On Saturday, 4 February it’s National Libraries Day - a nationwide celebration of libraries, library users, staff and supporters which aims to showcase all that libraries have to offer and to encourage non-members to join.
Newcastle Libraries will be marking this day and the week leading up to it with an exciting programme of activities, special events, prize draws, offers and giveaways across the service.
Newcastle City Library welcome award-winning author Matt Haig on Saturday, 4 February who will read from his contemporary vampire novel ‘The Radleys’ (11am to12 noon for teens and adults of all ages) and from his latest children’s book ‘To Be A Cat’ (2pm to 3pm suitable for 8+).
There’ll be book token prizes on offer in The Great National Libraries Day Treasure Hunt (suitable for 6 to 14s), and a storytime, song and craft session for under 5s (1pm).
For adults, a drop-in IT Advice Surgery will take place from 10am to 4pm with digital experts available to answer questions on topics from ebooks to online shopping. This session will be staffed by a signing interpreter between 2 and 3pm.
Across Newcastle’s libraries, customers old and new will be invited to take part in collaborative story writing, submit photos of themselves with their favourite book for ‘NLD: My Book and Me’ galleries, and to take part in the dozens of regular events and activities that happen in our busy libraries during a typical week.
Jesmond Library will be marking the day by celebrating the re-hanging of their stained-glass panels, and there will be special prize draws for new members joining between Monday, 30 January to Saturday, 4 February, and for anyone borrowing an item on Saturday, 4 February.
At City Library, a special photographic exhibition charting the history of Newcastle Library from 1880 to the present day will be on display from Saturday, 28 January to Monday, 27 February, including archive images of buildings and retro memorabilia.
Visitors will be invited to contribute to the exhibition with their own recollections of libraries past. Several of our community libraries will also be commemorating their historic selves with photographic displays - so why not drop in and share your library memories.
David Fay, Newcastle City Libraries Manager, said: “Libraries continue to play an important role in our communities and are a great place to get inspiration. We are delighted to be part of National Libraries Day and would like to invite everyone to help us celebrate this special day. Our libraries offer many different services so why not come along and learn a new skill and see what else is happening at your local library.”
For more information and to get involved with National Libraries Day go to http://community.newcastle.gov.uk/libraries or visit www.nationallibrariesday.org.uk.
You can also find more information about National Libraries Day and Newcastle Libraries on Facebook, tweeting #NLD12, @ToonLibraries, or phone 0191 277 4100.
Page last updated: 26 January, 2012
