Library Service Customers,
2021 is ending as it began with the country responding to the extraordinary challenges arising from the pandemic. The Library Service has been on its own journey from the very limited ‘Select and Collect’ service when we were unable to allow customers into our libraries through to the current position where there is full access to buildings and services but with limits on the number of people who can safely be in buildings and the resumption of mandatory mask wearing. At all times our priority is the safety of staff and customers. I do want to thank all our customers for your patience and support in sticking with us as we continue to morph our services within what the regulations allow.
It remains to be seen what 2022 will bring but this newsletter highlights the brilliant work of my colleagues who continue to show passion, creativity and enthusiasm in bringing you the best of what we can offer. I think libraries are fundamentally places of hope as well as stimulation and enjoyment – I’m sure you will agree we need all three of those things now. If you have already resumed your ‘library habit’ that’s fantastic. If you are thinking of coming back to us then I hope the contents of this newsletter will spur you on to do so – you will be assured of a warm welcome.
Wishing all our valued customers a healthy and happy New Year.
Happy New Year from all of us at Cambridgeshire Libraries! We look forward to serving you in 2022.
We know how much our members love the library. Here are five ways you can support us in the year ahead:
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Join: it’s simple and free! Everyone in the family can be a member of the library - even babies.
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Use: make use of your library. Borrow books (in person, or download to a device), use a computer, attend events and activities, access online tools to help with school, work or research…
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Volunteer: we can offer even more programmes with help from volunteers. Could you be our next Storytime reader, event helper, Library@Home book bringer or Digital Buddy? If so, contact volunteers@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
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Donate: it’s free to use the library, but cash donations of any size help us provide more books and services.
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Spread the word: if you love your library, tell your friends and neighbours and encourage them to join! The more members we have, the stronger we are.
Cambridge Central Library will be open Sunday 2nd January 12-4pm, Closed Monday 3rd January and reopens on Tuesday 4th January.
All other libraries will re open on Tuesday 4th January.
Loan periods will automatically be extended to 4th January 2022. You can renew items online at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/library
New Opening Hours from 5th January 2022 for Comberton Library.
Monday 10am - 1pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10am - 1pm and 2.30pm - 5.30pm
Thursday Closed
Friday 2.30pm - 5.30pm
Saturday 10am - 1pm
Sunday Closed
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Chatteris Library will be closed for essential work on an low carbon project in January 2022:
- Monday 10th - closed
- Tuesday 11th - closed
- Wednesday 12th - closed
- Thursday 13th - closed
- Friday 14th - closed
- Saturday 15th - open
- Monday 17th - closed
- Tuesday 18th - open 2-5pm (usual hours resume)
From January, some of our libraries will resume one-to-one appointments with our volunteer Digital Buddies. Our Digital Buddies can help you build basic digital skills and signpost you to relevant information and support. This includes support with:
- Bus pass applications
- Connecting your device to available WiFi
- Using the internet to find information or certain websites
- Downloading and setting up apps to access Library services
- Navigating the Library website
- Getting you started with free digital skills courses via LearnMyWay.
You can register your interest in a one-to-one Digital Buddy Session at your nearest library or by phoning us at 0345 045 5225.
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January 27th marks the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945. On this Holocaust Memorial Day, we are all called to remember the millions murdered under Nazi persecution and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
We need to know history to learn from it. You can find many resources on the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website. To hear the moving lived experience of Anne Frank’s step-sister, Eva Schloss, follow this link to the The Living Knowledge Network.
For enlightening reads, search our catalogue. For example:
Franci’s war: the incredible true story of one woman’s survival of the Holocaust by Franci Rabinek Epstein
First they killed my father: a daughter of Cambodia remembers by Loung Ung
An ordinary man: the true story behind ‘Hotel Rwanda’ by Paul Rusesabagina
The war is dead, long live the war: Bosnia, the reckoning by journalist Ed Vulliamy
The devil came on horseback: bearing witness to the genocide in Darfur by Brian Steidle and Gretchen Steidle Wallace. Memoir of a former American soldier in Darfur.
