Mexican poets, children's authors and leading broadcast journalists will take part in a literary festival celebrating the launch of a library.

The Word? is part of a year-long programme of events to mark the opening of the Jubilee Library in Jubilee Street, Brighton, with talks from authors, poets and practical workshops for readers of every age between September 29 and October 15.

The complexities of science will be simplified by writer Simon Singh when he arrives at the library to discuss the ultimate question: How was our universe created?

The talk is the first of many appearances from authors and will take place on October 4 followed by a visit from poets from Mexico and India reading from their work with translation from members of the Poetry Translation Centre on October 5.

Readers strong on their general knowledge about books are invited to enter a team or turn up on their own and join a side at the Jubilee Library pub book quiz on October 6.

Competitors can have a drink as they try to answer questions on anything from Harold Pinter to Harry Potter in an event which proved a sell-out at its launch.

The Word? festival is being organised by Brighton and Hove City Council with Arts Council England and Brighton Festival.

Culture and tourism councillor Sue John said: "This is a way of demonstrating the versatility of enjoying the written and the spoken word with something taking place for everyone.

"Quite a lot of the authors appearing live nearby and are part of our culture in the city and hopefully these events will foster an even greater love of reading among library visitors."

Questions of philosophy raised by Plato through to Tom Cruise in the blockbuster film Minority Report will be tackled by The Pig That Wants To Be Eaten author and Guardian columnist Julian Baggini on October 7.

Stories inspired by the city will be showcased on October 8 by artists and writers behind Beyond The Sea: The Brighton Book published earlier this year as part of Brighton Festival.

Lynne Rees will head a poetry workshop providing people with ideas for developing their work during a three-hour session on October 10.

The following day there will be an introduction to creative writing for those who have never put pen to paper.

Award-winning children's author Jacqueline Wilson will appear on October 12.

She has sold 20 million copies of her books, won a Bafta and adapted her work for television.

The free event is limited to three tickets per family.

On October 15, BBC news correspondent Kate Adie will be at the library to discuss her latest book Nobody's Child about abandoned children across the world.

For full details about The Word? visit www.thewordproject.info