|
Your Virtual Library continued...
Last time we told you about a whole library of books, newspapers, magazines, audiobooks and much more available with your library membership or registration number.
We are hard at work to provide as much as we can online during the lockdown, and have started to engage with our communities using different online platforms.
In this edition read about the other ways you can engage with us online - sign up to online courses, workshops, blogs and social media channels used by the library.
We'll also suggest some good websites to visit - we'll point you in the direction of reliable sources of information, entertainment and learning online - places on the web that are informative and fun, but also trustworthy and fact-checked.
|
|
 You can find us on several popular social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and we also run a couple of blogs.
These are a brilliant way to connect with us and we invite all our readers, users and visitors to join us there.
The whole library team has been working hard to create some new content that will allow us to interact with you. So for example, there is the brilliant Share Your Shelves initiative on Facebook, where members of staff post photos of their book shelves at home and invite the community to send in theirs (you can see a wonderful example above).
There are other call-outs for plants and pets too! Or how about inspiring inscriptions you find in books?
|
|
Help us record the lockdown
 The Library Time Machine
Get to know your local borough through the fantastic Library Time Machine, a blog written by our Local History Librarian, Dave Walker.
The library holds copyright on a vast collection of photographs, prints, sketches, maps and other materials related to the borough, and Dave makes ample use of those in his posts.
Over the years, Library Time Machine has developed into an important repository of local history, featuring many notable places, people and events related to Kensington and Chelsea.
Local residents are invited to submit their own images illustrating how they are managing the lockdown to create a digital record of these unprecedented times. Send your contributions to libraries@rbkc.gov.uk
|
|
 We have been in touch with our events partners, asking them to deliver their sessions virtually, using platforms like Skype and Zoom, and we had a wonderful response.
|
|
Virtual Q&A with author Gary Lachman
 Friday 8 May, 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Zoom
Interested in esoteric ideas and mysticism?
Then don't miss this unique opportunity to take part in this virtual Q&A with Gary Lachman, author who according to Washington Post, 'writes about philosophical and mystical ideas with exceptional grace, forcefulness and clarity'.
Gary has authored over twenty books on culture, consciousness and the western esoteric tradition. He has also written about the influence of esotericism on politics and society and this is the theme of his latest offering, The Return of Holy Russia. You can find a full list of his titles here.
In a previous incarnation he was a founding member of the pop group Blondie and has written about his life as a musician. He lectures regularly in the UK, US and Europe. Born in New Jersey, he has lived in London since 1996.
Book to attend the virtual Q&A here.
We have hosted Gary on several occasions, as part of Fantasy February Festivals, which promotes our Folklore and Customs collection.
Have a look at the recording of the talk he did in Kensington Central Library in 2018 about the infamous occultist, Aleister Crowley. In this talk Gary Lachman traces the arc of the master magician’s controversial life and outlines his significant influence on modern pop culture.
Revisit the myth and the magic of the Big Beast here. The talk is posted in two parts.
|
|
|
A journey into Italian language with Selene Stefanini
 Culturally rich and full of history, Italy is one of the most admired countries in Europe.
Through fun and interactive virtual sessions, we shall look at some of Italy's hidden treasures and traditions that will take us beyond pizza and pasta.
We shall learn new vocabulary and grammar and expand your appreciation of Italy.
Lessons will last one hour and each week in May will be dedicated to a particular topic.
There will be 3 slots available for each session - you only need to attend one per week.
Selene Stefanini is a qualified Italian language tutor. Originally from Pisa, she moved to London 7 years ago. Selene is passionate about languages, travel and rock climbing. She loves teaching and sharing her passion and interests with others.
|
|
|
Story time with the Holland Park Ecology Centre
 Wednesday 13 May - 2pm to 2.30pm
Max Martin from Holland Park Ecology Centre reads Little Tree by Loren Long.
Little Tree loves his splendid leaves, and when Autumn arrives he doesn't want to let them go.
Join us for this short, sweet story of having the courage to let go and grow, with interactive elements so everyone can join in!
Suitable for kids of all ages and some youthfull adults!
Book to attend the virtual story time session here.
Creative writing course with Joy Rhoades
|
|
|
The wonderful Joy Rhoades will still deliver her 4-part creative writing course as advertised, but virtually, using Zoom.
The first session titled Crowd-plot a novel took place on Tuesday 20 April and it was brilliant!
The sessions are stand-alone so even if you have missed one, you can still join the course.
These fast-paced and fun 90-minute workshops are perfect for those who want to learn more about different aspects of shaping a story.