Let us never forget.
Have you ever wondered what it's like to work for Cambridgeshire Libraries? We created a series of four short videos where staff share their experiences and talk about the variety and community focus of their roles.
Working for Cambridgeshire Libraries - YouTube
To look for vacancies in the library service and apply, please visit Public Sector Jobs East.
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‘Placing the learner at the heart of everything we do.’
We are looking for past and present learners who are willing to give their time to participate in our new Learner Voice Forum. The Learner Voice Forum will advise staff on a variety of issues such as their personal experiences, courses, ideas, and will have the opportunity to work in partnership to shape the future of Cambridgeshire Skills.
The Forum will meet as a group termly but may also be invited to get involved in projects and activities as they arise, this may be sitting on the interview panel for staff recruitment or representing Cambridgeshire Skills at networking events. This will be a great opportunity for anyone wishing to develop their own skills and experience working with a forward-thinking creative organisation.
We are looking for learners from all backgrounds throughout Cambridgeshire to join the Forum, so don’t worry if you have little or no experience you will receive support and training to build your skills and confidence.
If you would like more details, or just an informal chat, please call 01353 613013 or email cambsals@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Fun short films will be released during January by The Library Presents from artists who have worked with The Library Presents in the past. Enjoy music, theatre, puppetry and more! Some of the artists featured are: Edalia Day, Louise Jordan, Graffiti Classics, Paddleboat Theatre, magicians Kane and Abel, Time and Again Theatre, Sanskruti Dance, Garlic Theatre, Fly High Stories and Stute Theatre!!
Find the films or hear as they are released: Like and follow us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram & turn on notifications to see every new video as soon as it is released.
To view at your leisure throughout the month visit the website.
Access Information: All videos will be subtitled. If you require a transcript for any of the videos you can download this from the website. Some of the videos use very little language, they use actions, facial expressions, animation, props or music to communicate instead. All content is suitable for and we hope will appeal to all ages.
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Click on the button below to take a look at our selection of new books for January.
BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, chose Wisbech as one of only ten libraries across the country to pilot a project supporting families with pre-school children to engage with their local library and develop the habit of regularly sharing stories.
Wisbech staff worked with local Child & Family Centre staff to design a programme of eight special activity sessions based round the six 2021 BookTrust Storytime Prize shortlisted books. Child & Family Centre Staff invited six families who were not library members, to explore the stories and vote for the one they and their children enjoyed most.
The first three sessions were held at the Children’s Centre, a venue families were familiar with, the remaining sessions at the library, starting with a Half Term Craft session and ending with a Voting Party. BookTrust Researchers attended most of the sessions to discover if the families’ feelings towards the library and story sharing changed over the eight weeks. Five of the six families join the library; felt they were now sharing books more often and were keen for the Storytime & Craft sessions to continue. |
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A highlight for the project was the parents and staff being interviewed for BBC Look East!
Our weekly Happy Baby Hours are the perfect way to enjoy sharing toys, stories and games with your very young children in the company of other parents.
Join us at the following libraries:
March Library – Tuesdays 2-3pm & Fridays 10-11am
Chatteris Library - Mondays 10.30-11.30am and Wednesdays 2-3pm
Ely – Tuesdays 2-3pm & Thursdays 10-11am
Soham – Tuesdays 10-11am
Littleport – Mondays 10.30-11.30am
Burwell – Thursdays 2-3pm
Wisbech – Tuesdays 2-3pm
Whittlesey – Wednesdays 10-11am
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We would like to say a big thank you to the 593 East Cambs and Fenland families that joined the First Steps Library Club* in 2021. The library staff have really enjoyed seeing you in the library borrowing marvellous stories and joining in with Rhymetimes, Storytimes and craft events. We hope some of you have downloaded the 50 things to do before your five app and have used our first information books to discover more about the activities.
And congratulations to the eight families who won our monthly New Members’ Prize Draw and received their £50 High Street Vouchers.
