 There is always a warm welcome at Staffordshire Libraries
Did you know Staffordshire Libraries provide safe, warm, and welcoming spaces with access to lots of great services, such as FREE books and electronic resources. With a Staffordshire library card, you can download eBooks, eAudio books, eMagazines, eComics, and eNewspapers on the go!
At Staffordshire Libraries you have access to Wi-Fi and desktop computers and can use a range of subscriptions such as Ancestry, Driving Theory Test Pro, Britannica and Go Citizen and much more, FREE across our 43 libraries.
Staffordshire library staff and volunteers can signpost you to information and services in your local area - getting you the help and support you may need. Many of our libraries can help with online applications for Bus Passes and Blue Badges, and our Business Start-Up Hubs can provide anyone looking to start a business with information to get them on the right path.
Looking for something to do? We have a huge range of activities and events from Baby Bounce and Rhyme time for little ones, Coffee and Chat sessions, Local History activities, Craft sessions plus lots more. So, what are you waiting for! Why not Discover Your Staffordshire Library Today! And Join Up. Join In. Discover. Explore. Create.
Libraries have lot of regular events and activities and special events run all year - find out what's on near you here
Find out more about Your Staffordshire Library Service here: How to join your library - Staffordshire County Council
Or on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube – search Staffordshire Libraries and follow us for updates.
 Health Information Week
20 - 26 January
Health Information Week is a national, multi-sector campaign to promote high quality information. High quality health information can have a huge impact on your ability to stay healthy and manage illnesses effectively, giving you a better quality of life.
The themes for 2025 are:
- Monday, 20 January – Winter Health
- Tuesday, 21 January – Mental Health
- Wednesday, 22 January – Wellbeing
- Thursday, 23 January – Health Literacy and Misinformation
- Friday, 24 January – Digital Literacy
What to ask to find trusted health information
There are a few simple questions you can ask yourself when looking at health information:
- Where did the information come from? Who produced it? Was it the NHS or a trusted charity or health organisation? Is the information relevant to the UK?
- How current is the information? When was it published or last updated? Health information changes over time – make sure it is up to date.
- Is it easy to use and understand?
- Is based on multiple evidence reviews or case studies? Look for clear references.
- Why has it been produced? Is it to inform or is there an agenda? Is the website profit driven?
It is also a good idea to cross-check information. This means looking to see if it is repeated by more than one reliable source.
Trusted sources of health information
One of the easiest ways to get reliable health information is to use trusted sources. If you see something online always check the source.
Below are some sources of trusted health information:
You can also look for quality standards on the information. These include:
Our libraries also hold collections of health information books, in particular the Reading Agency Reading Well Collections, but also information about local services and groups.
Pop into your library to find out more or visit the Health Information Week website, Twitter page @Healthinfoweek or search for the hashtag #HIW2025
 Design a character for the new library kids zone
Help us create characters for our new library kids zone on our webpage!
Let your imagination run wild as you create a library themed mascot.
Competition is for ages 0 - 17 years and is comprised of 4 categories:
- Category 1: Age 0 - 8 years
- Category 2: Age 8 - 11 years
- Category 3: Age 12 - 15 years
- Category 4: Age 16 - 17 years (inclusive)
All entries must be received on or after the opening date of 1 January 2025 and before 5pm on the closing date of 31 March 2025.
To enter the competition collect an entry form and terms and conditions from the following libraries:
Or email connected.libraries@staffordshire.gov.uk for an entry form and terms and conditions.
Competition entries can be dropped off at the above libraries, or posted to the following address:
Character Competition c/o Jocelyn Scantlebury, Staffordshire Place One, Stafford, Staffordshire ST16 2DH.
 Have the kids joined the online Winter Mini Challenge?
A great confidence booster! The Winter Mini Challenge is a fun online challenge that encourages children to keep up their reading across the Winter months. This year the Winter Mini Challenge runs until 20th February, so still plenty of time.
It’s free to take part on wintermini.org.uk, where children can collect rewards for logging and reviewing books. Whatever your interest, it all counts.
Taking part is simple. Children read at least three books of their choice in the winter holidays and add them to their online profile. Reaching their online reading goal will unlock a limited-edition virtual badge and a special Winter Mini Challenge certificate to print off and keep.