Click on the links below to take part in the remaining three sessions.
|
|
|
2: Monday 4 May
Make your dialogue sing
In this workshop, you’ll consider the elements of good dialogue and how to turn yours into an engine-house at the heart of your narrative.
|
|
3: Monday 1 June
How to hook a reader
This time we'll consider the first five pages of some famous novels and review how each writer built that imaginary world in those few lines.
|
|
4: Monday 15 June
Setting the scene
A look at how writers use detail and the senses to create evocative setting and learn how to make setting central to your plot.
|
|
Self-Help Book Club continues online
Saturday 2 May
10am to 12 noon on Zoom
Whether you were able to read the book in advance or not, join the discussion and perhaps you can share with us what you have been reading during the lockdown.
Book your place on Eventbrite.
Find eBooks available online from the Library - you can browse, borrow and return eBooks via the cloudLibrary website. Visit the Library website for step-by-step instructions on how to download the cloudLibrary app and create an account.
If you have missed this session, you can join the club at the next meeting on Saturday, 13 June.
|
We are reading...
We shall discuss Brilliant Positive Psychology by Charlotte Style, focusing on chapter 1 to 5.
Positive psychology helps build resilience, optimism, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, wisdom, motivation and much more! It wakes us up to the power of feeling good, thinking positively and acting generously. With positive psychology we can be healthier, live longer and feel more fulfilled.
Brilliant Positive Psychology reveals the principles and practices and shows you how you can incorporate them into your life today.
|
|
|
Virtual shared reading group with The Reader
 |
|
Wednesday 6 May, 2pm to 3.30pm
Thursday 14 May, 10am to 11.30am
Monday 18 May, 2pm to 3.30pm
Thursday 28 May, 10am to 11.30am
|
The Reader is a national organisation which works to bring people together and books to life though shared reading. We normally host their sessions in the library, but during the lockdown, you are invited to join the group on Zoom.
Shared Reading Groups offer a place for people to come together and connect through stories and poems.
Contact london@thereader.org.uk or call 07483972020 to book or get more information.
|
|
Help from National Careers Service (NCS)
 NCS is continuing to advise customers online and by telephone.
To arrange your free telephone session with an NCS Adviser in London please call 020 3714 8350
They also offer free accredited training for London residents
If you are interested in online learning, contact the NCS to discuss the many free training opportunities for London residents.
Level 2/Level 3 courses available in: Teaching, Healthcare, Digital/IT, Business Administration/Organisational Management Level 2 English/Maths and more!
|
|
You can research individual companies or search for companies with specific profiles and do detailed analysis.
It is available in the library only, but during the current crisis, you can send your request to libraries@rbkc.gov.uk and we'll extract a targeted mailing list for your B2B communication.
|
|
Perfect information resource for small businesses, with a wealth of practical information and advice.
Available remotely, with your library card. They have put together all the information relevant to SMEs during the Covid-19 crisis in a handy pack.
|
|
|
Digital marketing webinars for businesses
 Every Thursday at 10am
Portobello Business Centre offers weekly, free webinars that cover the basics of digital marketing, including themes like email, social media, websites, blogging, podcasting etc.
The course is run by Digital Marketing Consultant and PBC’s expert, Julian Holden.
Book your place here.
|
|
Who Else Writes Like...? and Who Next...?
 Do you ever find yourself stuck with what to read next, particularly after finishing a book you enjoyed a lot. We have two new online resources to help you decide what to read next - they will help you find authors who write in the similar vein to authors whose work you admire.
Who Else Writes Like...? is for adult and Who Next...? for children's authors.
These databases allow you to cross-reference authors based on the genre, subject matter, writing style etc.
Next time you are stuck with what to read next, why not try them?
|
|
Ancestry now available remotely
You can now access Ancestry remotely, from home.
First you need to log into your library account using your library membership number and your PIN.
Then click on the Ancestry logo in the sidebar on the left.
You will be taken to the Ancestry page and can start searching straight away.
|
|
Ask a librarian
Have a question?
We may not be there to help you in person, but you can still ask a team of librarians anything you want through our email enquiry service.
Just email your query to libraries@rbkc.gov.uk and we'll do our best to help.
|
|
|
Open Culture
Fancy listening to a recording of T.S.Eliot reading The Wasteland? Or James Joyce reading Ulysses? Open Culture has it all.
It is one of the best places for free resources on the web.
|
|
 Stay informed
Make sure you stay on top of important information regarding the Coronavirus pandemic - subscribe to our two enewsletters:
Important Update and Emergency Update.
|
|
|
|
|