Remember, if you visit the library at least 4 times there is a special FSLC Certificate for your child and the chance to win one of the two remaining Family Photoshoots. Our first winner was announced in December and there will be another draw at the end of March.
0-5 First Steps Storytime and Craft Club
Weekly sessions back in 2022 at Wisbech Library
Starting 12th January 1.30-2.30pm
A free session suitable for very young children to enjoy storytime and a simple craft. Booking not required,
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City and Central
Code Club at Central Library
Bookings are now open for the new term of Code Club (for children aged 9-12) at Cambridge Central Library, starting from Saturday 8th January and meeting fortnightly until 14th May. Places are limited and booking is essential. You can book a place for all 8 sessions via our Eventbrite:
Code Club: Scratch at Central Library, 10:30 - 11:30 | Eventbrite
Code Club: Python at Central Library, 11:30-12:30 | Eventbrite
Storytimes and Rhymetimes at Central Library
The times of our Storytimes and Rhymetimes are changing slightly from the w/c 10th January, and we’ll be reintroducing our popular Saturday morning rhymetime and Sunday afternoon Storytime. The new offer will be:
Storytimes: Mondays 10.30-11am and Sundays 3-3.30pm
Rhymetimes: Tuesdays 2.30-3pm, Thursdays 10.30-11am, Fridays 2.30-3pm, Saturdays 10.30-11am
For booking information, please our Eventbrite: Cambridgeshire Libraries Events | Eventbrite
Reading Aloud with Cherry at Central Library
Listen to a range of readings to help unwind and relax. Come to the third floor of the library on Thursday 13th January at 11am for this free drop-in one hour session. All welcome.
Bodies in the Library Reading Group at Central Library
For readers of mysteries and crime fiction. Come and join us on the third floor of Central Library on Saturday 8th January at 3pm for an hour of chat about the book(s) of the month and/or to give us your recommendations. All welcome.
Playing with Words: Creative Writing Course at Milton Road Library
Playing with Words is an eight-week series of creative writing classes in which you'll explore imaginative ways to write your story. Each class will focus on a different area of writing and will include a mix of discussion and creative writing exercises. Eight Wednesday evenings, 6.30-8.30pm, 19th January – 16th March 2022 (with no class on 16th February), at Milton Road Library.
Free to attend but places are limited. Book via our Eventbrite:
Playing with Words Tickets | Eventbrite
Wisbech & Whittlesey
Wisbech Library
Tea and Tablets
20th January 10.00 -11.30am
Come along with your questions and to get help and support with using technology in an informal group over a cup of tea.
Booking not required
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Lego Club
Saturday 15th January 10.00-11.00am
All ages welcome to come and get creative at our monthly Lego Club.
50p. Please book your space at Wisbech Library
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January Craft Club
Saturday 29th January 2-3pm
Come and enjoy an hour of craft! Suitable for 3 years upwards
50p. Please book your space at Wisbech Library
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Rhymetime
Weekly sessions back in 2022
Starting 7th January 10:30-11:00am
A free session suitable for very young to enjoy simple songs and nursery rhymes. Book your spaces at Wisbech Library.
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Whittlesey Library
Puzzle Club: 18th January 10.30-11.30am No need to book
Knitting Group: 11th January & 25th January 10.30-11.30am No need to book
Lego Club: 8th January 10:00 – 11:00am
Wiggle & Giggle - Simple songs and Rhymes for 0-5 years: Fridays 10:30 – 11:00am Booking required
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March Library
Chinese New Year Workshop
Saturday 29th January 2-3.30pm
A fusion of crafts and Chinese language
For children age 7 plus. £2.50 including refreshments
Limited places available – please book at March Library.
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Cambridgeshire Libraries brings you four new books each month to borrow in eBook or eAudiobook format. Multiple use, they're great for reading groups and workplace reads.
Our titles for January are:
Enjoy our collection of special BorrowBox eAudiobook titles which will be available to 500 or 1,000 customers at the same time.
