THE AUTHOR of a new book about the Brontë sisters’ mother will speak at Keighley Library on Saturday.

Former Keighley News reporter Sharon Wright will be in the Local Studies Library to talk about The Mother of the Brontës: When Maria Met Patrick.

The scriptwriter and newspaper and magazine journalist researched Maria Branwell’s life, from well-to-do lady in Cornwall to her life in Apperley Bridge, Thornton and Haworth.

Sharon explores the enormous, often overlooked influence that the brave and intelligent Maria Branwell had on her daughters Charlotte, Emily and Anne.

Sharon has worked as a writer, editor and columnist for national newspapers, the BBC, Disney, Glamour, Red and the New York Post. Her first book Balloonomania Belle was published last year.

The venue for the talk is home to a large collection of Brontë literature, critical works, articles and news cuttings.

The history of the collection dates back to the 19th century and includes the archives and some book stock from the Keighley Mechanics’ Institute, of which Patrick Brontë was an active member, and where the family attended lectures and gained some art tuition.

The talk will be on January 18 at 10.30am. Admission is free. Email keighleylocalstudies@bradford.gov.uk or call the library on 01535 618215 for further information.

This month marks the bicentenary of the birth of Anne, Maria’s last child on January 17, 1820.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “This is a great opportunity to meet Bradford-born bestselling author Sharon Wright in the historic cultural setting of Keighley Library and to find the exciting discoveries that can be made on a fascinating local subject.”