Your library is here for you, whatever the weather. As we enter the colder months you are welcome to use the library as a warm place to spend some time. Come in to relax, read, work or study. We provide free WiFi and free use of library computers, and you can bring snacks and drinks along.
Meet up with friends or come and enjoy one of our many social events: we have rhyme and story-times for little ones; talks, book groups, craft sessions and more for adults.
Libraries are a trusted source of information. If you are looking for cost-of-living support, our friendly staff can find the information you need and direct you to organisations who can help.
Some of our libraries are able to offer hot drinks. If you can volunteer some time to help with this, please let us know.
We look forward to seeing you in the library this winter!
|
Cambridgeshire Libraries have been awarded funding to create innovative, flexible and inclusive spaces at Cambridge Central and March libraries.
Developer and library project funding was used to update both libraries’ Reception desks, layouts and furnishings.
Arbury also has all new shelving and flooring. The Friends of Arbury Court Library said, “The transformation is outstanding. It feels like a rebuilt library rather than just a refurbishment. It is so bright and airy and such a pleasant place to be. The desk area feels so much more welcoming and the overall feel is wonderful.”
Please come and visit, as the photos do not do the libraries justice!
Did you know that Cambridgeshire Libraries offer a range of resources to support new arrivals into our communities? Go Citizen, highlighted below as our online resource of the month, gives those studying for the Life in the UK test access to study materials. PressReader gives library members free access to over 7000 newspapers and magazines titles from 140 different counties, with the option to translate into a number of languages and also a text to speech option. Learn My Way free digital skills courses include modules on managing money and health online, finding a job and using public services. We also have a range of foreign language and dual language books and language learning resources, both physical and digital, which you can browse and reserve on our catalogue.
If you’d like to set up your own business, our Business & IP Centre Cambridgeshire & Peterborough provides free and low-cost business support and advice to start up business owners, entrepreneurs, and inventors like you. Our many events and activities give those new to the UK the opportunity to get to know their local communities in a friendly and welcoming environment. And if you’re looking to improve your English, you can join Cambridge Central Library’s free weekly conversation group, which meets every Wednesday from 5-6pm (3rd floor).
Also at Central Library, we’re hosting an International Saturday on the 10th December in celebration—come along to the 3rd floor from 11am to 3pm for a multilingual storytime, badge making and crafts, a language learners’ café and a Balkan Dance for Fitness taster session! This is a free event and all are welcome. You can book a free ticket via Eventbrite or just come along on the day: International Saturday Tickets, Sat 10 Dec 2022 at 11:00 | Eventbrite
Cambridgeshire Libraries has made a pledge as an organisation to adhere to the City of Sanctuary charter, and to work towards Libraries of Sanctuary national award.
 Chinese communities have been calling the UK home for much longer than many realise. Tracing their heritage back to regions in East and South-East Asia, they’ve established a rich and diverse culture across the UK.
A new free display reflects on this long history through photographs, manuscripts and interviews with those who have lived through it.
Inspired by the British Library’s Chinese and British exhibition, the display celebrates the lasting impact of Chinese communities in the UK, from wartime service and contributions to popular cuisine to achievements in literature, sport, music, fashion and film.
You can see the display at Cambourne Library until 22nd December. Chinese translations are available, and you can pick up a family activity sheet to help all ages enjoy the exhibition.
The panels will move to Cambridge Central Library in January – look out for information about Chinese New Year celebrations there in our next Newsletter.
Image description and credits
Modernist writer and painter Ling Shuhua (1900 – 1990). Her most famous book, written in English, Ancient Melodies, was a feminist autobiography about her life in China, and was a best-seller at the time. Source: Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Collection of English and American Literature, The New York Public Library
British Chinese footballer Frank Soo (1914 – 1991). He played for Stoke City and Luton Town in the 1930s and during the Second World War captained the RAF team. Source: The Sentinel/StokeonTrentLive
Taking part in the online Winter Mini Challenge is simple. Children just need to read at least three books of their choice between 1 December 2022 and 20 February 2023 and add them to their online profile at www.wintermini.org.uk. When they reach their online reading goal it will unlock a limited-edition virtual badge and a special Winter Mini Challenge certificate to print off and keep.
They could choose books from their local library or why not try our eBook collections
Borrow from Cambridgeshire Libraries - Cambridgeshire County Council
|
Cambridgeshire Libraries are offering free ferrules to walking-aid users. Library staff will help to check the rubbery cap at the bottom of the walking sticks, walking frames and crutches for signs of wear and tear. If the ferrule is worn, we can help to replace it to make the walking aid safe to use.
|
Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell
London: it is nearly midnight and very cold.
