This month in our libraries we are celebrating the best female authors, as well as highlighting top non-fiction books on a variety of related topics.

Throughout March East Sussex Libraries will be promoting and celebrating women’s achievements across the world with displays of books, audio books and DVDs across the county.  Also, checkout out our special collection Celebrating Women in our eLibrary - there are plenty of ways to be inspired this month.

Why not join in and set yourself a new reading challenge? Discover a female author you haven't read before or pick up a biography of an inspirational figure.

From 8-17th March we are taking part in British Science week which celebrates the best of British science, technology, engineering and maths.

Reading science doesn't have to mean a daunting textbook filled with equations and diagrams; learn what life is like on the frontline of the NHS with the hilarious, honest and brutal words of junior doctor Adam Kay in this best selling book This is Going to Hurt. Or try answering difficult questions about tomorrow, for example 'You are accused of a crime. Who would you rather determined your fate - a human or an algorithm?' in Hannah Fry's insightful and witty Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine.

We will be continuing to engage our young scientists in July with the Summer Reading Challenge, which has just announced this year's theme as Space Chase. More on that to come, so watch this space!

Did you know that you can borrow reminiscence items from the library service? The collection includes books, games, puzzles, quizzes and objects designed to encourage conversation and stimulate memories.

They can be used for working with older people including those with dementia, and adults or children with disabilities, either in a group setting or at home. They are ideal for care homes, carers and family members.

Anyone can borrow from this collection. Visit our website to view our reminiscence resources.  You will need your library card and PIN and you can reserve items free of charge and collect them from your local library.

In honour of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, our book this month is a collection of poems by the first female poet laureate, Dame Carol Ann Duffy. ‘The World’s Wife’ is reviewed by Rebecca Newby, a Project Manager in our Economic Development Team.

"Browsing the shelves of my local library one afternoon, I come across The World’s Wife by Carol Ann Duffy. Leafing through the pages I find myself confronted by the quick verse of Mrs. Darwin -

7 April 1852

 Went to the Zoo.

I said to Him—

Something about that Chimpanzee over there reminds me of you

Published in 1999 to great acclaim, The World’s Wife sees each poem told in the voice of a wife, girlfriend, or sister of a great historical figure.  We pick up where the original myths and stories finish, Duffy’s heroines - their own names unknown - providing feisty, independent, playful, and at times heartfelt accounts of lives lived in the shadows of fabled spouses.

Between the wit and barbed cynicism, Duffy whisks the reader through each poem exploring themes of motherhood, inequality, loneliness, desire and ferocity.  From fed up Mrs. Icarus, to long-suffering Mrs. Midas, to jubilant Mrs. Faust and fantastic Mrs. Beast – Duffy is able to conjure up brilliant images with a mere syllable.

It is impossible to ignore the melody, fun and varied style that makes each poem stand out so individually.  Fittingly, it is the final poem that offers the most sense of hope. In Demeter, the focus turns from past history to liberation and new beginnings; a relationship between a mother and her daughter, as one’s journey finishes and the other’s begins."

Reserve your copy from an East Sussex Library now. 

Looking for more reading inspiration? Each month one of our librarians reviews five of their top picks on the Your East Sussex website: read our recommendations for March.

To celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday 8^th March, here is a selection of inspirational movies about extraordinary women available to rent from East Sussex Libraries.

DVDs can be borrowed from as little as £2, and from £3.50 for the latest releases.