 Introducing Barrow Grows - Seed Library
Our new and exciting Seed Library, located in our 'Go Green' section of Barrow Library, along with our brand-new 'Go Green' collection!
What’s a Seed Library?
A Seed Library works just like a regular Library, but instead of borrowing a book or two, you borrow seeds! When the growing period is finished, the seeds are collected from a few plants that have been left to flower, and these are then returned to the Library for the next person to take!
Why create a Seed Library?
A Seed Library not only helps spread knowledge and information on how to care for and harvest your own food, flowers and plants, but also helps to unify communities. We’re hoping to host talks about how to grow your own food and maybe even a group to support anyone just starting a growing journey.
This also fits in amazingly well to our ‘Green Libraries’ pledge - where our focus is on raising awareness around Climate and Sustainability.
Have more questions/enquires? Email us on: Barrowlibrarygrows@yahoo.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
 The Autumn Leaves Project @ Penrith Library
The Autumn Leaves project was a collaboration between Penrith library and local writer & teacher, Dave Cryer. Local children were invited to use the haiku form to write poems about Autumn or other areas of interest, then pop it onto a decorated leaf. Schools were invited to create a display of poetry and the children were encouraged to write up their poem on a second leaf to send to the library for this display. We invited Cameron Stewart of The Purple Footprint Project to help us to judge two competitions, one for the children and one for the schools. Our prize-winning school was Asby Endowed School and they have won a full day of workshops with Dave.
The nine winning haikus came from four different schools— Kirkoswald, St Catherine’s, Asby and Long Marton. They each win a £5 book token to spend at The Hedgehog Bookshop, kindly donated by The Purple Footprint Project.
We are also thinking of doing something similar in Spring, so if you’d like to get involved contact claire.dougherty@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
 Our Health Outreach Projects
Our wonderful Outreach team has been busy supporting health and wellbeing projects across the reign. Such as Mindful Walk and Talk in Penrith.
Participants had a lovely discussion about what Libraries offer including our Reading Well Collections, supporting people to understand and manage their health and wellbeing using helpful reading and all recommended by health experts, as well as our online offer of BorrowBox giving you access to ebooks, e-audiobooks, national newspapers and magazines for free…
The library are delighted to be supporting groups which provide relaxed walks, the opportunity chat and enjoy refreshments on different days.
Look out for the new Appleby Library group on the third Thursday of the month 12-2pm, for a walk, games and puzzles, chat,signposting about health and well-being services or enjoy browsing the book shelves and choosing books.
Our outreach team also attended Ulverston's dementia cafe this month. Lorraine and Paul went along to the event to showcase our reminiscence boxes and bags. They had a great time demonstrating all things of WW2 memorabilia, which sparked lots of interesting conversations. Kendal library welcomed the lovely team from Adult Social Care for information drop in sessions to celebrate Occupational Therapy Week.
 Getting Into The Holiday Spirit
Libraries across Westmorland and Furness are getting into the Christmas spirit, our trees are up and decorated, the Christmas crafts are in full swing and the Christmas jumper swap in underway and don't forget you can pop in and choose a Christmas read from our beautiful festive book displays.
Penrith library enjoyed joining the fun of Sparkle Day, Penriths Christmas light switch on event, with children’s stories and craft throughout the day. Pop in to see the beautiful Christmas hands created by local children. The library window has also been transformed for the Penrith Chamber of Trade Christmas window trail. Everything in our display is recycled and this year the center point is the wonderful Stick Man created by the Crafty Ladies Group from Appleby Library.
Ulverston library staff had a wonderful time taking part in the Dickensian Christmas Festival, with festive story's and crafts.
Barrow library held their Christmas market day where everyone was invited to
get cozy at the library with free mince pies, hot chocolate (& marshmallows!) snacks, drinks and more! We had some super fun activities for all ages and some amazing stalls selling homemade goodies, great organisations from across Barrow and some entertainment from a choir! This event was funded by the 'Love Barrow Libraries' and 'Furness 4 You' projects. Thank you to everyone who made this such a success.
Kendal library are all ready for the festive fun too. Pop in to look at our Christmas displays and find the perfect book to cuddle up with.
 Get Wrapped Up in a Good Book!
During the long winter nights we can think of nothing better than reading a great new book. Why not try a new author or genre or return to an old favourite and escape for a while into a wintery wonderland this Christmas. Check out our suggested reads below.
The Winter Rose by Rita Bradshaw
It's December 1902 and Rose O'Leary is looking forward to her baby girl's first Christmas. But then tragedy strikes: her husband dies at the shipyard where he works and within days his friend, Nathaniel, makes it plain he's determined to have her. Rose flees with her child, but soon finds the world is a cruel place for a beautiful woman with no protection. More tragedy ensues and yet, although she's bruised and broken, Rose is a fighter. Then, when she least expects it, love enters her life again, but she cannot escape her past and now it threatens not only her happiness but her very life. Will she ever find a safe haven?
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
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Mistletoe Malice by Kathleen Farrell
The fire is on, sherry poured, presents wrapped, and claws are being sharpened. In a seaside cottage perched on a cliff, one family reunites for Christmas. While snow falls, a tyrannical widowed matriarch presides over her unruly brood. Her niece tends to her whims, but fantasizes about eloping; and as more guests arrive, each bringing their secret truths and dreams, the Christmas tree explodes, a brawl erupts, an escape occurs - and their "midwinter madness" climaxes...
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Request to borrow here.
