 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.
 Why not give Borrowbox a try?
Enjoy these great eAudios on Borrowbox for a limited time only with no queue!
These brilliant titles are all available for a limited time so grab them while you can!
Just download the Borrowbox App from your app store for your device or visit our eLibrary
Improving access to online health services through libraries
NHS England is working with libraries to help more people use online health services through the NHS App and NHS.UK website.
Using the NHS App or NHS.UK website, people can view their GP record, order repeat prescriptions, and look up health information. This offers greater convenience and helps communication between patients and healthcare staff. It also empowers people to take a more active role in managing their health.
Public libraries are supportive, safe spaces where people can use computers and the internet for free. This initiative recognises their vital role in helping people feel more confident using digital health services.
Libraries in Burton upon Trent, Uttoxeter, Perton, Wombourne, Cannock, Newcastle under Lyme, Leek, Stafford, Tamworth and Lichfield are also offering face to face support for anyone who needs help to create an NHS online account and to navigate the NHS App or the NHS UK website.
For more information about this support, please contact the library closest to you from the ones listed above.
For more information on using the NHS account, visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-app
 Photo Credit: Alastair Hughes-Roden
Staffordshire’s Countryside Investment: Shaping the Future of Our Green Spaces
Have your say on the future of our green spaces
Staffordshire County Council is investing £18 million to enhance some of Staffordshire's most cherished countryside areas.
The money will be spent on Cannock Chase, Chasewater, and the 92-mile Staffordshire Way, to make sure these areas stay accessible, enjoyable, and environmentally sustainable for future generations.
These improvements will also help protect rare plants and wildlife. Through careful management of our country parks, the investment will help to support nature recovery, and celebrate our heritage, while balancing conservation and recreation needs, as well as combating climate change.
Have your say on the plans for Marquis Drive (Cannock Chase):
We are investing £10 million to upgrade the visitor facilities at Cannock Chase Country Park, Marquis Drive.
This project aims to enhance the overall visitor experience and showcase Cannock Chase’s importance as a National Landscape.
The facilities will also increase understanding of the internationally rare habitats and wildlife within Cannock Chase in the ‘Special Area of Conservation’ that need protecting.
We want to hear what you think!
Please take part in our survey and activities to shape these projects. Public feedback is key to shaping these improvements.
The Cannock Chase survey is open until March, so please share your thoughts here
Photo Credit: Alastair Hughes-Roden
 Cannock Chase Pre-Loved Uniform Market is back this February!
FREE Pre-Loved School Uniform for children who live or go to school in Cannock Chase.
The next drop in market is open on 18th and 19th February at The Salvation Army, 7 Anglesey Street, Hednesford, WS12 1AB
Tuesday 18th February: 10am – 6pm
Wednesday 19th February: 10am-12noon
There is school uniform coverage of all schools in the Cannock Chase area, but we have especially large amounts for Kingsmead, Gorsemoor, Cheslyn Hay, SUA, Five Ways, St. Lukes, Longford, St. Joseph’s, Cannock Chase High, Pye Green, St. Peter’s and Littleton Green, but others are represented too.
There are also a lot of generic items, plain grey and black trousers, white shirts in all sizes so pop along for a look and save money.
The Pre-Loved Uniform Market is delivered by the Salvation Army Church and Staffordshire Libraries. Supported by the People Helping People Fund, Community Fund, Staffordshire County Council, Tesco and Morrisons.
Donations of school uniform are gratefully received at Drop off points: Cannock Library & Hednesford Community Library – during normal opening times and at The Salvation Army, Anglesey Street, Hednesford – Monday – Thursday 2pm-5pm
For more information contact hednesford@salvationarmy.org.uk (Phone: 01543 426128) or cannock.library@staffordshire.gov.uk
 Staying Well this Winter
Download a copy of the 'Staying Well this Winter' leaflet from Staffordshire County Council here.
It is packed with useful information, advice and contacts. You can also pick up a physical copy at your local library while stocks last.
 Children's Mental Health Week
Children's Mental Health Week 2025 will take place from 3-9 February 2025.
Place2Be launched the mental health awareness week in 2015 to empower, equip and give a voice to every child in the UK. Every year Children’s Mental Health Week sees hundreds of schools, children, parents and carers taking part.
This year they're exploring the theme Know Yourself, Grow Yourself in partnership with Here4You, supported by The Walt Disney Company and the Inside Out 2 characters.
Each year, free resources are created so that as many people as possible can take part. The resources encourage children and young people across the UK to discover how getting to know who they are can help them build resilience, grow and develop.
Explore and Download the FREE resources
Throughout the resources and website this year, you might spot some of your favourite Inside Out 2 characters, helping young people explore the theme of Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.
Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day 2025 will take place on the 11th of February 2025, with celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online‘
Safer Internet Day is the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety. Each year they cover an online issue or theme that speaks about the things young people are seeing and experiencing online. Created in consultation with young people across the UK, this year Safer Internet Day will be focusing on the issue of scams online and for young people, how to protect themselves and others, as well as what support is available to them.
This Safer Internet Day we will assess the real scale of this issue and allow young people to share their experiences and ideas on how to tackle the problem. We’ll build on the important work being done to raise awareness of issues such as online financial sextortion and we’ll also consider the future of scams, answering questions such as:
- How is changing technology like generative AI going to impact the approach of scammers?
- What role can the government and internet industry take to tackle this threat?
- And what changes would young people like to see to help protect themselves moving forward?
Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, the celebration sees thousands of organisations get involved to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
Take a look at the Safer Internet Day website and access free resources, videos and more! You can also search, using hashtag #SaferInternetDay, on social media.
 Staffordshire History Centre – Spring Programme
Spotlight Talks
Free lunch time talks on collection favourites.
Family History Guidance Drop-in
An archives expert will be on hand to offer support with your family history research. Bring your Staffordshire Libraries card and PIN to log into the computers!
Thursday 13th February 10:30am - 11:30am
Playful Paper Toys
Step back in time and learn about our fragile paper curiosities. Head over to our activity room afterwards to make your own to take home! (£2.50 for craft materials)
Friday 21st February 1pm - 15 mins
William Palmer’s Death Mask
One of our most macabre objects. Discover its ghoulish and twisted past: a tale that continues long after the noose dropped...
Tuesday 25th February 1pm - 15 mins
Family Activities Get hands on with history!
Mary the Mole Storytime
Rhyme, wiggle and learn about geology! Get your paws messy and explore underground in this imaginative sensory adventure.
Tuesday 4th February 10:30am - 11am Free - no need to book (Ages 1-5)
Elves and the Shoemaker
The classic fairy tale, with a Staffordshire twist! Play with real shoemaking tools and learn about Stafford’s shoe history.
Tuesday 18th February 10:30am - 11am Free - no need to book (Ages 1-5)
Time Traveller Tour
Take a wander through town with us and learn about Stafford’s weird, wonderful and gross history! Includes dressing up, object handling and lots of audience participation.
Thursday 20th February 2pm - half a mile - 45 mins £2.50 per child Please book at the desk. (Ages 6-10)
Playful Paper Toys
Make your own Victorian toys! Take home up to four history inspired crafts.
Friday 21st February 1pm - 2:30pm £2.50 per child for crafts No need to book (All ages)
You can contact the Staffordshire History Centre via email at staffordshire.record.office@staffordshire.gov.uk or you can leave a message by calling 01785 278379
National Storytelling Week
Sharing Stories, Building Communities
Saturday 1 – Sunday 9 February 2025
National Storytelling week is an annual initiative first created by a long standing member of the SfS, ‘Del Reid’ in January 2000. It is a joyful opportunity to celebrate the power of stories. This year’s theme is Sharing Stories, Building Communities and we are encouraging everyone – storytellers, story lovers, story enthusiasts and those of you who are new to story – to take this week to immerse yourselves in telling, sharing and listening to stories.
Find out more and download a free resource pack here
Our libraries are filled with stories; some can be found on the pages of a book, read or listened to on our devices, while others are in the form of Baby Bounce and Rhyme or Story Time sessions. Reading groups discuss stories and our many social groups are filled with personal stories - why not find out what your library has to offer?
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 LGBT+ History Month 2025
In 2025 Schools OUT is celebrating its 50th year and 20 years of UK LGBT+ History Month.
This year's theme is Activism and Social Change
Schools OUT founded UK LGBT+ History Month to be a dedicated space to celebrate our rich and diverse history, herstory, theirstory. Throughout history LGBT+ people have been activists and helped shape and create social change, advancing society for everyone.
Each year they set the theme, choosing five LGBT+ historical figures to highlight and provide free resources to education settings, organisations, and businesses. In addition, across their social media channels, they highlight the five LGBT+ historical figures and UK LGBT+ people past and present in line with the theme.
The 2025 LGBT+ Historical Figures are:
- Octavia Hill
- Ivor Cummings
- Annie Kenney
- Charlie Kiss
- Olaudah Equiano
You can follow on social media at Instagram , on YouTube or visit the LGBT+ History Month Website for more information and links.
We have LGBT+ related stock in all of our libraries and available from the Borrowbox app or at the eLibrary
 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.
 What you do together can make a huge difference. Every smile, every cuddle and every chat help to build your baby’s brain. Get more tips 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
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