Easter update on activities and events at our libraries - poetry open mic, design a rhino competition and more...

Welcome to our library e-newsletter. Find out about news and events at your local library as well as our latest book, film and music releases.

Easter opening times

All libraries will be open on Saturday 30 March as normal.

All libraries will be closed on Friday 29 March and Monday 1 April.

We are open as usual all the way through the school holidays. View our opening hours here.

What could the Open University offer you?

Saturday 27 April / 10am - 3pm / Central Library, Civic Centre

The Open University is a world leader in modern distance learning - the pioneer of teaching and learning methods which enable people to achieve their career and life goals studying at times and in places that suit them. Come along and find out what the Open University has to offer at this information day.

Discover three free online services

1) Download and read over 20 popular magazines on your tablet, mobile or computer with Zinio.

2) Access thousands of newspapers in 54 different languages with Library Press Display.

3) Use Book Psychic to receive personalised recommendations for books, DVDs, large print and audio books available from Southampton Libraries.

Easter egg-stravaganza!

Saturday 30 March / 11am-3pm / Central Library / FREE

Make some egg-citing Easter crafts - no booking required. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.

Open mic poetry night

Tuesday 23 April / 7.30pm / Central Library, Civic Centre / £5 (payable on the door) / Organised by Southampton Libraries and The Artful Scribe

Celebrate World Book Night with an open mic poetry night at the library featuring Poland's premier performance poet Bohdan Piasecki, with support from Archimedes Screw Poetry Showcase champion Stewart Taylor, and Alphapoeticas's Cultural Olympiad heroine Angela Chicken. Local poets welcome to participate in the open mic - there will also be the opportunity to win prizes.

A limited number of four-minute slots are available on a first come first served basis. The audience's favourite will be awarded a £20 Waterstone's voucher and tickets to see the current world poetry slam champion, Harry Baker, perform a headline set in Southampton on 10 May 2013.

Baby rhino design competition

We want children and young people to get involved in our baby rhino project! If you are aged 16 or under, why not have a go at a design for a rhino sculpture and see it come to life? Your design could go on display at Southampton City Libraries and Southampton City Art Gallery.

For 10 weeks throughout this summer, rhino sculptures will inhabit the streets of Southampton, showcasing the wealth of artistic talent in the area. This rhino project will also highlight the significant threat to the conservation of wild rhinoceroses.

We are looking for an exciting and colourful design, inspired by your favourite books or works of art. So sharpen your pencils, get your pens out and let your creative skills work their magic!

To get started, download and print out the 'Design a rhino competition sheet' here. Draw and colour your design on the sheet and hand it to staff at any library in Southampton before 21 April 2013. Good luck everyone!