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To All West Berkshire Libraries Customers
Here's the November news from West Berkshire Libraries, including details about the services we are currently able to provide in line with government guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19.
 Thanks to everyone who has already completed an online survey or given us your comments as part of the Library Service Review. If you haven’t yet had a chance to do so, there is still time to let us know how you think we could make the service better and provide what you need for the coming years.
We’ll be collecting your feedback and suggestions until 15 November and this will inform a review of the West Berkshire Libraries Service. Once completed, the final report will be considered by elected Council Members at an Executive meeting in spring 2022 and will be published on the West Berkshire Council website.
Don’t miss out on this chance to have your say – we would love to know your views.
 Have you used the library app yet? If so, you may have noticed a new feature. You can now check out your own books when you’re in a library using your mobile for a fast way to borrow and go.
The app is also an easy way to renew your loans, start reading e-books, listen to e-audiobooks, search the catalogue and reserve books, manage multiple accounts for your family and more. Just go to the Google Play Store (for Android devices) or the Apple App Store to download it and get started.
You can find a video guide to using the library app on our YouTube channel, along with guides to some of our other e-resources.
 The importance of health and social care research has been clearly demonstrated over the past year. Now Newbury Library is hosting a photo exhibition showcasing ground-breaking NHS research taking place across the Thames Valley.
‘The Body Unlocked’ highlights some of the research supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), none of which would be possible without the involvement of residents in this area in a wide range of research studies. Take a look at the exhibition during library opening hours.
Volunteers are currently needed for a number of studies, including research into COVID-19 vaccines and treatments as well as ongoing research into many other health conditions. Follow the link below to find out more.
Last month we were able to provide news about some of the regular group activities that have resumed in our libraries, including rhymetimes, book groups, arts courses and craft sessions. Starting this week, we have two more to add to the list.
First, we’re delighted to tell you that our English Conversation Group for non-English speakers is now meeting again every Friday, 2-3pm at Lambourn Library. Anyone who wants to practise their English is welcome to drop in and join this friendly group.
 Second, the monthly LEGO Club at Newbury Library for children over 5 years resumes this Saturday, 6 November. Again, this is a free, drop-in activity. Please note that parents or carers will need to stay with children under 8.
Our LEGO Clubs in Burghfield Common, Hungerford and Thatcham libraries are also meeting regularly, so there is plenty of opportunity to get creative and use your imagination to start building, with all materials provided (but not to take away).
We hope that other activities will start again soon. Please check with your local library to find out what’s available near you.
 Bookings are open now for the next in our series of online talks about the history of Newbury and the surrounding area by Dr David Peacock.
On Thursday 25 November, Dr Peacock will be looking at Newbury in the mid-19th century, a period which saw big changes to the town, including the coming of the railways. Join him on Zoom for this illustrated talk. Tickets: £5 per household.
 Don’t miss our Tasty Food Week on Instagram starting 15 November, when we’ll once again be highlighting some of the many wonderful cookery books we have in stock.
Whether you love puddings or baking bread, need to cook for specific diets or want provide a feast for family and friends, you will find recipes to inspire you in our libraries.
Don’t forget that we have new online crafts for children every Saturday on Facebook and Instagram and every Sunday on Twitter. We also release a new online storytime on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll find a link to this on all of our social media channels, or search for West Berkshire Libraries on YouTube, where you can also watch some of our earlier storytimes and more.
 Last month we told you about the new lighting system at Newbury Library. We're pleased to report that the energy efficient LED lighting throughout the building is already making savings.
It is estimated that the new lights will save £2,632.43 in energy costs and 15.03 tons of CO2 per annum.
Howard Woollaston, West Berkshire’s Executive member for Internal Governance, Leisure and Culture said, “This is a great improvement which not only makes the library more accessible through the provision of autism friendly lighting in some areas, but links directly to one of the key components of the Council Strategy 2019-2023 to maintain a green district.
"Plans are already underway to upgrade the lighting in all West Berkshire libraries over the next few years.”
 You can find details of all West Berkshire Libraries opening hours, including our Mobile Library timetable, on our website: www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries.
Please help us to protect our communities by continuing to wear a face covering when you visit, sanitise your hands and maintain social distancing. Thank you.
Follow @WBerksLibraries on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up with latest news about all that’s happening in our libraries.
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