Literature comes to our doorstep in March and April as Hertfordshire Libraries present LitFest11, featuring a number of high profile writers coming to local libraries to share their passion for words and stories.

The event kicks off with Kate Atkinson at St Albans Library on Tuesday, March 1 at 7.30pm, Kate’s compelling crime novels are currently being filmed for the BBC with Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, The Patriot) taking the lead as jaded private investigator Jackson Brodie. (Kate will also be putting in an appearance at Chorleywood Memorial Hall at 2pm on the same day. Details from Chorleywood Bookshop, www.chorleywoodbookshop.co.uk).

Staying with the crime theme, on Wednesday, March 2 at 8pm, Watford Central Library hosts a double bill with Richard & Judy’s Summer Book Club shortlist author Simon Kernick and journalist Tom Cain, who has recently turned to writing fiction.

Also at Watford Central Library, family writer Lucy Cavendish comes to Watford Central Library on Thursday, March 3 at 7pm to talk about her latest novel Jack and Jill and launch The Six Book Challenge for 2011 to encourage people in Hertfordshire to enjoy reading, and award-winning Harpenden fantasy writer Jonathan Stroud pops in to discuss his Bartimaeus Trilogy on Tuesday March 15 at 6.30pm.

Other LitFest highlights include bestseller Joanna Trollope at Welwyn Garden City Library, Jacqueline Wilson at The Weston Auditorium in Hatfield and Gill Farrington talking about chocolate in Berkhamstead, Knebworth and Goffs Oak.

Details: 0300 123 4049, www.hertsdirect.org/libraries