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Welcome to the June Edition of Your Library Newsletter!
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there's no better time to dive into the wonderful world of books and community activities. Whether you're planning to lounge by the pool with a bestseller, embark on a literary adventure with your children, or participate in our exciting summer programmes, the library has something for everyone this month.
From Summer Reading Challenge for the little ones to repair and upcycle workshops, and a new wedding venue within our libraries, our calendar is packed with opportunities to learn, explore, and have fun.
Stay cool, stay curious, and let's make this summer one for the books!
Waltham Forest Libraries presents Marvellous Makers!
This year's Summer Reading challenge theme is 'Marvellous Makers' and it will be a celebration of the creative arts.
The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to keep reading during the school summer holidays, and to enjoy reading anything they like! Children aged four to 11 are invited to set a reading goal and collect rewards for their reading. It’s completely FREE to take part.
Join the fun of the Summer Reading Challenge to fire up your imaginations and your inner storyteller. We will explore how stories can be told through reading and the wide variety of creative arts.
This year's challenge is all about creativity, from dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, there's something for everyone! Unleash your creativity through the power of reading.
Sign up and collect your rewards along the way, and once you have completed the challenge, you will receive a special certificate and medal.
Come along to some fun and free creative activities
Join The Reading Agency website for games, quizzes and author chats.
The challenge launched in all Waltham Forest Libraries on Saturday 6 July, and we will be hosting a launch event on Saturday 13 July at Walthamstow Town Square between 12pm to 4pm. There will be games, crafts, ballet and much more.
Volunteering opportunities for young people 14+
Could you spare time to help us promote the Summer Reading Challenge?
We are looking for volunteers at all our libraries.
For further information or to register your interest, please send us an email.
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Join us this August for a series of enchanting Story Time Ballet sessions with Miss Amy from Theative Performing Arts at Waltham Forest Libraries.
Aimed at toddlers and young children, it will bring beloved stories like "Dogs don't do Ballet" and "Giraffes can't dance" to life through dance, props, and beautiful music.
Don't miss this unique and imaginative experience as part of this year's Summer Reading Challenge. And don't forget to bring your best dance moves!
For more information on this event and a list of all other events for Summer Reading Challenge and our regular events, head over to our Eventbrite page.
 Did you know you can get married in our Glass Room at Lea Bridge Library?
A beautiful venue in the heart of Leyton - this is a great option for intimate weddings of 20 or smaller.
Head over to our Ceremonies website to hear more about our approved venues and stay up to date with our weddings offer, and for more information.
We have two new online resources available: Findmypast and British Newspaper Archive.
Findmypast is a searchable online archive with a billion records including parish and school records, census and migration records, and military collections from around the world. You will also be able to search the 1921 census!
British Newspaper Archive offers online access to millions of pages of British and Irish newspapers from 1703 to 2003, the British Newspaper Archive is a fantastic resource for everyone interested in history, and for family and local historians in particular.
These resources are only accessible from PCs in Waltham Forest Libraries.
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Are you finding it difficult to find something new to read? Why not delve into one of our curated collections within our E-Library?
Discover the vibrant world of comic books and graphic novels with the Libby app, your gateway to an expansive digital library. From classic superheroes to cutting-edge indie titles, Libby offers a diverse collection that caters to all tastes and ages. Dive into stunning artwork, gripping narratives, and beloved series right from your device.
With seamless borrowing and user-friendly features, exploring your favourite comics has never been easier. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the genre, Libby makes it simple to immerse yourself in the colourful, dynamic universe of comics anytime, anywhere.
Dive into the vibrant flavours of summer with our handpicked Summer Cooking Books Collection on the BorrowBox app! Whether you're firing up the grill, preparing a picnic, or creating refreshing salads, this collection has something for every taste. Explore recipes that celebrate seasonal produce, bring sunshine to your table, and inspire your inner chef.
