It's time to dig out your library card. Saturday 4th February is National Libraries Day and across the country there are events taking place to celebrate. The day is devoted to all types of library, their users and staff. Support the day by taking part in one of the events or by simply visiting your local public library.
Support Public Libraries
National Libraries Day provides the opportunity to support your local public library at a time when many are threatened by financial cuts and even closure. If you haven't visited a public library recently you may be pleasantly surprised at the wealth of resources and media on offer. There are many reasons to use libraries – from borrowing books, films and music to accessing e-books, using the Internet or taking your children to free story telling sessions. Many of us have fond childhood memories of clutching an armful of potentially exciting, often well thumbed, library books. It would be sad day if our own children or grandchildren no longer enjoy this experience. We must treasure this endangered public service before it is too late.
Library Events
Here is a flavour of some of the events which are taking place in libraries across the UK:
- Nottingham Central library has a family “bear hunt” with stories and crafts.
- The Working Class Movement library in Salford has a free talk at 2pm by Clare Debenham on Eleanor Rathbone, campaigner on women’s rights.
- At Stockton library crime writer Peter Robinson will talk about his most famous character DCI Banks.
- Sheffield Central library has a lively programme of events, including writing workshops, live music and tours of the library.
- There is a Mad Hatter’s coffee morning planned at Market Rasen library – including a croquet tournament.
- Stratford upon Avon library is offering a free DVD loan to any library members.
- At Portsmouth Central library author Pauline Rowsen will talk about her marine mystery crime novels.
The Library Book
A special publication, The Library Book, has been published to support National Libraries Day with royalties going to The Reading Agency. In the book twenty-three writers describe libraries real or imagined, past present, and future – and why they matter and to whom. They are: Anita Anand, Julian Barnes, Bella Bathurst, Alan Bennett, Michael Brooks, James Brown, Ann Cleeves, Stephen Fry, Seth Godin, Susan Hill, Tom Holland, Hardeep Singh Kohli, Lucy Mangan, Val McDermid, China Miéville, Caitlin Moran, Kate Mosse, Julie Myerson, Bali Rai, Lionel Shriver, Karin Slaughter, Zadie Smith and Nicky Wire. Why not borrow this book from your public library?
Additional Resources
The Library Book (2012). Profile Books. ISBN: 9781781250051.
Jacqui Taylor - I am a part-time librarian, art student and writer. Previously I have done a wide range of jobs - from selling theatre tickets to teaching ...
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