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A Highland Christmas by M.C. Beaton
In dark, wintry Lochdubh, Christmas Cheer is about as welcome as a flat tyre on a deserted road. The Calvinist element in town has always resisted what they view as secular frivolity, so for most of the townsfolk there'll be no carols, feasting, gifts – or even whisky on Christmas Day!
And for PC Hamish Macbeth there's no holiday from crime – he finds himself hunting for a missing cat belonging to a lonely spinster. Curt and unfriendly, the woman is convinced her pet has been stolen but once behind her heavily-bolted door, Hamish can spot her true problem – she lives in fear, though of who or what he cannot guess.
Then someone steals a Christmas tree and lights from the nearby village of Cnothan. So it is up to Hamish to sort all these problems out – and he had better do it quickly, for the church bells will soon peal on the eve of Christmas.
This one-off standalone story is a special Christmas treat for all fans of Hamish Macbeth and can be read at any point in the ongoing series.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Request to borrow here.
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A Diamond from Tiffany's by Melissa Hill
It's been two years since Ethan Greene and Gary Knowles collided one fateful evening outside Tiffany & Co on Fifth Avenue. A mix-up with their shopping bags sent each man's life on an unexpected trajectory, and whilst Gary and his fiancée Rachel are heading for the altar, Ethan's love life is not so settled.
Rachel dreams are within her grasp – her restaurant is going from strength to strength and she and Gary are set to be married amongst family and friends at an idyllic New York location. But when they arrive in the city only days before the ceremony, Gary seems distracted and restless. Could he be having second thoughts?
Ethan is anxious to see Terri again at the wedding – he truly felt they had something special, and plans to use the time in New York to prove to her that their relationship deserves another chance.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Request to borrow here.
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 A great confidence booster! The Winter Mini Challenge is a fun online challenge that encourages children to keep up their reading across December – February. 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. Unlock special badges and earn a certificate of achievement once you meet your reading goal!
The Silver Road by Sinéad O’Hart
The seandraiocht - the Old Magic - isn't remembered like it once was. Its power is fading...
When Rose is entrusted with a powerful stone by a Frost Giant, she is swept into an adventure full of danger. The stone can be used for great good or great evil, depending on its keeper. It leads Rose to discover the magic that runs through all of Ireland. A magic that is threaded together beneath the land: the Silver Road. But the Silver Road is under threat. Now Rose must keep the stone from falling into the wrong hands and embark on a quest to find its rightful owner and keep the magic alive
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Request to borrow here.
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Winter Blunderland by James Patterson
Sometimes middle school feels like a dangerous mission in the cold, unforgiving tundra. Sometimes it literally is. Will Rafe survive his most (frost)biting adventure yet? From #1 bestselling author, James Patterson. Things heat up at Hills Village Middle School when Rafe gets an invitation from Dr Daria Deerwin to join a research study on polar bears. How many times in life do you get a chance to come face‑to‑face with a real polar bear in the wild? Rafe is ready to find out! Alaska is pinkie‑freezing, hair‑freezing, snot‑freezing cold, but Rafe might be headed for a meltdown. He’s spending every waking moment with Penelope, who he definitely has a crush on, and a polar bear Dr Deerwin is tracking goes missing … with poachers on the tundra. It’s up to Rafe, Penelope and their new friends to save the day in Rafe's coolest adventure yet.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Request to borrow here.
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The Christmas Carrolls by Mel Taylor-Bessent
A heartwarming, hilarious and inclusive tale about the power of spreading cheer, the magic of friendship and what really matters at this most wonderful time of the year.
Wish it could be Christmas every day? Well, for nine-year-old Holly Carroll and her family, it is! Living her merriest life in a house with year-round fairy lights and Christmas trees, a carol-singing toilet and a diva donkey who thinks he's a reindeer, home-schooled Holly tries to spread cheer wherever she goes.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
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 Ellie Wood in Conversation at Barrow Library
What's the real recipe for happiness? Barrow Library invites you to tuck into a feast of friendship, food and finding your joy as we welcome author Ellie Wood to discuss her latest book, one of the most uplifting novels of 2024.
Find out more and get tickets here.
Regular Events and Activities
Explore a world of fun and learning! Are you ready for an exciting spring filled with captivating events and activities? Look no further than Westmorland and Furness Libraries! Did you know that alongside our exciting events, we offer a variety of regular groups and activities that cater to different interests and promote lifelong learning. Many of these regular groups are completely free, including Baby Bounce and Rhyme, Lego Club, Craft Club, Storytime, Knit and Natter, Chess Club, and many more.
Explore the wonderful opportunities available to you!
Check out our regular groups and activities. 👇
Special Events
Check out our schedule of special events.
There, you'll find detailed information about each event, including dates, times, locations, and any additional requirements.
Please note that some events may have limited capacity, so we encourage you to book your spot early to secure your place. Don't miss out on the incredible experiences waiting for you and your family!
Download The Library App
Have you downloaded our library app? It's now ready for download! Access your library card digitally, renew items on-the-go, and scan any book, anywhere to check availability at your local library. We've incorporated your feedback to ensure it's packed with features you'll love!Available now on both Apple and Android devices - click the link to get started or search for CWF Libraries on the App Store or Google Play!
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay connected with us on social media! Did you know that Westmorland and Furness libraries can be found on across social media. Pop on over to your chosen platform to keep up to date and informed about all the latest happenings at Westmorland and Furness Libraries!
Join our growing online community and be the first to know about the engaging activities and resources we have in store for you.
Don't miss out - follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram today!
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