Perfect for reading groups, ideal to get a countywide discussion started.
Follow the links to BorrowBox Audiobooks download and listen today:
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter I The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult
Holy Island by L.J. Ross I The House at Sea’s End by Elly Griffiths
Stories of Hope by Heather Morris I Speak Your Truth by Fearne Cotton
Join in the discussion on Twitter #CambridgeshireListenIn
We also have Cambridgeshire Listen in - for kids.
This month's eAudiobook titles are:
Share your thoughts on Twitter using #CambsKidsListenIn
We would love to hear from you. You can leave your comments on our Facebook and Instagram pages too.
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Ancestry
During the past two years, Cambridgeshire Libraries users were able to access Ancestry Library Edition at home from their own devices. This remote access ceases on 31 December 2021. Anyone who has been using Ancestry on their own device from their library card login will notice the link has disappeared from their Digital Library options.
Cambridgeshire Library members are still able to access Ancestry Library Edition freely from any library computer by logging in with their library card.
FindMyPast
The England and Wales 1921 census is due to be released on 6 January 2022. It will be available via FindMyPast. However, even if you have a subscription there will be a charge to view transcriptions (£2.50) or page images (£3.50). As this payment needs to be made via a secure payment option, it will be available via personal subscriptions only, it will not be an option from the library version. This is to ensure that credit card details cannot be shared or compromised when using public computers.
Free access to the census information will only be available at the National Archives, Kew, and at two regional hubs - Manchester Central Library and the National Library of Wales.
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Plough Monday is the traditional start of the new agricultural year. It falls on the first Monday after Epiphany (i.e. the Twelfth Day of Christmas). In 2022 Plough Monday is on January 10th. There are often local events in England, and especially East Anglia.
Enid Porter was a collector of Cambridgeshire folklore, who recorded the cultural and social practices of the people who lived there. Many of her articles and books are in the collections. You can find lots of items related to Cambridgeshire customs and folklore in the Local Studies collections. There are also many resources online. As a library member you can access the internet free of charge from any library in Cambridgeshire.
Straw Bears
As they had not been working or paid during the Christmas holidays, the agricultural workers and ploughboys would tour their local area to perform molly dances, plough-plays or sing and entertain. They would also get up to mischief, their aim being to intimidate in order to obtain money, with those refusing to donate would have some trick played upon them (a bit like trick or treating). To avoid recognition, they would blacken their faces to disguise themselves.
Fen author Sybil Marshall recounts the activities of straw bears and molly dancers in her book: Fenland chronicle: recollections of William Henry and Kate Mary Edwards / collected and edited by their daughter; with drawings by Ewart Oakeshott. Molly dancers still perform in distinct and highly decorative costume and makeup.
Ramsey and Whittlesey (Whittlesea) have long traditions of straw bears. In Whittlesey it is the Tuesday following Plough Monday when a ploughman is dressed in straw and paraded accompanied by music and dance.
Read more here Whittlesea Straw Bear
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3813172
For more information, you can find items about Cambridgeshire customs and folklore in the Local Studies section of the library, and reports in local newspapers. There are also websites dedicated to local history and straw bear activities which you can access from your local library, such as the Cambridgeshire Community Archives Network (CCAN), where you can find information and images.
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Join us for Engage Online, a programme of free interactive talks and events. Engage Online events are free to join, and hosted on Zoom.
The Orphans of History? Market Towns of Eastern England since 1700
11th January 2-3pm
The post-medieval history of small market towns has been largely neglected by historians in favour of the great industrial cities of the 19th century: we know far more about Manchester and Leeds than Ely or Saffron Walden. Yet small towns faced the same problems (e.g of overcrowding and public health) as their larger counterparts and in this talk Tony Kirby will explore how these were tackled, together with such aspects as housing, workhouses and hospitals, changing shopping patterns and what remains to be seen of these in today’s local townscapes.