In a neglected area of urban wasteland, where cats hunt and foxes shriek, a girl is waiting …
When Saffyre Maddox was ten, something terrible happened and she’s carried the pain of it ever since. The man who she thought was going to heal her didn’t, and now she hides from him, invisible in the shadows, learning his secrets.
Owen Pick is invisible too. He’s 33 years old and he’s never had a girlfriend. He’s never even had a friend. Nobody sees him. Nobody cares.
But when Saffyre disappears from opposite his house on Valentine’s night, suddenly the whole world is looking at him. Accusing him. Holding him responsible …
Listen Here
|
Looking for something to entertain you during the long winter evenings? Our podcast is now available to on our Cambridgeshire Libraries YouTube channel. Take a listen to authors such as Elly Griffiths, Nicola Upson and William Shaw talk about all things books!
|
 Tuesday 6th December, 19:00 – 20:30
In 2021 precious manuscripts by the Brontes, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Jane Austen were at risk of being lost to private collectors forever. Thanks to the campaigning and fundraising of the Friends of the National Libraries these artefacts were saved, to be made forever available to the public.
Explore the contents of the ‘Honresfield Library’ with those who know it best. Experts will shed light on the writers featured in the collection and celebrate the treasure trove of objects it contains. Follow this link to the live-stream: The Honresfield Library Revealed
This is one of many online events available free to Cambridgeshire Libraries members through the Living Knowledge Network, a UK-wide partnership of national and public libraries founded by the British Library with the National Library of Scotland and National Library of Wales.
Did you know that as a member of Cambridgeshire Libraries you can access Go Citizen, an online study resource for candidates preparing for the Life in the UK test or British citizenship test? Go Citizen contains official study materials licensed from the Home Office, hundreds of practice test questions in the same format as the official test, and interactive learning resources and teaching aids
You can access Go Citizen from home using your Cambridgeshire Libraries card number.
Not a member? Join here https://cambridgeshire.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/JOIN
At our December Book Slot on Dave Webster’s Radio Cambridgeshire Afternoon Show we will discuss Patrick Ness’ celebration of the disruptive and redemptive power of love, The Crane Wife.
Listen in on 9th at 2.10pm to hear what Lou Aldridge and Dave think of the book; then listen to the author on Dave’s Sounds of your Saturday Show on 10th at 10am.
Download the eBook or eAudio book from Cambridgeshire Listens/Cambridgeshire Reads and see if you agree with Dave and Lou's review.
eBook - The Crane Wife | Cambridgeshire Libraries - BorrowBox
eAudiobook - The Crane Wife | Cambridgeshire Libraries - BorrowBox
|
 Click on the button below to take a look at our selection of new books for December.
 Our Cambridgeshire Listens and Cambridgeshire Reads collections bring you a wide range of books to borrow in eBook or eAudiobook format. Multiple use, they're great for reading groups and workplace reads.
Each month the selection of adult, young adult and children's titles refresh - they're available to borrow over a 60 day period. Try the links to look at this month's offerings. We have 8 titles available as both Reads and Listens this month including Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding, Never by Ken Follett, The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro and The Crane Wife by Patrick Ness. We also have The Christmas Train by David Baldacci and The Happy Closet by Annmarie O’Connor available as just e-books.
 We also have 4 adult fiction titles available as just Listens including Because of You by Dawn French, The Party Crasher by Sophie Kinsella and The Constant Gardener by John le Carre.
Junior Titles
|
 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.
All Things Christmas!
Tuesday 6th December 2-3pm
Join us for a festive feast of listening to a variety of seasonal poetry, stories and literature for adults!
This month we have a change to our regular monthly programme as we are launching Read a Little Aloud Nights. These evening events will take place on the 3rd Tuesday each month 7-8pm.
Read a Little Aloud Nights
Tuesday 20th December
7-8pm
Join us and listen to an evening of stories, poems and literature for adults from the comfort of your own home.
 |
|
|
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
|
|
Protection provided by Covid-19 vaccines decreases over time and flu viruses can change every year. These viruses can cause serious illness, whereas vaccines can protect us against them.
Find out whether you’re eligible for the free flu vaccine and how to book a flu jab and Covid-19 booster, visit NHS.uk/WinterVaccinations. You can also get your Covid jab at one of the walk-in clinics.
|
There are local support and resources to help you and your family stay warm and healthy, visit Stay Well this Winter for information. |
|
 |
|