From light and healthy meals to indulgent desserts, these books are your perfect companions for making the most of the sunny days ahead. Download the BorrowBox app now and start your culinary adventure!
Each month we feature a staff pick and for this month, Paris, Customer Service and Business Support Officer, has chosen Butter by Asako Yuzuki.
About the Book
The cult Japanese bestseller about a female gourmet cook and serial killer and the journalist intent on cracking her case, inspired by a true story.
Gourmet cook Manako Kajii sits in Tokyo Detention Centre convicted of the serial murders of lonely businessmen, who she is said to have seduced with her delicious home cooking. The case has captured the nation’s imagination but Kajii refuses to speak with the press, entertaining no visitors. That is, until journalist Rika Machida writes a letter asking for her recipe for beef stew and Kajii can’t resist writing back.
Rika, the only woman in her news office, works late each night, rarely cooking more than ramen. As the visits unfold between her and the steely Kajii, they are closer to a masterclass in food than journalistic research. Rika hopes this gastronomic exchange will help her soften Kajii but it seems that she might be the one changing. With each meal she eats, something is awakening in her body, might she and Kaji have more in common than she once thought?
Inspired by the real case of the convicted con woman and serial killer, "The Konkatsu Killer", Asako Yuzuki’s 'Butter' is a vivid, unsettling exploration of misogyny, obsession, romance and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan.
Recommendation
Butter by Asako Yuzuki is an evocative novel that explores the intricate layers of societal expectations, personal identity, and the complexities of relationships in contemporary Japan. The story centres on the lives of three women who share an obsession with butter, a seemingly mundane substance that becomes a symbol of their yearning for freedom and indulgence in a culture that demands conformity and restraint.
Yuzuki's narrative is both intimate and expansive, deftly weaving the characters' personal struggles with broader social commentary. The protagonist, Rika, is a relatable figure grappling with her own desires and the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. Through her interactions with the other characters, Yuzuki delves into themes of self-discovery, body image, and the quest for happiness in a society that often prioritises appearances over authenticity.
Butter also excels in its portrayal of female friendships. The bonds between the women are depicted with nuance, capturing both the support and the tension that can exist in close relationships. Yuzuki does not shy away from the darker aspects of these dynamics, including jealousy and competition, but she also highlights the profound sense of solidarity and understanding that the characters find in each other.
However, some readers might find the pacing of the novel slow at times, as the plot is driven more by the characters' internal experiences than by external action. This introspective approach allows for a deep exploration of the characters' psyches but may not appeal to those looking for a more fast-paced narrative.
Overall, Butter is a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that offers a poignant look at the challenges and rewards of pursuing one's true self. Yuzuki's insightful commentary on modern life and her lush, evocative prose make this a memorable read that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to balance societal expectations with personal desires.
If you would like to place a reservation on this book, you can visit our website, or if you cannot visit one of our libraries' why not place a reservation on one of our e-library apps Borrowbox or Libby.
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Adult Fiction
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The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
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The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden
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Loyalty by Martina Cole
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Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
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Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister
Heatseekers
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Secrets of the Villa Amore by Carol Kirkwood
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The House Hunt by Chris Ewan
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The Guests by Nikki Smith
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Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck
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Four Seasons in Japan by Nick Bradley
Adult Non-Fiction
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D-Day: the Unheard Tapes by Geraint Jones
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SAS Great Escapes Three: Gripping True Escape Stories Executed by World War Two Heroes by Damien Lewis
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MILF: Motherhood Identity Love and F*ckery Paloma Faith
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Operation Biting: the 1942 parachute assault to capture Hitler's radar by Max Hastings
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So good: food you want to eat, designed by a nutritionist by Emily English
Children's
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Taylor Swift by Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara
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Astrochimp by David Walliams
- My dad is awesome: by Bluey and Bingo
- Perfect
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Daddy Pig's surprise: a lift-the-flap book by Lauren Holowaty
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