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Forgotten Funeral: Mary, Queen of Scots and Peterborough
25th January 2-3pm
We commemorate annually the burial of Katharine of Aragon in Peterborough, but often forget that she was not the only Queen buried here in the Tudor period. But what were the circumstances of Mary’s death? Why was she buried here, only to be later exhumed and moved to London? This illustrated talk will examine these questions and Mary’s remarkable story.
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We have set up a mailing list for those who want to join us regularly for Engage Online events. If you would like to be on this list to regularly receive information on upcoming events then please email Engage.Online@cambridgeshire.gov.uk and say you would like to be added the mailing list.
Listen to a variety of stories, poems and literature for adults. Free to join, hosted on Zoom, virtual ticket required.
Join us from the comfort of your own home.
Survival and Heroism
Tuesday 4th January 2-3pm
Explore heroism and survival with us in all their shapes and forms through literature!
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Music
Tuesday 18th January 2-3pm
Join us and listen to a literary symphony of all things musical!
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All events are free to join, hosted on Zoom, virtual ticket required.
If you are interested in virtually attending any of these events, or have any questions then please contact us. You can email the Read a Little Aloud team at:
RALA.Online@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
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64 Million Artists is a social enterprise with a mission to inspire everyone’s creativity. Here’s what they have to say about their January Challenge, designed to kickstart your creativity in 2022:
At 64 Million Artists we believe everyone is creative, and when we use our creativity we can make positive change in our lives and the world around us. Every January, we release a different creative prompt on each day of the month.
You can sign up to receive the challenge in a daily email or follow along on social media. You’ll find a fantastic community online using the hashtag #TheJanuaryChallenge on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. There, you’ll be able to see other people’s responses, and share your own.
All of the challenge ideas come from creative people around the country including musicians, chefs, comedians, sports stars, authors and…you!
Sign up here and join the January Challenge today!
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Treat yourself to a feast of literary events online this festive season and beyond, thanks to LoveReading Litfest.
Book lovers everywhere can access the free archive of more than 100 recorded events by visiting www.lovereadinglitfest.com
With a strong programming ethos that focuses on debuts, works in translation and kids/YA books and authors alongside content featuring bestselling authors and prize-winning books, LoveReading Litfest’s archive includes conversations with Karin Slaughter, Hanif Kureishi, Sara Nisha Adams and children’s author Jack Meggit-Phillips – plus many others, and more to come. Enjoy! |
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It is a great time to have a fresh start and set ourselves health goals at the beginning of a new year. Whether you plan to keep a healthy diet or to be more active, you can always find inspirations in our libraries. Please go to our catalogue online and discover health and wellbeing.
The Better Health website also gives tips on how to make simple changes to improve our wellbeing. Do take a look of the free apps and try them out. If you want to help children eat better and move more, visit the Better Health - Healthier Families website and explore many ways to enjoy food and have fun together.
Wish everyone a happy and healthy new year!
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Hunts Blind are an independent registered charity supporting the old county of Huntingdonshire residents of all ages who are experiencing sight loss.
We provide a wide range of activities and services tailored to each individual, their carer and family. Our team of outreach workers, social events coordinators, technical support and volunteers are committed to providing members with support and advice to enable them to maximise their ability to remain independent, regain and boost their confidence and improve their quality of life.
Some of the services we provide include
- Home visits from our outreach team to assess needs and provide information and support
- Identification of and assistance with entitlements applications
- Monthly social meetings in Bury, St Neots, St Ives and Huntingdon
- Walking group
- Book Club
- Technology support – Tech forums
- Visual aid equipment centre based in Huntingdon
- Support and advice at the Low Vision Clinic
- Volunteer drivers to help members gain access to the social groups and outings we organise
If you are a resident of Huntingdonshire and living with sight loss, please contact us. There is no membership fee and you do not have to be registered sight impaired.
Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind
8 St Mary’s Street
Huntingdon Cambridgeshire
PE29 3PE
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Telephone 01480 453438 info@huntsblind.co.uk Facebook @huntsblind
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