Our Libraries are filled with seasonal and other books for children to borrow over the Christmas holidays and we have lots of great eBooks and eAudios available on the Borrowbox App or via our eLibrary.
Tackle the holiday reading ‘dip’ and join in online
 Have your say on the Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan 2025-2030
This consultation is seeking your views on the priorities for protecting and managing Cannock Chase National Landscape over the next five years.
Cannock Chase is a nationally and internationally important landscape. It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1958, one of 46 in the UK designated to conserve and enhance their natural beauty.
A new draft Management Plan has been produced for the area. This is the fifth edition of the Management Plan, and sets out our vision and ambitions for the National Landscape for 2025-2030. It takes account of the key issues facing the Chase, the condition of the area’s special qualities, the concerns and priorities of local people, as well as the Government’s ambitions for England’s National Landscapes and National Parks to do more for nature, climate, people and place.
The programme of work we have set out will drive forward nature recovery, help to address the impacts of climate change, reinforce the Chase’s distinctive sense of place and protect its rich heritage, and make sure that all who use the Chase feel welcome and can enjoy their activities with no harm coming to this outstanding landscape.
It is important that we get this right and we want people to give us their views.
The online survey and all the additional information you require to fill in the survey is on the website here. You can also view hard copies of the Plan in local libraries around the National Landscape.
Please respond by no later than 27th January 2025 and feel free to share the link with everyone you know.
 Community Information Fair at Perton Library
Perton Library in partnership with the Friends of Perton Library, the Cadent Centres for Warmth scheme and Staffordshire Police, are planning to host a Community Information Fair where people can speak to local groups and organisations about local services, and there will be information about energy efficiency, cost of living, keeping warm this Winter and much more!
A complete list of attendees will be released soon, but so far, we are expecting:
• Friends of Perton Library
• Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service
• Staffordshire Police
• Healthwatch Staffordshire
• FAIR Flood Team
• Staffordshire Energy Recovery Facility (ERF)
• Thornes solicitors
• Midland Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Children’s mental health team
• South Staffs Family Hub
• Compton Care – Bereavement Information Point
• Find out about library volunteering
And much more
20th January
10:30am – 12:30
Free
Contact us for more information on 01902506060 or email: perton.library@staffordshire.gov.uk
Holocaust Memorial Day
27th January
Holocaust Memorial Day is the day for everyone to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
Find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day here
The Theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 is ‘For a Better Future’
At Libraries across Staffordshire, you will be able to explore displays of book stock and other information about the Holocaust.
Learn about what happened during the Holocaust, Nazi persecution of other groups and subsequent genocides.
Find out how you can take part in HMD
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 Why not give Borrowbox a try?
Enjoy these great eAudios and eBooks on Borrowbox for a limited time only with no queue!
These great titles are all still available until 28th January so grab them while you can!
Just download the Borrowbox App from your app store for your device or visit our eLibrary
Are you thinking of starting your own business in 2025?
The fantastic COBRA website contains all the information you need to turn your idea into a business or if you are thinking of working for yourself.
Log on and find more than 4,000 factsheets, sector guides, market reports, local area profiles, contacts and sources of funding and support plus hundreds of practical guides to starting up more than 350 types of business.
Ideal for anyone looking to start a business, write a business or marketing plan or conduct research into a new market.
COBRA is free to use on Library PCs at our Library Free Online Resources page. If you wish to access COBRA from home you will need to log in https://staffordshirelib.cobwebinfo.com with your Library Card Number.
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 Encouraging your child’s natural curiosity is one of the many ways to boost their brain development. Discover more, everyday things you can do at Start for Life.
Find out more here
 You can now access YOUR Staffordshire Library account on the go with our new library app! From renewals & reservations, to searching the catalogue we have just the app for that!
Why not Discover Your Library today!
Available for iOS and Android via the app and google play store
Free Period Products available from Libraries
Packs of pads, tampons and liners are now available for free for those who cannot access/afford them at:
• Stafford Library
• Cannock Library
• Burton Library
• Newcastle Library
• Kidsgrove Library
In a bid to help people who are struggling with affording period products. Visit Your nearest library - Staffordshire County Council for addresses and opening times.
If you need period products for you or your family, please feel free to take what you need.
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